Lavern Dale Rinehart

Lavern Dale Rinehart

March 8, 1927 - Dec. 9, 2012

COZAD, Nebraska -- LaVern D. Rinehart, age 85, of Cozad, died Dec. 9, 2012, at the Cozad Community Hospital, surrounded by family, after a long battle with dementia.

LaVern was born March 8, 1927, at Cozad, Nebraska to Lee and Effie (Smith) Rinehart. He attended District 13 and District 23 schools, all the while working for his uncles on weekends and summer months. LaVern graduated from Cozad High School in 1945.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Marjorie Rinehart; brother, William Rinehart; sister-in-law, Mae Rinehart; brother-in-law, Keith Arnold; great-grand daughter, Ava Mabel Rinehart; and also a grand-dog, Spike, who was very much a companion to LaVern.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie of Cozad; two sons, Larry (Vivian) Rinehart of Dyer, Indiana, Lynn (Teresa) Rinehart of Imperial; daughter, LaVay (Dean) Horst of North Platte; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Jennifer) Rinehart of Lincoln, Kayla (Kyle) Sharp, currently stationed in Grafoehner, Germany, Lucas Rinehart of McCook, Lynsey Rinehart of Omaha; three great-grandchildren, Madee and Cayden Sharp, Amaya Rinehart; six step-grand daughters, 11 step great-grandchildren; sister, Vergie Arnold of Lincoln; a grand dog, Maverick of North Platte; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012 ,at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial with Fireman's Rites will be in the Cozad Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.