LaVern Jay Sale, 94, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Vern was born June 15, 1932, in Hamilton, Michigan, to George and Gertrude (Ende) Sale. After the sudden passing of his father while Vern was just 16 years old, he went to work at the Chevrolet Dealership in Hamilton. He started sweeping floors and over the years became a skilled mechanic. He worked at the HFB-Chevy Dealership until his retirement.
He met Diane VanTubbergen in their hometown of Hamilton and they later married. Family and faith were vitally important to Vern and Diane, both they and their children were active members of Hamilton Reformed Church. Vern was a lifelong member of Hamilton Reformed Church, baptized there in 1932. Vern also volunteered for Love INC for many years, and when the children were young, Vern served as a cub scout leader.
Vern served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home to Hamilton in 1955, he again picked up his work at Hamilton Chevrolet. Service to his community was also important to Vern as he served on the Hamilton Fire Department for several years.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: Helen Drnek, Justin Sale, and Lester Sale, and two great-granddaughters: Faith Reuschel and Esther Reuschel.
Vern is survived by his wife Diane, their children: Candy and Mark Kleinheksel, Laurie and Jeff Reuschel, Dan and Kim Sale; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Megan and Todd Riksen (Romy, Margot), Jillian and Kevin Alfaro (Ryder), Cameron and Jamie Kleinheksel (Carter, Blake, Morgan), Christopher and Julie Reuschel (Elliott, Sophie, Grayson), Dakota and Taylor Sale (Holden, Leighton), Skylar and Alyssa Sale, Kambrea and Mason Horsting (Miles); sister RuthAnn Lubbers, in-laws: Fred and Kathy VanTubbergen, and many extended family members.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 Lincoln Rd. (M-40), Hamilton MI 49419. Visitation will be 10:00-10:45 am Thursday, October 1, prior to the funeral service at church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423.
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