Heaven is going to have its hands full, as another Garvin passes through the pearly gates! Sweet Jesus, I hope you are ready! On April 16, 2025, Vern Garvin’s world tour came to a peaceful end surrounded by his daughters.
LaVerne (aka Red, Vern, or Papa) was born to Harold and Gladys (Hinkley) in Muscatine on Jan. 10, 1941. He grew-up on Park Avenue and spent many days with friends terrorizing the neighborhood of Weed Park. They had buckeye wars, rode railcars to Davenport and had the adventurous life that only boys in the 1940s and 50s could have.
Growing up, he loved spending days at his dad’s DX station, located on the north end of Park Avenue. His grandfather, Charles (Chas), lived in a small room in the back, and Vern enjoyed his company. We believe from the ornery stories Vern shared about his dad and grandfather, that he got his quick wit and sense of humor from them.
Due to his dad’s influence, Vern grew-up with a love for cars and tinkering. Throughout his adult life, he would always have a hobby car and could be found under the hood or under a vehicle. He also had a love for music. As a talented musician, he and his older brother, Gerald, often played in the band, Stumble and Fall with Dick McCall.
Vern’s knack of fixing things extended beyond cars and influenced his career. He worked at the Wilton REC, North Star Steel and owned his own business. He was a jack of all trades and could fix any appliance, build and repair electrical and plumbing, and was skillful in excavating projects. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do.
In 1961, he married Dorothy (Toots) Spiess. He was a model for their three daughters, teaching them to be problem solvers, hard-working and kind. He often was a silent donor to various causes. Not wanting any recognition, but wanting to help those in need. He would barter or trade with those who could not pay their bills and was also the recipient of kindness from others.
Vern was a regular at the Candy Kitchen, was an avid tennis player, and loved his “slice of heaven” property in Moscow along the Cedar River. He was community minded, helping quietly where he could. His most recent focus was the Moscow Cemetery, where he repaired headstones, cleared trees after storms and more. A peaceful place that he and his dog Molly often hung out to enjoy the beauty, mother nature and the history.
Vern’s family was so thankful that through his journey of dementia that he kept his same loving, smart aleck spirit. We were always amazed that even though he couldn’t remember what he did 10 minutes ago, he would have a quick come back for any comment you just said. Although he always “loved you more,” he was especially generous with his affirmations in his final months. Reminding family members of their best qualities, telling them they were special and how much they were loved.
He often shared what a blessed life he had and that he was content and ready to cross to the other side, where we knew his dad, brother and grandfather are eagerly awaiting his arrival, along with many dear friends. Thank you to the staff at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center for the incredible care and love shown to Vern. His family cannot express enough gratitude for the quality of life you provided for him and his dog Molly!
Those left to cherish his memory include his best (four legged) friend, Molly, his three daughters, Amy (Jeff) Noble, Angie Timmerman and Jenny (Lynn) Yates. Grandchildren Kensie (Trevor) Haden, Riley (Bryson) Kraymer, Nathan (Nicki) Timmerman, Evan (Megan) Cooling, Jana (Tyler) Morrisey, Maddie (Riley) Wegmann, Erin (Andy) Dietz, Magen (Justin) Jones, Eric (Darica) Yates, Chance Yates and Garrett Yates. As well as the apple of his eye, his 15 great-grandchildren: Ellowyn, Easton, Kennedy, Able, Lakin, Asher, Elysse, Nora, Jackson, Addy, Keagan, Landon, Logan, Presslee and Anderson, with #16 due in July, baby Wegmann. In addition, he loved his nieces and nephews and their families: Cindy (Jim) Midkiff, Barry (Mary) Garvin, Scott (Cathy Hill) Garvin.
The family held a private celebration Easter weekend. A public celebration and car show will be held in Wilton this fall in his honor, “Red’s Last Ride”. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local Animal Rescue League or to the Wilton Historical Foundation.
Quotes from Vern: “It was dumb luck. I’m so fortunate. Lucky to have my girls and good friends … We worked hard and tried to get it right. Others helped, giving advice … I can’t tell you, when the phone rings, how it makes me smile. I’m so proud to have such great daughters … It’s been wonderful … “You are Special.”
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