LaVerne Owens, Euclid, MN died Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family at the age of 76 years and 29 days. He died following a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). May his memory be blessed.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Tuesday, July 20,2010 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Warren, MN with Reverend David Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at Melo Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 - 8 PM, Monday, July 19, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Tuesday.


LaVerne Harold Owens was born June 15, 1934 on the Owens family farm near Euclid, MN the son of William and Ida (Diggins) Owens. He was baptized at Melo Lutheran Church and attended the Brandt Township Country School. He also attended school in Warren, MN.

On November 17, 1956 Bud was united in marriage to Marlene Myhrer at the First Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They purchased a farm in Belgium Township, Polk County, MN and to this union six children were born, Susan, Cindy, Randy, Gary, Carl and Bradley.

Bud farmed all of his life and he retired in 1996. He enjoyed helping his sons on the farm after retirement. He also enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler around the yard and doing yard work.

Bud enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He enjoyed snowmobiling in his younger years. Bud and Marlene enjoyed traveling and site-seeing. He enjoyed visiting with family, friends and neighbors and especially spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Bud was a member of Melo Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Marlene of Euclid, MN; five children, Susan (Dan) Holen of Goodridge, MN, Cindy (Dewey) Trehus of Mandan, ND, Randy (Debbie) Owens, Gary Owens, and Brad (Angie) Owens all of Euclid, MN; six grandchildren, Gina Trehus, Kayla Trehus, Jacob Owens, Dilon Owens, Mason Owens, and Matthew Owens; sister, Harriet Janeski of Cheyenne, WY; sister-in-law, Florence Owens of Crookston, MN; Bud is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, Carl; parents; grandparents, Thomas and Mary Owens and John and Ellen Diggins; and seven brothers and sisters, Lloyd Owens, Lawrence Owens, Alice Owens, Wilbur Owens, Esther Helm, Willis Owens and Ellen Miller.

Buds family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care and support during Buds illness.

Organist: Rachel Roggenbuck
Soloist: Dr. Peter Johnson
Selections: Just A Closer Walk With Thee & Precious Lord Take My Hand
Congregational Hymns: Amazing Grace & On Eagles Wings
Casketbearers: Gary Owens, Brad Owens, Randy Owens, Dewey Trehus, Dan Holen, Larry Myhrer
Honorary Casketbearers: Gene Wavra, Dennis Garry, Albert Chruszch, Lowell Hamrick and all of Buds Grandchildren