Eugene Laverne Iverson

Eugene L (Red) Iverson passed away May 10th surrounded by his family.  Gene was born 11/19/34 in Sturgis, South Dakota to Mildred(Backman) and Laverne Iverson.  The Iverson family moved to the state of Washington when Gene was a very young boy near Rochester where they learned to farm animals and crops eventually growing some of the best tasting and biggest strawberries in the area (Gene always said it was the Chicken poop).  Gene grew up with siblings Eldon, Delores, Marjorie, Helen, Larry, James, and Linnea.   Gene graduated from Rochester High School in May 1953 and enlisted into the U.S. Army on August 21st, serving for 3 years ultimately as an Atomic Weapons Specialist at White Sands Proving Grounds.

Gene married Shirley McGee in 1955, almost 62 years ago.  Infant daughter Iverson was stillborn on 5/30/56, then Steve, Vickie, Karla, and Jeff were born from 1957 to 1962.   Gene enjoyed 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In 1961 Gene moved his family to Albany, began working in sales at radio station KWIL for Christ , and became involved in ministry at Calvary Community Church with his cherished brother in law, Pastor Stanley Baldwin . 

Gene loved people and went into sales, and was a natural born salesman.  He earned the title, 'Rookie of the Year' at Lustra Lighting Corporation in 1968, won a new car in 1970 and a trip to Hawaii a couple of years later eventually selling everything from ostrich meat to houses earning many more sales awards.   Gene also liked working with his hands, grew fabulous gardens, and became a building contractor later in life.  He enjoyed 2 years as camp host up at Foster Lake and loved to fish.   In his later years Gene enjoyed mowing neighbors lawns and helping them fix things.  Gene was a master at telling stories and jokes in his conversations which always made people feel better.   

Gene was full of life and serious about enjoying life and loving people--we will so miss him and the joy he brought to all of us

If you ever had the opportunity to meet Gene, you probably haven't forgotten it--