LaVerne C. Nelson, 88

LaVerne Nelson passed away on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, surrounded by his family at Hospice House in Post Falls, Idaho, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

LaVerne was born on Aug. 31, 1927, in Moscow, Idaho, to Oscar and Clara (Sether) Nelson. The youngest of three boys, he graduated from Moscow High School in 1945 and from there joined the Navy where his tour of duty included Tsingtao, China. After his service, LaVerne attended the University of Idaho. He then went into the auto parts industry where he worked many years as a business owner and salesman. On July 2, 1949, LaVerne married Connie Michaelson; the two of them were blessed with four children, Gayla, Greg, Grant and Gloria. In 1980, LaVerne was elected County Commissioner for Latah County where he served until 1989.

LaVerne loved sports, both playing and watching, was a skilled carpenter and loved the outdoors. In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling and camping with his wife Connie. LaVerne never met a stranger; he met new people everywhere he went, often becoming lifelong friends with them.

LaVerne is survived by his wife of 66 years, Connie; sons and daughters-in-law, Greg Nelson (Cindy) of Meridian and Grant Nelson (Karen) of Spokane Valley; daughter and son-in-law Gloria Rauch (Rich) of St. Maries; five grandchildren, Jacob, Lucas, Heidi, Ryan and Kyle; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Roscoe.

A celebration of LaVerne’s life will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 5, 2016, at Crossroads Baptist Church, 14872 S. Queen St., Rose Lake, Idaho.

Suggested memorials can be made to Hospice of North Idaho or the Union Gospel Mission. Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and you may share your thoughts and memories of LaVerne in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.