Lavern Barnica

Lavern Neil Barnica, 70, of Chappell, NE, passed away on March 24, 2024, at his home in Chappell.

Lavern was born on December 15, 1953 in Chappell NE to Bill and Bernadine Barnica. He graduated from Boulder High School in 1972. He served in the U.S. Navy and went on to become a certified PADI Divemaster. From Nebraska to Colorado to Montana to Wyoming and Alaska, Vern Barnica had an extraordinary life.

Every single person who encountered him would become enamored by his sense of humor, amazing ability to tell a great story, and most of all, his enormous heart full of love and kindness and, most of all, knowledge. If there was a problem- Vern was the solution. Music, fishing, hunting, and anything related to the outdoors were a few of his favorite things. Always, will he be loved and deeply missed in this world.

He is survived by his brothers, Lorn Barnica of Nebraska and Lance Barnica of Colorado; his children, Kelly Luna of Alaska, Curtis Peterson of Colorado, and Cami Peterson of Wyoming; six grandchildren; many cousins; many family members and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial graveside service will be on March 29 at 2:00 pm at the Julesburg Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.