Marlyn “M.J.”James Halverson, 97, formerly of Elderon, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at RoseMary Manor in Mattoon, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.
He was born on March 2, 1920 in the village of Elderon, the son of the late Thomas and Effie (Mortson) Halverson. On August 28, 1943, he was united in marriage to Edna Clifford. She preceded him death on April 14, 2013.
In his younger years, Marlyn owned a small farm in the town of Franzen where he grew potatoes and beans. He was also a cattle dealer and was known as the Elderon bullshipper. In 1954, he moved to Elderon, where he owned and operated a grocery store. He began working for Nueske’s in 1965 as a route salesman, where he worked for over 20 years prior to retiring. After his retirement, he was employed by the village of Elderon, up until the age of 86, when they moved to Wittenberg.
Marlyn was on the village of Elderon board for many, many years where he had served in the roles of president and trustee. He was also the president of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Elderon for over 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, and going to the casino.
Survivors include a daughter, LaVonne Johnson of Weston; a son, Randal Halverson of Mount Prairie, WI; two granddaughters, Lori (Kevin) Hart of Kronenwetter and Vicki (Will) Ashenbrenner of Madison and four great-grandchildren, Adam and Hannah Hart and Sam and Joe Ashenbrenner.
Marlyn was preceded in death by his wife; parents; a son-in-law, David Johnson and a brother Donald.
The funeral service will be held at 1PM on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Elderon. Rev. Harvey Abrahamson will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11AM until the time of service at the church.