LaVern Gene Stellflug

LaVern Gene Stellflug passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25, 2022, in Kennewick, Wash., after suffering a stroke in April of 2022. He was 79.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 3p.m., Saturday, June 24th, in Opheim, Mont., at the Lawndale Cemetery, just outside of Opheim. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the ambulance barn in Opheim. Please help us celebrate our dad's life with stories, dinner and of course a cookie or two.

LaVern was born on January 1, 1943, in Opheim. He grew up in Opheim and married Judy Stuber. They had four children and farmed west of town for several years. His love of farming and Percheron horses kept him busy for many years until he eventually moved to Pasco, Wash., to be near his kids and grandkids. Vern's love of horses never wavered. He enjoyed roping and just taking a long ride. He loved talking about the old days and remembering all the stories of the "old timers". Vern tried to make it to every event the grandkids were involved in. He loved getting together with family and watching the grandkids grow up. He learned to fish, whether he caught anything, it didn't matter. He was always ready for a good cup of coffee and a cookie with friends.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jeanette Stellflug and his brother Duane Stellflug.

He is survived by his children, Gene Stellflug (Cyndi), Sue Hays (Jim), Bob Stellflug (Michelle) and Shandy Hipke (Ben); grandchildren, Jamie Flynn, Roseanna Hoffer, Kailee Hipke, Grace Hipke, Madison Hays, Ariana Hipke, Joe Hays; and great-grandchildren ShyAnne Thorne, Jasmine Hoffer, Brooklyn Hoffer, Tyler Peterson.