LaVern Eugene Rauch was born May 17, 1935 near Deep River, Iowa, the son of Henry and Laura Meyer Rauch. He attended high school in Deep River before enlisting in the US Army in 1958. LaVern was united in marriage to Murlene Ochs in 1958 and to this union came a daughter, Kathy. Murlene later died in 1962. On November 9, l963, he was united in marriage to Irveen Douglass at the Malcom Presbyterian Church and to this union one daughter was born, Jenea. LaVern worked at Amana Refrigeration, Farm Hand, and the Iowa State Fair. He enjoyed antique tractors, cars and fishing. Most of all, LaVern looked forward to spending time with his family.  He understood the importance of his role as a father and grandfather. In thirty years, LaVern missed one day of work to attend his father's funeral. LaVern was an excellent provider for his family and took pride in living a hardworking, simple life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Murlene Rauch, a sister, Carolyn Grier, two brothers, his twin, LaVone Rauch, and Robert Rauch, and a niece, Donna Grier.

LaVern is survived by his wife, Irveen Rauch of Montezuma; two daughters, Kathy Simonton of Des Moines, and Jenea (Michael) Keith of Wheaton, Mo; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Rauch of Barnes City and Zelda Rauch of Oskaloosa. He also leaves behind three grandsons, Chad Simonton, Ryan Simonton and Garrett Keith; six great grandchildren, Kennady Simonton, Noah Simonton, Riley Simbro, Trey Simonton, Grayson Simonton and Cru Simonton.