LaVon E. Zelmer

LaVon E. Zelmer, 87, of Buchanan, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Riveridge Manor in Niles. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI with military honors given by the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51. Visitation will be two hours prior from 1-3 p.m. also at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Memorial contributions may be made to the Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson St., Buchanan, MI. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. LaVon was born on April 10, 1931 to Edward and Mollie Zelmer in Buchanan. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1950. LaVon was proud of his Buchanan Football team where they were Big 7 Conference champs three years in a row, 47’, 48’ and 49’. LaVon was a United States Army Veteran. After graduation he began working on the family farm. LaVon was involved with his grapes and was a member of Welch’s National Grape Cooperative. He enjoyed singing and spent many years in a quartet, the Philharmonics. Most of all, LaVon loved the Lord and his family. LaVon is survived by his children, David (Toni Benjamin) Zelmer, Barb Lancucki and Eric (Kristine) Zelmer; grandchildren, Grant (Heidi) Lancucki and Emerick Zelmer; sisters, Barbara (John) Norton and June (Ronald) Byrum; companion, Judy Zelmer and Luke Carpenter, who he mentored like a son. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mollie Zelmer and his wife, Carol (Covert) Zelmer on April 1, 2006.