Velma Sivesind

Velma Sivesind, age 86, passed away April 8, 2011.

Funeral Services were held Monday, June 8, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church.

Ashburn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Velma was born on May 7, 1925, to John and Nora Schleusener. She grew up on their farm just north of Orchard. Velma graduated from Orchard High School. After graduation, she worked for Mutual of Omaha. She met Joe Sivesind, and they married in the store front window of Sioux City Furniture Store on Nov. 22, 1947. Velma and Joe made their home in Orchard, and for a short time in Mitchell, SD, before returning to the area and finally settling in O'Neill.

To this union three children were born, John, Debra and Tim. Velma worked for the Clerk of the District Court in O'Neill. She was a very active member of Christ Lutheran church as organist and a member of the Altar Guild and many other groups. After retirement, Velma enjoyed square dancing and china painting. She touched many lives of family and friends with her gifts of painted china.

In the spring of 2008, Joe and Velma sold their home in O'Neill and moved to Sioux Falls, SD to be closer to family.

Velma is survived by her children and their families, John (Cynthia) of Sioux Falls, Debra (Pat) of Houston Texas, and Tim (Jennifer) of Elbern, IL; five grandchildren, Holly, John, Amy, Tony and Andrew; six great-grandchildren, Vance, Seth, Aaron, Nolan, Cooper and Alana; siblings, Curt of Royal, Lyle (Margaret Jane) of Orchard and Merle (Kay) of Bettendorf, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; sisters, Dorothy and Marie; brother, Stuart and his wife Bonna Jane; sister-in-law, Janice (Curt); and other nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill or Alzheimer's Association, 1000 N. West Ave. Suite 250, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.