Mary (Brehme) Halverson
Mary Delores Brehme Halverson passed away at 5:36 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at her home in Concordia Village, Springfield, Ill., surrounded by her family.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Vern; her parents, Wilbur and Cecil Brehme; and her brother, Jerry Brehme.
Mary is survived by her five children, Sue (Pat) Landgrebe, Terry (Terrence) Moody, Jill (Mike) Meseke, Steve (Sharon) Halverson and Scott Halverson; grandchildren Kyle (Kayla) Zellers, Chelley (Ben) Macon, Jeremy and Lindsey Landgrebe, Cade (Kirstin Cooksey), Caitlyn and Cara Moody, Coleton and Clayton Meseke, and Kramer and Leah Halverson; great-grandchildren Will, Jack and Kinsley Zellers, Landon and Addison Macon, and Thomas Moody; and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was very proud of her family and enjoyed gathering with them and sharing stories.
Mary was born May 25, 1930, in Muscatine, Iowa. The family moved to West Union, Iowa, where Mary graduated from West Union High School and went on to Rockford College.
On Christmas Day 1951, she married Vern and transferred to the University of Iowa. She graduated with degrees in mathematics and finance. After graduation, Vern and Mary started their construction circuit, moving from Iowa to Ohio, Wisconsin, Algonquin, Ill., and in 1962 made their way to Springfield, Ill.
Mary was involved in the Miriam Circle of UMW, served on the Finance Committee at Douglas Methodist Church, the Ann Rutledge Unit of Home Extension, bowling league, golfing league, Ski & Boat Club, and served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader.
Education was extremely important to Mary. She even went door-to-door campaigning for the District 186 school bond referendum.
Football was also important, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.
In 1978, she and Vern started Halverson Construction Company, where Mary served as executive vice-president of the company and managed the office. Those who worked with her will remember her positive attitude, quiet strength, and her sense of humor. She was very proud of the company and the people who worked with them.
Mary considered the staff at Concordia Village her friends and loved living there. Mary loved life and lived it with gusto! As she often told us, “It’s been a good day!”
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church in Springfield, Ill., with Pastor Julia Melgreen and Pastor Margaret Ann Jessup officiating.
Burial followed at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704, or to Concordia Village Benevolent Care Fund, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711.
The family of Mary Delores Brehme Halverson was served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.