David John Grevstad
Of Arlington Heights

David John Grevstad was born February 23, 1932 in Deadwood, SD to the Rev. Erling and Bergith (nee Skarsten) Grevstad. He died March 2, 2009 at Glenbrook Hospital.

David was a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where he studied fine art and commercial art, with a major in illustration. His entire career in advertising art was in Chicago. After he retired, he resumed water color painting and enjoyed his Tuesday mornings at the Art Lab of Harper College.

As an eleven-year-old boy in 1943, he frequently rode a bus from his home in Lansing, IL accompanied by another eleven-year-old boy, but without adult supervision, to his Saturday morning art lessons at the Chicago Art Institute. At that time, his father was gone, serving as Chaplain in the military. As David related, “Those were the war years; independence was a strong suit for mothers and siblings in the early 40’s.” After World War II, the family moved to Lakewood, Ohio where he graduated from Lakewood High School.

David was a Veteran of the Korean War, Signal Corp, where he served as the Battalion’s Draftsman. He was a patriot; he spoke often of our espousing the values of our Great Republic.

He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church; he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Class at Our Saviour’s.

He was a member of The Torske Klub, and the Rinky Dinks Club, where he was engaged in fellowship with friends. He was a member of the The Sons of Norway. He was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and a first trip to Norway in 2006 culminated in knowing his grandparents’ love of the their native land.

David was an avid reader, especially of history and classical literature. It was something one did everyday! He was stimulated by the discussion and the friendship within the Great Books Group of Arlington Library.

He was passionate about classical music and opera, with a subscription to lyric opera for eighteen years. He loved the changing of the seasons, especially the seasons of golf! He had begun playing golf with his father in his teens. He loved trees.

But, paramount, above all, was David’s love for his family, his four young grandchildren, and their love for him.

Blessed be his soul.

David is survived by his wife Connie (nee Saum) whome he married October 2, 1966 in Fort Wayne, IN; his children Anne (Ted) Grevstad-Nordbrock and Emily (Chris) Sidorfsky; his grandchildren Fritz and Karin Grevstad-Nordbrock and Soren and Theo Sidorfsky; his sisters Hildegarde (late Wayne) McGown and Agnes Hjelle and by many nieces and nephews.

David is preceded in death by his brother Paul (Janet) Grevstad; his parents; his father and mother in law Ronald and Audrey Saum and his niece Lisa Gerchman.

Visitation Saturday March 7, 2009 from 9 until the time of service at 11 AM at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights. Interment private.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity.