LaVerne L Owen
LaVerne L. Owen, age 91 of Urne, rural Nelson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the Oakview Care Center in Durand.
Vern was born on September 5, 1919 on the family farm on Owen Valley Road in the Town of Canton, rural Buffalo County. He was the son of Walter and Elma (Lee) Owen. Vern attended the North Branch Country School. He took over the family farm at a very young age. Vern married Lucy Brion on October 20, 1947 at St. Mary’s in Durand. After marriage they lived and farmed on the family farm the rest of his life.
Vern loved to farm and work the land. He enjoyed telling stories to his family and friends. Vern was a pioneer in the Buffalo County Land Conservation Program. He received many awards for his conservation efforts. Anyone who knew Vern knew him as a kind and gentle man and was considered a friend to many.
Vern is survived by six daughters, Joan Traun of Durand, Joyce (Kirk) Keenlyne of Elmwood, Mary (Chuck) Noll of Mondovi, Carol (Joe) Giem of Kellogg, MN, Linda Owen (Tom Mueller) of Eau Galle and Lori Owen of Nelson, one son, Lee Owen, of Eau Claire, 13 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, one brother, Dale Owen of Baton Rouge, LA and one sister, Marge Engevold of Brookfield, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lucy (2009), two brothers, Dean in infancy and Darrell, one sister, Elsie Thompson, one son-in-law, Charlie Traun.