CAMBRIDGE - Lavern "Vern" Williams, 72, of Cambridge, died Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Vern was born November 16, 1935 in Granger, Iowa, the son of Lester and Mina (Shearer) Williams. He was united in marriage to Norma Holsinger on July 18, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Cambridge. Vern graduated from Cambridge High School in 1953. He worked at Iowa State University as an equipment operator for 36 years and retired in 1997. He served on the Cambridge Fire Department for over 30 years and was chief for more than 10 years. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing trips to Canada, jig saw puzzles, visiting with friends at the House of Knowledge, working in the garage, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Vern is survived by his wife, Norma; a daughter and son-in-law: Roberta "Bobbi" and Mike Miller of Des Moines, Iowa; his two sisters: Erma Wilson and Joyce Williams, both of Cambridge, Iowa; two step-granddaughters: Sarah and Brooke; one step-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; two nephews: Roy Wilson and Chris Holsinger; three nieces: Jill Boettcher, Vicky Cummings, Wendy Holsinger; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents and one great niece, Laura Holsinger. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday at the Bacon Funeral Home in Maxwell. Burial will be in the Cambridge Cemetery. Visitation will be 2- 4:00 PM Sunday at the Bacon Funeral Home in Maxwell.