Floyd Burton Lavenhar

Floyd Burton (Bert) Lavenhar passed away Sunday morning February 11, 2024 at the age of 96. He was born to the late Samuel and Fannie (Klarfeld) Lavenhar on June 1, 1927 in Bronx, New York.

Bert and his family moved to California when he was 10. He graduated from Fairfax High in Los Angeles. He went on to attend UCLA and UC Berkley earning a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering. He earned a Master’s Degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California.

Bert proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. After serving his country, he met and married his love, Surelle Geller on September 4, 1949. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2017. They were married for 67 years. Bert was also preceded in death by sister, Rosalind Speiser.

Bert worked for Hughes Aircraft and TRW in California in their aerospace division. He also worked on one of the Gemini space missions. Following his retirement, he moved to Indiana to be closer to his family.

Bert is survived by his daughters, Joanne (Dan) Galbreath and Terri Lavenhar; three grandchildren, Brian (Jasmine) Galbreath, Danielle (Tommy) Holsworth and Kevin (Lauren) Galbreath; five great-grandchildren: Addison, Brooklinn, Caden, Kailynn Holsworth and Ezra Galbreath; nieces, Helene Wilke and Jackie Garhan.

During his lifetime, Bert enjoyed dancing, weekends at the beach, boating, fishing, scuba diving, woodcarving and traveling. He had an interest in computers and electronics. Most recently, he loved spending time with his friends at community gatherings, sharing stories, jokes, going to coffee klatches and watching football.

He will be missed.

A service celebrating Bert’s life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park Chapel, 375 W. Cleveland Rd. Granger, IN 46530.