LaVerne Ralph Meeske 90, East Moline, died Saturday, September 28, 2013 at his home. Services are 10:30 AM Friday at Zion Lutheran Church, East Moline. Burial is in the church cemetery. Visitation 4-7PM Thursday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. LaVerne was born May 14, 1923 in East Moline, a son of Ralph and Ethel Meeske. He proudly served in WWII with the 8th Air Force. He was an engineer and top-turret gunner on the B-17 Flax Eater. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and three Bronze Stars. LaVerne married Marlese Evans on November 14, 1945 in East Moline. LaVerne and Marlese farmed and operated Meeske's Egg Farm. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Craig and Cheryl Meeske, Linda and Greg Knott, Larry and Lynne Meeske; grandchildren, Todd and Amy Meeske, Chad and Sarah Meeske, Missy Knott and fiance Shane Huff, Becky and Seth Porter, Kyle and Jenny Meeske, Brett and Barb Meeske and Ryne Meeske. Great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Jacob, Megan, Haley, Abigail, Logan and Brooks; brother-in-law Robert Cewe, Glenn Evans and sister-in-law Mary Alice Evans and a special friend Dorothy Batten. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlese, and a sister, Vaden Cewe. LaVerne was a life-time member of Zion Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran Little Lambs.

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