Harry Syverson, 92, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at MeritCare Hospital, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 7, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Monday at the funeral home.

Harry Syverson was born on August 7, 1917 in Fargo, ND the son of Gilbert and Ida (Fevig) Syverson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and attended schools in Middle River and Thief River Falls. Following school he stayed home and helped on the family farm.

In 1937 Harry went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Lake Itaska, MN area. He built benches and tables and helped to gravel roads for the Bemidji parks as well as many other duties. After the CCCs he bought land with his brother, Ralph along ditch 18 just west of Goodridge, MN in Silverton Township.

Harry entered into service with the United States Army during World War II. He did his training in Texas and served in the Pacific Theatre and his main job was loading shells into the anti-aircraft guns. He fought in many battles and campaigns in the Pacific including Okinawa, and Luzon in the Philippines.

Following his Honorable Discharge, Harry returned to the family farm and farmed with his dad. At the same time he took advantage of a government program which paid him to go back to agricultural school. He also worked for Pennington County maintaining and mowing the roads. On December 7, 1952 Harry married Lorraine Bakke and to this union a son, Leslie was born. Lorraine died on August 15, 1976 and Harry continued to live on the farm until moving into Valley Home in Thief River Falls in the winter of 2005.

He enjoyed dancing, music, animals, visiting and telling stories with his family and friends; and could do a great Churchill and McArthur impression.

Survivors include a son, Leslie; brothers, Garfield and Douglas both of Thief River Falls; several nieces and nephews; and long-time friends and neighbors, Henry, Marge & Steve Panek.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Ralph and Rodney; sisters-in-law, Jeri, Tess and Marge.