David John Grevstad

David John Grevstad David John Grevstad passed away peacefully Monday, March 2, 2009, after a brave struggle with cancer. He was 77. He was born Feb. 23, 1932, in Deadwood, S.D., the son of the Rev. Erling Grevstad and Bergith Grevstad (nee Skarsten). He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Connie Saum Grevstad; two daughters, Anne (Ted) Grevstad-Nordbrock and Emily (Chris) Sidorfsky (nee Grevstad); grandchildren, Fritz and Karin Grevstad-Nordbrock, and Soren and Theo Sidorfsky; two sisters, Hildegarde McGown and Agnes Hjelle; sister-in-law, Janet Grevstad; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul Grevstad; his niece, Lisa Gerchman; his brother-in-law, Wayne McGown; and his mother and father-in-law, Ronald and Audrey Saum. David was a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where he studied fine art and commercial art, with a major in illustration. His entire career in advertising art was in Chicago. After he retired, he resumed water color painting and enjoyed his Tuesday mornings at the art lab of Harper College. As an 11 year old boy in 1943, he frequently rode a bus from his home in Lansing, Ill., accompanied by another 11 year old boy, but without adult supervision, to his Saturday morning art lessons at the Chicago Art Institute. At that time, his father was gone, serving as chaplain in the military. As David related, "Those were the way years; independence was a strong suit for mothers and siblings in the early 40's." After World War II, the family moved to Lakewood, Ohio, where he graduated from Lakewood High School. David was a veteran of the Korean War, Signal Corps, where he served as the battalion's draftsman. He was a patriot; he spoke often of our espousing the values of our Great Republic. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church; he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Saturday morning men's bible class at Our Saviour's. He was a member of the Torske Klub, and The Rinky Dinks Club, where he was engaged in fellowship with friends. He was a member of the Sons of Norway. He was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and a first trip to Norway in 2006 culminated in knowing his grandparents' love of their native land. David was an avid reader, especially of history and classical literature. It was something one did every day! He was stimulated by the discussion and the friendship within the Great Books Group of Arlington Library. He was passionate about classical music and opera, with a subscription to Lyric Opera for 18 years. He loved the changing of the seasons, especially the season of golf! He had begun playing golf with his father in his teens. He loved trees. But, paramount, above all, was David's love for his family, his four young grandchildren, and their love for him. "Blessed be his soul." The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church, prior to the service. Memorials in his name may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, or to the charity of your choice; or flowers can be bestowed if you wish. All is appreciated. Arrangements were made by Glueckert Funeral Home, Arlington Heights. For information, www.GlueckertFH.com or call 847-253-0168.