Kenneth I. Sivertson

Kenneth Iver Sivertson (78) passed away on February 6, 2024, after his battle with cancer.

Born on November 30, 1945, to Sigurd and Ann (Klevgaard) Sivertson, he lived his rambunctious younger years with his nine siblings in rural Ulen, MN. 

He graduated from Crookston Agricultural High School in 1964, then entered the United States Air Force for four years. During his time in the service, he was stationed overseas in Korea. Following that he worked briefly on the railroad with his father, before becoming a firefighter at the North Dakota Air National Guard. Some of happiest years were spent at NDANG. He retired after twenty-nine years as Assistant Chief, his highest rank attained being Senior Master Sergent. In addition to his time as a firefighter, he was trained in small appliance repair, and as an electrician. 

Ken married Gayla Waalen in 1972, later welcoming three children Leah, Angela, and Levi. He loved being a father, spending his life doing what he could to show that. As a grandfather he delighted in sharing his stories, poems, and music. Always giving the best hugs, taking interest in the activities his kids and grandkids were involved in, and enjoying the time spent with them. 

Retirement never slowed him down. He drove truck during sugar beet harvest, cooked meals for seniors in the Felton area, and drove school bus. His door was always open at the ‘Felton Guesthouse’ where the coffee was always on. Often a card game or cribbage were being played with family or friends. A jokester to the core, he loved to make people smile or laugh. He would regale people with poems or little songs, his memory a treasure trove of both. In his later years, his pockets were always full of candy, mints, or gum that he would give away earning him the nickname ‘Grandpa TicTac or Uncle Candy.’ His generous spirit shining through in all he did; providing a helping hand, a listening ear, a wonderful meal, or a shoulder to lean on. His strength to overcome a dark period when his life changed after retirement was an inspiration to many. During the losses he suffered, and life struggles, he leaned on his faith, finding solace among his church family at Maranatha Lutheran Church. He was never the type to complain, even towards the end when he must have been in incredible pain, he denied it with a smile. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sigurd and Ann (Klevgaard) Sivertson; his son, Levi Sivertson; sisters, Lois Ozmun, Joanne Erickson; and brothers, Sigurd Sivertson II, Timothy Sivertson.

He is survived by his daughters, Leah (Tim) Held of Sartell, MN, Angela Sivertson of Moorhead, MN; his grandchildren, Thomas, Ryan, Sophie Held, Duncan, and Ella Sivertson; siblings, Sharon (Roger) Wright of Fargo, ND, Karen (Gordon) Fevig of Ulen, Stanley (Dianne) Sivertson of Fargo, Elizabeth (Jesse) Lee of Ada, MN, Ruth (Ronald) Larson of Felton, MN; brother-in-law, Gene Ozmun of Alexandria, MN; sister-in-law, Glennys Sivertson of Moorhead; and his ex-wife, Gayla Sivertson of Fargo. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and cousins. 

 Visitation will be at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service in Moorhead, MN, (409 8^th St. S.) on Friday February 23, 2024, from 5 PM until 7 PM. A family service to follow at 7 PM. The memorial service will be at 1 PM, at Maranatha Free Lutheran Church (101 Foundation Ave, Glyndon, MN) on Saturday, February 24, 2024. 

In lieu of any memorials or flowers, Ken would have preferred you show kindness to someone needing a hand. In doing so, making the world a little bit better place because that was the core of who he was as a person.