Elling Iverson, 75, died on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Greg Schram officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion and VFW Posts in Thief River Falls along with the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard. Elling Thomas Iverson was born on November 6, 1936 to Elling Olaf and Mary (Nelson) Iverson in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. He grew up in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954. That fall, he entered the US Navy and served his country honorably from September 23, 1954 through October 28, 1957. He served most of the time at sea out of Norfolk, VA on the USS Eaton. He returned home to Thief River Falls. Elling was united in marriage to Joyce Marie Bruggeman on September 10, 1959. Elling worked at Hartz Wholesalers from 1957-1992. He worked as head buyer during his years at Hartz. He also worked in the evenings at Arctic Cat for about three years to earn a down payment for a house. Elling was known to many people as "Bones." He enjoyed many things including sports, gardening, fishing, hunting, feeding birds, reading, politics, and woodworking. He also had a special dog a Scottish Terrier "McKenzie." He built lots of furniture, including dressers, headboards, television stands, and many other things. Elling was meticulous and liked everything neat, clean, and organized. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, and was a member of the Golden Pioneers and the American Legion. Elling is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce, of Thief River Falls, four children: Peter (Emily) Iverson, Philippines, Karen (Chris) Jenson, Thief River Falls, MN, Scott (Peggy) Iverson, Burnsville, MN, and Keith Iverson, Thief River Falls, MN, six grandchildren: Joylyn (Roel) Dumadag, Dane Jenson, Bailey Iverson, Becky (Terry) Stavenes, Stacy (Roy) Thomsen, Tiffany Kleven, five great grandchildren: Kamila Dumadag, Erin Keisow, Ayla Thomsen, Austin and Brooke Stavenes, one sister Joyce "Dolly" (John) Boice, Portola Valley, CA, brother in law Larry (Vi) Bruggeman, Brooks, MN, three sisters in law Claire Bruggeman, Thief River Falls, MN, Vivian Bruggeman, St. Hilaire, MN, Audrey Lee, Kent, WA. He is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Elling was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.