Robert Iver Iverson

Robert ‘Bob’ Iver Iverson was born on March 14, 1942, to Norman and Winnifred (Bale) Iverson in Glendive, Montana. 

Bob spent his childhood in Glendive and Fairview, MT, and Dickinson, ND. With the North Dakota badlands in his backyard, he enjoyed camping trips and time outdoors. He was an active Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Playing on his high school football and basketball teams, working at his parents’ music store, developing his lifelong love of photography, and playing trombone in various music groups kept him busy as well. 

Bob loved to travel and explore. In the year 1960, as an 18-year-old, he used a friend’s scooter magazine to find addresses of companies to inquire if they would be interested in having their product promoted. There were a lot of rejections, but Rockford Scooter Company took Bob up on his offer, which resulted in a 3 month, 10,000 mile trip around the United States with his friend Francis Ulschak. They had many adventures along the way, including a lap around the Indy 500 track on their scooters, meeting their state representative in Washington DC, breakdowns and then calls using phone booths to troubleshoot repairs along the way. At the culmination of their trip they were given a splendid welcome home parade in Dickinson followed by the gift of a new scooter. This trip was the catalyst for an even grander one following Bob’s junior year of college. That year he, Francis, and another friend (Jerry Hanson) traveled around the world for 15 months, exploring 34 countries, visiting schools, and Rotary Clubs. Bob collected hundreds of musical instruments on this trip and sent them home to his parents to keep safe until his return. They were displayed at Dickinson State University. 

Upon graduation from Dickinson State University with a degree in music education, Bob attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls to complete his master’s degree. He played viola in the orchestra. This is where he met Linda (Alber), who played violin. Bob asked Linda out on their first date via a note in her music locker. She said yes. They were united in marriage on June 11th, 1967. Bob got his first teaching job in Alexandria, MN, so the couple moved there, raising their four children in a home where music was central. 

Bob was a music educator in Alexandria School District 206 for 34 years. During his years at Washington Elementary, he incorporated a unique curriculum in which students learned to play the xylophone, recorder, keyboard, handbells and guitar in addition to vocal and rhythm skills. Former Washington Elementary students may fondly recall the Tap Master and the daily call and response greeting in which they sang, “Hello, Mr. Iverson!” at the start of each class. 

Bob was active in music education in Minnesota, serving on the committee that wrote the Minnesota music standards. He served as Director of Publications for the Minnesota Music Educators Association, which included editing the publication of “Gopher Music Notes” for 22 years. 

In addition to teaching, Bob was a church choir director for 33 years, carefully collaborating with the pastor to choose meaningful music that corresponded with the message for the week. Wednesday night practices with the choir were a time of both musical and spiritual growth.

Bob was an active member of the Alexandra music community, creating a variety of musical experiences for members of the community including directing five Alexandria Area Arts Association musicals, community performances of “The Messiah,” and arranging residencies of The Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Bob was on numerous boards and served terms as president for the Alexandria Area Arts Association, Alexandria Vikingland Rotary Club and Central Lakes Concert Association.

After retiring as a teacher, Bob spent 16 years with Allied Concert Services. He was passionate about bringing live music to communities across the Midwest. He thoroughly enjoyed the interaction and conversations he had with each community concert association. 

Bob died the day after Father’s Day at the age of 82 in the home he shared with his wife of 57 years, Linda, by his side. She lovingly cared for him during his many health challenges over the past few years. Bob wanted to remain in their home, and Linda made that a reality for him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Winnifred Iverson, his sister Patricia, and his mother and father-in-law Harold and Lois Ann Alber.

Bob is survived by his wife Linda (Alber) Iverson of Alexandria; Children Patty (Andy) Breun of Pulaski, WI; Kimberly (David) Henson of Pagosa Springs, CO; Jennifer (Todd) Sapp of Staples, MN; David (Julia) Iverson of North St. Paul, MN; Grandchildren Drew (Courtney) and Ben (Kayla) Breun; Kit and Tia Henson; Anna and Naomi Iverson. Sisters: Karen (Tom) Erdmann and Mary Mathern; Sisters-in-law Lonette (Ed) Bebensee and Nancy Camardo as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 2:00 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Central Lakes Concert Association, PO Box 694, Alexandria, MN 56308.