INDEPENDENCE — La Vern J. Bisek, 76, of Independence died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at Franciscan Skemp in La Crosse.

He was born Sept. 22, 1930, in Arcadia township, Trempealeau County, to John L. and Teckla (Mish) Bisek. La Vern married Karen Stai on Sept. 14, 1963, in Eau Claire.

The couple farmed in Arcadia township until moving to Independence in 1992.

La Vern was the leader of the Bisek Polka Band for more than 50 years. He was actively involved in the Land O’Lakes-Whitehall Ag and AMPI Board of Directors. Following his retirement, La Vern enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an active member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, of Independence; three children, Nancy Bisek of Holmen, Michael A. (Patti) Bisek of Arcadia and Kim (Eric) Williams of Shakopee, Minn.; sister Betty (Andy) Zilla of Independence; brother Jack (Jackie) Bisek of Eau Claire; two grandchildren, Dylan and Danielle Schank of Holmen; two step-grandchildren, Tylor Hughes and Kaylee Schreiber of Arcadia; and nieces and nephews.

La Vern was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with the Very Rev. Douglas C. Robertson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a rosary.