Jerome "Jerry" Narveson obituary
Dr. Jerome David “Jerry” Narveson, 86, of Lake City, Minn., passed away peacefully, due to heart failure, with his four children at his side, on November 16, 2021.
He was born June 16, 1935, and raised in Northfield, Minn.. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Bert and Delia Narveson, and two sisters, Becky Johnson and Connie Lawrence.
He was a graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, and received his teaching and counseling degrees from University of Iowa and a doctorate from University of Northern Colorado.
Jerry was passionate about teaching Latin and English, and guidance counseling students at John Marshall High School, in Rochester, Minn., where he worked 34 years. He also thoroughly enjoyed sports, especially football. SKOL!!
Jerry’s solid Christian faith was a priority in his life. He was an active member of Gloria Dei and Bethel Lutheran churches in Rochester, and First Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minn. His deep faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life and part of the strong legacy he left his family.
Music and singing were among Jerry’s other primary passions he shared with others. His rich tenor voice touched countless lives over the years. He was a longtime member of the Rochester Male Chorus, and often sang in his church choir.
Planting and raising blue spruce trees also brought him much joy and supplemental income to help raise a family. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage ... Lefse, lefse, LEFSE!
Jerry loved being by, in, and on the water, whether swimming and water skiing beautiful Lake Zumbro or pontooning spectacular Lake Pepin. God’s rich, overwhelming, creative beauty moved him deeply. He reflected this beauty in creative writing, art paintings, and drawings he made throughout his retirement years.
Jerry was affectionately known by many, as a jovial, sweet, gentle, gregarious, wise, kind soul.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Roe; his children Jill Olstad (Ken), Mark Narveson, Krista Holland (Steve), and Bryce Narveson (Amy); their mother, Susan Narveson, and 11 grandchildren.
A celebration of life and funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minn. Face coverings are needed to attend in person. A graveside ceremony will follow. A video recording will be available online for viewing shortly afterward at www.firstlc.org. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Lake City, Minn.