LA VERN D. “VERN” LUDDINGTON, 65

(veteran)

LaVern D. “Vern” Luddington, 65, of Omaha, died June 15, 1998 in Omaha. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 36th and X streets in Omaha. Burial will be in Saint John’s Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2704.

LaVern “Vern” Darold Luddington was born March 25, 1933 in Ord to Darold K. and Valeria (Golka) Luddington.

He attended Valley and Howard County schools and graduated from South High School in Omaha.

After high school he served in the National Guard and the 134th Army Band of Nebraska. In the mid-1950s, he served in the U.S. Army and played in the 82nd Army Band.

He had retired from the Union Pacific Railroad and had played eight years with the Union Pacific German band.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, VFW and past president of the Sokol Auditorium. He was a founder of the 40’s Ballroom Dance Club and the Luddington Polka Band and Vern Lawrence Modern Band.

He is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Virgil Dembowski of Farwell; nieces and nephews, Larry and Mary Dembowski of Millard and Joe and Connie Dembowski of Grand Island, Joan and Larry Koperski of Farwell, Shiron and Pete Johansen of St. Paul, John and Theresa Dembowski of Kearney and Valerie and Tony Papst of Farwell and a fiancé, Vivian Kelley of Blair.

He was preceded in death by his baby son, LaVern; his parents and stepfather, Tony Papiernik; and great-nephew, Jamie Johansen.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Staskiewicz Mortuary in Omaha was in charge of arrangements.