NWA Capt. John O. Syverson

Fargo Forum obituary:  http://www.inforum.com/event/obituary/id/409785/   

John Oscar "Sy" Syverson

John O. “Sy” Syverson, 75, Mission, TX, Park Rapids, MN and formerly Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at Sanford Palliative Care on August 20, 2013, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  

John was born on the family farm in Ulen, Minnesota on July 16, 1938, to Oscar S. and Clara (Jenzer) Syverson, and was the youngest of seven sons. He grew up in Ulen, was baptized and confirmed at Atlanta Lutheran Church, attended grade school at District 48 County School and graduated from Ulen High School in 1955. He graduated from NDSU, Fargo, ND. His educational path continued to National Air War College, Montgomery, AL.  

On June, 2, 1984, John married Diane E. Benson in Fargo, ND. During their 29 years of marriage they traveled the world together.  

John’s passion was flying. His career began with the ND Air National Guard/Happy Hooligans, retiring as a Lt. Col. after 30 years. In 1966 John was hired by Northwest Airlines, ending his career in 1998 as a 747-400 Captain. Retirement was short lived as John became active in his other passion, politics. In 2003 he was elected to the North Dakota State Senate from District 45. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Fargo Planning Commission, Metro Council of Government, and on the Reed Township Board.  

John was State President of the Air Force Association, member of the El Zagal Shrine, American Legion, Amvets, Daedalions, Airline Pilots Association, National Guard Association, First Lutheran Church, and was a member of the MIA Hunters in Papau, New Guinea.  

John will be lovingly missed by his wife, Diane and daughter, Beth (Steve) Leonard of Chanhassen, MN. He is also survived by his brothers, Shelvin (Gladys), East Bethel, MN; Lowell, Wallace, and sister-in-law, Penny, all of the Minneapolis area; sister-in-law, Bonnie, Park Rapids, MN; mother-in-law, Betty Benson, Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Mike (Jan) Benson, Fargo, ND; and 27 nephews and nieces.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Clara Syverson; brothers, Clinton, Aldus, and Dean; sisters-in-law, Vi and Betty; and Diane’s father, Lyle F. Benson.  

Memorial Service: 11:00am, Friday, August 23, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, with a Visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Burial (at a later date): North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.  

Memorials are preferred to the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center, 820 4th St N, Fargo, ND 58102; First Lutheran Church, 619 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102; North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St, Mandan, ND 58554; or a charity of your choice.  

Please feel free to visit John’s tribute page at www.hansonrunsvold.com 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. John Oscar Syverson

July 16, 1938 - August 20, 2013

Notification of the passing of NWA retired pilot and RNPA member Captain John O. Syverson.  Born/raised in Minnesota John Oscar Syverson was 75 years of age at the time of his passing.  Captain Syverson hired on with Northwest 07-18-1966 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1998.  Services are scheduled for August 23rd in Fargo ND.

To sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at  http://www.hansonrunsvold.com/obituaries/John-Syverson/ 

Captain Syverson is survived by his wife Diane.  To the best of my knowledge personal condolences may be sent to their Minnesota address at   17574 Crooked Pine Drive,  Park Rapids  MN 56470-6467  ....  (218) 732-6996 

Thank you,
~ Carol

Obituary for John Oscar Syverson

John O. Syverson, 75, of Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Sanford Health, Palliative Care, Fargo.  

AUG 23 Visitation, from 10:00AM - 11:00AM

First Lutheran Church - Fargo

619 Broadway N., Fargo  ND 58102

AUG 23 Memorial Service at 11:00AM

First Lutheran Church - Fargo

619 Broadway N., Fargo  ND 58102 

Cemetery Details:  North Dakota Veterans Cemetery

1825 46th St. , Mandan  ND, 58554 

From: RNPA News Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 2:55 PM

Subject: John Syverson Has Flown West.

This has been posted on John Syverson’s Caringbridge website.

I am heartbroken to write that the love of my life passed away this morning at 7:30 am.  
Memorial service at 11:00 am, First Lutheran Church, Fargo, N.D., Friday August 23, 2013.
Visitation 1 hour prior and lunch following.
Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home