Michael R. Syverson

Michael Ralph Syverson
October 1, 1947
June 29, 2015

I was born and raised in Redfield, South Dakota, as a free range child. The Carnegie Library was the source of my inspiration, the pool hall and alleys the source of my adventures. After a stint in the United States Army (1966-1968), I returned to South Dakota and met and married Karen, a treasure I did not deserve then and do not still deserve today. Together we raised two daughters of whom I am inordinately and justifiably proud.

After a number of career paths, including radio, television, and pharmaceutical sales, I settled into teaching marketing at Fox Valley Technical College for the remainder of my working career. While teaching, I created a video production company providing communications for corporations and nonprofit organizations. The highlight of my business career was an Emmy Award for Children's Hospital.

Music was a lifetime passion. If it had strings I would try to play it. My proudest moment as a musician was receiving a nomination for an original composition for the 1994 Emmys.

During my lifetime I chased both trout and golf balls. The first with great success; the second, not so much.

At this point you will see a list of my survivors: wife Karen VanBemmel Syverson; brother William Syverson (Myrna); sisters-in-law Mary Syverson, Gail VanBemmel Meyer (Jim), and Mary VanBemmel; brothers-in-law Allen VanBemmel (Sylvia), Bill VanBemmel, and John VanBemmel (Randi). My daughters, Amy Syverson (Chris Plansky) of Ashland, WI, and Megan Syverson (Justin Hughey) of Madison, WI; with grandchildren Ella Plansky, Cecil Plansky, and Miriam Hughey.

Between family, dear friends, and even casual acquaintances, I enjoyed every moment of my years. Good conversation, puns, and wordplay made for a wonderful time. And it can best be said that I was my own best audience.

Michael R. Syverson

A gathering of family and friends will be at Wichmann Funeral Homes, Tri County Location on July 11, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Time of Remembrance will be at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.