Obituaries : Eugene A. Severson

Eugene "Gene" A. Severson, 97, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away June 11, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Gene was born July 7, 1926 to Harvey and Alice (Hegland) Severson in Kanawha, IA.  He graduated in 1944 from Kanawha High School.  He loved and excelled in baseball, enjoying playing on many local teams over the years. After graduation Gene served his country in the US Army Air Corp during WWII, until 1946.

Having grown up on the family farm, Gene was instilled with a love for agriculture. So, with the GI Bill, and his parent's encouragement, Gene enrolled at Upper Iowa University where he met the love of his life Isabelle Johnson.  They were married on June 8, 1947 at the Clermont Lutheran Church. That summer they moved to Ames where Gene attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1949 earning his BS in Agriculture.

Gene lived in Iowa his entire life.  He taught vocational agriculture in Garner and Sac City, then worked in sales with Kent Feeds in Sac City, Manchester and Waverly.  In 1963 he moved his family to New Hartford, where he became a manager for the local grain elevator.  Gene moved his family to Belle Plaine in 1967 where he became the Owner/Operator of Froning Western Feed and Grain.  During his time in Belle Plaine, he served as President of both the Iowa and the National Grain and Feed Associations.

Gene and Isabelle served many communities with their time and devotion.  Gene served with the Belle Plaine Rotary for over 50 years, earning the Paul Harris Award. He was an active member of the Belle Plaine American Legion, honoring veterans by serving as a flag-bearing member of the Legion's Honor Guard during parades and funerals, as well as in Veterans and Memorial Day services.  He was also a proud member and supporter of the Belle Plaine FFA Alumni, living out their motto of, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Earn".

Gene served First Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine in numerous ways, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir for over 50 years and serving as an Elder.  He had a servant's heart, always looking for ways to lend a hand.  He truly lived out God's command to, "Love one another, as I have loved you".  

Until his final days, by God's Grace he was able to live independently in his family home which he loved so much.  Gene was a man of moral strength and integrity, living out his faith in his actions and words, joyfully serving his family and his community.  He loved his family and friends unconditionally.  He loved his morning walks, going to Tai Chi, and having coffee with good friends.  Gene's smile and his genuine greetings will be missed by all who knew him.   

Gene is survived by his children, Chris (Gary) Rohwedder of Forest City, Joanne Vogel of Dyersburg, TN, Jeff (Elliott Cortez) Severson of Pine Bush, NY, Jim Severson of Medical Lake, WA; grandchildren, Kate (Eric) Weaver, Laura (Kyle) Fever, Jill (Jeremy) Gatlin, Josh Vogel, Molly (Bryan) Corley; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Marlene (Paul) Smith, Roger (Jan) Severson; sisters-in-law, Gloria and Delores Severson; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Isabelle (2019) son-in-law, Dave Vogel; brothers, Gordon, Milton and Richard Severson; sisters-in-law, Janet and Kay Severson.

Celebration of Life is 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine with military honors to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private family burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine American Legion or Belle Plaine Beautification Committee.  Online condolence can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.