Halverson, Charles “Chuck” Lee

VERONA - Charles “Chuck” Lee Halverson, age 101, peacefully passed away on November 30, 2025, at Azura Memory Care and Assisted Living in Verona, Wis., surrounded by his children, Renee and Chuckie. Chuck lived a long, full and meaningful life marked by hard work, loyalty, music, faith and a love for the Wisconsin Badgers that never faded.

Chuck was born at home on September 20, 1924, in Waldwick, Wis., to Henry Gilman Halverson and Clara Awila Skews. He grew up during the Depression in rural Iowa County, between Jonesdale and Waldwick, as one of 17 children. From an early age, Chuck learned perseverance, humility, and the power of hard work. He ran barefoot along the country roads around his family’s farmhouse, often listening to his beloved Wisconsin Badgers on the radio. Chuck’s biggest dream was to play for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he believed dedication to athletics was the key to achieving his goals. At age 13, determined to forge his own path, he left home to attend high school, the first in his family to do so. He was motivated by a desire to earn enough money to build a home for his mother, a goal he proudly fulfilled after college.

At Dodgeville High School, Chuck excelled in basketball, football, and track. In 1944, he made history by breaking the five-minute mile at the state meet in Camp Randall Stadium. That same year, he was the leading scorer and rebounder for the boys’ basketball team and an 11-time letter winner. He was later inducted into the Dodgeville Athletic Hall of Fame and honored as a Distinguished Graduate.

In 1944, Chuck joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a hospital lab technician in the South Pacific during World War II. After returning home in 1946, he played defensive end for the Wisconsin Badgers until 1949 and graduated in 1950 with a degree in agriculture. His teammates affectionately nicknamed him “Racehorse” in recognition of his speed and drive. He was scouted by the Green Bay Packers but chose a more stable career path to support his future family.

Chuck met his future wife, Shirley Elizabeth Boyd, while living on campus. He was 22, and she was 18. They met at a social dance hall while Shirley was working at Manchester Department Store off the Capitol Square. After a two-year courtship, they were married on Valentine’s Day, 1949. Together, Chuck and Shirley raised their two children, Renee and Chuckie. Shirley never missed a game and loved cheering alongside the other Badger wives. She later co-owned a well-known shop called Shirl-Ann’s with her dear friend Ellen Ann, which remained open late on Christmas Eves for last-minute shoppers. When the store closed for the night, friends and staff would gather in the apartment above the store, where Chuck would prepare his mother’s famous oyster stew and homemade eggnog… a cherished tradition. Shirley passed away on September 18, 2000.

Years later, Chuck married Marion Ruth Falch, who passed away on September 16, 2024. They shared 15 wonderful years together enjoying Badgers football, Brewers games, golf and time with friends at the Lutheran Church of the Living Christ.

In 1950, Chuck played for the semi-pro football team, the Wausau Muskies, but working as head buyer for Oscar Mayer became his primary focus. In 1968, he helped create and sponsor the Dodge Point Country Club Iowa County Badger Boosters to raise funds for the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department. The club had the support of all the head coaches, including Chuck’s friend Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch. The Booster Club raised over $1 million for the UW Athletic Department and contributed to local churches and schools. Chuck was a 78-year season ticket holder and also served as President of the UW National W Club from 1980 to 1981, continuing the tradition of raising money and providing scholarships for Badgers athletes. 

Over more than 30 years, Chuck’s dear friend Butch Strickler drew 10,000 people to the UW Field House for the “Butch & Chuck’s Bologna Bash,” raising more than $3 million for UW athletes and the marching band. Chuck also founded Halverson Livestock, operating the business successfully for more than 60 years. He often flew to attend auctions and purchase livestock. On June 9, 2018, Chuck was honored with a surprise award celebrating his dedication as a lifelong livestock buyer, presented by Kevin Kirschbaum at the 55th Annual World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. 

In 1977, Chuck purchased 60 acres at Ludden Lake, building a country-style home inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright next to a scenic nine-hole golf course he built himself. 

Music, singing and dancing were joyful threads throughout Chuck’s life. He loved sharing songs he wrote with his brother Wayne, including a well-known Ron Dayne song, written by Chuck, featured in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Every September, his daughter Renee, along with family friends Lori Bilkey Sanders and Dave and Deanna Polley, hosted a birthday tailgate for Chuck at Camp Randall’s Lot 17… a tradition he cherished. At age 93, he was honored to be on the field for the 100th Centennial Celebration of Camp Randall, sharing the moment with his grandson Brian.

Every homecoming at Camp Randall, Chuck proudly took the field in his letter coat alongside all the UW letter winners… a tradition he deeply treasured. His 100th birthday was especially memorable: at halftime, his daughter Renee presented him with 100 red-and-white cupcakes, and all the former letter winners joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to him at Heritage Hall. It was a day Chuck would never forget and one he was deeply grateful for.

Chuck is survived by his children, Renee Halverson Wright and Charles “Chuckie” Boyd Halverson; grandchildren, Jason Toby Wright and Brian Frazier Wright (Krista); and great-granddaughters, Adrianna and Camilla Wright. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Shirley Elizabeth Boyd; late wife, Marion Ruth Falch; beloved brothers, Henry, LaVerne, Bernell, Victor, Larry, Doral, Bill, Keith, Wayne and John; and his cherished sisters, Dora, Ruth, Betty, Shirley, Alice and Mary. Throughout his life, he treasured the bonds he shared with his family, finding joy, strength, and comfort in their love.

The family would like to thank the entire Azura staff, including Jill, Tracy and Erica, along with the Agrace Hospice Care team and VA care team, whose steady support meant more than words can express. Special thanks to Pastor Dan from Living Christ Church for offering comfort during tender moments and to Patti Jackson, who gave so much of her time and heart to Chuck. Her care, compassion and dedication were a true gift for both Patti and Chuck. 

Much of Chuck’s remarkable life story is captured in the book his daughter Renee wrote, Running Country Roads & Life Lessons Learned. He was so proud to share the book she gifted him for his 95th birthday.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at THE EDGEWATER HOTEL, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Because Chuck proudly loved his Wisconsin Badgers, guests are welcome to wear a touch of red in his honor. 

“Treat everyone the same, be honest and fair, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and most importantly, be the best at whatever you choose in life… I never wanted to be second.” ~ Chuck Halverson #81

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs or to UW Athletics (The W Club), care of Kacie Krueger, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761