Dorothy I. Severson

MARSHALL-Dorothy Jeffcott Severson, age 96, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017. Born Sept. 13, 1920, in Avoca, Wis., the daughter of August and Jessie (Rohovitz) Kurtz, she is survived by her children, Robert Jeffcott and Lynn (Dale) Kreul; her step-children, Dr. Herb Severson (Bonnie) and Vicki Latsch; her grandchildren, Tina Hornung and Angela (Dave) Kussow; her great-grandchildren, Tyler Hornung, Megan Newsome, William Kussow and Alexander Kussow; daughter-in-law, Therese Lawler; her four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-great-grandchildren; family friend, Leian French; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Louis Kurtz; her first husband, Robert G. Jeffcott; second husband, Clinton Severson; her brothers Elmer, Clarence and Robert Kurtz; and sister, Alice Chadwick. Dorothy was a woman of strength and character. When she suddenly found herself alone, with school-aged children, she held the family together by working multiple jobs and by sacrifice, sheer grit and fortitude. She put her family's interests first and gave them the gift of knowing what love is all about. She kept her heart open, often telling her children: "Be kind to others--they are having just as much difficulty in life as you are." She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and many local clubs, where she and her husband, Clinton, whom she married in 1969, enjoyed playing cards and meeting with friends. Growing up in the country gave her a profound love of animals and nature and an interest in gardening and watching the wildlife that graced her property. A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, a wonderful organization the family wishes to thank for the care and comfort given to Dorothy in her final days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420