Syvert Mahlen

Syvert Mahlen, 89 of Williston, ND, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004, at Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home
in Williston, ND.

Syvert Morgan Mahlen was born on the family homestead in Round Prairie Township, Williams County,
ND, on September 9, 1914, the son of Alfred and Hannah (Vangen) Mahlen. He was schooled in
Round Prairie. As a young man he worked and farmed at home and for the neighbors.

On April 27, 1935, he was united in marriage with Minnie Eva Vannatta in a double ceremony with his
brother Joel, and Minnie's sister, Mabel Vannatta, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bainville, MT.
They made their home in Bainville where they farmed, raising wheat, barley, safflower and
Angus cattle. He also broke horses when he was younger. Syvert worked for the Great Northern
Railroad - first starting with the track department, later as a brakeman and finally as a conductor. He
traveled various routes through the years to areas including Opheim, Glasgow and Minot. He loved to
work for himself, on the farm and ranch, the railroad and for a good cause as a volunteer, usually a
church project.

Minnie died May 12, 2003, in Williston. Syvert died at Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Williston on
Tuesday, August 31, 2004. Together for 68 years, they were an excellent example of the sacrament of
marriage.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a very strong supporter of the Cursillo program
and Ultreya, Marriage Encounter, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and the Sons of Norway.

He enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle and solitaire.

He is survived by: one son, Syvert Mahlen and his wife, Brenda of rural Williston; five daughters:
Janice Ostberg and her husband Charles of Selma, CA,
Jean Christianson and her husband Chris of Chandler, AZ,
Darlene "Cricket" Olson and her husband David of Lake Metigoshe, ND,
Mona Ziegler and her husband Ken of Bismarck, ND, and
Kim Doll and her husband Harold of Mandan, ND:
21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren; five sisters:
Ella Vannatta, Florence (Russ) Norby and Myrtle Cain, all of Williston.
Pearl (Dale) Berwick, of Bainville, MT and Laura Hovland, of Washington and a sister-in-law,
Evelyn Mahlen of Bainville.

Preceding him in death were his wife; parents; three brothers, Joel, Ernest and Fred; two sisters,
Lillian Johnson and Esther Stromme; two infant sisters and an infant brother.

Funeral Mass: Friday, September 3, 2004 at 11 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williston
with Father John Guthrie officiating.

Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Williston, ND

Friends may call at the church one hour before the service.

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