Born Sept. 26, 1925 in St. Paul, MN, Ivar and Hulda (Erickson) Iverson announced the birth of their son, Donald Ivar Iverson. Growing up in St. Paul, he was the youngest of three children. As a young boy, Don and his father, put on hundreds of miles cross country skiing on great adventures. He also loved math, for it came easy to him.
Proudly serving in the United States Navy, Donald was a gunner on the destroyer U.S.S. St. Louis. Wounded in combat, he earned the Purple Heart twice for his injuries. Don was extremely proud of his service record. After returning from the service, he started his career as an over the road truck driver. Covering all 48 states, Don could tell you how to get from coast to coast and which route would be the best to travel. He was able to see the beauty in the country side in all the splendid seasons.
Life changed meeting the love of Don’s life, Jean Lucille Brooks. In fact, he knew her parents well and they like him. So much, they set Don and Jean up on a blind date. Their love grew for each other and on April 28, 1950, they exchanged wedding vows in St. Paul. They were blessed with four children, Lynda, Donald, Mary and Laurie.
As a family, Don would take the month of July off from trucking and spend it with them. A love for the water, the family would spend countless hours, swimming, boating, skiing and watching the sunsets. This time allowed Don and his family to create specially memories together. Life drastically changed for them, when Jean passed away suddenly on July 9, 1975. Life was never the same. They all missed her deeply.
An avid and talented golfer, Don probably could have gone pro, but he had a family to consider. Instead, he was able to enjoy golfing with family and friends and winning many tournaments along the way. All through the years, Don loved his-in-laws and cherished the wonderful memories created. A good friend too many, he truly appreciated their friendships as well. A man of great wisdom, honesty and generosity, Don was meticulous, yet a loving husband, dad and grandpa.
At the age of 86 and a resident of New Prague, Don passed away peacefully in the presence of his family the early morning hours of Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague.
Forever loved, Don will be deeply missed by children, Lynda (Greg) Gentz of Chaska, Donald (Michelle) Iverson of Rosemount, Mary (Rick) Steinhoff of Prior Lake, Laurie (Mike) Roche of New Prague; grandchildren, Deanna Gentz, Elise (Darren) Wercinski, Kevin (Kelly) Gentz, Ryan (Shawn) Gentz, Samuel (Courtney Carlson) Iverson, Nicholas (Sarah) Roche, Maria (Kevin) Russell, Jeremy Roche, Shane Roche; many great-grandchildren; sister, Ileen Crocker of Kingwood, TX: many other loving relatives and devoted friends. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Ivar and Hulda; sister, Dorothy (Ted) Cajacob; brother-in-law, Bob Crocker.
The visitation was Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4-7 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to the service at church.
The Celebration of Life Service was Monday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. Pastor Mark Schmid officiated. Pallbearers were Kevin Gentz, Ryan Gentz, Samuel Iverson, Nicholas Roche, Jeremy Roche and Shane Roche. Don will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors.
