Donald Iverson

Donald J. Iverson, longtime Brookings resident, passed away peacefully Dec. 3, 2024, after several days at Avera McKennan Hospital and the Dougherty Hospice House, both of Sioux Falls, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at Rudes Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Don was born on Feb. 18, 1943, in the Faulk County Hospital in Faulkton, South Dakota. He was the sixth of 10 children born to Marvin and Viola (Gebhart) Iverson. In 1949, the family moved from Miranda, SD to Brookings, where he attended school and graduated from Brookings High school in 1961. He played several sports and in his senior year earned all-state honors as center for the football team. He also polished his culinary skills as a cook at Cooks Rainbow Caf and (being an excellent swimmer) served as a lifeguard at the Brookings swimming pool. Out of high school he was recruited to play football at Huron College but returned to Brookings and attended South Dakota State University for several years. Don remained a lifelong sports supporter watching his family members and friends compete for BHS and SDSU.
On Jan. 28, 1965, Don married Janet Norton and to this union four remarkable children were born: Doug, Kari Jo, and twins Tony and Tonya.
Following his interest in cars, he initially worked for several years as a salesman for Kjellsens Chevrolet and Cadillac, followed by employment with Cumming Enterprises where he serviced jukeboxes around the state. He would take home any of the vinyl 45s he was allowed to keep, and the family would often dance and sing to the variety of music.
In 1972, Don purchased the local watering hole, Rays Corner, where he again showed his support for the youth of the community by sponsoring several sport teams. He was noted for being late to the family gatherings because he didnt want to kick out the patrons who had no place to go or someone to see during the holidays. After selling Rays in 1979, he worked for James Wholesale until he retired.
Don was an avid outdoorsman, thoroughly enjoying the thrill of the hunt and the pursuit of the big walleye. He also enjoyed bowling, showcasing brother Johns 1957 Chevy at local car shows, and playing slow-pitch softball. He was a member of the 1975 Brookings team that won the State Slow-pitch Softball Tournament.
In his later years, Don also became an accomplished archer, winning over 35 state and sectional titles, including a world championship in 2002, when the event was held in Yankton, SD. He was likewise instrumental in introducing and coaching many local youths in the sport. As he said, I get a bigger kick out of watching the kids than I do shooting myself. He also was a board member of the South Dakota Archery Association and a past president.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, George and Gary. He is survived by his four children: Doug (Terri) Iverson, Kari Jo (Kelly) York, Tony (Rebecca) Iverson, and Tonya (Bryce) Clutts; eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his siblings: Colleen Cox, Connie Jones, Sr. Janice (Mary) Iverson, Bill, Jim, John and Rich; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved, constant canine companion Woody, a loving cocker spaniel.
and come in the shade of evening when the sun paints the sky in the West, stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best
The family wants to offer a heartfelt thank you to the Avera Hospital and Dougherty Hospice House staffs for the exceptional care they provided Don in his final days.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.