Laverne D. Meinert, age 82 of Hobart passed away Monday, April 7, 2014. He was born on May 2, 1931 in Davis, Illinois to the late Theodore and Vera Meinert. Vern was a dedicated member of Hobart Lions Club and recipient of the W.P. Woods Fellowship Award of Indiana; a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War; member of the American Legion and past member of the Hobart Jaycees. He enjoyed his family vacations and fishing with his grandchildren in Minnesota and Michigan. Vern retired from the life insurance business after 45 years of employment.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Florence Meinert, 2 sons, Jeffrey (Cathy) Meinert, and James (Karen) Meinert, 1 son-in-law, Kevin (Karen) Gest, 1 daughter-in-law, Sandra (Pierre) Granger, 12 grandchildren, Sarah Meinert, Jon (Jamie) Meinert, Dennis Granger, Cameron (Megan) Granger, Lauren Granger, James Meinert, Michael Meinert, Nicholas (Nicole) Meinert, Ryan Meinert, Patrick Gest, Samuel Gest, and Anna Gest and ; 6 great-granddaughters, Chloe Hayden, Alexia Donofrio, Olivia Donofrio, Alyssa Meinert, Natalee Meinert, and Mackenzie Meinert, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 1 son, Dennis Meinert, 1 daughter, Lori Gest, 2 brothers, Robert (Rida) Meinert, and Lavere (Virginia) Meinert.

Funeral services are Saturday April 12, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Rev. Jeffrey Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation is Friday, April 11, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Lions Club Service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Call (219) 942-2109 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com .