TAMA-LaVern Lloyd Youngbear, age 68, of the Meskwaki Settlement died Friday morning, October 17, 2008 at his home under the care of Iowa River Hospice following a lengthy illness. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Friday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.
LaVern was born on February 16, 1940 in Tama, Iowa, the son of Robert and Lucy (Wanatee) Youngbear.
On January 17, 2003, he married Vicki Russie on the settlement. He was employed in construction. LaVern enjoyed fishing, working in the yard and he loved his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Rolland, David, and Dewey Youngbear; and one sister, Rose Farris.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki of Tama; one daughter, Chris Ferns of Oskaloosa; one granddaughter, Amber Ferns; one grandson, Raymond Ferns; his stepson, Shane (Chantel) Lynch of Marshalltown; step-grandchildren, Cole and Jase Lynch; several nieces and nephews and other relatives.