Kenneth Shaffer Halverson

Kenneth Shaffer Halverson, of Somerset died Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Somerset Hospice House. Born July 24, 1933 in Somerset, he is the son of the late Kenneth E. & Alma (Shaffer) Halverson. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Rita M. Smith and children David K. Halverson and wife Susan, Daniel H. Halverson and wife Barbara, Robert S. Halverson, Barry T. Halverson and wife Kori, David W. Kuhn, John F. Kuhn and wife Angie, Michael L. Kuhn and wife Karen and Kathryn E. Murdy and husband Lee; grandchildren Jayme Tirres and husband Michael, Thomas Halverson and wife Jennifer, Jason Halverson and wife Amy, Matthew Halverson and wife  Nicole, Zachary Halverson, Justin Halverson and wife Jillian, Alan Halverson, Nicole Phillippi and husband Jacob, Hannah Corbett, Mariah Corbett and fiancé Eric, Patrick Kuhn and Benjamin Murdy; great grandchildren Luke, Karley, Bella, Vance, Laney, Grant, Mackenzie, Griffin, Garrett, Grady, Harper, Reed, Cecilia, and Justin; and brother James A. Halverson and wife Linda; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by son, William C. Halverson, brother Jerry Halverson and wife Lois and sister Susan Carter and husband Vance. Ken is a 1951 graduate of Somerset Area High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed with the Army Security Agency in Germany during the Korean Conflict. During his professional career he was the owner of Ken Halverson Insurance Agency, served as Somerset Township Justice of the Peace, and served seven terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He began and illustrious real estate career in 1980 and just recently retired. During that time, he was awarded numerous local, state and national awards including Cambria/Somerset Association of Realtors’ “Realtor of the Year” award, The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors “Outstanding Service Award” and numerous national awards through Coldwell Banker, Northwood Realty Services, and Berkshire Hathaway. His lifetime involvement in community activities included distinguished service through the Somerset Jaycees, and Pennsylvania Jaycees and was ultimately awarded JCI Senator by the United States Jaycees. He was a community service award recipient by both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, winner of the Grant B. Miller award from the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, the Outstanding Service Award from the Salvation Army, and he was named to Somerset County Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame. Ken was named “Hometown Hero” by the Daily American. His involvement in the Rotary Club of Somerset included past president, assistant governor, four humanitarian trips to the Dominican Republic, member of the Rotary Friendship Exchange to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was named District 7330 “Rotarian of the Year.” He is a Paul Harris Fellow through the Rotary International Foundation. Ken’s commitment to the community was also evident through his love of singing. Whether it be St. Peter’s Church Choir, Roof Garden Barbershop Chorus, Heart ’N Soul Barbershop Quartet, the Flight 93 Chorus, and other community musical groups his beautiful bass voice resonated with them all. He was past president of the Roof Garden Barbershop Chorus and was named “Barbershopper of the Year” three times. Ken served as past president of the Somerset County Development Council, Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, Somerset County Economic Development Authority, and Somerset Inc. where he was involved in numerous community development projects. He was a founding member of the Somerset Area Little League. Memberships included Somerset/Cambria County Bottle Club, Somerset Historical Society, VFW, Eagles, and American Legion. Ken faithfully served Saint Peter’s Church as Eucharistic Minister. Choir member, greeter, and in the Arise and Cursillo programs. Ken was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandparent. Though a distinguished awardee and accomplished professional, Ken’s family was his greatest treasure. Everyone who was fortunate to know Ken was touched by his genuine smile and his kind and gentle manner. Friends will be received on Sunday, January 24 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Robert H. Halverson Funeral Home, Somerset. Masks are required. Funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Somerset on Monday January 25 at 10 am with Father Angelo Patti officiating. A wake service will be held at 2 pm Sunday in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s School, 433 W. Church St., Somerset, PA 15501, Somerset Area Little League, 1602 Crestview Dr., Somerset, PA 15501 or Somerset Inc., 130 N. Center Ave., Somerset, PA 15501. Condolences may be made at www.halversonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Shaffer Halverson, please visit our floral store.