Lauren Frank Vanek, 75, of Glenville, died peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at his home in Glenville.

Lauren Frank Vanek was born on Nov. 23, 1939, in Albert Lea, the son of Wilton “Doc” and Rose (Prantner) Vanek. He grew up in Glenville and attended school in Albert Lea and Glenville, graduating from Glenville High School in 1958. On Dec. 29, 1961, Lauren was united in marriage to Arlene Fay Sande. He worked for the Glenville School District as a custodian for 32 years, and as the transportation director. Lauren drove a school bus, farmed in Glenville, drove a truck for Emil Olson and for Barry Jacobson Trucking, and was the caretaker of Greenwood Cemetery. He also was a volunteer fireman in Glenville for 45 years and served as the assistant chief. Lauren was a member of First Lutheran Glenville and the Glenville FFA where he was an Honorary Chapter Farmer. He enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, family vacations, deer hunting, and spending time with family especially his grandchildren; and his pet dogs Maddie and Indy.

Survivors include his wife Arlene; daughter Kathy (David) Snyder; sons: Greg (Jenny) Vanek, and Jeff Vanek; grandchildren: Dayton, Lacey, and Lindsey Snyder, and Sara, Jennifer, and Nathan Vanek; brothers: Larry (Linda) Vanek, and Lonnie (Sandy) Vanek; sisters-in-law: Judy (Gene) Branson, Bev (Darold) Anderson, Erlys Trolyn, Marlene Miner, and Patricia Irwin; brothers-in-law: Richard, Jack, Robert, and Arnold Wilkerson, Chester Sande; and many nieces and nephews.

Lauren was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law- and father-in-law Ernest and Anna Sande; brothers-in-law: Lloyd and Hank WIlkerson; sisters-in-law: Ruth Sande, Gladys Aston, Darlene Watkins, Betty Kvam, Pearl Mason, and Pat Wradislavsky; and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Lauren will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at First Lutheran Church of Glenville. The Rev. James Rushton will officiate. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Greenwood Club or Glenville First Lutheran Church.