Leslie Iverson, 82

Leslie “Les” D. Iverson, 82, Big Stone City, South Dakota, died September 24, 2012 in Ortonville.

Les was born January 7, 1930 in Alexandria to Richard and Augenia (Kvitek) Iverson.

Les married Margaret “Peg” Tieman in Alexandria on May 12, 1950. They were blessed with eight children.

Les served in the U.S. Army, 1st Calvary, October 1946-October 1949. Les spent his 17th birthday on a ship, traveling for military service to Japan.

He dedicated his life to being a “jack of all trades,” but, his real passion was as a salesman. Les was the founder, owner of Iverson’s Insurance Agency 1967-2010. He then sold his business to Stolpman Insurance Agency and continued as a sales agent for them until the present time.

He was the first president of the Alexandria Eagles Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing and was an avid golfer. His woodworking toys for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are treasured mementos. His collection of wooden gears is a lasting memorial to his woodworking skills. In our noisy environment, Les was a man who knew how to appreciate true silence. His omelet breakfasts started out the team, Deb’s Bookends, on the annual Grant County cancer fundraiser walk. He served many years as a councilman for the city of Big Stone City.

Les was one of the founding fathers of the spiritual recovery retreats at Blue Cloud Abbey 41 years ago. He felt blessed that he could attend several of the international AA conventions. Since 1964, when the family moved to Big Stone City, he became an active member of St. Charles Church and served as lector and extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. In conjunction to his religious beliefs, he lived his life according to a 12-step program and was dedicated to helping others do the same, and in doing so, he was helped and encouraged to continue his own spiritual growth.

Les is survived by his spouse of 62 years, Peg Iverson; children, Joan (Don) Reiffenberger, Big Stone City, Betty (Mel) Reinke, Ortonville, Tom (Barb) Iverson, Big Stone City, Mark Iverson, Hitterdal, David (Char) Iverson, Baltic, SD; Teri (Anthony) Spors, Big Stone City; son-in-law, John (Pauline) Hicks, Milbank, SD; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Deloresanne (Mervin) Olson, New Brighton; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bob; daughter, Deb Hicks; and daughter-in-law, Laura Iverson.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 29 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City.

Visitation is Friday, September 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Scripture service at 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday.

Burial will be at St. Charles Cemetery with military honors.

The family suggests memorials to the Ortonville Area Health Care Foundation, or the Grant County, SD “It Only Takes a Spark” cancer walk.

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