In Memory . . .

Monroe Moth Iversen
"I Did It My Way"

Monroe passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the age of 95 two days after his devoted wife of 70 years passed away. He was surrounded by loving family. His parents, sister, Mary Mohan, brothers Ivan Iversen and Austin Iversen, and his children Lenora Iversen and Tom Iversen preceded him in death.
Monroe was born in Salt Lake City, UT on April 8, 1917 to Eleanor and Bernard Iversen. Monroe's father was known as Blind Burt, a well known street vendor who sold literally thousands of hamburgers to patrons on the West Side of Salt Lake and the students of West High in the 1930s.
When Eleanor passed away, Burt married Monroe's stepmother Hazel McClelland Iversen and combined both families.
Monroe graduated from West High School and worked at the hamburger stand. Monroe started his life of adventure by hopping freight trains between Utah and California. Monroe met and married his sweetheart Flora on June 5, 1942; they were soon forced to separate while Monroe served in the US Army in Europe during World War II. When Monroe was discharged in 1945 he returned to his lifelong career on the SLC Fire Department where he retired in 1979.
Monroe was an avid outdoorsman, both hunting and fishing. He was a kind and generous man and devoted father. He was a devotee of Shakespeare, he regularly attended Cedar City and has his name memorialized on a chair, he could quote the plays at length. Monroe loved his children, grandchildren/great-grandchildren and enjoyed their every accomplishment. His favorite meal during campouts was "Mystery Stew". He would let each grandchild add a secret ingredient of their choosing, rocks, peanut butter, coke, etc.
Monroe and Flora lived a venturesome life, living and traveling in their fifth wheel trailer from Coast to Coast, Hawaii, Eastern Europe, and from Alaska, fishing in Canada to wintering in Baja Mexico for many years.
Monroe is survived by his sister, Elise Nuesmeyer his Children Monie Iversen (Joyce, Div.), Janet Ackerson (Bruce), Cheri Bonzo (Darrell), and Leonard Iversen (Gail), 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his memory will be held at Sonrise Baptist Church, 3550 S. 4400 W. West Valley City UT, 84120 on May 21, at 11:00 a.m.
Thanks to the staff at Cooper Ridge for their patience and loving care, they gave Monroe during the last few months of his life.
Published in Salt Lake Tribune from May 17 to May 20, 2012

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