Milan Syverson, age 71, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, formerly Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Monday, July 21st, 2008, in MeritCare Health Systems, Fargo, North Dakota.

Milan Harold Syverson was born February 15, 1937, the son of Oliver and Julia (Brenna) Syverson, near Twin Valley. As a young child, Milan was baptized at Atlanta Lutheran Church, rural Ulen, Minnesota, and confirmed his faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Growing up, he lived with his family near Twin Valley, and attended Lincoln and Heiberg Country Schools before going to Twin Valley High School. Following his schooling, Milan was employed by his brother-in-law, Ferdie Skaurud, driving truck.

In October of 1960, Milan was united in marriage to Linda Dorseth from Flom, Minnesota. To their union came three children. After serving his country in the United States Army, they made their home in Moorhead, Minnesota. Milan later moved to Minneapolis to further his education, graduating with a degree in chemical dependency counseling. Milan worked as a counselor about six and a half years before returning to trucking. On February 27, 2001, Milan married Linda Curtis in Detroit Lakes. The couple made their home in Indiana for several years before settling in Detroit Lakes. Due to failing health, Milan was forced to retired in 2001.

Milan's favorite past times included searching for collectibles and antiques through flea markets and auctions, having coffee with his buddies, fishing and deer hunting. Milan also enjoyed the time he spent with his house buddy, Callie the cat.

Milan is survived by his wife, Linda of Detroit lakes, MN; sons, Mitch (Ellen) Syverson of Walhalla, ND and Darin Syverson of Red Lake Falls, MN; daughter, Kelli Syverson (Rodney Ulrich) of Red Lake Falls, MN; sisters, Dorothy (Rueben) Boger of Underwood, ND, Beatrice (Erling) Sather of Mobridge, SD, LaVonne (Vince) Babler of Borup, MN and Lois (Harley) Benson of North Branch, MN; seven grandchildren: Joshua Syverson, Adam Syverson, Michelle Syverson, LaNette Syverson, Darin Wayne Syverson, Sean Hicks and Krystyna Hicks; 2 great-grandchildren, Olivia Syverson and Jay-Lynn Syverson and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Oris, Raymond and Leonard; sisters, Orpha Skaurud and Myrtle Thiel; four infant siblings and a granddaughter, Krystal Hicks.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, July 26th, 2008, at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley.

Interment were in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.