Iverson, Robert J. "Jack" or "Bob" age 82 of Andover passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 26, 2022.

Robert was born in Soudan, MN in 1940 to Ralph and Evalyn Iverson. The family moved to Alexandria, MN where he spent most of his childhood. As a teenager, he taught summer camp programs for the Boy Scouts and swim lessons for the American Red Cross. He fondly remembered attending the 1957 National Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA and all the historical places he visited along the way. In a high school speech class, a friend pushed him to ask a classmate to the prom. Three days prior to prom, after he asked around to see if she had a dress, he asked her out. That girl would later become his wife of 59 years.

Robert graduated from the University of Minnesota and received a MS in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He married Carolyn in 1963 and began a family.

Robert taught chemistry at Irondale High School for 34 years. He was the kind of teacher who stood on tables, made his own chemicals from household materials, wrote ambidextrously on chalkboards, and blew up gummi bears. He made every class interesting to capture the attention of students. During outings around the Twin Cities, the family would often hear an excited "Mr. Iverson!" from past students who recalled him being their favorite teacher.

Continuing his role as a lifelong educator, Robert became a member of the National Ski Patrol. He spent weekends volunteering with first aid for events, and teaching ski and emergency care classes. The first training he gave, he showed up with a station wagon full of teaching props. The Ski Patrol quickly recognized his passion and skills. His role as Instructor Trainer for the National Ski Patrol was invaluable. Many ski patrol members have reached out with stories of his teachings which include him being able to place an oropharyngeal airway in himself without stimulating the gag reflex. An impressive feat for a fully conscious person.

In his lifetime, Robert donated over 16 gallons of blood to the Red Cross and thousands of hours of his time to the National Ski Patrol, Viking Nordic Ski Patrol and Three Rivers Park District Ski Patrol.

Robert enjoyed biking, hiking, camping in the Boundary Waters, feeding birds in his backyard, cross country skiing, spending time with family, and travelling. He and his wife travelled often over the years. He especially enjoyed their trips to Iceland, Scandinavia and Newfoundland. His favorite place to travel was up the North Shore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais to view the fall colors. He and Carolyn spent their honeymoon there and after retirement it became a near annual trip.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Evalyn; sister, Florence Hennen. Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; children, Kari (Gary) Hitchcock, Melissa Iverson (Larry McKeogh); grandchildren, Alia Hitchcock, Kaegan McKeogh; sister, Rae Gundersen.

A celebration of life will be held on 11/4/22 at 2pm with visitation held at 1pm at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St NW, Andover.

Memorial donations can be made to the National Ski Patrol via their website or to Three Rivers Park District Ski Patrol via mail to 3000 Xenium Lane No, Plymouth, MN 55441, Attn: Donor Relations.