Howard Severson

OREGON-Howard Ernest Severson, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, after a year long battle with cancer. He was born on Sept. 30, 1931, in Stoughton, the son of Helmer and Edna (Gretebeck) Severson. Howard graduated from Stoughton High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Carol Nelson on Oct. 9, 1954, at Cooksville Lutheran Church. Howard was a humble, kind and caring person, who only saw the good in everyone. Together, Howard and Carol farmed in the Oregon area until retirement. Howard was also employed by the USDA for 45 years and the North Central Crop Insurance Co. He was very active, serving as the leader for the Oregon Headliners 4-H Club for 20 years. Howard was a member of the Dane County Farm Bureau, Wisconsin Jersey Breeders, and St. Johns Lutheran Church. In 1988, he was named as the Outstanding Jersey Breeder in Wisconsin and received the Outstanding Farm Family for the Oregon FFA in 1983. Howard enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas and Alaska, the weekly trips gambling, and his morning coffee at the local restaurant. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Howard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol; children, Wanda (Howard) Ace and Craig (Becky) Severson, all of Oregon; grandchildren, Paula (Tim) Brandt of Rock Springs, Brian Ace, and Kelsey and Dayne Severson, all of Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Bracen, Brady and Aubrey Brandt, all of Rock Springs. He is further survived by a sister, Carol (Walt) Wedin of Minneapolis, Minn.; a brother, Tom (Bonnie) Severson of Stoughton; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert; and a nephew, Michael Severson. A memorial service will be held at ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Prairie Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or St. Johns Lutheran Church. The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at the HospiceCare Center for their compassion and care of Howard. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or St. Johns Lutheran Church. Cemetery: Burial will follow at Prairie Mound Cemetery Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Service: A memorial service will be held at ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, with the Rev. Paul Markquart presiding.