John Robert Lavigne

John Robert “Bud” Lavigne was born August 19, 1933 in Nebraska City, Nebraska to John and Helen (Heng) Lavigne. Bud grew up in Nebraska City, and graduated from high school there. Following high school, Bud attended Peru State College for 2 years. Bud enlisted in the United States Army in June, 1953. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in June 1956. Bud married Mary Elizabeth Gatz at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska on August 11, 1960, and to this union, three children were born: Lisbeth “Beth”, Kathleen “Katie”, and Clinton “Clint”. The family made their home at Riverside Lakes near Waterloo, Nebraska. Bud worked in industrial sales throughout his life, retiring from Premier Industrial Corporation. He was an active member of the Omaha Jaycees and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, receiving a life membership award from them in 1998. Bud was an avid hunter, and enjoyed farming, water skiing, snowmobiling on the river, playing cards with friends, and Cornhusker Football. Nights out at Farmer Brown’s were always a treat, but for Bud, nothing could beat Katie’s Alfredo, or Beth’s spaghetti. The kids remember the special times of waterskiing with their Dad, going to brunch after church, and trips to the candy store in downtown Elkhorn. Bud took great pride in caring for the yard, beach, and boat at the lake. The Fourth of July was always memorable with Bud at the lake, as well with the family gathering, and Bud shooting off the fireworks that he had helped organized. On some of those nights, he could be found drinking a Moscow Mule, and listening to John Denver, or “Seasons In the Sun” by Terry Jacks. Bud will be remembered for his sense of humor and teasing, and the love of his faith. Bud passed away on April 19, 2013 at Life Care Center of Elkhorn at the age of 79 years and 8 months. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Helen, son Clinton John Lavigne, and sister Helen “Toots” Schmitz. Bud is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth of Peachtree City, GA, daughters: Beth and husband, Gary Kyes of Omaha, and Katie and husband, Greg Ward of Peachtree City, GA, and grandchildren: Beth Miller, T.J. Kyes, Jordan Kyes, Kalie Ward, and Ryan Ward. John R. Lavigne, age 79, died 4/19/13. Preceded in death by parents John and Helen, son Clinton John Lavigne, and sister Helen “Toots” Schmitz. Survived by wife Mary Elizabeth of Peachtree City, GA, daughters: Beth (Gary) Kyes of Omaha, and Katie (Greg) Ward of Peachtree City, GA, grandchildren: Beth Miller, T.J. and Jordan Kyes, and Kalie and Ryan Ward. Funeral mass 10:30 AM Tuesday (4/23) St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation 2-7 PM with family receiving friends 5-7, and a Rosary service at 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorials to the family.

John Robert Lavigne

August 19, 1933 - April 19, 2013