James Russell Iverson

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Iverson, James Russell age 69, of Minneapolis. Jim died peacefully on October 20, 2016, in the comfort of the home he cherished. He is survived by his wife Barb Iverson; daughter Mindee (Steve) Kastelic and their sons Frank and Sam of Woodbury; son Ryan (Krissy) Iverson and their children Charlie and Anna of Ham Lake; daughter Megan Iverson of Eden Prairie; brother Jon (Diane) Iverson of Shoreview and their sons Eric and Justin; Barb's children, daughter Julie (Jeff) Taggart and daughters Olympia and Helena of San Diego, and son Reed (Katie Edwards) Young of New York City; and his first wife and mother of his children, Dodi Iverson of Minnetonka. Jim was born April 25, 1947, in St. Paul to Russell and Edith Iverson. He grew up in Austin, graduating from high school in 1965. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota and later received a master's degree in engineering science from Penn State University. From 1969 to 1976, he worked as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Erie, PA. While with GE, he was part of the team of engineers that designed the Lunar Rover, a vehicle used by U.S. astronauts on missions to the moon in the early 1970s. In 1976, he and Dodi returned to the Twin Cities to raise their family. Jim then began a 33-year career with Electric Machinery Company, Onan Company and eventually Fortune 200 company Cummins, retiring in 2008. While working for Cummins, he led the company's work on two patents, both involving electrical switching technology that's used in power generation systems all over the world. He also served on the national electrical codes and standards board for the National Fire Protection Association. In his final 15 years at Cummins, he trained consulting engineers about the intricacies of standby power generation systems. Wherever he went, Jim was quick to identify what kind of back-up power generation system a hospital, university, airport or embassy was using. He found great joy in seeing the "Onan green" logo. Jim remarried on April 20, 2002, to Barb (Riedesel) Young. They moved from Shoreview to their current home in the Lakes Area of Minneapolis in 2004. Until the past few years, they enjoyed many trips throughout the U.S. and liked going to concerts. Jim especially enjoyed helping his kids, neighbors and friends with household and yard projects. He and Barb also treasured many hearty German Iverson/Dielentheis dinners and holidays with his family - where there was never just one homemade dessert, but at least three or four. Jim was a loyal Twins and Gophers fan and seldom missed a game on the radio or TV. He golfed on two leagues until the summer of 2015 when complications from lung disease increasingly restricted his physical activity. He was an avid reader of the news, devouring every column inch of the Star Tribune and then insisting on keeping a month's stack of old newspapers just in case he had to go back to read something again. He seldom missed the Sports Huddle with Dave Mona and Sid Hartman on WCCO on Sunday mornings. Since retiring, he spent time sitting on his deck, working on household and yard projects, playing with his beloved dogs Austin and Vinny, and 'taking care of Barb,' as he always fondly said. Jim was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 41st and Lyndale in Minneapolis, where a memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, with visitation starting at 10. Pastor Bob Wertz will officiate. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Washburn-McReavy. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on October 23, 2016