Dvergsten, John H. (1916-2009)
DVERGSTEN, VOLDEN, DOLVE, CANTON, SHONKWILER, EICHNER
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 12/27/2009 at 16:53:57
John H. Dvergsten - Jan. 04, 1916 - Jan. 04, 2009
John H. Dvergsten of Storm Lake, Iowa died on January 4, 2009 at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.
John was born January 4, 1916 to Anton Dvergsten and Emma (Volden) Dvergsten in Watson, Minnesota. He worked in his family’s general store until he graduated from Montevideo High School in 1934. He was most proud of attaining an Eagle Scout status while in school. John attended the University of Minnesota for one year and then began selling Northrup King Seeds throughout Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
In 1942 John was drafted into the horse cavalry which was interesting because he had not ridden horses prior to his induction. He went to Ft. Meade, South Dakota and was issued a large horse named ‘Bomber’. Over time, they became good friends and John continued to enjoy riding horses after his army years.
When the horse cavalry was disbanded, John was sent to Vancouver Barracks, Washington. While there he met his bride to be, Borghild. John served in Scotland, England, France and Germany during WWII and attained the rank of Captain. Upon his return to civilian status, John and Borghild were married in 1946 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John remained in the Army Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
John joined his brother, Irvin, in the Woman’s Shop in Spencer, Iowa after his army service. In 1947, John and Borghild had an opportunity to buy a women’s clothing store in Storm Lake and The Woman’s Shop began its long run. John and Borghild were blessed with two children, David and Karen. Both John and Borghild were committed to their family, their store and their community for the rest of their lives. They were business partners and ran the store together for over forty years.
Upon retiring in 1984, John and Borghild began traveling in their Airstream trailer and Airstream motor home. They enjoyed the camaraderie of the Airstream Association and John was delighted to be a member of the Airstream Band. They enjoyed their winter home in Melbourne Beach, Florida for many years.
John was extremely active in the community and was particularly proud to serve as co-chair of the 1959 “Save The Lake” dredging campaign and as chairman of the Buena Vista College 75th anniversary celebration. Since he owned the uniforms, he was the leader and first clarinetist for the infamous Kiwanis Zauer Krout Band. John served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and as president of SERPACI. He was active in Kiwanis for over 50 years and enjoyed his long time association with Buena Vista University. He served as a Director of the Buena Vista County hospital for twelve years with a term spent as president. John served on the Board of Citizen’s First National Bank from 1963 to 1967 and was active in the Storm Lake Industrial Corporation. John and Borghild were members of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church.
John was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother Irvin and his sisters Ethel Canton and Alvina Shonkwiler. He is survived by his daughter Karen, and her husband Robert Eichner; his son David, and his wife Barbara; his grandchildren: Christian (Jessica) Dvergsten, Benjamin (Sarah) Dvergsten, Margaret Dvergsten, Matthew Eichner and Benjamin Eichner. His great-grandchildren are Tyler Dvergsten, Samuel Dvergsten, Charles Dvergsten and Gabriel Dvergsten.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Lake Preservation Association, the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation or the Methodist Manor.
Services for Mr. Dvergsten will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home, 1615 W. Milwaukee Avenue in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00.
Copyright © 2009 Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
Buena Vista Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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