Michael Syverson

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Michael "Mike" Bruce Syverson, age 78 of Twin Valley, MN, died October 24, 2025, at HIA Heather's House, Fargo, ND, his loving family by his side.

Born, 5 July 1947, in Everett, Washington, Mike was the son of Hillery and Verna (Prestegord) Syverson. His family later settled in Twin Valley, where he grew up alongside his siblings: Greg, Karen, and Karrie. As a boy, Mike was involved in Boy Scouts and enjoyed getting into mischief with his buddies, including the infamous log cabin by the Wild Rice River. It was in Twin Valley that Mike met the love of his life, Janice Christensen. They married on December 23, 1967, during a generous nine-day leave from the Army, after having been drafted the month prior. Together, they would later welcome three children, Michelle, Marti, and Michael.

Mike's passion for flying began early. At the age of 16, as a determined teenager, Mike bartered farm work for flying lessons, igniting a lifelong love of flying. Throughout his life, Mike found a way to make his passion his career. He would proudly tell you, he never worked a day in his life. After graduating from Thief River Falls Tech with his A&P Mechanics license, Mike left to fulfill his duty to serve in the U.S. Army. Recognizing the gravity of the war and confiding in his First Sergeant, who he later credited for saving his life, Mike approached Basic Training and AIT with the rigor he applied to everything he did and graduated at the top of his class, earning him the opportunity to divert from Infantry to Flight School. He later graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School, becoming an Army aviator and received an AH-1G Cobra transition. During his extended tours in Vietnam Mike's courage and skill earned him numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the U.S. Army Distinguished Flying Cross, the Canadian Armed Forces Flying Cross, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms, amongst others.

After 20 years of active service and numerous assignments across the U.S. and Germany, Mike retired in 1987 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He returned to Twin Valley with his family and continued his aviation career as a LifeFlight Pilot for McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, and later MeritCare and Sanford Hospital in Fargo. His LifeFlight buddies would tell you that Mike only knew one way to land, hot and fast, undoubtedly a nod to his military experience. Before retiring, he also worked as a corporate pilot, traveling within the U.S. and internationally, and proudly would bring Janice along when the opportunity arose.

In retirement, Mike and Janice enjoyed their summers on Tulaby Lake, spending time with family and friends, making new trails in the woods, watching the wildlife, and catching the best sunsets. They wintered in Arizona, where Mike volunteered at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa. Here he enjoyed working on WWII birds including the B-17 and B-25 alongside his fellow veterans. He also became more active in the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, reconnecting with the brothers he served alongside. It is here Mike found the words to articulate all he experienced throughout the war, and his voice to share these stories with those closest to him. Stories only few can truly comprehend, but for which all are indebted.

An avid storyteller, Mike's love of reading, diverse interests, and photographic memory allowed him to tell stories rich with detail and in length. Rarely was there a topic or person he couldn't connect with. Making his conversations memorable and meaningful. This is one of the things we will miss the most. Mike enjoyed flying, woodworking, the outdoors, flying, reading, building airplanes, flying, riding motorcycle, serving in the VFW, traveling, and flying. He enjoyed a good glass of red wine, kipper snacks by the fire, and trying new recipes. Above all, he cherished time with his family, whom he loved deeply and proudly. He will be remembered for living life fully and passionately, for serving bravely, for generously reaching out to other Veterans who struggled with the weight of war, his dry sense of humor, sharp wit, and arguably the best mustache in Norman County.

Mike is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice; his daughters, Michelle (Scott Lawry) Dubois, Tomah, WI, and Marti (Randy) Sip, Ada, MN; his son, Mike (Kate) Syverson, Fargo, ND; his grandchildren: Melissa, Matthew, Marc (Phil), Jacob, Karly, Kaleigh, Jaden, Hallie, and Crosby; one great-grandson, Benjamin; his siblings: Gregory (Becky) Syverson, Waubun, Karen (Chris) Odden, Ada, MN, Karrie (Steve) Walters, Moorhead, MN; and his step-sister, Jo-Anne Stately, Plymouth, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents, Verna and Hillery; his stepdad, Bill; his in laws Donald and Bernice Christensen; many aunts and uncles; and the brothers he served alongside in Vietnam

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, as well as one hour before the funeral. Funeral Services will be at Zion Lutheran Church at 11:00am on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Internment with Military Honors will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.