Ernest T. Halverson, 97, a longtime resident of North Riverside, died March 10, 2014 surrounded by his family.
Mr. Halverson served for 39 months in the U.S. Army during World War II. During that time
he fought in Europe and received six Bronze Stars for valor in battle in addition to a Good Conduct Medal.
He worked for many years as a salesman for ARA Services in Chicago and was very active in many community, fraternal and government organizations. A resident of North Riverside for 62 years, Mr. Halverson was a life member of VFW Post 6869 since 1945 and was commander in 1990-91. He served as the VFW national deputy chief of staff from 1993-94 and was the VFW color guard captain.
Mr. Halverson was also a member and past commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22 and Chapter 47. He was a district executive committee member for the Disabled American Veterans.
In addition, he was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose for more than 50 years and belonged to the Sons of Norway, Amvets and Combined Veterans Association of Chicago.
Closer to home, Mr. Halverson served on the North Riverside Zoning Board of Appeals and was active with the Brookfield Zoo, the North Riverside Golden Agers, the recreation Board and Riverside Fishing Club.
He was also a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and a North Riverside block captain, who began the Neighborhood Watch program. He was a member, treasurer and deacon at Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside.
Mr. Halverson was also North Riverside’s first recipient of the Cook County Sheriff’s Senior Medal of Honor Award.
He was the husband of the late Sophie Halverson (nee Sukach); the father of Robert (Linda) Halverson and Sandra (Melvin) Swan; the grandfather of David (Kate) Halverson, Jennifer (Chris) Toomer and Cali Marie Swan; the great-grandfather of Jack Halverson, Leah Halverson, Ryan Halverson, Max Halverson, Carson Toomer and Hadan Toomer; and the brother of Myrtle (the late Arnold) Nesset and the late Victor (the late Pearl) Halverson.
A funeral service was held March 17 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside, followed by entombment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47, 407 159th St., Calumet City, Ill. 60409 or Ascension Lutheran Church, 400 Nuttall Road, Riverside, Ill. 60546.
Woodlawn Funeral Home, Forest Park, handled arrangements.
