Herbert Milton Iverson's Obituary
Herbert “Herb” Milton Iverson departed for his eternal home on January 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Herb was born to Ernest and Myrtle Iverson on October 30, 1936, in Kalispell, Montana. Named by his older brother “Sonny,” Herb was the youngest child of Ernie and Myrtle, arriving four years after the passing of his sister, Geraldine.
Herb grew up in Kalispell and his passion for the piano and organ emerged early in his childhood. His mother had difficulty persuading him to go outside and play because he wanted to spend all his time practicing the piano. His ministry of music in the church began at age 11 at Bethlehem Lutheran. After graduating from Flathead High School in 1954, Herb attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota where he met close friends Arvid Ronning and Ivan Goplen, a trio who affectionately referred to themselves as “The 3 Musketeers.” At St. Olaf, Herb’s organ instructor, Mr. Raymond Boese, was instrumental in influencing him to pursue a career in church music. Herb completed his B.A. in organ and church music at the University of Redlands in August 1958 and earned his Master’s degree in music in June 1961.
Herb saw his ministry of music as a calling by the Lord and himself as His servant through music. He served at First English Lutheran Church in San Bernardino from 1960 - 1964, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sacramento from 1965 -1967 and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in 1967 - 1968. In 1968 he became Minister of Music at First Congregational Church in San Bernardino where he would serve until his retirement in 2013. Herb enjoyed his partnership with the church’s ministers, putting together music each Sunday that he said, “would complement the minister’s message and give the choir an opportunity to make an offering of talent to the Lord on behalf of the worshipers and help to lift the congregation to communion with God.” Herb created a free concert series called Music for a Sunday Afternoon where he brought together both community musicians and those further abroad to share their gifts.
As a full-time musician, Herb served as a piano and organ instructor, both privately and at San Bernardino Valley College and Cal State University San Bernardino. He greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with students and encourage their musical growth. Herb was also an accompanist and director for the San Bernardino Elementary Honor Choir in the 1960s and early ‘70s, remembered by many of his former students for leading them in productions like “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Herb served as accompanist for many local chorales including the San Bernardino Valley College Chorale, Inland Master Chorale, the Fontana Master Chorale and the PrimeTime Choraliers. He accompanied singers auditioning for the Metropolitan Opera, San Bernardino Civic Light Opera Company and the San Bernardino Grand Opera Company.
Herb met Frances Benton in 1971 and they married in June 1975. Making their home in San Bernardino, they welcomed daughter Esther Marie in 1976 and Grace Katherine in 1983. Herb and Frances partnered in their private piano studio and played for services throughout the community, including countless weddings and funerals. They were greatly blessed by God to be able to have careers as full-time musicians and share this blessing through family performances.
Herb was a member of The Spinet Music Club of Redlands, the Music Teachers Association of California, the American Guild of Organists and other music organizations.
Herb’s greatest joys were his relationship with God, his family and music. Anyone who knew Herb knew he was always happy to sit down at the piano and play by memory any songs that were requested including many beloved hymns, and he would usually end with a rousing rendition of “Roll Out the Barrel.” He was a faithful servant who used his God-given talents for the furtherance of His Kingdom on earth and can now rest and enjoy the splendor of Heavenly choirs.
Herb is preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Myrtle Iverson, brother Ellsworth “Sonny” Iverson, and sister Geraldine Iverson. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Frances Benton Iverson, and two daughters, Esther Iverson and husband Mark Ansah of Redlands CA and Grace (Iverson) Naquin and husband Jay Naquin of Pueblo CO. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kailasati, Arjunath and Anaveda Ansah.
Services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Spirit of our Savior Lutheran Church in San Bernardino. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, San Bernardino on Friday, February 3rd. Private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Herbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Herbert?
Share a story where Herbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Herbert you’ll never forget.
How did Herbert make you smile?