Laverne A. Yerk

Laverne A. Yerk, 93, of Monticello, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, December 25, 2021, at White Oaks Healthcare of Monticello. 

  Laverne was born January 20, 1928, in Secor, Illinois to the late Elmer J. and Rose E. (Armstrong) Yerk.

  Laverne grew up on the family farm in Secor until his family moved to a farm just West of Brookston in 1948.  Laverne was drafted into the United States Army on October 3, 1950, for the Korean War, was transferred to the US Army Reserves on July 9, 1952 and honorably discharged on October 22, 1956.  Upon his return from the military, Laverne spent his adult lifetime as a White County Farmer.  He was a proud John Deere supporter.  Laverne also worked for Bassett Rotary Tool in Monticello for over 30 years; he could truly fix anything. 

  His marriage of 52 years was to Bernice E. Heathcote on November 14, 1953, in Wolcott, Indiana; she preceded him in death on April 4, 2006. 

  Laverne was a quiet man, always humble and respectful.  He loved working on the farm and spending time with his family; he truly was a homebody.  Laverne was a man of few words and found no value in speaking poorly of others.  He also enjoyed fishing and had a good sense of humor.  He will be sorely missed.  He was a longtime member of the Tippecanoe Steam Gas & Power Association of Battle Ground.  Laverne was proud of his 1936 Ford Pickup Truck and was a faithful participant in the Tuesday Night Cruise-In’s by the courthouse in Monticello. 

  Surviving is a son, Randal A. Yerk of Monticello; a daughter, Brenda J. Brooks of Monticello; a brother, Cletus Yerk (Christine) of West Lafayette; two sister’s-in-laws, Nona Yerk and Marlene Yerk both of Monticello; a granddaughter, Jennifer Nipple (Jason Suiter) of Burnettsville and two great-granddaughters, Lauryn and Lainey Nipple. 

  Preceding him in death with his parents and wife are three brothers, Ivan, Gene and Earl Yerk and a sister, Bernice Green.

  Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston; Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate.  Interment to follow in the Brookston IOOF Cemetery.