In Loving Memory of Maurice S. Syverson

Commander Maurice Scott Sy Syverson USN retired passed away October 10, 2006. He was 78 years old. Sy was born on April 14, 1928 in Ormsby, MN to Myron & Gilma Syverson. He was a graduate of St. James High School MN in 1946 and joined the Navy that same year. On leave from the Navy in 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jean Koester of St. James, MN beginning a journey of 55 years together. During his 30 year Naval career, Sy was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat V; Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars and other distinguished medals. They had 4 children; Paul, Carol, Kris & Luke; 11 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.

25 years ago, Sy & Dot moved to the Tri-Cities, WA area from Chula Vista, CA. He worked for the Hanford Nuclear Plant and retired from Westinghouse. They then followed God’s calling building/restoring Lutheran churches with Laborers for Christ, Mission Builders and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Sy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, on the board of directors of Lutherhaven Ministries, treasurer of Sons of Norway, and head of Boat Patrol for Water Follies for a number of years. He loved to play card games with family and friends. He was a camping enthusiast and lover of nature, sports, music and most recently became the family’s genealogy expert.

Sy was proud to serve his country. He was the true embodiment of a humble Christian man; a loving son, husband & father and tried by dedication, action and quiet example to live his life for Christ. He was a special grandfather and dear uncle and was blessed to have an abundant family and many wonderful friends. He will live in our hearts until through God’s mercy and grace, we join him in heaven.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Syverson of Pasco, WA formerly of St. James MN; his mother Gilma Syverson of Marshall, MN; son Paul Syverson & wife Patricia of El Cajon, CA; daughter Carol Donegan and husband Dave of Lawrenceville, GA; daughter Kristina Merkel & husband Ray of Pasco, WA; son Luke Syverson & wife Sarah of Tacoma, WA; brother Gene Syverson and wife Marilyn of Canton, MI; sister Karen McDaniel of Annandale, VA; sister Jo Ellen Blomme of Marshall, MN; brother Kent Syverson and wife Jan of Keiler, WI; brother-in-law, Dale Grein of Lakefield, MN; 11 grandchildren, Marc Syverson of Coeur ‘d Lene, ID; Major Eric Syverson USMC and wife Elizabeth of Jackson, MS; Brian, Jeffrey & Kevin Donegan of Lawrenceville, GA; Evan & Daniel Taylor of Pasco, WA; Alex Merkel of Spokane, WA; Noah, Matthew and Abigail Syverson of Tacoma, WA; and 1 great-grandson, Caleb Syverson of Jackson, MS; Aunt Muriel Wordelman & husband Victor of MN; Aunt Linda Syverson of KS; and many beloved nephews, nieces & cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Myron, his brother Jimmy, and his sisters Pat & Barbara.

Funeral service with military honors will be held at First Lutheran Church of Kennewick at 11 AM on Monday, October 16, 2006. Reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.

Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery, Tacoma, WA. Arrangements provided by Einan’s Funeral Home, Richland, WA. Memorial gifts may be made to Tri Cities Chaplaincy/Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.