Lanny Overson

After a well-lived life, Lanny Overson is now playing the 19th hole in the sky! He was called home on February 21, 2022. His wish was we not mourn his passing, but celebrate his life! In honor of Lanny, his family is hosting a remembrance luncheon from 12pm-2pm on Saturday, June 11th at Southfork Golf Club in St. James. Please bring joyful stories and memories to share! 9 holes are being played in Lanny's honor that morning. If you'd like to golf please arrive at 9am. All who knew and loved Lanny are welcome! In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Lanny's honor to Sertoma Club or Augustana Lutheran Church. Both of St James, MN. Lanny Leverne Overson, age 77, beloved husband of Emma, passed away peacefully Monday evening, February 21, 2022. His final months were spent surrounded by the family and friends he loved so much as he valiantly battled brain cancer. Lanny leaves behind his dear wife Emma, their children Sheila and Erik; as well as Lannys biological daughter, Theresa, whom Lanny was blessed to get to know later in his life and who held a special place in his heart. Lanny also leaves behind numerous grandchildren who were his pride and joy and who in turn, adored their grandfather. Lannys life may have been cut short, but there is no end to the lives and hearts he touched while he was with us. Lanny spent his childhood in Blue Earth, MN. Running his own paper route and working and learning from his uncles on the family farm gave Lanny the work ethic he carried for the rest of his life. The farm and his time with his uncles will forever be a wonderful part of his childhood. After graduating high school he attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. From there Lanny took the bold step of signing up for a three-year stint with the Peace Corps. To his surprise he was sent on a mission to South America. This is where he met the two loves of his life, his future wife Emma and her homeland, the country of Chile. Lanny and Emma married in a beautiful ceremony outside of Villarrica, Chile, surrounded by Emmas family, their friends, as well as their Peace Corps family. Many fun stories have been shared by Lanny and Emma regarding their wedding, including the fact that the party went on for three days. Anyone who knew Lanny knows this was not an exaggeration! Lanny and Emma started their married lives in Apple Valley, MN and eventually moved their family, which by now included two children, Sheila and Erik, to St. James, MN. There he helped his parents, Leverne and Lois run the Overson Lumber Company. As the years went on Lanny along with his brother Lynn, was instrumental in growing the Lumber Company from one store to seven. Although Lanny had a deep appreciation for exploring the world, he knew the importance of giving back to ones community. He was an active member of various civic groups in St. James, including being a lifelong member of Sertoma and the Shriners Club, where he had many friends near and dear to his heart. He was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church of St. James, as well as a 33rd degree Brother Mason, Libanus Lodge #96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Minnesota. There are so many adjectives one could use to describe Lanny. To mind come the words generous, humble, kind and loving. Lanny only ever saw the good in people, therefore people responded to him in kind. He met each day as the blessing that it is and by his very presence set an example for the rest of us. Lanny will be truly, truly missed. The world seems a little less bright without him in it. Lanny is survived by his wife, Emma, his children Sheila, Erik and Theresa; his former son in law Tom; His dear brothers Lowell (wife Kathy) and Larry (wife Lisa),his sisters in law Mary and Deb; his grandchildren; nieces and nephews and an abundance of friends who were like family to him, including Curt Mackey, one of his greatest friends in this life. A Celebration of Life and a Charity Golf Tournament will take place in Lannys honor in June of 2022 at South Fork Golf Course, St James, MN. All who knew Lanny know that he will be there in spirit, golfing alongside us, beer in hand.