LaVerne G. Yost

Harvard resident LaVerne G. Yost, 96, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, NE.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, September 19, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Pastor Frank VanCampen officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Harvard Cemetery in Harvard. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. with the family present 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 18, and one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Harvard Fire Department. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to LaVerne’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

LaVerne was born on September 26, 1928, in the family homestead outside of Harvard, NE. His parents, Walter and Clara (Hoppens) Yost also welcomed a baby girl, Mary Jane, in 1937. While in high school, LaVerne enjoyed being active in various sports but had a special fondness for football. He was proud to have been a member of the undefeated Harvard football team (30 straight victories) from 1943 to 1947.

In 1947, LaVerne graduated from Harvard High School and began farming with his father. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on October 11, 1951. While serving on the front line in Korea, he was injured but survived a bunker collapse and after hospitalization, was transferred to a transportation unit where he served out the remainder of his time until he was honorably discharged on September 30, 1953. LaVerne was decorated with the Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean War Commemoration Certificate of Honor. He was also selected to attend the Korean War Combat Veteran’s Flight from Nebraska to Washington DC.

Christian faith was of the utmost importance to LaVerne. He was confirmed in the Harvard Methodist Church and had been an active member for over 70 years, fulfilling many roles and responsibilities such as Sunday School Superintendent, committee member for the Church building addition, Lay Leader, and served on the Parsonage Committee.

On November 26, 1954, LaVerne and Shirley (Jorn) were united in marriage at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, NE. Through this union, the couple was blessed with two daughters, Cynthia Reutzel (Harvard, NE) and Teresa Nickens (Greeley, CO). They farmed in the Harvard and Inland areas until returning to the family farm in 1973, where they farmed until his retirement. LaVerne and Shirley enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and he captured many beautiful landscape sceneries with his camera. Whether he was in his hometown or traveling the country, LaVerne never met a stranger. His engaging and gregarious personality served him well throughout his entire life and gained him many friends and acquaintances. He was a member of various local community organizations, a 70-year member of the American Legion and lifetime member of the VFW.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Jane Yost; and brother-in-law, Charles Smith.

SURVIVORS:
Wife of 70 years:
    Shirley Yost – Harvard, NE
Children & Spouses:
    Cynthia “Cindy” & Kenneth Reutzel – Harvard, NE
    Teresa “Terri” & John Nickens – Greeley, CO
Grandchildren:
    Mirinda & Michael Boyd
    Benton & Brandy Reutzel
    Whitney & Kayla Reutzel
Great-Grandchildren:
    6
Nephews:
    4
Brother-in-law:
    Marvin Yost – Huntsville, AL
Sister-in-law:
    Ann Smith – Kansas City, MO
Other extended family members and friends