Rupert Syverson

Rupert Syverson, age 72, of rural McIntosh, Minnesota passed away on Thursday (May 22nd) at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday (May 28th) at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh with the Rev. Aage Carlsen and Rev. Gordon Syverson officiating. Interment will be in Vernes Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Tuesday (May 27th) at the McIntosh Community Center. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh and sympathy messages may be sent at www.carlinhoialmen.com.Rupert Leslie Syverson was born on July 8, 1935 in the family log home located in Hill River Township of rural McIntosh, Minnesota. His parents were Rudolph and Clara (Martinson) Syverson. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith in Jesus in Vernes Lutheran Church. Rupert received his first eight years of education in Lindsay Country School. He graduated from McIntosh High School in 1953. He attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota for one year; Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota for one year and graduated from Bemidji State University with a BA degree in the Social Sciences and Education. He also served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960.Throughout his life Rupert was involved in a variety of vocational endeavors-which included teaching school in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and North Dakota. He served as a Polk County Commissioner for twelve years, this included being on the Polk County Senior Citizen's Board and the Inter-County Community Council. In addition, Rupert farmed as a sideline throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of Gideon's International.Being a person with many interests he traveled to Norway and other parts of Europe, the Far East, Mexico and countries in South America. Some of these trips were church related. Rupert was a conservationist and a lover of nature which led him to be able to identify many birds and their songs, and plants and flowers. He held in his heart a special place for his dogs and cats. Most of all, Rupert had a deep and abiding Christian faith which was the determining force in his life.He was a wonderful member of the family. Even though he had no children of his own, nieces, nephews and children everywhere were a special part of his life. Rupert has left a great influence in the world and because of his life our world is a better place for all.He departed this life at the age of 72 years in his own home surrounded by loving family members after a long struggle with congestive heart failure.He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Alvira Knutson and Clara Quam; three brothers, Francis, Edwin and Alan. Also preceding him in death were infant brother, Walter; and infant sisters, Doris and Elaine; three brothers-in-law, Archie Knutson, Laurie Finseth and Roger Vind; and one sister-in-law, Christine Syverson.He is survived by four sisters, Ardith Syverson of McIntosh, Anola Finseth of McIntosh, Mary (Richard) Loing of Reynolds, ND, and Faith (Bruce) Hanson of McIntosh; two brothers, Norris of McIntosh, Gordon of Fosston; brother-in law, Roy Quam of McIntosh; sisters-in-law, Mavis Syverson of McIntosh and Eleanor Syverson of Barnum, MN. Also surviving are 37 nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews; many cousins and a host of friends.God bless the memory of Rupert in the lives of all who knew him, loved him and worked with him throughout his sojourn in this world.