Ronald Leversen, 71, who helped incorporate Darien in the 1960s and co-founded Granger Oldsmobile, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, of lymphoma in La Grange Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Leversen laid the groundwork for the Brookhaven Civic Organization, a consortium of neighborhoods that worked for the passage of a referendum item incorporating Darien in 1969. “There were small pockets throughout the area that wanted to incorporate, and they all got together to form the city,” said his wife, Delores.
Mr. Leversen was born in Chicago in 1930.
He joined the Navy during World War II and after his return worked as a mechanic for a car dealership. He was recalled to service during the Korean War and served another year, said his wife of 45 years.
Mr. Leversen and his father opened Granger Oldsmobile in La Grange in 1953. Mr. Leversen bought out his father and he ran the dealership by himself, eventually moving it to Countryside. Students in driver’s education classes at Lyons Township High School and Hinsdale South High School used cars donated by Granger Oldsmobile. Many Little League and softball teams were sponsored by the dealership. Mr. Leversen sold it three years ago.
He was the first chairman of the Darien Political Committee, a non-partisan group that helped select candidates for city offices.
He served on the Darien Pension Committee and in 1986 was named Darien Citizen of the Year.
Mr. Leversen was an active charter member of the Darien Lions Club. He instituted the NEEDY program, which provides food for families in need. He was named Lion of the year in 1973.
Mr. Leversen was active in Darien School District 61, serving on the Board of Education from 1969 to 1975.
He was instrumental in building Eisenhower Junior High, Fairview Elementary School and Mark DeLay Elementary School when he was on the school district’s Building and Safety Committee. “He was bigger than life,” his wife said. “But most importantly, he loved his family.
“He was a supportive husband, father and grandfather.”
Other survivors include two sons, Jeff and Daniel; a daughter, Lynn Keane; a sister, Ruth Ticaric; and five grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday in Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Clarendon Hills Cemetery.
