Shirley Jean Severson

Shirley Jean Severson, age 83, died at Park View Manor, Reinbeck, IA on May 10 under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. She had previously lived in Plymouth, MN and Longville, MN. She was born January 28, 1938 in Osage, Iowa, daughter of the late Orvie and Agnes Severson who farmed west of Carpenter IA. She was baptized and confirmed at the Deer Creek Lutheran Church, rural Carpenter and graduated from Carpenter High School in 1956. After graduating from the Minnesota School of Business in 1957, she was employed as an Executive Secretary with Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance Company, then spent two years working in Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon returning to Minneapolis she was an Administrative Assistant at General Mills in Golden Valley and retired after 30 years of service. While working she continued her formal education attending Augsburg College in Minneapolis and also spent time working on family genealogy. She was devoted to her family and never missed their important events until her eleven year battle with Alzheimer's disease prevented her from doing so. Traveling was one of her great passions and in addition to visiting many parts of the U.S., she visited numerous international destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Australia. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing and cross country skiing. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles and friend Norris Krause. She is survived by siblings Carol (Bruce) Gordon of Grundy Center, IA, and Dennis (Margaret) Severson of Brighton, CO.; nieces Melissa (Eric) Frickell, Julie (Andy) Clem, and Sarah (Jeff) Spletzer all of Thornton, Co., nephews Loren (Deb) Gordon of Chanhassen, MN, Brian (Kristi) Gordon of Van Meter, IA., John (Brandi) Gordon of Grundy Center. Four great nieces and 9 great nephews survive her along with 2 aunts and 17 cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 10:30 at Deer Creek Lutheran Church rural Carpenter with Pastor Lance Kittleson officiating. Cremation rites will take place at the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar, IA. Memorials may be directed to Deer Creek Lutheran Church, Carpenter, IA , or Cedar Valley Hospice of Grundy Center.