Lavoy Haage Obituary

Lavoy Gene Haage passed away from complications of Leukemia on February 2, 2025, at the age of 84. Funeral Services will be held at Iles Grandview Park Chapel on Friday, February 7, 2025 beginning at 11 am with a visitation the hour prior from 10-11 am. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The family invites guest back to Iles Grandview Park Chapel following the interment for a celebration of his life and a meal.

Lavoy was born March 17, 1940, to Gert and Helen Haage, in LeMars, Iowa. Lavoy was the oldest of 3 siblings and raised on a farm in LeMars, Iowa. They farmed the land and raised livestock. Lavoy attended Akron country school and graduated high school from LeMars, Iowa. After high school, he worked for several years for a drywall company before starting his college education in Waverly at Wartburg College.

Lavoy returned to LeMars in 1965 amid his college years and met Theo Roxanna Joplin at his church in Akron. Lavoy and Theo were married September 3, 1966, in West Des Moines at First Christian Church. They returned to Sioux City, Iowa where Theo graduated Morningside College in 1967. They moved to Waverly so Lavoy could complete his studies and graduate in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

They relocated after college to Mitchellville, Iowa where Lavoy began working for the State of Iowa in the Health department. Theo gained employment with the Polk County Welfare office. About a year later they purchased their first home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa on Fairview Drive. They resided here for 33 years and welcomed two sons. Eric Gene in 1970 and Kirk Dean in 1974.

Lavoy and Theo downsized in 2003 and moved into a townhome on Copper Creek Lake in Pleasant Hill. They resided here for 18 years and hosted many family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Lavoy loved living by the lake and watching the wildlife.

Eric married Kathy Rider in 1993, and they welcomed Sophia Ann into their lives in 2003. Kirk married Kendra Brown in 2012 and became a father to her daughter Rielyn Johana, they then welcomed a son, Rowen Theodore in 2016. Lavoy treasured his grandchildren and was a doting grandfather. They planned many small trips with their grandchildren, played games and enjoyed having them over as much as possible.

Lavoy enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, camping and fishing which has been passed down to the boys and their families. He liked to build and fly remote-controlled airplanes. He put together little model cars and toys with his grandchildren. Lavoy loved playing games and spending time with his family. They devoted a lot of time to family outings and get togethers.

Lavoy was very accomplished in his career. He worked for the State of Iowa for 34 years, where he climbed the ladder to hold the Solid Waste Section Supervisor of Land Quality and waste Management Division. He retired from this position in 2002. He loved his job and received recognition by the state of Iowa for his many years of service.

Lavoy was a devote Christian and served his church, Unity Lutheran, in many different roles for most of his life. He also spent time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. For the last 20 years Lavoy has been an active member of the Gideons and passionate about the work of spreading the Gospels.

Lavoy is survived by his wife, Theo, their son Eric (Kathy), son Kirk (Kendra), and 3 grandchildren, Sophie, Rielyn, and Rowen. He also leaves behind his sister Linda (Steven) Hawkins and their son Barry (Bridgette) Hawkins and brother Jim (Julie) Haage and their sons Kerry (Amanda) and Ryan (Emily) Haage. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews as well as beloved friends and extended family.

Lavoy was a beloved son and brother, a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Lavoy will forever be in our hearts, dearly loved and we will miss you.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Unity Lutheran Church, the Gideons International (Lavoy was a member of the East Camp of Des Moines) and/or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesFuneralHomes.com.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Lavoy Haage, please visit our Tribute Store.