Alvin M. Loverud

Alvin Matthew Loverud was a Stoughton native, World War I veteran, attorney, federal government official and longtime member of Otis Sampson Post 59. His life took him from Stoughton to the battlefields of World War I, back home to a successful legal career, and eventually to federal service in Washington, D.C.

Alvin was born December 29, 1895, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Erling K. and Serena Loverud.

He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917. His education was interrupted by America's entry into World War I, when Loverud volunteered for military service.

Loverud served in the U.S. Army with Wisconsin's 32nd Division, serving overseas during World War I.

Following his military service, he remained in Europe for a time and continued his education, studying at the Alliance Française in Paris and at the University of Paris. He returned to the United States in 1919.

The specific regiment or other subordinate unit in which Loverud served has not yet been documented in the records located to date.

After returning home, Loverud resumed his education at the University of Wisconsin and earned his law degree in 1922.

He began practicing law in Stoughton that same year and later became associated with his father in the law firm of Loverud and Loverud.

Alvin married Georgia Kinsman, and the couple had two children, Jo Ann and Allen.

Loverud remained active in veterans and community affairs following the war and became deeply involved with Otis Sampson Post 59 of the American Legion.

Before becoming Commander, he served the Post as Historian.

In 1936, Loverud was elected Commander of Post 59, beginning the term recorded in Post history as 1937. He succeeded Glenn Blakley.

Serving with Loverud were Harry Vold as First Vice Commander, Hans Tronnes as Second Vice Commander, Glenn Blakley as Adjutant, Edor J. Everson as Finance Officer, Palmer E. Henderson as Service Officer, Rev. M. L. Aldridge as Chaplain, Ole Cleven as Graves Registrar, Ogden Blakley as Sergeant-at-Arms and Bernie Amundson as Athletic Officer.

Loverud's time as Commander reflected the broader community role Post 59 played during those years. During his administration, the Legion passed a resolution supporting the development of a public swimming pool in Stoughton and urged the City Council to move forward with the project.

Loverud's legal abilities eventually led him into federal service.

He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Madison from 1938 until 1943. During those five years, he handled federal legal matters while maintaining the connection to public service that had characterized much of his adult life.

In 1943, Loverud moved to Washington, D.C., where he joined the federal government. He served as counsel in the Food and Drug Division of the Federal Security Agency, working on matters involving federal food and drug law.

A newspaper announcing his move to Washington remembered him not only as an attorney but also as a World War I volunteer who had served overseas with Wisconsin's 32nd Division and had been active in Stoughton's patriotic and community organizations.

Alvin Loverud's career was cut tragically short.

He died in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 1947, following an illness. He was just 51 years old.

At the time of his death, Loverud had progressed from a young Stoughton man who volunteered to serve his country during World War I to a respected attorney working for the United States government in the nation's capital.

Alvin Loverud's story represents several different kinds of service.

He served his country overseas with the 32nd Division during World War I. He returned home and served his community through the practice of law and civic involvement. He served his fellow veterans through the American Legion and as Commander of Otis Sampson Post 59. And later, he again served his country through his work in the federal government.

Although his life ended at only 51, his journey from Stoughton to France and eventually Washington, D.C., left behind a remarkable record of military, community and public service.