Verle Gene Haglund

Verle Gene Haglund, son of Raymond G. and Edna M. (Lofstedt) Haglund was born December 13, 1940 in Ogden, Iowa and died on January 15, 2025 in Perry, Iowa. He attended various schools throughout the years including Audubon, Winterset and Rippey. He loved helping on the farm unless it was milking cows. Verle started his life of service in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1963 in Jefferson, Iowa. He was honorably discharged in May 1969 at rank of Team Chief with awards in Marksman (Rifle) and Sharpshooter (Carbine). He managed Garrett Motors Body Shop from 1965 to 1967. He joined the Perry Police Department in 1967 where he stayed until 1990. In his 23 year tenure in the police department, he attended various workshops but specifically enjoyed the Fire & Arson trainings. 

Verle also was involved in many professional organizations including the International Assn. of Arson Investigators, Greene County Peace Officers Assn, Iowa Assn of Arson Investigators, and National Assn of Chief of Police and Peace Officers. Upon retiring from law enforcement, he started Haglund’s Towing. He enjoyed bringing all of his family in to help with the towing business. Verle retired from towing in 2001. He worked a variety of jobs after towing including hauling money where he got to wear his gun and holster again.

Verle was known for telling stories, his funny one liners, and had never met a stranger. His free time was spent working on tractors, volunteering with different organizations including Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and spending time with his family especially his grandson, Corbin. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter in law Tina Haglund. Verle is survived by his wife, Maureen, their children: Greg (Melissa Barr) Haglund of Perry, Mollie (Curtis) Clark of Yale, and Jeff Haglund of Perry; grandson Corbin Clark of Yale; brothers Doyle Haglund of Florida and Delos Haglund of Jefferson; niece Roxanne (Todd) Muir of Jefferson. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Perry Police Department in Verle’s name. 

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel located at 1721 Park Street, Perry, IA 50220. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.