Laverne Kenneth Wilson

Laverne Kenneth Wilson, the son of Grant Oliver and Harmina (Goldhorn) Wilson, was born on October 23, 1928, in Harlan, Iowa. He was raised in Portsmouth, Iowa, and Harlan, and attended school in both towns. On May 27, 1947, Verne married Shirley C. Anderson in Mead, Kansas. From June 17, 1952, until September 23, 1952, he served in the US Army and was stationed in Korea. After his discharge from the service, he worked as an auto mechanic in California for many years. In 1992, Verne and his family moved back to Harlan, where Laverne worked for Roecker Ford. In later years, he repaired lawn equipment.

Verne loved mechanic work and was an expert at fixing Model A Fords for area collectors.

Laverne K. Wilson died on Tuesday, November 21, 2006, at his home in rural Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 78 years and 29 days.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ray Wilson. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Shirley Wilson of rural Harlan, Iowa; one son, Joe Wilson of rural Harlan, Iowa; his mother, Harmina Wilson of Orange, California; two brothers, Vic (Helen) Wilson of Spokane, Washington, and Doug Wilson of Costa Mesa, California; three sisters, Goldie (Larry) Vining of Spokane, Washington, Donna (Herman) Watson of Hemet, California, and Linda (Ed) Procter of Orange, California; two grandsons, Josey Wilson of Glidden, Iowa, and Daniel Wilson of Harlan, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.

The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.