Laverne Lines Montri

Laverne Lines Montri, 95, of Ida was called to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. 

Laverne enjoyed a long, full life. The third of six children, Laverne was born at home on December 14, 1926, to the late Abner and Leola (Bauer) Montri. He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ida, eventually becoming a lifelong member. As a young boy, Laverne attended the Richardson School, a one room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade. Laverne then began his life’s work as a farmer. Laverne displayed dedication to his work from an early age, once saving an entire summer’s wages in order to purchase a bicycle so he may arrive to work earlier and more efficiently. 

On November 17, 1951, Laverne and Mary Lou Brose were wed at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Ida. The newlyweds danced the night away at the Woodman Hall in LaSalle. The couple would go on to share 63 years of marriage, before Mary’s passing in 2015. In 1955, Laverne and Mary purchased the family farm from Abner and Leola, where they would raise their five children: Deb, Randy, Brenda, Jim, and Denise. 

Laverne was not an idle man; he was innovative, he had grit and he possessed an unrelenting work ethic. All traits which encompass a true American Farmer. Throughout the years, Laverne grew tomatoes, wheat, soybeans, different varieties of corn, and most notably an award-winning sugar beet crop in 1955, 1956, and 1958. Laverne spent several winters hauling Christmas trees from the Upper Peninsula and delivering them throughout the tristate area.  For much of his career, Laverne shared farming responsibilities with his two brothers, Jerry and Dale. A tale often shared, and fondly remembered by the brothers, was when they clear cut a field using only dynamite and horses. In time, Laverne’s sons, Randy and Jim, grew to work the fields alongside their father. In 2003, Laverne and Mary sold the family farm to their son, Jim, and daughter-in -law, Dawn. However, Laverne and Mary didn’t stray far from their roots, settling into “retirement” across the street, adjacent to both their sons. Even into his 90th year, on any given fall day, you could find Laverne up in the combine. Laverne was a constant presence on the Montri Farm until his final days, a presence which will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. 

When he wasn’t in the field or tinkering in the barn, you could find Laverne fishing during family trips to Houghton Lake, French River in Ontario, Canada, or walleye fishing on Lake Erie. His children treasure memories of roller skating with their father, going to drive-in movies in the family car, and attending tractor pull weekends at Bowling Green. Laverne had a passion for restoring antique tractors, including three 1932-1940 McCormick-Deerings and one Allis Chalmers. He also enjoyed the thrill of a roller coaster, especially at Cedar Point.  At a party, you could often find Laverne around the card table enjoying a game of euchre, perhaps with a glass of apricot or blackberry brandy in his hand, and a bowl of chocolate covered peanuts by his side.  

Laverne was a man of few words; quiet and humble, yet fiercely loyal to his family and always willing to offer a helping hand. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication that reverberates throughout his family.  

To cherish his memory, Laverne is survived by his children: Deb Montri of Monroe, Randy (Sheila) Montri of Ida, Brenda (Dennis) Nelson of Petersburg , Jim (Dawn) Montri of Ida, Denise (Jeff) Brossia of Monroe; as well as eight grandchildren: Kayleigh (Matthew) Prange, Kendra (Chad) Zunich, Daniel Montri, Matthew (Sarah Crosby) Montri, Dylan Nelson, Shayna (Jason) Skidmore, Morgan Brossia, and Devin Brossia; four great-grandchildren: Cecilia Zunich, Griffin Prange, Harleigh Montri, and Charlotte Montri; siblings: sister, Myrna (Edwin) Riffle of Temperance; brother, Dale (Pat) Montri of Ida; and sister-in-law, Myrna Montri of Ida. In addition to his parents and wife, Laverne is proceeded in death by an infant daughter, Cheryl; brother: Alloysius “Al” Montri and Gerald “Jerry” Montri; and sister, Luetta (Pete) Larrow. 

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, November 6, 2022, from 2:00-8:00pm at Capaul Funeral Home, 8216 Ida West Road (734) 269-3575. A funeral service will be held Monday, November 7, 2022, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 8295 Van Aiken Street (734) 269-3895. He will lie in state from 10:00-11:00am, mass will begin at 11:00am. Reverend Gerard Cupple will officiate. Procession will follow to Saint Joseph Cemetery in Ida. In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected for Future Farmers of America or Saint Joseph Catholic Church, to aid requests of mass in honor of Laverne.