THE MONITOR, McAllen, Texas
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Page 2B, Column 6
LAVERNE SEVERT NIELSEN
Pharr- LaVerne Severt Nielsen passed away on March 24, 2005, after a steadfast fight with cancer.
LaVerne was born in 1929 and raised in Waupaca, Wis. After high school he served a tour in the Army as a “radioman”. He then accepted an assignment with the U.S Immigration and Naturalization Service as a border patrol agent. While stationed in Rio Grande City he fell in love with a beautiful senorita named Graciela. They were married in 1957 and had three sons. “Verne” continued to advance in his INS career and retired in 1986 as the Port Director of the Hidalgo International Bridge.
After retirement, he generously volunteered his time and talents at the Pharr Library, the “Arise” project in Las Milpas, the South Texas Walking Club, and as a Brownsville Diocese Immigration Counselor.
Verne was known for his integrity, generosity, and warm demeanor. He was a friend to all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Gracie, his sons, Eric (Melinda), Kurk (JoyCe) and Severt (Ellen); his grandchildren, Alyssa, Ryan, Nathan, and Regan; his siblings, James, Everett, Kenneth, Thomas, Eugene, Cora, Nora, Lucille, Wanda, and Patricia and their families.
A memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Pharr.
The family offers sincere thanks to the Comfort House and the Sandi Jo Funk Hospice staff, who provided gracious care during his last days. A memorial fund had been established at the Comfort House in LaVerne’s name. Contributions may be sent to: Comfort House, 617 Dallas Avenue, McAllen, TX 78501, Attn: LaVerne S. Nielsen Memorial Fund.
“Mark the man of integrity, for the end of that man is peace.” Psalm 37:37
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of San Juan.