Leslie E Sivertson

Leslie Elmer Sivertson was born on the family farm near Mission Hill, South Dakota to Burt and Eline (Vevang) Sivertson. He grew up on the farm and was very active with his father in the daily operation. He attended country school through the 8th grade and had fond memories of climbing the windmill to make repairs and the nightly gathering for the family to sing and play the accordion. Les served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Les married Lora Collett in 1951 at the Methodist Church in Gayville, South Dakota and they were blessed with three children: Ronald, Richard and Lori. Les raised his family in several states before they settled in Iowa. Les married Marie Becker in 1976 at the Christian Church of Waterloo and they have made their home here since then. Les worked as a machinist while in California and at a meat processing plant before working at O’Daniel Oldsmobile and Honda for 33 years. It was here that he worked his way up from car washer to lube man to certified mechanic. He later advanced to the position of service writer. Les enjoyed woodworking, sharing the bounty of his garden and playing the accordion. He was a self-taught musician, who could play several instruments by ear and the nightly music time continued for many years. Through the years, Les worked side jobs to earn extra money to provide an annual vacation for his family. He was active in his community, serving as a scout leader and leader in his church, spending many hours helping during the construction of the new building. Les was a loving, loyal and compassionate man, always joyful and quick with a hug for everyone. He grew to be a Husker fan, loved mashed potatoes, coke and dinner out at Farmer Brown’s. Les passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Shalimar Garden in Fremont, Nebraska at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 7 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Burt and Eline, his brothers Arnold and Kenneth and sisters Berniece Nissen, Sylvia Hagan and Elsie Holstetter. Les is survived by his wife Marie; sons: Ron (Sharil) of Topeka, KS and Rich of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Lori (Mark) Singletary of Richland Hills, TX; and step-children: Carol (Jerry Curren) Cleek of Omaha, Connie (Ed) Anderson of Oakland, NE and Gary (Dana) Becker of Caspar, WY; 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren; brothers Harold (Sharon) of Council Bluffs, IA and Olin of Wakonda, SD; and sister Alice Larson of Yankton, SD.

Leslie E Sivertson

July 14, 1926 - January 21, 2014