He was born on Aug. 24, 1926 in Cassville to Frank and Genevieve (nee Jones) Koppen. Lavern married Dorothy Holpin on Nov. 9, 1945 at Lancaster Methodist Church in Lancaster.

Shorty worked in construction for about 20 years. Then he worked for 15 years at Helgesen Industries, retiring in 1988.

He loved fishing, hunting, and camping.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy; five children, Ronald (Crystal) of Waukesha, Judith Martin of Georgia, Twila (John) Martin of Hartford, Gary of Georgia, and Debra Gardner of Georgia; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Kenneth (Betty) of Kieler, Herbert (Rose) of Iowa and Douglas Koppen of Arizona. Lavern is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three infant children.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the Shimon Funeral Home, 824 Union St. (Hwy 82 N), Hartford, with Rev. Doug Livingston officiating. Family greeted relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Shimon Funeral Home.

Inurnment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford.