Oral Ovester Siverhus

Oral Siverhus, of Montevideo, died on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at the Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 85.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, August 25, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Saron Lutheran Church in rural Montevideo with Rev. Larry Gedde officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.

Oral Ovester Siverhus was born to Martin Adolph and Emma (Sachariason) Siverhus on November 19, 1916 in Leenthrop Township of Chippewa County, Minnesota, on the family homestead.  He attended rural schools and was baptized and confirmed at Saron Lutheran Church where he remained a faithful member throughout his lifetime.  In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army, serving his country during World War II, serving in New Guinea and the Philippines.  Shortly after his discharge in 1946, Oral joined Henning–Erickson VFW Post 380 in Montevideo where he remained a member until his death. On September 18, 1946, he was united in marriage to Verna Hofland and four children were born to this union.  Oral farmed for himself and worked as a hired man for a number of years.  During these years, he was an avid pheasant and deer hunter.   In 1964, he began working with the Milwaukee Road, where he worked with the maintenance crew until his retirement in 1980.  During his retirement, he enjoyed dancing, driving the countryside, and looking at the various farms.  Many friends and relatives would stop by to play pinochle and to visit.  This extended family was very important to him.

He is survived by his wife Verna; two sons: Michael Siverhus and his wife Vallapa (Pat) of Maplewood, MN and Jeff Siverhus and his wife Beth of Warroad, MN; four grandchildren: Michelle, Tim, Sara, and Emily; one sister, Miranda Lauritsen of Montevideo; one brother, Iver  Siverhus and his wife Carol of Montevideo; and a sister-in-law, Cynthia Siverhus of rural Maynard, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  an infant daughter, Judy; a son, Mark; and by a brother, Arnold.

Thanks be to God for his life.  Blessed be his memory.