Velva Sovell, age 84, of Ivanhoe, MN passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at The Legacy Care Center in Morris, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, July 25th at the St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN. Visitation will be held from 5 on 7pm on Wednesday, July 24th at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno with a prayer service at 7pm and Rosary to follow. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home-Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Velva Lorraine Sovell was the eldest of four daughters, born on June 12, 1940, to Richard and Vivian (Swedzinski) Popelier in Tyler, MN. She was baptized, received First Communion and Confirmation at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe. She attended Ivanhoe Public School, graduating in 1958. On September 12, 1960, Velva was united in marriage to Daniel Sovell at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe. They made their life together farming just north of Ivanhoe where they raised their two daughters, Cindy and Jeanine. They later moved into Ivanhoe when Daniel was no longer able to farm due to ALS. When Daniel passed away in February 1984, Velva decided to attend college at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN. She later worked for Schwan’s Company for 15 years before retiring. In 1997, Velva met Lester Sanderson of Tyler. They became life companions and enjoyed sharing many experiences together, their favorite was going to polka dances in the area. She loved to dance. Velva also enjoyed fishing and spent many years taking family vacations ‘up north’ with Daniel and the girls. She took pride in her flower gardens and enjoyed the bouquets of fresh cut flowers that came from her gardens. Her ultimate pride and joy were her two daughters and their families. She treasured her time with them whether it was a weekend or holiday together, watching the grandkids in school sports and activities or on family vacations. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Orlando, FL with her family where she rode the Journey to Atlantis flume ride at the age of 75. Her other hobbies included reading, sewing and embroidery. She was a loving caring person who would do anything for her family and friends. She was a life-long active member of St. John’s Cantius Church in Wilno singing in the choir for many years, and teaching CCD classes when her children were young. She was also a member of the lady’s circle helping with funerals and other church events and thoroughly enjoyed attending bible study groups led by Fr. Ron Huberty.
She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Cindy (Mike) Yeager of Morris, MN, and Jeanine (Tim) Allmaras of Harwood, ND; her two grandchildren: Hunter and Makayla Allmaras; her sisters: Theresa Citterman, Audrey (Carroll) Peterson and Sharlotte Jorgensen; her brothers- and sisters-in-law: James (Mary) Sovell, Gloria Sovell, Elliott Sovell, and John (Linda) Sovell; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Vivian Popelier, her husband Donald (Daniel) Sovell, her life companion Lester Sanderson, brothers-in-law: Clemance Citterman, David Jorgensen, and Eugene Sovell and sister-in-law Renate Sovell.
