LaVerne W. "Bud" Rawson

LaVerne William "Bud" Rawson, 92, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Riverside Assisted Living Center, Neillsville, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

LaVerne was born on March 15, 1933, in Platteville, son of Harold L. and Wilma A. (Helling) Rawson. He graduated from Platteville High School, Class of 1951. On September 18, 1954, he was united in marriage to Ruth E. Kilpatrick at Peace Lutheran Church, Belmont, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army from May 1956 to April 1958. LaVerne was employed by Clare Bank for 44 years, where he held several positions before retiring in 1999. His co-workers there were his second family. He was also a member of the Platteville Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years, and a life member of Platteville VFW Post #5274.

Bud was a loving and devoted husband to Ruth for 68 years and dedicated himself to caring for her at home in her final years. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He dearly loved his grandson, Ryan, and played a big role in Ryan's childhood. Bud was known by all as "a great guy". He made friends with everyone he met. He was a genuinely kind and generous man, lending a hand to anyone in need. Bud lived his life in an unassuming way, generally avoiding the spotlight. In some of his finer moments, however, he could also be the life of the party. One of Bud and Ruth's favorite daily outings was to the Badger Bar for a late-afternoon beer with the "regulars". Bud enjoyed many little things: tending to his perfectly manicured lawn, watching football and Nascar races on the weekends, tinkering in his garage, and admiring old cars, just to name a few.

Bud is survived by his daughter, Ellen (Dave Flynn) Clark; grandson Ryan (Chanel) Clark; great-grandson Thane Clark; and special niece, Judy (Larry) Amenda, along with many other nieces and nephews. Bud would also want to recognize his dear friend and supporter, Deb (Harley) McWilliams. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; an infant daughter; his parents, brother, Ronald Rawson; sister, Joyce Genthe; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.