Mr. Roland J. Halverson

MADISON/SPENCER-R. J. (Jim) Halverson, long-time resident and community leader in Spencer, died on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Rest Haven Health Care Center in Verona. Jim was born on April 7, 1921 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Laurence and Marie Halverson. He attended Dakota Wesleyan University and the University of South Dakota before entering the Army Air Corps in 1942, where he served as a P-47 fighter pilot with the Eighth Air Force in England. Jim married Yvonne (Bonnie) DeMots of Sioux Center, Iowa in 1942 while training as an aviation cadet in Mission, Texas. After the war, they moved to Spencer and started Modern Business Equipment, which they operated for 35 years. Jim was active in civic affairs, including serving on the Spencer Area Arts Council, Clay County Fair Board, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Spencer Industries Foundation and was a Director of Hawkeye Bank. He also volunteered with RSVP at the Iowa Lakes Community College alternative high school. Halverson is survived by his wife; two sons, and five grandchildren. Per Jim's wishes no service will be held. Service: Per Jim's wishes no service will be held.