Richard L. Halverson of La Crosse and formerly of Gays Mills, WI died peacefully Monday March 14, 2011 at Bethany St. Joseph Care Facility in La Crosse.

Dick was born Jan 28, 1931 in Gays Mills, WI, to Lawrence and Opal Halverson. He married Donna Lenox on June 5, 1950 in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

 

After graduating from Gays Mills High School in 1949, Dick attended Luther College from 1949 to 1952. He worked for Badger Ordinance from 1952 to 1957 in Baraboo, WI. In 1958 Dick was employed by the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation as a surveyor engineer for 27 years. Dick moved to Mt. Hood, OR in 1985 and worked for the U.S. Forestry Service and the Oregon Dept. of Transportation. In 1994 Dick worked for the Houston Co. Minnesota Highway Dept. until his retirement in 2002.

 

Dick was a 4-year letter winner in basketball, baseball and track at Gays Mills High School and the State High School pole vaulting champion in 1949. He achieved Eagle Scout status during this time. Dick also played baseball and basketball at Luther College. During the late 50’s and early 60’s Dick played for the Soldiers Grove Semi-Pro baseball team. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed walleye fishing on the Mississippi and Columbia River in Oregon. Dick enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He faithfully attended the Wisconsin State Boys Basketball tournament and the State Track and Field Meet.

 

Dick is survived by sons, Rich (Julie) of Marion IN, and their sons, Nic, Columbia, MO; and Adam, Hollywood, CA; Mike of Alpharetta, GA and his daughters, Hannah, Emily, and Rachel ; Dan of Eitzen, MN and his son, Houston; daughter Sarah (Kurt) Wolff of Middleton, WI and their children, Naomi, Noah and Leah.

 

Preceding Dick in death were his parents, Lawrence and Opal, brother Larry and infant sister, Sally.

 

A Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Community Building in Gays Mills, WI, June 11, 2011. Memorials may be sent to the family.