LaVern E. "Pee Wee" Karst, 82, died November 21, 2009 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born July 9, 1927 at Rural Galatia, Kansas, the son of Georg Peter and Freda (Schwartzkopf) Karst. He married Joyce Eurich December 27, 1953 at Milberger, Kansas. A lifetime Barton County resident, residing in Hoisington since 1955, he was the retired owner of Karst Construction Company, Hoisington. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. LaVern was a member of United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, Kansas. He was also a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286, both of Hoisington. He has served as past commander of VFW Post #7427 and VFW Seventh District, as well as serving many appointments with the state VFW. LaVern was also the coordinator of the Honor Guard for military services for Hoisington and the surrounding area. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Karst, Hoisington, Kansas; one son, Terry Karst and wife Denise, Wichita, Kansas; one daughter, Ramona "Mo" Burke and husband Russell, Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, LaVonne Walters; one brother, Leslie Karst, and one sister, Twila Bitter. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger. The Reverends Del Strecker and Amy Austin will officiate. Burial will be in Milberger Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and from noon to service time Wednesday at the church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials in Mr. Karst's name have been established with United Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or VFW Post #7428, both in care of the funeral home.