Our patriarch and friend, Ervin D. Jaspersen, was called Home Sunday, October 25th, following a brief illness. His life will be celebrated Saturday, October 31st, at 10am at Living Faith Lutheran church, 2180 NW 142nd Street, Clive IA. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery in Indianola.

The third of 12 children born to Chris and Ingeborg (Strandskov) Jaspersen, Erv grew up on the family farm and learned the love of God and His earth from his strong Christian upbringing. While early days were spent in farming and dairying, his ambitions leaned to helping people. Nutrition and health have been his passion, and as an entrepreneur, he successfully developed organic farming and nutritional health businesses.

Best known for his optimistic attitude and cheerful smile, Erv's greatest joy was giving to others. Following the death of his wife, Velma, he joined the Dahl's Food team at the 35th and Ingersoll location in Des Moines. He enjoyed the multitude of friends he made at Dahl's and the opportunity to share uplifting thoughts to brighten everyone's day. The Des Moines Register captured his spirit on the front page of their March 16th edition showing the typical greeting he exchanged with customers.

Erv loved to travel and share the beauty of God's world. He was especially proud of taking more than 1000 people to Hawaii over 16 years while working in the organic farming business. He visited all 50 US states, most every country in Europe as well as Canada, Mexico, Russia, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand.

Surviving Erv are his daughter, Judy (Lew) Boehnke, step-daughter, Jan (Dean) Scheffert, step-son, John (Caryll) Marsh; 12 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma; daughter, Joan Saville; his parents; 4 brothers; 1 sister; 1 grandson; and 3 great grandchildren.

Erv's legacy to his adoring family and many friends is that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and he began each day, even his last, saying, "Lord, this is the day that YOU have made. I will rejoice, and I will be glad in it!" Ervin, you will be missed by many. We'll see you at the top!

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m. Friday, October 30 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, where family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m.