Harold Allen Severson

Obituary

Harold Allen Severson was born on January 4, 1927, in Ettrick, Wisconsin, to Olaf and Helga (Thompson) Severson.  He was baptized on February 20, 1927, by Rev. C.B. Bestul and confirmed on November 2, 1941, by Rev. Johan Olsen at French Creek Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick, Wisconsin.  Harold attended Smith Country School (grade 1-8) walking or skiing (1 mile each way) over the hills and through Abraham Coulee in Tempealeau County.  He attended high school, freshman and part of sophomore years in Galesville, Wisconsin.  In 1942, the Severson family moved to rural Lester Prairie, Minnesota, to farm on the Severson family farm.  Harold worked along side his father Olaf clearing more land for farming and improving the farm.  Olaf died in 1951.  Harold continued to farm and help raise his younger siblings.

Harold was united in marriage to Lois Sandquist on November 12, 1955.  To this union four children were born, Patricia, Gail, Wayne and Charles.  Harold and Lois made their home in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.  They shared over 64 years of marriage.

Harold was a farmer all of his life.  The farm was recognized as a Century Farm because it had been in the family since 1865.  It was first settled by Ole Severson.  Harold was an active member of Bergen Lutheran Church which then became Bethel Lutheran Church.  As his ministry to the church, he was involved with the committee in the building, planning and moving to become Bethel Lutheran.  Harold served on the church council and cemetery board for many years.  He enjoyed eating Lutefisk and helped with the annual Lutefisk dinner at Bethel for 40 years. 

Harold enjoyed skiing as a youth in the Wisconsin hills.  He was very interested in all outdoor activities, especially birds, animals, and airplanes.  Harold enjoyed road trips, especially ones where he could be the navigator and someone else would drive, so he could check out the countryside.  He loved to tell stories.  Harold was the very best at the “Minnesota Goodbye”.  He treasured the time spent with his family and friends.

Harold passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at The Gardens of Winsted in Winsted, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years, 10 months and 3 days.

Blessed be his memory.

Harold is survived by his:
Wife, Lois Severson of Lester Prairie, MN;
Children, Patricia Determan and her husband, Tom, of Rochester, MN,
Gail Cassidy and her husband, Scott, of Watertown, MN,
Wayne Severson and his wife, Julie, of Lester Prairie, MN,
Charles Severson of Lester Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Kaye Kohls and her husband, Kyle, Kim Kyllo and her husband, Todd, Beth Determan and her fiancé, Cory, Michael Determan, Joey Determan, Jacob Determan, Leigha Determan, Isaac Determan, Alex Severson, Madison Severson;
Great Grandchildren, Leah Kohls, Jenna Kohls, Amanda Kohls, Brock Kohls, Arin Kyllo, Owen Kyllo;
Sisters, Ardyce Johnson of Fort Morgan, CO;
Donna Machemehl and her husband, Ralph, of Lester Prairie, MN;
Brother, Donald Severson of Valparaiso, IN;
Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law, Myrtice “Myrt” Severson,
Glen Sandquist,
Mary Ann Kamann and her husband, Roger,
Eleanor Sandquist;
Nephews, Nieces, Other relatives and many friends.

Harold is preceded in death by his Parents, Olaf and Helga Severson; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Sidney and Lillie Sandquist; Brother, Arnold Severson, Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law, Roy Johnson, Sandra Severson, Esther and Woodrow Titrud, Alvin Sandquist, Mabel and Marvin Tonn, Gladys and Donald Cornell, Elsie Sandquist; Nephews, Craig Johnson, Jay Severson; Niece, Melanie Kamann.