Oakcrest Funeral Services - Lu Verne Obituaries

About Oakcrest Funeral Services - Lu Verne

Oakcrest Funeral Services - Lu Verne is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located in the heart of Lu Verne, Iowa. With a rich history of providing exceptional service to families in need, Oakcrest Funeral Services has established itself as a pillar of the community. Their dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect.

A Convenient Location

Situated at 208 Dewitt St., Lu Verne, IA, 50560, Oakcrest Funeral Services is easily accessible from all parts of the city. The funeral home's convenient location ensures that families can gather and pay their respects to their loved ones without having to travel far. The peaceful surroundings and serene atmosphere of the funeral home provide a comforting environment for families to navigate the difficult time of losing a loved one.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Kay L. Hefty - April 06, 1942 - July 28, 2023

Departed: 07/28/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview: A memorial service for Kay will be held 10:00 am on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne. Burial will follow at the Lu Verne Township Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the church.

Kay was born on April 6, 1942 to Allyn and Darlene Hansen Brink in Algona, lowa. She graduated from the Lu Verne Community School. She was united in marriage to Ben Hefty on May 28, 1960 at the Lu Verne United Methodist Church.

Kay was an active partner in the farming and livestock operation. Kay was employed by Wittkopf Law Firm and Corwith State Bank. She was very active in the local Lu Verne Community Club. Kay was a lifelong member of the Lu Verne United Methodist Church, Evening Star Circle and was instrumental in initiating the youth and adult bell choir. In her earlier years, she enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. Kay was a very avid china painter and quilter, attending many quilting retreats with her sisters. Kay spent summer weekends at Lake Cornelia with family and friends. Kay also enjoyed attending many activities of her grandchildren, which included snow skiing trips, boating, and water skiing. Kay loved her family and was blessed to live close enough to watch her grandchildren grow up and establish families of their own. One of her many highlights was getting together with her card club friends monthly.

Kay died Friday, July 28, 2023, at Springvale Senior Living. She was 81.

Kay is survived by her sons, Brent (Corinna) Hefty, Jay (Lisa) Hefty, both of Lu Verne and daughter in law, Deb Hefty of Algona; grandchildren, Brianne (Jon) Garcia, Matthew (Melissa) Hefty, Michael (Shalimar) Hefty, Kendra (Jesse) Ulicki, Kyle Hefty, Calvin (Sarah) Hefty, Jordan (Rune) Hefty, Katelyn (Zachary) Deutmeyer; great grandchildren, Drew, Gabe, Lena, Blaine, Cole, Derrick, Hudson, Hank, Harrison, Harlow, Bennett, William and Landon; two sisters, Raeann(Bob) Larsen of Firestone, Colorado; Nancy Wickett of Humboldt; niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben of 63 years; son, Blaine Hefty; grandsons, Aaron and Benjamin Hefty; her parents, Allyn and Darlene Hansen Brink; parents in law, Henry and Mildred Rummens Hefty and one brother-in-law.

View Full Obituary

Ben L. Hefty - November 01, 1938 - July 14, 2023

Departed: 07/14/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview:

View Full Obituary

Patricia "Pat" Hardcopf - August 24, 1935 - July 02, 2023

Departed: 07/02/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview: Memorials can be directed to the family. A memorial in Pat's name will be made to the city of Lu Verne at a later date.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph. Burial will be in the Lu Verne Township Cemetery in Lu Verne, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 5- 7 P.M. There will be a rosary at 4:30 P.M.

Patricia (Werner) Hardcopf, the daughter of Lorene Smith Werner and Larry Werner was born August 24, 1935, in Renwick, Iowa. The family moved several times and she attended school at Vernon and Livermore before graduating from Gillete Grove high school in 1953. She worked for the state of Iowa welfare office in Spencer prior to marrying William Hardcopf on August 27, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Corwith Iowa. To this union there are four children, Mark, Julie, Roger, and Angie.

Pat and Bill lived their entire married life and raised their family in Lu Verne. Pat loved her community and served it in many ways. She was the head librarian and oversaw the building of the new library in 1968. She also served as city clerk for 25 years before retiring in 2005. She continued as township clerk, served on the ambulance crew, and did other volunteer activities after her retirement. She enjoyed the Lu Verne Celebration and having her children and grandchildren part of the parade every year.

Pat was very creative. She was a talented seamstress and designed and sewed not just her clothes, but also for her children and grandchildren, including her daughter’s wedding dress and granddaughter’s first communion dress. She also liked to crochet and knit. Her crocheted doilies are a work of art and prize winning. She was proud of the blue ribbon she earned at the Kossuth County fair. She was also a talented painter. She painted several ceramic santas and nativity sets that her family treasures. If you ever passed their barn, you saw the farm animals she painted on the doors. Pat always had a big garden and spent the fall canning the produce for her family. She even bottled homemade ketchup. She was organic before it was trendy.

Pats love of design led her to Reed’s furniture in Algona where she worked for several years helping people select furniture, flooring, draperies and furnishings for their homes.

The family enjoyed many camping trips to Crystal Lake and Okoboji in the small trailer Pat refurbished with her Dad, lovingly nick-named “Pat and Bill’s Mini-Wini.” Pat and Bill also enjoyed going to dances at the many ballrooms in the area. The polkas were their favorite. Bill passed away in 2011.

Pat was an active member of St Mary’s Church in Corwith and later St Joseph Catholic Church in Bode. Her faith was very important to her. Her family thanks her for the many rosaries she prayed for them.

In 2018, Pat moved to Johnston, Iowa where she made a new set of friends and was able to spend more time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was able to experience some of the amenities of the “big city” but her heart always remained in Lu Verne. Sorry, Mom, if we forgot something when you would tell us over the years, “make sure that goes in my obituary.”

She passed away on July 2, 2023, at her home in Johnston. She was 87.

Left to treasure Pat’s memory are her children: Mark Hardcopf of Algona, Julie (Lynn) Nelson of West Des Moines, Roger (Cyndie) Hardcopf of Boyd, Texas; and Angie (Regi) Goodale of Urbandale. Her grandchildren: Andrea (Josh) Andersen, Grant (Anna) Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Joseph Nelson, Mary Nelson, Jenny (Jordan) Stagg, Rick Hardcopf, Lauren (Ben) Hokamp, Mallorie (James) Bussey, and Olivia (Zach) Denning; her great-grandchildren: Griffin and Hampel Nelson, Agnes, Miriam, and Judah Hokamp, and Lucy Bussey; her sister Rosemary Mills and brothers Jim and Tony Werner.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, and her brothers, Larry and John Werner.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Wesley Life Hospice and the staff at Brio of Johnston, who made it possible for her to stay in her home and receive care.

View Full Obituary

Dennis E. Holmes - August 20, 1939 - June 16, 2023

Departed: 06/16/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview: Dennis E. Holmes, 83, died Friday, June 16, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Algona. A funeral service for Dennis Holmes will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, Lu Verne. Burial will follow the funeral service at Lu Verne Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Lu Verne.

Dennis Eugene Holmes was born August 20, 1939 to Russell Wendell Holmes and Maxine Bartine (Baker) Holmes. Dennis grew up in Steamboat Rock, IA. Dennis graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1957 and then attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and then Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls (State College of Iowa and now UNI), graduating in 1961.

In the fall of 1961, Dennis began his brilliant teaching career in Lu Verne, IA. Over the course of 42 years, Dennis taught high school social studies, high school French, middle school social studies and reading all in Room 20 of the Lu Verne building, retiring in 2003. Dennis was also a successful middle track coach for many years. After retiring, Dennis spent many years substituting in the Humboldt and Algona school districts where a whole new generation of students got to experience the joy of having Mr. Holmes in the classroom.

In the fall of 1964, Dennis met his future wife, Barbara Frances Sharman, as she was hired as the new band director that year. Dennis and Barbara were married on June 4, 1966. Three children were born to this union, Jennifer, James and Joan.

Besides teaching full time, Dennis was very active in the community and surrounding areas. He served on the Lu Verne City Council for several years prior to being elected Mayor of Lu Verne. Dennis served as mayor from 1973-2017. Dennis was also a member of the Lu Verne Betterment Committee and several committees at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne. Dennis has also served many years on the Exceptional Opportunities Board in Burt, IA. He was a member of the Steamboat Rock Historical Society, Ames Railfans, and the Lizard Creek Railroading Club. He also thoroughly enjoyed working as a volunteer tour guide in the summer for the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad Excursion Train. Dennis was a lifelong member of the ISEA/NEA.

Music ministry was also a large part of Dennis’ life. He played organ at the Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock. He has also been the organist at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne and the organist at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years.

Spending time with family and friends was one of Dennis’ favorite pastimes. He enjoyed playing cards, collecting and chasing trains, collecting coins and visiting with family and friends.

Dennis’ health had failed in the last several years and months as he has been battling congestive heart failure, kidney failure, cancer and several strokes. Dennis peacefully passed away Friday, June 16, 2023. We are thankful for the wonderful care provided by the medical staff of Hospice of the Heartland in these final weeks.

Dennis is survived by his children and their families: Jennifer (Jason) Wessels, Nevada, IA; James (Shasta) Holmes, Urbana, IA; Joan (James) Hendrickson, St. Ansgar, IA; and grandchildren Elizabeth, Megan, and Ryan Wessels; Hunter and Alexis Holmes; Haley, Ashley, and Olivia Muhs.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, his parents Russell and Maxine, his parents-in-law Francis Laverne and Mary Elizabeth (Krauser) Sharman, and 2 sisters-in-law Mary Anne Sharman and Katherine Renee Sharman.

View Full Obituary

Doris A. Barber - February 17, 1931 - April 18, 2023

Departed: 04/18/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview:

View Full Obituary

Ryon J. Barnett - December 09, 1986 - April 05, 2023

Departed: 04/05/2023 (Lu Verne)

Obituary Preview: A memorial service for Ryon will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the United Methodist Church, Lu Verne. Ryon James Barnett was born December 9, 1986 in Des Moines, son of James Williams and Kimberly Barnett. He grew up in Lu Verne where he attended school. Following high school, Ryon wore many hats and worked various jobs including factory work, mechanic work, and most recently was an employee of McPeak Trenching. He was a jack of all trades but always said he “wasn’t a carpenter.”

Ryon met the love of his life Miranda Robinson at the age of 16. They have shared many memories together since August 25, 2003 and were blessed with three children.

He enjoyed spending his time relaxing amongst the company of his family and friends. People were drawn to him for his easy-going personality. Ryon’s children meant everything to him, and he will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving dad.

Ryon died Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at his home in Lu Verne. He was 36.

He is survived by his wife, Miranda of Lu Verne; children, Kylie Barnett of West Des Moines, Jordann Barnett of Lu Verne, James Barnett of Lu Verne; future grandson expected in May; father, James (Angie) Williams; siblings, Shane (Lucyna) Elvington of Marengo and their children, Nikolas, Zofia, and Bianka, Shanann (Eric Shores) Johansen of Goldfield and their children, Madelynn and Silas, Taylor (Danny Leners) Elvington of Algona and their children, Elijah, Asher and Kaine, Thomas Elvington of Lu Verne, Sara (Marty) Williams of Bentonville, AR and their children, Davari, Bella, Braxton, Taelynn, and Marlo, Lindsey (Deon) Williams of Des Arc, AR, and their children, Jaymison, JaeLynn, and Jayda; and numerous friends.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Kimberly; grandparents, Bill and Bess Williams; grandmother, Alice Stites, and nephew Dayne Leners.

View Full Obituary

A Wide Range of Funeral Services

Oakcrest Funeral Services offers a comprehensive range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs of each family. From traditional funerals and cremations to memorial services and celebrations of life, their experienced team will work closely with you to create a personalized tribute that honors your loved one's memory. They understand that every family is different, and they strive to provide a customized experience that reflects the personality and spirit of the deceased.

Personalized Funeral Planning

The team at Oakcrest Funeral Services believes that every funeral should be a reflection of the person who has passed away. They take the time to get to know each family and understand their unique needs and preferences. From selecting the perfect casket or urn to choosing music, flowers, and other elements, they will guide you through every step of the funeral planning process. Their goal is to create a meaningful and memorable experience that celebrates the life of your loved one.

Cremation Services

Oakcrest Funeral Services offers a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral service. They understand that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families, and they are committed to providing dignified and respectful cremation services. Their state-of-the-art crematory is operated by trained professionals who ensure that every aspect of the cremation process is handled with care and compassion.

Pre-Planning Options

Planning ahead for your own funeral or that of a loved one can be a wise decision. Oakcrest Funeral Services offers pre-planning options that allow you to make informed decisions about your final arrangements in advance. By pre-planning, you can lock in costs, reduce stress on your family, and ensure that your wishes are respected. The team at Oakcrest Funeral Services will work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your needs and budget.

Supporting You Through Grief

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences you'll ever face. Oakcrest Funeral Services understands that grief is a journey, and they are committed to supporting you every step of the way. They offer bereavement resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources, to help you navigate the grieving process. Their compassionate team will be there for you long after the funeral is over, providing guidance and support whenever you need it.

A Commitment to Excellence

Oakcrest Funeral Services is dedicated to providing exceptional service to every family they serve. They are committed to excellence in everything they do, from the initial consultation to the final farewell. Their team of professionals is trained to provide outstanding care and compassion, ensuring that every family feels supported and cared for during their time of need.

Contact Us

If you're looking for a trusted funeral home in Lu Verne, Iowa, look no further than Oakcrest Funeral Services. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance, their caring team is here to help. Contact them today to learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It serves as a way to share the news of a loved one's passing with family, friends, and community.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and remember the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can also serve as a historical record and a way to celebrate the life of the person who has passed away.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, an obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased, although it can also be written by a funeral home or other professional service. In some cases, the deceased may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral services and memorial donations.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important details. Aim for 1-2 paragraphs at most.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and newspapers allow you to include photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and make it more engaging.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

The process for submitting an obituary to a newspaper varies depending on the publication. You can usually find submission guidelines on the newspaper's website or by contacting their obituary department directly.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituaries in advance as a way to take control of how they want to be remembered. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and accomplishments.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life and achievements.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! While an obituary should be respectful, it's also okay to inject some humor and personality into the writing. This can help capture the essence of the person who has passed away.

How do I handle sensitive or private information in an obituary?

If there is sensitive or private information that you don't want to share publicly, it's best to omit it from the obituary or discuss it with family members beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable with what is shared.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, including quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the deceased can add depth and personality to the obituary.

How do I proofread an obituary for errors?

It's essential to carefully proofread an obituary for errors in spelling, grammar, and facts before submitting it for publication. Ask multiple people to review it as well to catch any mistakes.

Can I update an obituary after it has been published?

In some cases, yes. If there are errors or omissions in the original obituary, you may be able to update it online or request corrections from the newspaper. However, this may not always be possible.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published online?

The time frame for publishing an online obituary varies depending on the platform or newspaper. Some may publish immediately, while others may take several hours or even days.

Can I share an obituary on social media?

Yes! Sharing an obituary on social media can help spread the word quickly and reach a wider audience. Many online obituary platforms also provide easy sharing options.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or use genealogy websites that specialize in collecting historical records. Local libraries or genealogical societies may also have resources to help you find old obituaries.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes! Many families prefer donations to charity rather than flowers as a way to honor their loved one's memory. Be sure to specify the charity and any relevant details.

How do I handle condolences and messages from readers?

You can set up a guestbook or condolence page online where people can leave messages and share memories. You may also receive cards and letters via mail.

Can I create a memorial website for my loved one?

Yes! There are many online platforms that allow you to create a memorial website where you can share stories, photos, and memories of your loved one.

How do I cope with grief after writing an obituary?

Grief is a natural process that takes time. Writing an obituary can be a therapeutic step in processing your emotions. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counselor if needed.

Can I reuse an existing obituary template?

If you have access to an existing template or example of an obituary that you like, you can certainly use it as a starting point. Just be sure to customize it with your own information and details.

Are there any specific formatting requirements for online obituaries?

The formatting requirements for online obituaries vary depending on the platform or website. Be sure to check their guidelines before submitting your tribute.

Can I include links or attachments in an online obituary?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Check with the online platform or newspaper to see if they allow links or attachments such as videos, audio files, or PDFs.

How long will my online obituary remain available?

The duration that an online obituary remains available varies depending on the platform or website. Some may keep them active indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period of time.