Penny Rae Syversrud, age 49 of Gilbert, a seven year cancer survivor, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 in St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, with her family by her side of complications from Influenza A and pneumonia. She was born August 1, 1966 in Norwalk, CA the daughter of Al and Lynda (Hansen) Sandys. Penny was a 1984 graduate of Gilbert High school, attended Mesabi Community College and received her degree in Applied Science from Lake Superior Community College graduating as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael A. Syversrud on October 4, 1986 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hibbing. They made their home in Minneapolis, Chicago, Austin, TX, Togo, Makinen, Eveleth, Virginia, and Aurora prior to moving to Gilbert. Penny was employed by the Virginia School District and was a long-term employee of Iron Range Rehabilitation Center. She was the honored recipient of a national scholarship given by the Occupational Therapist's Association at a National Convention. Penny loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, ice fishing, and spending time at the shack. She collected Beanie Babies, and salt and pepper shakers, and had served as the president of the Virginia Boy's Swim Boosters. Penny also enjoyed organizing the annual Cement Finishers and Plasters Union Local 633 summer picnics.

Penny is survived by her husband of 29 years: Mike; children: Michael (Julie) Syversrud II of Virginia and Michelle Syversrud and her boyfriend Mike both of Grand Forks; grandson: Iker Syversrud; mother: Lynda L. (Mike) Newman of Togo; father: Al Sandys of Buhl; siblings: Mary (Bill) Oven of Zimmerman, Jim Sandys of Bloomington, Sarah Pernu of Gainesville, GA and Mandy (Kirk) Okstad of Cambridge; her in-laws: Jim and Jean Hall of Orr; brother-in-law: Scott Syversrud of Orr; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and father-in-law: Gene Syversrud.

The Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Church. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate.

Memorials are the preferred way to honor Penny's memory.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumamfuneralhomes.com .

Gathering Time for Family & Friends 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ,Sunday, March 20, 2016
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
901 3rd Street South Virginia, MN 55792
Memorial Service 2:30 p.m. ,Sunday, March 20, 2016
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
901 3rd Street South Virginia, MN 55792