Bob Sivertson

1925 - 2016

Bob Sivertson

Bob Sivertson is no longer running for any political office, but he approves this message.

Bob Sivertson and his twin brother, Don, were born on June 17, 1925, to Robert and Esther Sivertson. They joined their older siblings, Harold, Ruth, Mel, and Eleanor at 923 North Spring. He attended Hawthorne Elementary and Washington High School. He remained a proud "North Ender" all his life.

When he was 17, Bob left high school to join the Marines. He fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including the battles of Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Bob was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in Saipan.

Returning to Sioux Falls, Bob began a 27-year career with the Sioux Falls Fire Department, eventually retiring as Captain. During his tenure, he was a leader in the Firefighter and Police Union to secure a living wage for his fellow public servants.

A fellow fireman, Porter Peterson, set him up on a surprise blind date with a girl named Donna Glissendorf; they were married in 1954.

In 1970, Bob was elected to the first of his three consecutive terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives. In 1976, he introduced a bill which would have created a state income tax. This piece of legislation came within one vote of passing and Bob never won a political election again. Even after his elected years, Bob remained a fighter for the common man, and a watchdog over state and local governments.

After retirement, Bob took up bicycling on the advice of his doctor. This became his recreation and his passion. For the next 30 years, he logged as many miles on his "Hog" as he did in his car. Bob would often pedal to area towns, have a beer, and return home. He also logged many miles on his bike as a security guard for Augustana College Campus Safety, his post-retirement gig.

In his younger days, Bob was active in competitive volleyball at the YMCA and softball. He was a life-long fan of the Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves and Vikings. He relished time with his card and cribbage buddies, as well as his life-long friends from the fire department and the legislature.

Bob Sivertson died September 13, 2016. He is survived by his two favorite sons, Andy and Steve, both of Sioux Falls. He also leaves behind his favorite granddaughter, Kylee, and his favorite grandson, Cole, both of Sioux Falls.

Bob had been eager to reunite with his wife, and we can rest assured that he has already begun lobbying to make heaven an even better place, and to lessen the admission requirements for his more questionable friends and family members.

Visitation with the family present will be from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue. A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Monday, September 19, 2016, at Hills of Rest Cemetery with a memorial service to follow at 11 am at First Lutheran Church Christ the Victor Chapel.

www.millerfh.com