Beverly Fay (Flom) Sviggum died at the age of 92 at Cannon Rivers Senior Living on January 25, 2024 where she had lived and had been lovingly cared for since July 2023. After her marriage in 1951, she and Peder lived on the farm in Sogn Valley where they raised their children. Bev was a farming partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, church and community member. Losing her husband Peder of 36 years in 1987 was difficult. Living as a widow for the next 37 years brought strength and perseverance to the matriarch of the Sviggum family.
She deeply loved her family, neighbors, and friends. According to her, there were none better. She did not drive for 25 years and she, as well as her family, were extremely grateful for her “village” who helped with rides, groceries, and visits.
Her favorite musical group was the Statler Brothers and, as they sang, she relished her “place here in this world” and gave “the very best she could”. All one had to do was taste her lemon meringue pie or cookies to know her best was blue ribbon worthy, but her contributions went far beyond her baking skills. Bev’s life echoed the song, “thank you world for lettin’ me contribute to the cause”.
She was known throughout the community as Grandma Sviggum and continued to support K-W activities even after her children and grandchildren graduated. She loved attending games, concerts, and other K-W school functions. Her support of the school, Vang Lutheran Church, and community events was steadfast. For decades Bev was the lutefisk expert at Vang’s annual event in October. She was a long-time leader in 4-H and enjoyed being part of her Extension group.
Bev would dash off if there was any opportunity to see friends, go to a ballgame, or get ice cream. She often said a clean house was a sign of a misspent life. The dishes could wait. She loved her books, one which emphasized taking the time to be with people and cherish relationships; she knew that was the most important gift she could offer.
While she is no longer with us, Beverly’s legacy looms large in the many lives she touched, especially in her five children: Steve (Deb), Jim (Sandy), Dick (Ann), Beth (Steve), and Missy (Dan). Her 11 grandchildren were so fortunate to have such an involved, caring, and loving grandma: Hans (Rachel), Erik (Cortney), Marit (Eric), Peder, Siri, Connor (Rachel), Michael, Kasey, Colin, Will, and Riley. She was blessed to know and be loved by 15 great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family.
The future of not seeing Bev, giving her a hug, or having her say “Love you, bye”, is a sad one, but her love will live on in our hearts.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said the purpose of life is to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Beverly made a difference.
Visitation will be at Vang Lutheran Church on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 from 4PM to 8PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11AM at Vang Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Paul Graham will be officiating. Interment will be in the Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery in Dennison. In memory of Beverly, the family requests that you send flowers to your loved ones.
