Tragedy in Poweshiek County: Beloved Belle Plaine Woman, Lisa Marie Halverson, Killed in Rural Iowa Crash
POWESHIEK COUNTY, IA — June 20, 2025 — The tight-knit community of Belle Plaine is in mourning following the tragic death of 56-year-old Lisa Marie Halverson, a cherished resident, who lost her life in a devastating two-vehicle crash on a rural roadway in Poweshiek County early Thursday morning.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the collision occurred around 8:15 a.m. on June 19, along County Road V18 near the intersection of 470th Avenue, an area known to locals for its winding turns and limited visibility. Halverson was driving her silver Toyota Camry southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, a northbound Ford F-250 pickup crossed the center line, resulting in a violent head-on collision.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes to find both vehicles heavily damaged. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, Halverson was pronounced dead by paramedics. The driver of the pickup, a 34-year-old man from Grinnell, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UnityPoint Health–Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
The news of Halverson’s untimely death has cast a pall over Belle Plaine, where she was known as a kind, compassionate woman who lived a life of service and humility. Friends describe her as a dedicated churchgoer, an active volunteer at the local food pantry, and someone who never hesitated to help a neighbor in need.
“She was the heart of our community,” said longtime friend and neighbor Sheila Peterson. “Lisa always showed up—whether it was to deliver meals, comfort someone after a loss, or just offer a smile on a hard day. The town feels dimmer without her light.”
Halverson, a Belle Plaine native, worked for over two decades at the local pharmacy and was known for remembering every customer’s name. She is survived by her two adult children, Ethan and Hannah, and three grandchildren, all of whom she doted on with immense pride and love.
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities are examining whether weather conditions, distracted driving, or mechanical failure may have played a role. Toxicology results are pending, and both vehicles have been impounded for forensic analysis.
The crash has renewed community concern over the safety of Iowa’s rural roads. Many residents have voiced frustration over a lack of safety infrastructure on County Road V18, which sees frequent use by commuters and local farmers.
“We’ve had concerns about this stretch for years,” said resident and former council member Mark Blom. “There’s minimal shoulder space, faded lines, and poor visibility in bad weather. This tragedy should be a wake-up call.”
Iowa Department of Transportation officials say they are reviewing the roadway and plan to work with Poweshiek County officials on a potential safety audit.
Meanwhile, tributes to Halverson have begun pouring in. Her church has organized a community vigil for Saturday evening at Belle Plaine City Park, where hundreds are expected to gather in remembrance. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support her family.
Belle Plaine Mayor Tom Kasal released a heartfelt statement on Thursday afternoon:
“Lisa Halverson represented the very best of who we are as a town. Her loss is immeasurable, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family. We stand together in grief, in love, and in commitment to making sure her memory lives on.”
Funeral arrangements are currently being coordinated by Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service. A full obituary and service details will be released in the coming days.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage is encouraged to contact the Iowa State Patrol or the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office. As Belle Plaine mourns one of its most treasured residents, the call for answers—and for safer roads—has never felt more urgent.