Luvern Downing

LuVern Downing, 74, of Barnesville, MN died Monday, September 22, 2014 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 25th at 11AM at St. James United Church of Christ, Barnesville, with Pastor Wendy Ward officiating. Burial will follow in the Rosemound Cemetery, Barnesville. Visitation will 5-7 PM, Wednesday at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. LuVern Milton Downing was born on October 6, 1939 on the farm near Mahnomen, MN to Orval and Esther (Brodsho) Downing. For the first four years of his life, LuVern grew up on a farm between Wauban and Mahnomen. Then in the fall of 1943, his family moved to a farm south of Barnesville. He attended school and graduated in 1957 from school in Barnesville. He served in the National Guard for six years. LuVern farmed with his dad and brother for many years. He has served as the Prairie View Township Clerk in Wilkin County since 1982. Later in his life, LuVern worked as a farmhand for a few area farmers. LuVern has enjoyed bowling for many years. He also liked to travel to "anyplace I have never been before." He was a member of St. James United Church of Christ. He has woven rugs with the Rugs and Quilt Group for many years. He is survived by his mother Esther Downing, Barnesville, one sister Joyce (Tom) Noyes, St. Croix, MN and eight nieces and nephews. LuVern was preceded in death by his Dad Orval and one brother Delore.