Laverne Vern' Benjamin Tubergen, M.D.

Laverne “Vern” Benjamin TubergenM.D. was born onDecember 18, 1941 in Fremont, Michigan to Joe and Marie (Rottman)Tubergen. Vern received hisundergraduate degree from Calvin College and his medical degree from theUniversity of Michigan. He completed hisinternship at Baylor University and his Surgical and ENT Residency at theUniversity of Rochester. While doing hisNeuro-Otology fellowship at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles, he earned aMaster of Neuro-Otology degree from the University of Southern California. Ever the scholar, he earned a Master ofBusiness Administration degree from the Indiana University Kelley School ofBusiness.

CaptainTubergen was stationed in Vietnam with the 1^st Air Cavalry as anArmy Flight Surgeon. After his tour inVietnam, he served with NASA in Houston, Texas, as the personal physician tothe astronauts’ families during the Apollo 13 mission. He earned the Bronze Star and the AirCampaign medal.

He was apracticing ear surgeon for over three decades while maintaining varioushospital appointments as staff physician, medical director, and chairman of thedepartment of Otology. He was thefounder and president of the Hearing Center, Inc., which owned retail outletsin Central Indiana specializing in hearing testing and the sale and repair ofhearing aids.

He was aloving husband, caring father, dear brother, beloved uncle, proud grandfather,devoted physician, skilled surgeon, successful businessman, decorated veteran,and a loyal friend. He fought valiantlyuntil the end against Parkinson’s disease. He was a proud member of Crooked Stick Golf Club where he mastered, “thefine art of walking for hours while chasing a tiny white ball with a big stick,at great expense.” He was a lifelongsupporter of the University of Michigan – Go Blue! He will be remembered for his sense of humor,intelligence, generosity, and love. Hewill be loved and missed.

He issurvived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela (Centron); and his children, Amy(Stuart) Morton, Kristen (Thomas) Pantzer, and Steven Tubergen; and hisgrandchildren, whom he adored, John Thomas (JT) and Addison Pantzer, and Kateand Cooper Morton; his sister, Marilyn (Jeff) Montgomery; nieces andnephews. Vern was preceded in death byhis parents Joe and Marie Tubergen and his daughter Sarah Elizabeth.

A visitation will be held at Flanner andBuchanan–Washington Park North on Friday, October 28 at 2706 KesslerBoulevard, Indianapolis, from 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 29 at TrinityEpiscopal Church at 3243 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, at 2 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made toIndianapolis Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's disease, Crooked Stick Scholarship Fund for employeesand their families, or your favorite charity. Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.