Rev. Holverson

Rev. Henry J. Holverson age 94 of Amboy died Sunday Dec. 25, 2005 at the Mendota Community Hospital. He was born at the Holverson family farm on 5 April 1911 outside of Durand, Illinois, the only son of John Henry and Ida Marie (Thompson) Holverson. He was of Norwegian ancestry and was raised as a Norwegian Lutheran. He had been an elementary school teacher, frequently of one-room schools, including Vinegar Hill School near Durand, Illinois and in Lee County. He was able to support himself and his wife while attending the University of Illinois from which he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He received his Bachelor's degree Magna cum Laude in 1934 and his Master's degree in English Literature in 1939 from the University of Illinois. His Master's thesis compared Hogarth's paintings to Henry Fielding's writings, particularly the book, Tom Jones; this led him to study English history in depth. He discovered the teachings of John Wesley, had a conversion experience, and decided to become a Methodist minister. Rev. Holverson was ordained as a minister in 1939, and served as a student pastor in Harmon, Illinois from 1939 to 1941 while attending Garrett Theological Institute. He graduated from Garrett Theological Seminary of Evanston, Illinois in 1941. From 1941 to 1949, he served congregations in Rib Lake, Medford, and Westboro, and Spirit, Wisconsin. He was the modern day equivalent of a Methodist circuit rider preaching at these four churches each Sunday. He provided transport to people who needed rides in these areas during the war. He was given ration points for a new car during World War II to accomplish this. He served at Trinity Methodist Church in Superior, Wisconsin from 1949 until 1955 before returning to Illinois where he served congregations at Grace Methodist Church in Rockford, Illinois and other Methodist churches in Paw Paw, Tampico, Ottawa, Plano, and the Yoked Pastorate in Amboy from which he retired in 1977. His ministry embraced sixty-four years and was characterized by his love of and deep caring for people. He was ecumenical, peace loving, politically involved and giving to his community. His ministry came full circle in Lee County; his first charge being Harmon and his last in Amboy. He was also active in church youth camps in Wisconsin and Illinois for many years, frequently serving as camp director. For years while in Wisconsin, he was involved with ministerial training activities. He was married to his dearly beloved wife, Helen Jewel Carpenter, 14 June 1935 at Ridge Farm, Illinois. They were married for 67 years, a long and happy marriage. She preceded him in death in November of 2002. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a member of the United First Church of Amboy, Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Amboy Lions Club, Illinois Central Lodge 178 AG&AM, the Sierra Club, and the Audubon Society. He was honored by the City of Amboy and received the keys to the city. He was also Pastor Emeritus of the Yoked Pastorate in Amboy.- All his life he loved words, writing, literature, stories, poetry, history and humor. He also loved the out-of-doors, especially his cabin in Wisconsin where he spent time each summer over fifty years. He was a good storyteller and enjoyed sharing memories of his childhood experiences growing up on the farm amidst a large immigrant family. His pastorate included people from all walks of life and all denominations. As he continued to age he became more outspoken in the search for world peace. Rev. Holverson was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Helen. He is survived by his four children, Georgia Chilton of Chicago, Dr. Mary Hulnick of Los Angeles, CA, John Holverson of Portland, Maine and Carol Holverson of Honolulu, Hawaii as well as a host of friends in every part of the country. Memorial services will be held Saturday January 28, 2006 at 2:00 PM in the United First Church of Amboy with Rev. Haines Moffat, Pastor of United First Church officiating. Visitation will be Saturday January 28, 2006 from 12:00 PM until time of services in the church. Memorials have been established for the United First Church in Amboy and the Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren C/O Mary R Hulnick 21130 Bellini Dr Topanga, CA 90290. Arrangements are by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy, Illinois. Condolences may be sent at www.thejonesfh.com.

Rev. Holverson

April 5, 1911 - December 25, 2005