LAVERN L OLSON

Lavern L Olson passed away peacefully July 2, 2026 at Serenity Hospice Oregon, Illinois with his family at his side.

LaVern (Lavy) was born on the family farm in Milan township, Malta Illinois to the late Chester G. and Lillie S. (Berg) Olson on August 25, 1931 with his father assisting with the birth.

LaVern attended the Tysdal one room school until its closure, Milan township school and Shabbona High School graduating in 1950. There, more than once, the school principal Miss Cook told him “your smile will serve you well and get you far in life”. After working for his father on the farm, LaVern enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served two years on the west coast seeing the mountains and ocean for the first time.

On May 26th, 1956 LaVern wed Marjorie A. Johnson of Leland, Illinois after meeting at a Long’s Barn dance and enjoyed 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised three sons.

LaVern farmed and started a custom corn shelling and trucking business with many knowing him as the sheller man. At the height of the business in the 70’s, he would shell more than a million bushels a year. When the cultivating was finished, the family would always take a summer vacation -many were camping trips visiting most of the major national parks across the country. After retirement, Lavern and Marj enjoyed spending the winter months at Kings Gate Club in Nokomis, Florida - no more sub freezing shelling!

Lavern was a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church in rural Lee serving on the church council and as an usher for many years.

LaVern is survived by his “Mrs.” of 70 years Marjorie and his three sons Dr John of Shabbona, David of Shabbona and Paul of Chicago and St. Pete, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings Chester E. Olson, Dorothy Weeks and DeWayne Olson.

The family wishes to thank Tina, Brittany, Kaye, Karen, Loretta, Katherine and Amber for two+ years of expert and loving in home care. The family would also like to thank Serenity Hospice.

There will be a graveside service at Union Cemetery in Lee on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:30 am with Pastor Martha Nelson officiating with family and friends welcome to attend. The family asks all to dress appropriately for the hot weather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or the Shabbona Fire Department in care of Anderson Funeral Home, PO Box 605, DeKalb, IL 60115.

Services provided by Anderson Funeral Home.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.

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