A prominent Midwest livestock auctioneer, stockman and sale barn operator has passed away.
Howard LaVern Langvardt, 69, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at The Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan.Born on November 11, 1944, at Junction City, Langvardt was the son of LaVern Roland Langvardt and Ethel Marie (Norman) Langvardt. He graduated from Junction City High School and immediately attended the Repperts School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Indiana.
With his family, Langvardt purchased and managed JC Livestock Sales Company, the livestock auction market in Junction City, for 48 years. In 1996, the Langvardt family purchased Clay Center Livestock Sales, the sale barn in Clay Center. Both pavilions have regularly advertised their special sales on 580 WIBW.
Howard Langvardt was the main auctioneer at the barns and was known for selling cattle, hogs and horses for people from a wide area. He and his family also raised cattle on their farm west of Junction City.
After meeting met his future wife Ann LaRae Kamm on a Geary County 4-H trip to the American Royal in Kansas City, they were married on May 3, 1964, at First United Methodist Church in Junction City. The couple worked side-by-side for 49 years at the sale barns and on the farm.
Showing horses and competing in horse activities during his youth and adult life, Langvardt had also played baseball, football and been in the school band. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play and compete in the activities he so treasured.
Known for his fast auction cry and quick wit, Langvardt loved to auctioneer a sale at his own sale barn, other auctions and for area county 4-H fair sales as a volunteer. He competed and was a finalist in several World Livestock Auctioneering competitions.
A founding member, longtime active contestant and past president of the Eastern Kansas Horseman’s Association, Langvardt was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Junction City. Langvardt and his wife especially enjoyed traveling with friends throughout the western United States, and telling stories about their adventures together gathering cattle on area ranches.
Preceded in death by his parents, Langvardt is survived by his wife, Ann; their three sons, Karl and wife Amy and their sons, Tanner and Trey; Mitchell and wife Jenna and their children Trent, Kyler and Macey; and Lynn and wife Keisha and their children, Weston, Reece and Nolan. He leaves behind many family members, including his sister, Audrey, and her husband, Raymond Riat, St. Marys, and countless friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church, 113 West 5th Street, Junction City, with Pastor Matthew Glasgow officiating. Burial will be at the Good Hope Cemetery, northeast of Chapman.
The family will welcome friends on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, Junction City, for visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Junction City; The Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan; or the Chapman Recreation Department and sent to the Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS 67431.