Lavern was born September 4, 1927, Kingsley, Iowa the son of Robert & Nora (Logan) Bann. He grew up in Kingsley where he lived all his life. "Toad" worked building silos for Pages for many years, he was dedicated worker who took great pride in his work. Although Toad rarely left Kingsley, one of the highlights of his life was his trip to Ireland with his nephew, Doug Brown. In his younger years, he enjoyed trips to Lake Okoboji with family and friends.Survivors include his sister, Irene Bann Willer of Jackson, Wisconsin, a nephew Art Willer of Jackson, Wisconsin and other nieces and nephews, and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers, Albert Brandon, Harry Brandon, Melvin Brandon, Arthur Brandon, Robert Bann and William Bann.