Iver Tofte

Iver Tofte, 92, of Corvallis, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 8, 2009, with his family by his side. His long and joyful life was cut short due to a brief battle with an illness. Iver was born on April 30, 1917, to Anna and Ingvald Tofte at the Tofte Homestead 12 miles east of Williston, North Dakota. He grew up on the family farm working with his seven brothers and two sisters. Iver attended Twelve Mile Township School and later moved into Williston to finish his education. Iver went on to St. Paul Dairy School in St. Paul, Minnesota, and upon completion returned to Williston and worked for Farmers Union Creamery. Iver married Vivian Mattson on October 15, 1939. They made their home in Williston until Iver entered the U.S. Army Aircorp to serve his country during World War II. After an honorable discharge from the Aircorp, Iver and Viv returned to Williston. Iver went to work for A. Schilling and Co. as a salesman in western North Dakota. Iver was promoted to manager and lived in Butte, Montana until 1952, when he moved his family back to Williston. He then founded Tofte Realty, a successful business he took with him upon moving out to Oregon in 1968. It was in Williston where he started his own family and will return to be buried beside his loving wife, Vivian Tofte, who preceded him in death in 1974. He is survived and deeply missed by his two sons, David and Joe, who he claimed as his pride and joy. "The sun rises and sets around my two boys" was the motto he lived by and expressed often. He was a dedicated, lifetime member of the Elks Club, became a Mason in early 50's, and was a member of the Kem Temple Shrine and also the Williston Shriners Bell Ringers. He was also committed and dedicated to his faith and church. Iver served as Senior Warden for Saint Peters Episcopal Church. Iver was a very sociable man, he loved to dance, and was quite a good dancer. Always having friends over for a barbeque, he served his famous prime rib and entertained the people he loved. He was an avid golfer, and was one of the founders of the Williston Country Club. During his golfing career he proudly recorded two hole-in-ones. After his wife, Vivian, passed away, he found companionship with Raya Byrd of Corvallis who held a special place in his heart. She passed away in 1991. He will be deeply missed by his best friend and companion of the last 15 years, Nancy Fields of Corvallis, to whom he dedicated the later years of his life. Survivors include his sons, David (Connie) Tofte of Williston and their children, Michael (Edith) Tofte and Mikaela (Garrett) Rehak, all of Williston; and Joe (Karen) Tofte of Corvallis, OR and their two daughters, Jamie and Kristi, also of Corvallis. Also, two great-granddaughters, McKenna Rehak and Myah Tofte, survive him, as well as his two sisters, Agnes Harstad, of Williston, and Julia Barstad, of Ross, No. Dak. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ingvald and Anna; and his brothers, Amund, Peter, Alfred, Hjalmer, John, Ted, and Edwin Tofte. A local memorial reception will be held at a later date.

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Iver Tofte

April 30, 1917 - August 8, 2009