Gary O. Neil Iverson

Gary O. Neil Iverson, MD, 68, of Onalaska, died Monday, May 8, 2017, surrounded by family. He was born August 28, 1948 in Milwaukee to Gordon and Opal (Trostem) Iverson. In addition to his parents, he was raised by his uncle Orlando Iverson. He married Susan Brueggen on June 29 ^th , 2009.

Gary was very proud of his Milwaukee area upbringing, often telling stories of living on Brown St. and growing up in Greenfield. He graduated from Greenfield High School where he excelled at football and was an integral member of the golf team. Gary attended St. Olaf College, making lifelong friendships. He could often be heard telling stories of his football days, ‘playing both ways’. He graduated from UW-Madison Medical School and went on to his residency at Gundersen Lutheran where he ultimately practiced for over 30 years as a very dedicated internal medicine physician, retiring in 2011.

Gary loved his Iverson and Trostem lineage. Some of his fondest memories, and greatest stories, were of the summers spent on the family farms in Minnesota, spending time with his grandparents and cousins. He so looked forward to the Iverson Family Reunions, reliving his childhood.

Gary could often be found traveling and spending time with family. He loved Hilton Head, SC, the Amundson Cabin in Hayward, hiking and ski vacations out west. He loved to be on the go and was rarely found idle. History and Rock N Roll were his passions.

He married Pamela Beranek, MD on July 16, 1977. They went on to have three children. She preceded him in death. He married Marlys Bengtson on November 15, 1990, who also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife Susan, children, Erica (Marc) Stevermer, Nicole (Tanner) Hagelstrom, Derek (Marci) Iverson, Elizabeth (Matt) Chizeck, Adam (Heather) Brueggen, Alex (Jessica) Brueggen, Richard (Wendy) Bengtson, Brett (Kris) Bengtson and Shawn (Becky) Bengtson. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and his brother Willard Iverson.

Gary will be remembered as wonderfully dedicated to all, intelligent, loving, stoic, and Norwegian to the core. We will greatly miss his funny, slightly embellished stories. Uff-da, we have lost a fabulous man.

Memorial services will be held at 11am on Monday, May 15, 2017 at English Lutheran Church; 1509 King St., La Crosse. Pastor Roger Grow will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family at the church on Sunday evening from 5 until 7pm and again at the church on Monday from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Gary’s memory.