Lavern Lee Alberts

LaVern Lee Alberts lost his long, brave fight with Parkinson’s Disease and other chronic health-related issues at the age of 77 in his home in Holyoke, CO. on August 14, 2021.

LaVern, who preferred to be called Vern, was born on December 11, 1943 in Sterling Colorado to Hazel and Chester Alberts. He, along with five siblings, grew up in Holyoke where he attended and graduated from high school. In 1962, while a senior in high school, at the Colorado State High School Track Meet, Vern took first place in the high jump and in the high hurdles, he also won second place in the low hurdles.

Vern enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1967. During this time, he served on the U.S.S. Sutter County, a tank landing ship, which operated in and around the Philippines and Vietnam.

Vern married Linda Kay Harms, daughter of Virgil and Eloise Harms of Paoli, CO., on August 31, 1969 in Haxtun CO. at the Methodist Church. The couple was happily married until the time of his passing.

Vern worked on a ranch owned by Dake Warren, near Holyoke, from 1967 to 1970. He also worked at the Shop-All Inc. grocery store in 1970-1972. He was then hired by the Highline Electric Association where he proudly served as a lineman and later transitioned to meter technician after multiple spine surgeries made it physically impossible for him to perform as a lineman.

He retired from Highline Electric Association in 2015.

Vern had a passion for the outdoors and loved camping, fishing and hiking. He loved classic cars and working on them, had a penchant for loud music and stories about the wild west. He was an avid supporter of Holyoke High School Dragons football and basketball and enjoyed being in the bleachers, surrounded by cheering friends, family and other fans. Vern was constantly at work on do-it-yourself projects and spent countless hours toiling on he and Linda’s house, in the garage, on their vehicles, and in the yard. He also was a fan of Raiders football and the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team.

Vern loved life, had a huge heart and always strove to make sure those around him were having a fun time. Wherever Vern went, laughter seemed to follow. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Vern is survived by his wife Linda, his two children, Kirk and his wife Sarah, and Cameron and his wife Teagan; his four grandchildren, Connor, Dryden, Murphy and Esmae; his sister, Peggy Bennett; and his brother Jim Alberts.

He joins his parents, Chester and Hazel Alberts; his sisters, Lola Shull, Francis Smith, and Linda Alberts; and his brother-in-law, Merle Bennett.

A celebration of life for Vern will be held in the Biesemeier Room at the Phillips County Events Center at the Holyoke Fairgrounds on September 11, 2021 at 3 p.m. and will include food and festivities. All friends and family are encouraged to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Physical Therapy Department at the Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.

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