Sylvia Jaranson, 90, died on Friday, May 28, 2010 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN with her daughter and grandson by her side.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held at the church for one hour prior to the funeral service.

Sylvia Elaine Evenson was born on February 16, 1920 to Melvin and Olga (Loftness) Evenson in Scobey, MT. She attended school there and graduated in 1937. She then moved to Wahpeton, ND to attend the North Dakota State School of Science where she took business classes. After completing her schooling, she moved to Thief River Falls, MN where she worked for L.B. Hartz as his secretary. She later moved to Fargo, ND and Tacoma, WA where she worked for the O.P.A. She returned to Thief River Falls, MN and married John Jaranson on November 24, 1946. They made their home in Thief River Falls all of these years. Sylvia was a homemaker who raised her children.

Sylvia was baptized and confirmed a Lutheran, a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and active in the Ladies Aid for many years. She and her husband John enjoyed traveling. In her later years, they enjoyed many evenings dining out and then driving around the countryside looking at deer. She was an avid Wheel of Fortune fan and enjoyed a good game of solitaire. In her younger years, she had a fondness for the Lawrence Welk Show. Sylvia was a gentle woman who never wanted to be a bother or burden to anyone.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John, one son Jim of San Diego, CA; one daughter Sue (Dean) Hoffman, of Burnsville, MN, two grandchildren Kimberly and Josh Hoffman, one sister Jeanette Sather, Eau Claire, WI, and nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Ruth Pirret and Evelyn Evenson.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley. www.hrrv.org

ORGANIST: Phyllis Dalager
SOLOIST: Diane Johnson
SELECTIONS: Amazing Grace, Day by Day
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Beautiful Savior, How Great Thou Art
PROCESSIONAL & RECESSIONAL: Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring
CASKETBEARERS: Family Members