Kenneth V. Iverson

Kenneth V. Iverson, 95, a life-long resident of Colfax, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at the Colfax Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Ken was born Feb. 5, 1918, in rural Colfax to Sam K. and Caroline (Johnson) Iverson. His family moved into the village when he was two years old.

He graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. He was a four-year member of the nationally known St. Olaf Choir, traveling in the U.S. and Europe.

Ken served in the Army during World War II and received a commission as an officer. During this time, he acted in an administration capacity and also was a commanding officer of a trucking company in Africa.

On Nov. 12, 1944, he married Marguerite "Jo" Maricle in Wells, Minn. They lived in a number of different places while Ken was in the service and finally settled in Colfax to raise their family.

He sold real estate and insurance with his father before becoming the sole owner of Iverson Agency in 1957. His wife, Jo, worked along side him as his secretary for many years. He spent 47 years in the business before turning it over to his son-in-law Bill, in 1992.

Ken was so proud of his hometown and was always an advocate for it. He served for many years on the Colfax School Board and was active in the Colfax Civic Club, helping to organize the Colfax Centennial in 1964. He was a member of the Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131 for 69 years and was a charter member of the Dunn County Board of Realtors.

He was instrumental in getting a nursing home built in Colfax in the early 1960s. He served on the first board of directors and was an honorary groundbreaker for the new facility.

Ken was a life-long member of the Colfax Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and serving in many capacities. Ken and Jo loved to travel visiting many places around the country and Europe. They really enjoyed their winters in Arizona where they made many lasting friendships.

Ken was a very devoted husband, dad and grandpa. He loved his family and enjoyed time together with them golfing or cheering for the Packers, his two favorite hobbies.

Ken is survived by his two daughters, Rondi DeMoe and Kristi (Bill) Tice; four grandchildren, Jason DeMoe, Matthew (Andrea) DeMoe, Dietrich (Christy) Tice and Brent (Liz) Tice; four great-grandchildren, Anastasia and Gideon DeMoe, and Grant and Vincent DeMoe.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jo; his parents, Sam K. and Caroline; parents-in-law, Hosea and Maude Maricle; one brother, Vernon; two sisters, Edna Scott and Velma Miller; and a son-in-law, David DeMoe.

Memorial services for Kenneth will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at Colfax Lutheran Church (601 River Street), with Pastor Leslie Walck officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax, with military honors conducted by the Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131.

Memorials are preferred to Colfax Lutheran Church (601 River Street Colfax, WI 54730). Sampson Funeral Home in Colfax is serving his family.

For online condolences, please visit obituaries at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.