OLSEN, LaVerne Russell 1931-2007
OLSEN, WILLIAMS, BADKER, KETELSEN
Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 1/17/2007 at 20:25:19
Funeral services for LaVerne Russell Olsen, age 75, of Osage, Iowa, were held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, rural Osage, with Rev. R. Dawson Tornes officiating. Burial was in the Rock Creek Cemetery with a flag presentation by the American Legion Post 278.
LaVerne died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.
LaVerne Russell Olsen was born March 10, 1931, to Lawrence and Clarice (Williams) Olsen at his family home in Meroa, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Rock Creek Lutheran Church. LaVerne grew up on the family farm and attended the Walnut Grove School until 8th grade. He then attended Osage High School, participating in sports and FFA, and graduating in 1949.
LaVerne married Daisie Ann Ketelsen, daughter of Elmer and Gladys Ketelsen, on June 3, 1951, at the old Our Savior's Lutheran Church by Rev. T.P. Solem; theirs was the last wedding held at the church. LaVerne entered the U.S. Army on January 14, 1953. He reached the rank of Corporal in the 39th Infantry, Scout Dog Platoon, under the 8th Army. His duty included patrolling the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea with his German Shepherd, Duke.
LaVerne and Daisie had four children, Deidre, Lon, Lance, and Danell. Over the years, besides farming, he worked for Walsh Manufacturing in Charles City, built bins, and he and Daisie were church custodians for 30-plus years. LaVerne was a member of the Osage American Legion, the V.F.W., and the sons of Norway. He served on the Faith Home Board. Some of his other interests included carpentry, inventions, handyman work, and later golfing. He looked forward every year to attending his Army reunion on Labor Day with dear army buddies.
LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Daisie on July 28, 1990; and one sister, Beatrice Gast.
LaVerne is survived by his daughter, Deidre (Bernie) Badker of New Hartford; son, Lon (Laurie) Olsen of rural Manly; son, Lance Olsen of Meroa; and daughter, Danell Johnson of Osage. He leaves eight grandchildren, Bret Badker, Blake Badker, Lisa Olsen, Lawrence Olsen, Klair (Chad) Meyerhofer, Katie Olsen, Jennifer Johnson, Melissa Johnson; two step-grandchildren, Matthew (Trisha) Shields and Heather (Michael) Novotny; two step-great-granddaughters, Madison and Kaitlyn Shields; and his brother, Lowell Olsen of Osage. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Karen Ketelsen of Osage; brother-in-law, Dale (Pat) Ketelsen of Baton Rouge, La.; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were made by Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, Osage, Iowa.
[ Modified from obituary on www.mcpress.com - Jan 17, 2007 - Mitchell County Press ]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo of Laverne Olsen, from the Osage Annual for 1949.
Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen