Selmer "Dave" Syvertson

Selmer “Dave” Syvertson, 81, West Fargo, ND, died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 at his home surrounded by family with Hospice of the RRV.

Selmer David Syvertson was born May 25, 1937 at Arvilla, ND to Selmer and Florence (Potter) Syvertson.  Being the son of a school teacher and superintendent, Dave's childhood was spent in several schools throughout North Dakota, graduating in Grace City, ND, after which he began a distinguished career serving our nation in the military, spending three years repairing microwave radio equipment for the Army Signal Corps. 

In April of 1960, Dave returned to North Dakota to open Dave's Grocery in Bowesmont, ND.  Later that year, he fell in love with his future wife Katharine Misialek and her son Michael and they were married January 7, 1961.

In March of 1961, Dave would begin his career in the United States Air Force as a Computer Repair Technician, a career that would take him and his family many places around the world, including New York, Michigan, Scotland, England, Greece, Libya, Texas, Alaska, North Dakota, and Massachusetts.  In November of 1979, Dave retired from the Air Force as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and the rank of Master Sergeant.  He was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal, Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, The Air Force Commendation Medal.  With his highly technical skills as a computer repairman, it did not take long for him to land a job with Sorbus Inc.  This career would take him and his family to Connecticut, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and back to North Dakota before he was forced to medically retire 1992.  Dave was also an Active member and a post commander of the American Legion.

Dave's life was more than just his career.  He was a role model for all.  His love and devotion to his family was his number one priority.  He loved his wife, children and grandchildren like God intended.  He was always there to listen well and the first to give a hug to those he loved.  There was never a doubt that he put everyone else before himself.  He was a great man and will be missed deeply by those he left behind, including his wife Katharine; three sons, Michael (Gena), West Fargo, ND,  Rev. Robert, Fargo, ND, Matthew (Sharon), Wahpeton, ND;  two sisters, Jean (Norman) Roeder, Thompson, ND and Elaine Sundin, East Grand Forks, MN; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by parents; daughter, Genevieve; son, Charles; brothers, Robert, James and Carmen; and sister, Betty Muir.

Visitation: Sunday, March 3, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at Flame of Faith United Methodist Church, West Fargo.

Funeral: Monday, March 4 at 1 PM at Flame of Faith UMC with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery - South, Fargo, ND

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