Rich Sivertsen, age 73, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2020. He was surrounded by his family.

Rich was born on October 31, 1946, to Vernon and Lucille Sivertsen in Escanaba, Michigan. Living on Lake Michigan, the passion for fishing began at a very early age and continued his entire life. He played many sports in high school, as well as singing with multiple choirs. Following high school graduation, he felt God's call to the mission field and enrolled in California Lutheran Bible School in Los Angeles. At the end of his two-year term, he was drafted into the Army and served two years in Germany as a chaplain's assistant. He received the highest commendation for marksmanship and physical fitness. He was recruited to play football with the Army football team and traveled to Europe during that time.

After his Army discharge, he received multiple full-ride scholarships. He chose to attend Southern California College (now Vanguard U.) in Newport Beach. As an exceptional athlete, he played many sports in college. Paul Peak was his basketball coach, soon becoming a lifelong friend and naming Rich and Bonnie as godparents to his and Joye's children.

After graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career in Wildwood, Florida. He served as the worship leader at their church, also driving the church van to transport neighborhood children to Sunday school. He also coached little league, hosting cookouts at his home after games. After three years he accepted a director of athletics position at Modesto Christian School and lead the high school team to win the state championship. During this time, he also organized little league teams and created programs for underprivileged kids.

In 1984, Rich and Bonnie moved their family to Georgetown, Texas, where Rich coached and taught high school under Dr. Ford. At this time, he also created a program called "Little Eagles" to help boys and girls build basketball skills. He soon moved to middle school, finding a special niche there, and remained until his retirement in 2018.

His ten-year battle with cancer was a fight to the finish, with five of those years spent at MD Anderson in Houston. When chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery became non-option in treatment, he agreed to undergo trial drug studies, in order to help other cancer patients down the road. He became known as the "Walking Miracle Man" among the MDA staff. His positive attitude and strong testimony of faith, we were told, was an inspiration to the medical team.

Rich believed in kids and saw the good in each of them. He believed the mission field he had been called to was the athletic field and classroom. To him, there was no better investment in his life. He participated in softball leagues and enjoyed racquetball competitions while he was healthy. Rich enjoyed cruises with Bonnie and surprised her with their very first one on their 25th Wedding Anniversary. He loved to travel and especially beach life. He had planned a family cruise to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in June of this year, but due to Covid-19 plans had to be canceled. The Children and grandchildren didn't let that stop them, however, they surprised Rich and Bonnie with a gala family celebration that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Rich's very favorite place to vacation was the family lake-house in Wisconsin where he would take Bonnie and the grandkids for a couple of weeks every summer, with the entire extended family celebrating July 4th together.  The lake, the fishing, the eagles, nature's beauty up north were true delights and pure joy to him.

He lived life well and made the most of very opportunity to make a positive difference.  He had a loved companion in his dog, Luther, and could be seen every evening in the neighborhood taking him for a golf cart ride.  He would look for neighbors who were outside and ready for a little chat.

He loved people and made his friends a priority. His buddies, Ed Ruby and Chet Foraker came over to have bible studies and songfests with him. He enjoyed all genres of music and would sing along whenever a song came on the air in the car, in the store, in the gym, it didn't matter to him. Music was in his soul.

He had a profound faith in Jesus Christ and wasn't shy to share it with others. He loved the Word and would have a private devotional time every morning, writing out notes as he studied. He is survived by his cherished wife of 50 years, Bonnie, his son, Brock and daughter in law, Eleanor, his daughter Shannon and Son in law, Beau, and grandkids Brodie, Sutton and Scout. brother, Jay Sivertsen (Marge), Jim Sivertsen (Colleen) sister Nancy Koski (Harold), sister Cheryl Sivertsen, brother Bud Lemire, brother John Lemire (Terry).

He is preceded in death by father Vernon Sivertsen, mother Lucille Lemire, brother Clyde Sivertsen and brother Terry Sivertsen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Celebration Church (Center) on 601 Westinghouse Road Georgetown, Texas.

In lieu of flowers A "Coach Si" Sivertsen Scholarship Fund has been set up at Extraco Bank 1504 Williams Dr. Georgetown, Texas 78628 Acct# 21014345.

You may leave a message or memory in our memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com

.