Kenneth Iverson

Kenneth N. Iverson, 76, of Gettysburg, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls. 

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, in the spring. 

Kenneth Niles Iverson was born February 26, 1947, at Park Rapids, MN, to Leonard and Roberta (Townsend) Iverson. His Family moved to Pierre, SD in 1950, where Ken attended Mckinley Elementary School and later graduated from Riggs High School in 1965.

On August 3, 1968, Ken was united in marriage to Wanda Boyer. They had one child, Lanna, born December 1, 1970. 

Ken served in the U.S Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam era, he was stationed in Germany for 18 months. When he returned from his tour of duty in Germany he returned to his job within the Bureau of Land Management, until 1970 when he started with the Game, Fish & Parks at Farm Island State Park as a conservation technician.

In 1972 Ken was transferred to Milbank, SD where he worked at Hartford Beach State Park. In 1973 Ken joined the National Guard and retired from the Guard in 1993. During his years in the National Guard Ken had the opportunity to return to Germany in 1987 and he went to Panama in 1993, just before he retired. 

To be eligible for advancement Ken transferred to Shadehill Recreation Area in Lemmon, SD in 1974 to become Assistant Park Manager. In 1979 Ken was promoted to Park Manager I at Lake Hiddenwood near Selby, SD. His district was expanded in 1980 to include West Whitlock Recreation Area which was being developed because of the Missouri River development. He was promoted to District Park Manager and his district headquarters was moved to West Whitlock, where he moved his family in June of 1983. His family remained in the Gettysburg area until the year 2000 when he transferred to Richmond Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen, SD as a District Supervisor. He lost his wife, Wanda, in 2006 to a car accident which led to his retirement in April 2008 when he then moved back to Gettysburg, SD. 

Once he returned to Gettysburg, he was very active in many organizations. His first love was the American Legion where he held many positions. He was also active with the Honor Guard, Historical Society, Maas Foundation and was even talked into holding a County Commissioner position. His love for the Gettysburg community was very evident. 

Ken moved to Sioux Falls, SD in 2022 due to declining health where he resided until his peaceful passing.

Ken’s life will forever be cherished by his daughter, Lanna (Michael) Mulder of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren: Josie (Max) Sauer of Brookings, SD, and Allison Fairbanks (Fiancée Ana Sherod) of Sioux Falls, SD; great grandchildren: Edith, James and Ruth Sauer; brother, John Iverson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Leona Martell, Duane Boyer, Wendell Boyer and Lynelle Caldwell. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Wanda; and siblings: Geni White, Fred Iverson, Bob Iverson, and Joyce Clark.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Ken’s arrangements.