Irven Napstad

NAPSTAD, IRVEN ARCHIE MADISON-Irven Archie Napstad, was born on April 2, 1923, in Sun Prairie, Wis., to Ira and Olga (Bjelde) Napstad. Irven grew up on East Mifflin Street, in Madison, and attended East High School. Throughout his school days, Irven kept an extensive paper route. After the outbreak of World War II, Irven was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a tank mechanic in the Pacific theater, mainly during the campaign to take the island of Okinawa. After returning from the war, Irven met and fell in love with Mildred Schwenn, and the two were wed on Feb. 28, 1948, at St. John's Lutheran Church, on East Washington Avenue. They remained married until her death in 2012. Throughout their life together, Irven and Mildred travelled extensively, often with close friends. They were fortunate to visit faraway places in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Yet they were happiest when touring the United States in their motorhome. In Madison, Irven and Mildred settled in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, and there they made a life together. Always a hard worker, Irven held employment at the Mautz Paint Company, Manchester's Department Store, and Apeco. Then, in 1969, Irven started his own business, G-I Supply Company. From humble origins in the family garage on Sussex Lane, Irven built G-I into a notable Madison establishment. Watching the company grow and thrive was one of his greatest joys. He was also an active member of the East Side Businessmen's Association and had a hand in establishing the Handicap Children’s Day at their festival. Nothing though meant more to him than his loving family. He is survived by his daughters Janice (Gregg)Tipple and Sheryl (Craig) Shaffer; and grandchildren Joshua and Jennifer Shaffer. They were all at his side when he passed away, on Jan.2, 2014 after a brief illness. He is further survived by two sisters, Delores Beckman and Adeline Rothweiler; nieces and nephews; and many great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; and a brother Gaylord. Irven was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a loyal and compassionate friend; and an honest and good man. He will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be held at OAKWOOD EAST TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014 with the Rev. Byron Bunge and the Rev. Ken Smith presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to Dr. Albert Musa and Senior Helpers for all their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Oakwood Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420