Ralph Henry Laverentz

Obit Ralph Henry Laverentz-87 of Broomfield, CO formerly Hubbell, NE

Kroll Funeral Home Hebron, NE 402-768-6165

Ralph Henry Laverentz was born on June 20, 1931 in Hubbell, Nebraska to Thomas and Emma Laverentz. He departed this life June 14, 2019 at Broomfield Skilled Nursing Home in Broomfield, CO at the age of 87 years. Ralph graduated from Hubbell High School in 1949. He was proud to mention that he was Salutatorian of his high school class; he would then go on to explain that there were a total of three people in the Hubbell class of 1949. Joking aside, Ralph was a good student who earned a scholarship to a nearby junior college.
Ralph followed his father into farming, working their land near Hubbell. He stayed on the family farm to assist and care for his dad until his dad's passing. During his years in Hubbell, Ralph was deeply involved in the community. He served on the Board of Directors at Thayer County Memorial Hospital Foundation, Blue Valley Lutheran Home, Thayer County Extension Society, the Thayer County Livestock Feeders, and the Hubbell Farmers Elevator. In addition, Ralph was a charter member of the Hubbell Lions Club, serving in various offices, including being the Son e Chairman in his District. Ralph helped organize the Bowman Spring Branch Watershed District, serving on the Board of Directors during its entire existence. At the same time, he served as Chairman of the Nebraska Association of Watershed Districts.
Ralph's other deep commitment in Hubbell was to his church. He served as a member of the Church Council for many years, holing various offices, teaching young people, and representing there congregation at conventions.
Ralph retired from farming in 1985, and moved to Broomfield, where he enjoyed working for Checkers Indestrial Products 12 years. He became a good friend of the owner, who continued to visit Ralph after his retirement from Checkers.
At age 60, Ralph married Donna and started a new chapter of his life. Unfortunately, she became homesick for Northd Dakota, and the two of them separated. Although they were separated, they remained married and faithful to each other until their passing.
In Broomfield, Ralph continued to foster friendships and community, just as he had done in Hubbell. Ralph lived in the Town Center Senior Apartments and he made many good friends in the complex. Losing his friends was difficult for Ralph, and he later termed the apartment complex "The Heartbreak Hotel"
It was several weeks ago Ralph broke his hip and he needed surgery to repair it. When he was released from the hospital, Ralph entered rehab at Broomfield Skilled Nursing, working very hard, and expressing his appreciation for the nurses and therapists. Ultimately, he had too many health problems to make a full recovery, and so he received palliative care during his final days.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Emma; his wife, Donna; his brother Donald and wife Mary, sister Lois Bodtke, nephews David and Jim Laverentz, and his brother-in-law, Rev. Ralph House. He is survived by his sister Mildred House of Clyde, OH, brother-in-law Marvin Bodtke of Lincoln, NE, nieces, nephews and friends. Graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Cemetery rural Hubbell, NE at 11AM. Officiant will be Pastor Brian Francik. Cremation no visitation. Memorial in care of Kroll Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Henry Laverentz, please visit our floral store.