Robert S. Severson, 81, Beaver Creek, died Thursday, April 4, 2002, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne.
Services were Monday, April 8, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Daniel U. Smith Jr. officiated. Burial was in Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs, S.D.
Robert Severson was born to Stenno and Bertha (Bjorlie) Severson on Aug. 9, 1920, near Valley Springs where he was raised and attended school. Following his graduation he joined the U.S. Navy where he served in the South Pacific during World War II.
He married AnnaMae Gunderson on Dec. 9, 1942. He was a member of the USS group 45 LCT Flotilla 15 where he was the pharmacist mate first class. He was honorably discharged and returned to Valley Springs. They then lived and farmed south of Valley Springs before moving to Valley Springs in 1963. He worked as a carpenter until he retired.
He married Norma Jauert on July 21, 1972, in Valley Springs. Following their marriage they built a home in Beaver Creek. Mrs. Severson preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2002.
Mr. Severson was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. While in Valley Springs he was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities within the church. He was also a 50-year member of the Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 in Valley Springs and the Optimist Club. He enjoyed his morning coffee at Rauk's. He played, coached and umpired baseball for many years. He also liked playing pool, pinochle and other card and board games.
Survivors include his five children, Bob Severson Jr., Mesa, Ariz., Barb (Bob) Vanderlinde, Elk Point, S.D., Judi (Dean) Christensen, Montrose, S.D., David (Jackie) Severson, Madison, S.D., and Gayle (Bill) Stegemann, Luverne; six stepchildren, Arlyn Jauert, Burnsville, Cheryl Jauert, Brooklyn Center, Rick Jauert, Washington, D.C., Vickie Jauert (Ronald) Allen, St. Paul, Lori Klein, Florence, Ky., and Gregg (Terri) Jauert, Minneapolis; 15 grandchildren, Stacey Eide, Jenny, Mike, Shaun, Stephanie and A.J. Severson, Todd, Kari and Darci Vanderlinde, Duane, Amy and Denise Christensen, Sara, Andy and Erik Stegemann; nine great-grandchildren; four stepgrandsons, Travis and Josh Klein, and John and Jason Allen; special friend, Stella Board; one brother, Wayne Severson, Tracy, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Helen Severson, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Severson was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma, one son, Michael, one stepson, Ron, one brother, Elvin, and one sister, Lorna Karli Voss.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church building fund or the American Legion Post in Valley Springs.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.