Leland Lavern Ling

Leland Lavern Ling, born March 17, 1923 on a farm in New Auburn, Wisconsin to Philip and Alice (Loofboro) Ling, died on November 25th, 2019 in Meridian, Idaho at the age of 96.

Lavern was raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm and graduated from New Auburn High School at fifth place in his county. He married Wilma Marrs on November 7th, 1942, and shortly thereafter took over his parents' farm. Raising and milking cows, planting and harvesting crops kept Lavern busy enough, but at various points in his farming career he also served on various boards, including school, church (both local and district), township, telephone, and agriculture. At one point, he served on six boards at once. He also served for a time as township treasurer, and as soil sampler for Chippewa County.

While in Wisconsin, Lavern and Wilma had seven children: Cecile, Mark, Faith, David, Timothy, Steven, and Joy. Sadly, in addition to five miscarriages, two of their children passed away while in Wisconsin: David at three days of age, and Cecile at age 8. Later, during the last decade of Lavern's life, Mark passsed away at age 65, and Timothy at age 62.

After moving to Meridian, Idaho in 1973, Lavern worked about two years for the Stucker Construction Company, and then worked as bookkeeper and estimator for a lumber company and a construction company before retiring in 1988.

Lavern was a devoted Christian, whose faith was his top priority. He was involved in various teaching, musical, and speaking roles in churches he attended. While serving on district boards, he was involved in evaluating the properties for both Spring Vale Academy and Sis-Q-Meadows camprgrounds before their acquisition.

Lavern was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Alice Ling; sisters, Jeanette Hendershott, Naomi Kiez, and Melba Cushing; his brother, Erwin Ling; daughter, Cecile Ling; and sons, David Ling, Mark Ling, and Timothy Ling.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Ling; sister, Reta Boese (husband Ray deceased); daughters, Faith Dullum (husband Gary deceased), and Joy Ling; son, Steven Ling; grandchildren, Tony Ling (Marinda), Judy Cymbaluk (Jeff), Lucy Lawson (Arlen), Curtis Ling (Christi), David Dullum (Amy), Timothy Ling Jr., and Adam Ling (Sirichan); as well as 16 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and 1 step great great grandchild.

Lavern loved all his family members and desired for them all to know Christ as he did.