Luverne Earl Hawn "Moe", "Papa", "Papa Bill", 76, of Grundy Center, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, in Grundy Center after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, 707 6th Street, Grundy Center, IA, with Pastor Phil Dicks officiating. Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, March 28, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. Inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery with honors performed by the Grundy Center American Legion Post #349 and AMVETS 17, the Grundy Center Fire Department and the Grundy County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the family, where they will donate to a charity of their choice at a later date.
Luverne was born on February 15, 1940, in Grundy Center, Iowa, the son of Burgess & Ruth (Wagner) Hawn. He was born and raised in Grundy Center, where he attended school until the 10th grade. On August 31, 1960, Luverne enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in August of 1963. On July 16, 1965, Luverne married the love of his life, Sandra Lea Gratopp in Lincoln. Together, the couple welcomed a son and daughter into their family. The family moved into their current home on Frost Street, where they have resided since 1974. Luverne worked for 36 years at Fisher Controls-Emerson in Marshalltown as a machinist, where he retired. After his retirement he worked for Heartland Coop in Holland, IA as a semi driver.
He also worked for some time as a local plumber and milkman. Luverne also dedicated over 52 years of service on the Grundy Center Fire Department and 38 years as a reserve police officer for the Grundy Center Police Department.
He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the Grundy Center American Legion Post #349, AMVETS 17, the Grundy Center Fire Department and the Grundy County Honor Guard.
In his free time, he enjoyed stock car racing on dirt tracks, street rod-MSR, fishing, camping, skiing-water and snow, hunting, and mushroom and asparagus hunting. He enjoyed attending his grandsons activities and sporting events. To say that Luverne was dedicated to his community is an understatement. He gave selflessly to his community in many long hours of hard work. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy for his friends, family and fellow community members.
Luverne is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sandy Hawn of Grundy Center; son Kevin (Kimberly) Hawn of West Des Moines and their son Nicholas Hawn & their dog Marley and daughter Jody (Leif) Erickson of Stratford, CT and their son Ethan Erickson & their dog Teca; brothers Phil (Marilyn) Hawn of Grundy Center and Doug (Faith) Hawn of Easley, SC and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Burgess & Ruth Hawn; step-mother Oletha Hawn and his brother Robert Hawn.