Gary Halverson

Gary Halverson, 88, of Oskaloosa, passed away at his home on May 7, 2026. Gary Lee Halverson, son of Gale F. and Mildred Elida (Monson) Halverson, was born on August 5, 1937, in Rake, Iowa. The family lived in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and Gary was part of the 1955 graduating class at Sioux Rapids High School. During high school, he worked for Sioux Dairy delivering milk. After graduation, he worked for Chicago Northwestern on the Bridge Crew. He then worked for his father at Thompson Yards, a lumber company, until they moved to Oskaloosa in 1958, where he and his father started a construction company, Gale F. Halverson & Sons Builders. Gary's father tragically died in an auto accident in 1972. Shortly after that, he was employed by Kalbach Lumber Company for 15 years, until the company closed. Gary then went on to Pella Corp in the Custom Window area until that department was closed as well. He then worked for Warwick Wood Products until he retired in 1997. After his retirement, he took on private wood projects for the next 20 years, giving him the opportunity to work for dear friends. Gary married the love of his life, Janet Gayle Chestelson, on July 25, 1959, at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa. From this union, his son Todd and his daughter Ann were born. Gary loved mowing the lawn as only he could, in meticulous fashion. He was a Dale Ernhart fan and an overall NASCAR race fan. He also enjoyed following Sprint Car Racing in Knoxville. On Wednesday nights, you could find Gary at the Southern Iowa Racing Grounds cheering on the drivers. He was a regular attendant during those races for over 30 years. During the family’s winter trips to Florida, he volunteered at Give Kids the World Village. Listening to the radio in his meticulously kept garage was where he found solace. Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and was a constant supporter of his grandchildren’s ball games. Gary instilled a work ethic in his children, which was very important to him and valuable to them. Gary had many friends who were very important to him, and he would visit them often during his “Daily Rounds.” Gary’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Janet; his children: Todd Halverson of Oskaloosa; & Ann (Jim) Strawn of Clive; his grandchildren: Emily and Sam of Clive; his brothers: Charles (Rose) Halverson of Monroe, Georgia; & Steve (Phyllis Martin) Halverson of Stayton, Oregon; his brother-in-law, Carl (Jean) Chestelson of California; his nephew, Kent (Andrea) Halverson; & a niece, Sheri (Dennis) Hoskins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jim (Bevo) Halverson. Funeral services for Gary will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m., at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jihoon Lee of Central United Methodist Church officiating and Mike Dursky as eulogist. Following the service, Gary’s body will be cremated, and burial will take place at Forest Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with the family present to greet relatives and friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Give Kids the World or St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.

Gary Halverson

August 5, 1937 - May 7, 2026