LaVern LeRoy Wyse

LaVern LeRoy Wyse was born on February 28, 1928, to Oscar and Ruth Wyse. He lived 98 remarkable years with a curious mind, a strong work ethic, and a quick wit.

He grew up in Midland, Michigan, alongside his parents and three younger siblings, and graduated from Midland High School in 1946. As a young man, LaVern served during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Infantry. He served as a radio telephone operator and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star.

On September 23, 1950, he married June Gay Miller. For more than 75 years, they lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, hard work, and love.

Their journey took them many places. They raised their two children in Midland until 1969, when they moved to Miami, and then, in 1970, when life carried them across the world to Hong Kong. In 1976, they returned to Sanford, Michigan, where they made a home beside the lake with a garden—a place where LaVern found some of his greatest joys, especially boating and fishing with his grandchildren.

Eventually, LaVern and June returned to Midland, where they built another house and another garden.

LaVern was happiest when he was busy. He loved being outside, working with his hands, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening.

After retiring from Dow Chemical in 1987, LaVern didn’t slow down. He began a second career as a building inspector for several townships and continued working until he finally retired again at the age of 91.

But work was never the whole story.

There was the garden.

There was the woodshop.

There was the family.

There were vegetables and fruit, grown with his own hands, gathered up and delivered to the people he loved.

In his later years, there might also be a nice glass of whiskey, a good story, and that unmistakable twinkle in his eye that told you he could still square up with the best of them. You could often find him making his way through downtown Midland with his walker, stopping to visit friends at Three Bridges and Brinstar.

He is survived by his beloved wife, June Wyse; daughter Lynette (Greg) Copus; grandson Geoffrey Copus; granddaughter Megan (Nick Veazey) Copus; and great-granddaughter Flora Veazey. He is also survived by his brother Al Wyse and sisters Inez (Don) Uchytil and Eleanor Twining, along with several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruth Wyse; his son, Greggory Wyse; and his grandson, Andrew Copus, who lovingly called him “The Pulverizer”.

Visitation will be held at Wilson Miller Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24th from 4pm-7pm. Funeral services will also be held at Wilson Miller Funeral Home on Friday September 25th at 11am, with a visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will follow in Homer Twp Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bullock Creek Sports Boosters, or the West Midland Family Center.