Jeffrey Don Iverson

Jeffrey Don Iverson

FIRTH, IDAHO-Our loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend and patriarch of the Iverson Family, Jeffrey Don Iverson, age 81, passed peacefully after a lengthy illness on February 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Dad battled to the end, and fought valiantly, showing what true courage looks like, leaving a lasting and eternal impression on his family.

Jeff was born on February 2, 1944, in Hayward, California to Don Orson and Sylvia Mae Bourne Iverson. He married Dayle Audrey May Dalton on May 31, 1969. Dayle preceded Jeff in death on December 11, 1970. He then found and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ivy Banks on May 29, 1971, in the Idaho Falls Temple, embarking on their eternal journey together. Jeff and Liz were looking forward to their 54th anniversary in May.

Jeff grew up on the family farm in Woodburn, Oregon (eventually becoming what is now known as the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm), but eventually his family moved to Portland where he attended Madison High School before relocating to Tremonton, Utah, ultimately graduating from Bear River High School in 1962.

Jeff then enlisted in the US Army and served three honorable years during the Vietnam war from 1963-1966. He was a proud American and taught a love of country to all his children and grandchildren. During retirement, Jeff volunteered his time as a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, honoring his fellow soldiers at funerals.

He had a love of umpiring and refereeing many sporting events, teaching those involved how to play and be a good teammate and player. He loved to spend Saturdays umpiring little league games at Burnside Field in Portland, even after all of his children were done playing baseball. He was a pillar at church basketball games, reffing many and keeping everyone entertained. He could get up and down the court just as fast as anyone.

During his working years, Jeff spent 25 years in maintenance at the Port of Portland. He could drive anything with a wheel or lever; if it could be driven, Jeff could drive it better than anyone. He retired a bit earlier than most, and moved to Sigurd, Utah in 1999 and began his second life on a bit of acreage. After 17 years there, life would take Jeff and Liz to Twin Falls, Idaho and then to Firth, Idaho where he spent the rest of his life.

Jeff loved the outdoors and took his children hunting and woodcutting in Oregon when they were young. Annual camping trips, mostly to Oxbow Park in Oregon, with his family and friends were some of the highlights of his life.

He and Liz served three missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Sigurd, then in the Phoenix, Arizona mission on the Navajo Nation, and finally to Martin's Cove in Wyoming. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was very important in Jeff’s life, which he, in turn, taught his family.

Toward the end of Jeff’s life, he suffered from kidney failure, spending much of his time undergoing dialysis, which he didn’t like. As his many illnesses forced him into immobility, Jeff loved to take drives to see the beautiful Idaho countryside.

Though our hearts are broken, we all take comfort knowing the Plan of Salvation, which allows each and every one of us an opportunity to be with Jeff again. We love you Dad and Grandpa!!

Jeff is survived by his devoted eternal companion, Liz; seven children, Derek (Amy) Iverson, Herriman, Utah, Wendy (Darren) Durbin, Shelley, Idaho, Jared (Halie) Iverson, Herriman, Utah, Nephi Iverson, Hurricane, Utah, Leah Iverson, Syracuse, Utah, Rachael (Stuart) Reid, Aurora, Utah, and Micah (Caitie) Iverson, Price, Utah; 29 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who was born a few hours after Jeff’s passing; brother, Mark (Christine) Iverson, Surprise, Arizona; and many brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, and many longtime friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Sylvia Iverson; first wife Dayle; sister, Susan (Jim) Bradshaw.

Funeral service, Friday, February 28, 2025, 12:00 noon, Sigurd Ward Chapel (30 South 100 West, Sigurd, Utah 84657). The family will receive friends and family Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Firth Ward Chapel (744 North 600 East, Firth, Idaho 83236) and at the church in Sigurd, Utah from 10-12:00 noon on Friday. Interment, with full military honors, will take place at the Sigurd Town Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Jeff’s son, Micah, with special thanks to Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot, Idaho and Mitchell Funeral Home and Magleby Mortuary in Utah.