Ivar Bersos

July 10, 1929 -
March 22, 2025
Ivar Bersos, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 95. Ivar was the son of Norwegian immigrants, Hilmar and Inga Bersos, who migrated to the Seattle area prior to his birth. Born in Seattle on July 10, 1929, the youngest of four children (Margot Bersos Mc Masters, Gunnar Bersos and Agnes Bersos Byers). He was a graduate of West Seattle High School. After graduation, he served in both the Army and Navy during the Korean War with an honorable discharge from both. Following his active service he also served in the Army Reserves for several years with a final rank of Corporal.
Ivar was preceded in death by his wife Helen Larsen Bersos, sons Bob Bersos, (daughter-in-law Dorian Bersos) and Rick Bersos. He is survived by his 5 grandchildren; Joshua Bersos, Michael Bersos (Tiffany), Laura Bersos, Christopher Bersos, Jonathon Bersos, daughter-in-law Kate Bersos Olson. great granddaughter Bennett, and many nieces and nephews.
Ivar and Helen married just before he started basic training for the Army. She was truly the love of his life. They met in high school over the summer at a dance at Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley. Ivar and his friend had rented a cabin for one week for $30 (which you could do back in the day). They had nightly dances in a dance hall and that is how they met. He got one look at Helen and it was love at first sight. He just couldn't believe that this tall beautiful blond could like a short regular guy such as himself. But it was true love with a marriage that lasted over 50 years. They started out married life in Seattle, but in the early 1960s they built their dream home on Mercer Island where they raised the two boys. He was the best father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He was scout master for both the boys which he totally enjoyed. He loved taking them hiking, boating, water skiing, clamming and anything involving a beach. Ivar's best friend was his bother Gunnar. Their geoduck adventures are legendary. They also enjoyed traveling together with their wives to their favorite places; Hawaii and Florida.
Most of Ivar's career was spent in sales. First, working for many years for R. J. Reynolds Tobacco as the sales representative for the Pacific Northwest. He eventually decided to go into real estate working mostly on Mercer Island and in Bellevue for Caldwell Banker Bain and others. After retirement he became bored and went back to work part-time for Covenant Shores assisted living on Mercer Island. This job was a labor of love for him which he thoroughly enjoyed for a long time. Ivar was also a 60+ years member of the Masonic Lodge, mostly serving in the Des Moines lodge.
Thank you Ivar for all the happy memories of Christmases and barbecues spent at your lovely home. We miss you already. Thanks for always being there for all of us!
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Des Moines Masonic Lodge #246, 231 S. Normandy Road, Burien, WA 98146-1709.