1923 – 2019
Leland Lavern Ling, born March 17, 1923, to Philip and Alice (Loofboro) Ling in New Auburn, Wisconsin, died November 25, 2019, in Meridian, Idaho. He was 96.
Lavern was raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm and graduated from New Auburn High School at fifth place in his county. He married Wilma Marrs on November 7, 1942, and shortly thereafter took over his parents’ farm. Raising and milking cows, planting and harvesting crops kept Lavern busy enough, but at various points in his farming career he also served on various boards, including school, church (both local and district), township, telephone, and agriculture. At one point, he served on six boards at once. Lavern also served for a time as township treasurer and as soil sampler for Chippewa County.
While in Wisconsin, Lavern and Wilma had seven children: Cecile, Mark, Faith, David, Timothy, Steven, and Joy. Sadly, in addition to five miscarriages, two of their children passed away while the family was in Wisconsin: David at three days of age and Cecile at age 8. Later, during the last decade of Lavern’s life, Mark passed away at age 65 and Timothy at age 62.
After moving to Meridian, Idaho, in 1973, Lavern worked about two years for the Stucker Construction Company, and then worked as bookkeeper and estimator for a lumber company and a construction company before retiring in 1988.
Lavern was a devoted Christian whose faith was his top priority. He was involved in various teaching, musical, and speaking roles in churches he attended. While serving on district boards, he was involved in evaluating the properties for both Spring Vale Academy and Sis-Q-Meadows campgrounds before their acquisition.
Lavern was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jeanette Hendershott, Naomi Kiesz, and Melba Cushing; brother, Erwin; one daughter, and three sons.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma (wed 77 years); sister Reta Boese; daughters Faith Dullum and Joy Ling; son Steven; seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and other family members.
Lavern loved all his family members and desired for them to know Christ as he did.