Harry Lavigne

Harry J. Lavigne, 94, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2022 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. He is now in the arms of our Lord. Visitation is to be held Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 2pm-4pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa. A graveside service and mass will be held in Topeka, Kansas at a later date.

Harry was born February 8, 1928 in Topeka, Kansas to Harry S. Lavigne and Elizabeth Bestgen Lavigne. Harry grew up in Topeka with his sister Rita Lavigne and his mother who raised the two them on her own while running a diner. Harry was very proud of Rita becoming an Ursuline Sister. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rita and grandson Justin Thomas.

Harry served 1 ½ years in the army during WWII, attended Washburn University in Topeka and Rockhearst College in Kansas City, MO. Harry then went on to work for the Federal government, Transworld Airlines (TWA) completing his career with 35 years in banking including Central National Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank in Des Moines, Iowa. Harry was an avid fisherman, hunter and audiophile enjoying many vinyl records in his collection.

Harry married Nancy Steck (deceased 2003) in 1950 and they had three children who grew up in Topeka, Tim, Phil and Laurie. Harry married June Homsey in 1977 and during their 45 years of marriage they enjoyed many years of golf, travel, watching westerns, more golf and a long fulfilling retirement.

Harry is survived by his wife June, two sons, Tim (Pam) Lavigne and Phil (Kim) Lavigne, both of Arizona, and daughter Laurie (Dan) Garringer of West Des Moines. He is also survived by June’s children, daughter Annie (Andy) Waters of Des Moines, daughter Kay (Kevin) Slezak of Stillwell, Kansas, and son Tom Homsey of Des Moines. He was blessed with grandchildren Philip Ryan and Brooke Elizabeth Lavigne, Heather (Ben) Fessler, Jamie (Tiffany) Fredregill, Nikki (Bob) Russell, and Justin, Jessica, and Jake Slezak, Tyler Lavigne, Summer, Amber, and Heather Corby. He also leaves behind 7 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, Kentucky, 42356.

Note From Harry: “This is my “Hello” and “Goodbye” to all my friends and relatives and hope they know I have enjoyed having them beside me during my journey on this earth. And what a journey this has been!”