Jack Ouverson

Jack E. Ouverson 89, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake; with Rev. Denny Ganz officiating. The family will greet family and friends one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW Honor Guard Post 4868.  Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice in Jack’s memory.

Jack was born January 3, 1936, near Meservey, Iowa, in Hancock County, Jack was the son of James and Harriet (Sprau) Ouverson. He grew up in Fertile and graduated from Fertile High School in 1953.

In February 1954, Jack began his service in the United States Army, proudly serving three years, including 18 months stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged in February 1957.

Shortly after his return, Jack started working for Duesenberg Construction near Des Moines. On September 19, 1957, he married Verna Rasmussen, at the Methodist Church in Forest City. The couple’s early years were filled with road construction work, which led them to move 14 times in three years before settling in their newly built home north of Clear Lake in 1960.

In 1961, Jack began a 37-year career with Gibbs-Cook, later Zieglers, Inc., where he advanced from field mechanic to service manager and eventually branch manager. He also partnered with his son, Dan, to run Ouverson Construction for several years.

Jack and Verna raised four children: Randy (1958), Sherry (1960), Dan (1961), and Daryl (1966). In 1970, they welcomed Verna’s father into their home, where he lived for over eight years. Jack and Verna also provided care and support for his mother after she was widowed.

Family life was full of joy, with evenings spent playing cards, badminton, volleyball and snowmobiling. Jack retired in January 1998 but stayed busy with small construction jobs for farmers. He cherished his time working with his Caterpillar equipment, tending to his shop, and enjoying his farm.

Jack and Verna shared a love of dancing, a tradition that began at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, where they met in 1956 while Jack was on leave. Their love for travel took them south for several winters in their motor home and even on an adventurous RV trip to Alaska.

A self-educated man, Jack thrived on challenges and had a gift for fixing just about anything. His children often turned to him for guidance, and he taught them the value of self-reliance. Jack’s greatest pride was his family, and his legacy of love, resilience, and resourcefulness will live on in those who knew him. Jack was a proud member of the Clear Lake VFW.

Surviving includes his wife, Verna, of 67 years; His children Randy, Sherry, Dan (Denise) and Daryl (Barb); six grandchildren, Brandi (Adam) Betts, Ryan (Shawna) Woiwod, Abby (Blake) Van Den Broeke, Tanyan Woiwod, Jake (Ashley) Ouverson and Carly Ouverson; eleven great-grandchildren, Jason, Keegan, Jackson, Owen and Emma Betts, Ryker Woiwod, Rayken, Rory and Ramsey Van Den Broeke and Jack and Josie Ouverson; one sister, Lynn Austin; along with several nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Harriet, grandparents, great granddaughter, Adalynee Betts; brother, Jay; twin sisters, Jane and Jurine, sister Jarlyn (Bill Upchurch); special uncle Orlo, father-in-law, Albert Rasmussen, brothers in-law C.D. Austin, James Rasmussen and wife, Winnie; sisters-in-law Wilma and her husband (John Riekena), Leona and her husband, (Lee Buffington).

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.