Luverne Flower

Luverne J. Flower, 89, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026 at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson, Minnesota, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Herb Rotunda will officiate. Burial will be at Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson is assisting the family with arrangements.

Luverne was born September 28, 1936, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of proud parents Walter and Ethel (Swanson) Flower. He was baptized at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. He attended elementary school at District 65 Country School and continued his education at Benson Public Schools, graduating from Benson High School. After graduation, Luverne served his country in the National Guard from September 1959 to May of 1965.

On August 29, 1963, Luverne was united in married to Mary Elizabeth Brown at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Fr. Doerr officiated the ceremony. Together they raised two sons, James and John, on their farm three miles south of Benson.

Luverne was a lifelong farmer, raising livestock and growing crops. Although farming was his livelihood, Luverne considered it a hobby, having a huge interest in farming and farm equipment – looking at farm equipment and every implement shop from here to wherever, mostly John Deere, but definitely International. He also enjoyed driving around on field trips checking crops. Luverne and his family were chosen as the Swift County Farm Family of the Year.

Luverne was very involved in the farming community working with Elanco, Nutrena Research, The University of Minnesota and Harly Hankie, Moorman Research, GTA Feeds Research Farm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Minnesota Pork Producers, the countless slide shows you presented to many, many producers at different functions, and being a charter member of Benson FFA Alumni. He was also a pillar in his church.

Luverne passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. He was 89 years old. Those awaiting a heavenly reunion with Luverne are his son James (Terry) Flower and daughter-in-law Rhonda Flower; grandchildren: Jared (Makayla) Flower, Sarah (Adam) Wentzel, Brittany Flower, Seth (Kali) Flower, and Shane (Madisen) Flower; and eight great-grandchildren: Jaelyn Flower, Tayton Flower, Ty Flower, Emerson Flower, Shay Flower, Levi Wentzel, Graham Wentzel, and Sophie Flower. Those who have gone before Luverne are his wife Mary Flower, son John Flower, parents Walter and Ethel Flower, and brother Donald Flower.

Blessed be the memory of Luverne Flower.