Doris Elaine (Hagen) Syverson was born August 9, 1923 in Starbuck, Minnesota to Iver Martin and Ida Bertina (Johnson) Hagen. Doris was baptized on September 9, 1923 and confirmed on April 10, 1938 at the Inherred Lutheran Church by Pastor Gerhard O. Forde. She grew to womanhood on a farm in the White Bear Lake Township, attending grades 1-8 in District 32 of rural Starbuck and graduating from Starbuck High School in 1941. Doris entered the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps' nursing program in August of 1944 at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, graduating on September 13, 1947. On September 2, 1950, Doris was united in marriage to Luverne Charles Syverson of Clontarf, Minnesota. They settled on the Syverson family farm and were happily married until Luverne's death on January 30, 1987. Together Doris and Luverne raised five children and were active in the Our Redeemer's Lutheran church in Benson. Doris moved to Benson, Minnesota in 2003 and became a member of First Evangelical Free Church, where she was an active member until her death. Doris' deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ was her guidepost and she was a faithful servant to the Lord throughout her entire life. Doris worked during her early years as a registered nurse for Dr. Eberly in Benson and later worked as a special duty nurse for hospitalized patients who were severely ill or injured. Throughout her life, Doris was active in the following organizations: 4-H leader; Sunday school teacher; American Lutheran Church Women, including serving as President; Sons of Norway; Meals on Wheels and Blood Bank volunteer; Meadow Lane Nursing Home, where she played piano for weekly devotions. Doris' hobbies included devotion to her family and the Syverson farm; maintaining the family genealogy, history and stories; loving her children and grandchildren; gardening and working in the yard; quilting; playing the piano (including by ear); refinishing furniture; travel, including a Northern European cruise with family members and numerous bus tours; Scandinavian baking; Bible study groups; studying and devoting herself to health and wellness; and conservative politics. Her kindness and interest in the world extended to the children she sponsored through Compassion International and the many Christmas boxes she packed for children through Samaritan's Purse. She is survived by her children: Linda I. Syverson (Maynard) Carlson of Buffalo, Minnesota; Richard B. (Vicki) Syverson of Clontarf, Minnesota; Janet E. Syverson of Phoenix, Arizona; Kathryn A. Syverson of Otsego, Minnesota and Thomas E. (Sandra Willsie) Syverson of Overland Park, Kansas. 8 grandchildren: Kathleen R. (Syverson) Haivala; Kjersti E. Carlson; Rebekah J. (Syverson) Beach; Britta Kristin Passic; Paul C. Syverson; Julia C. Carlson; Lars L.S. Passic; Andrew C. Carlson; 2 great-grandchildren: Brenna L. and Jayden G. Haivala. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Luverne; infant brother and sister, Joel E. and Ruth E. Hagen; her parents, Iver and Ida Hagen; and her infant son, Douglas Luverne Syverson.
