Obituary of Lavern J. Stahmer

Lavern “Vern” J. Stahmer, age 78 former longtime Iowa City Fireman died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. No public services are being planned at this time as to Vern’s request. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com. Lavern John Stahmer was born February 25, 1944, in Iowa City the son of John and Luella (Hummer) Stahmer. He grew up in Tiffin and graduated from City High School. Vern married Virginia A. “Jude” Smith on December 21, 1973, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Vern served on the Iowa City Fire Department from 1968 until retiring in 1987. He will always be remembered for his huge heart and trunk full of goodies for his loved ones and friends. His family includes three daughters, Heather Foley (Chad), Cindy Fetters (Toby), and Amy Beranek (David); grandchildren, Rayne, Riviera and Ash Foley; siblings, Harlan Stahmer (Kay) and Eileen Meyers (Jim); sister-in-law, Kathy Stahmer; mother-in-law Marilyn Smith; Jude’s siblings, Connie R. Smith, Barbara Haynes (Allan), David Smith (Pam), John Smith, and Susan Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jude; brother, Melvin; sister and her husband, Darlene and Jerry Waters; sister-in-law, Carolyn Stahmer; niece Michelle Smith; and nephews Gerald and Travis Waters. The family would like to thank all the people who took care of him and looked out for him, especially in the past few years.