Harvey Dvergsten


       Harvey Dvergsten,79, of  International Falls, died at his home on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009.

       Harvey Wallace Dvergsten, the son of Elmer & Mathilda (Williamson) Dvergsten, was born May 13, 1929 at Greenbush, MN.  He grew up and attended rural school at Greenbush and Greenbush High School.  He worked with his father on the farm and raised turkeys.  Harvey married Erine Ignaszewski on August 11, 1951 in Greenbush. He worked on construction at Neche, ND and the sugar beet factory at Grand Forks, ND.  In October of 1951 they moved to International Falls, where he worked for Mando Paper Mill in the wood room. He later worked for Boise Insulite for 19 years and then worked in the Union office as President and Vice-President until he retired.  After retirement he worked at the Travel Information Center at International Falls for several years and enjoyed winters at Yuma, Arizona.  

     Harvey was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and the International Falls Lions Club.

    Harvey enjoyed his time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved snowmobiling, horse racing, farming and visiting with family and friends.

          SURVIVED BY:  Wife—Erine Dvergsten.

  4  Daughters—Elizabeth (Calvin) Bacon of Vulcan, MI,

  Eunice (John) Gustavson of Norway, MI,

  Elaine (Terry) Aarness of Iron Mountain, MI and

  Ellen (Chad) Jonson of International Falls, MN.

    8 Grandchildren:  Cathy Bacon, Corey (Tanya) Bacon, Debbie (Len) Switzer, Rick (Shannon) Gustavson, Crystal (Mike) Falik, Lindsey Aarness, Tyler & Ashley Jonson.

    5 great-grandchildren:  Tahni & Taylor Ferris,  Hunter & Madison Bacon, Henry Switzer and two more coming in May, Baby Gustavson & Baby Switzer.

    Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, one son—Harold on February 7, 1965 at age 10, 3 brothers—Arnold, Clifford and Orville Dvergsten and a sister Miranda Kaml.

      Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of International Falls, with Father Mitch Byeck, OMI, officiating.  The Casket Bearers were Orlan & Gary Dvergsten, Verlyn Kaml, Roger & Harry Ignaszewski, Arlyn Monsrud and Earl Overlee.  Honorary Pallbearers were all of Harvey’s grandchildren.  Interment was in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery of Greenbush.  Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush was in charge of funeral arrangements.