Lavern D. Akins

Age 77, of rural South Wayne, died on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at home. Lavern was born on January 14, 1949 in Monroe, the son of Gerald L. and Margaret H. (Tornow) Akins. He graduated as the salutatorian from Blackhawk High School in 1967. He was united in marriage to Diane L. Bronkema on March 15, 1974. Lavern lived and farmed his entire life on the Wish U Luck home farm, which will be honored as a centennial family farm.

Lavern loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing wherever he could, repairing farm machinery, watching old movies (especially westerns), and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks. He treasured his close relationships with his farm friends in the community and enjoyed hauling crops to hay auctions.

Lavern is lovingly survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane Akins; five children, Eileen (Bob) Bennett, Jeremy Akins, Emily (Oscar) Gutierrez, Pamela (Brett) Gough, Priscilla Akins; five grandchildren, Lukas (Jenelle) Bennett, Rebecca (Ryan) Bennett-Pfile, Bryce Gough, Alessandra Gough and Arabella Gough; and four great-grandchildren, Kaiydyn, Asypen, Gracelyn, and Emmett. He is further survived by two brothers, Eugene (Sandra) Akins, Stephen (Phyllis) Akins; sister, Linda (Neal) Klassy; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Lavern’s life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1pm – 4pm at Leisure Lanes, Monroe. To honor Lavern’s memory the family is establishing a memorial fund in his name. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net