LaVern “Hambone” Curtis Hamre was born on May 2, 1935 in Blue Earth MN to Alfred and Hazel (Johnson) Hamre. LaVern was baptized and later confirmed in his faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth MN. He attended elementary school in Blue Earth and was a graduate of Blue Earth High School.
After high school, LaVern entered the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany and served with the Military Police. While in the military, he was able to do extensive sight-seeing in Europe, which began his lifelong fondness for travel.
When his tour of duty was completed, he returned to further his education. He attended Mankato State amd majored in Business. While at Mankato State, he worked part-time at an auto parts store and that began his interest in the parts business.
After graduating from business school, LaVern began a more than fifty-year career with Genuine Parts which included on-the-road sales, managing the NAPA store in Golden, CO and eventual ownership of the Laramie, WY NAPA store from 1974 to 2019.
LaVern had many hobbies; skiing, travel, collecting classic cars, antiques, various memorabilia and attending Wyoming Cowboys football games. But his favorite pastime was to collect friends. During his lifetime, he was many things to many people; son, brother, uncle, high school classmate, army buddy, work associate, business owner, boss, landlord and most important…a great friend. He valued his friendships, which were many, above all else. The world will be a lonelier place without LaVern in it.
LaVern passed away Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 in Laramie WY.
Blessed be his memory
LaVern is survived by his niece, Susan (David) Neubarth, and a multitude of friends.
LaVern was preceded in death by his Parents, Alfred and Hazel Hamre; Sister, Charlene Mack; Brother, Eloi Hamre; Sister-in-law, Alta Hamre; Nephew, Peter Hamre.
A gathering to share stories about LaVern will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2020 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
LaVern was such a nice funny man. Always had a joke and a smile. He will be missed. Ken & Kathy Poledna
Vern was the best boss, friend, local grandpa to my kids, always made them feel welcome at the store and gave them candy and sodas. He was so excited when our son, Sam, went into the military, just like him. He kept up with them from being babies to their adulthood. I will miss him and all of his corney jokes. He sure made a huge impact on my life from the first time I met him through my friend Jan, before I was married or had kids and eventually took her job when she moved to Colorado Springs. Our whole family loves you Vern. ❤️❤️
I knew LaVern for over thirty years and he was a very good man. I rarely heard him say anything bad about anyone he knew or was associated with. Evry timer I met him he would always have one of his Minnesota jokes and he did not repeat them very often. It was a pleasure to work with him over the years and he will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Lavern.
LaVern was a dear family friend. He spent many holidays with us - his company was always welcome. He had stories to tell and he always had a laugh to share. We will miss your smile.
I knew LaVern through NAPA, and enjoyed his visit to the NAPA warehouse, in Denver, where I worked for 23 years. He would drive down to do whatever he needed to do at the warehouse, and never missed coming into my office, every week, to visit me, and tell me all his funny jokes. He was such a personable, nice, and kind man. He always had such great stories, and I just loved when he came in to visit. I can't imagine how many friends LaVern had in Laramie and surrounding areas. He will be DEEPLY missed. Rest in Peace LaVern!
Mr. Hamre was a good friend to my brother Jerry Coca Jr. I pulled up to the station one summer day to see Mr.Hamre, and Jerry with my little girl all seated on the stoop with giant slices of watermelon, laughing over who could spit their seeds farther. They all looked like naughty kids caught in the act. Sweet memory of some very fun loving people. God bless you Mr. H. The world will miss your kindness and humor.
Hambone was my Dad Ken Mitchell's best friend and more like an uncle to my sister and me. My dad and he were army buddies together and that started their 65 year friendship. Family events, holidays, dinners always included him. There are so many great stories (and jokes). He was there when my mom passed away and helped support my dad through it, always taking him on the trips and giving him an ear when the conversations were tough. We loved him so much and I know he's with the Lord. We will miss you tremendously!
Love you Vern
LaVern was my boss for 8 1/2 years at Laramie Auto Parts. He wasn’t just my boss but was a friend. I’ll never forget the blind date I set him up with! We all went ice skating! It didn’t work out, but we had fun! What a great guy he was! Rest In Peace Lavern!