A Special Family Heritage Gift


Gary Svenson gained tremendous inspiration from being the son of an immigrant. His father, Sverre Svenson, immigrated to Decorah from the Narvik, Norway area as an infant with his parents and brother Sig to join an uncle and aunt already established in Decorah in 1902, joining many of Norwegian descent already in Decorah.

In 1969, unfortunately without his wife who passed young and suddenly that April 2, Sverre joined the Luren Singers for a tour of northern Norway, including Narvik. Sverre's brother Kyree and sister-in-law Amanda joined the trip. Kyree sand with the Luren Singer for many decades.

On the trip, Sverre bought Norwegian sweaters for his kids and grandkids and presented them upon his return to Decorah. Gary reported that this special gift was aimed at encouraging the entire family's pride in their heritage. 

Gary counted as one of his proudest moments the report his dad gave him after returning from this trip, "Gary, they know of your Nordic Fest in Norway." 

Pictured with their special gifts are (L to R, front row): Scott Svenson, Patty Svenson and Beth Svenson. (L to R, back row): Yvonne Svenson, Sverre Svenson, Nicoline Svenson and Gary. 


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