Joseph G. Svien

Joseph G. Svien, 94, longtime resident of Glasgow and more recently Missoula, and Napa, Calif., died on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, in Napa.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held in Glasgow later this year.

The second oldest of six children, he was born on Sept. 2, 1918, in Erskine, Minn., the son of Oscar and Selma Svien. He was the beloved husband of the late Bess (Domier) Svien, whom he married on July 13, 1946.

He grew up in McIntosh, Minn., and was a World War II veteran. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 as a warrant officer in Oakland, Calif.; he was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

He eventually moved to Williston, N.D., where he was involved in the automotive business and moved to Glasgow in 1960 to own and operate his own auto repair and commercial glass businesses. He was a resident of Glasgow for many years and was a long-time member of the Sunnyside Golf & Country Club and the Glasgow Elks Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bess, on Oct. 26, 2008; one brother, Ralph Svien; and two sisters, Helen Dyrdahl and Marion Knudson.

Survivors include one daughter, Deborah Relaz and her husband, Mike, of Arlington Heights, Ill.; one son, Ron Svien, and his wife, Jackee, of Napa; five grandchildren, Steven Relaz, Eric Relaz, Jessica Svien, Joseph N. Svien and Arielle Svien; seven great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Amanda, Sarah, Connor, Olivia, Jason and Alexzander; and two sisters, Olga Ostenaa and her husband, Sidney, and Lillian Enevold.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow is in charge of arrangements.