Thelma Lenore Severson

Thelma Lenore Severson, 90, of Madison, SD and formerly of the Colton area passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Madison .She will be dearly missed by her family.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 16, 2010 at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, rural Colton with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Thelma was born on July 24, 1920 to Norwegian immigrants Tom and Lena (Mellom) Olson. She was baptized and confirmed at Willow Creek Lutheran Church and graduated from Lyons High School in 1938. Having lost her mother at a very early age, Thelma and sister, Mildred were cared for by their father and the infant brother was cared for by family friends.

Thelma married Arleen Severson on January 31, 1942. While waiting for Arlie’s return from the Army Air Corps, Thelma worked as a nanny in Sioux Falls. They farmed in the Franklin area until retiring to Madison. Thelma loved her home church; St. Jacob’s where she was involved in Circle, Ladies Aid and St. Jacob’s Kitchen Band. She was the first to volunteer and a friend to many. Her contagious laughter will be greatly missed. Arlie and Thelma also enjoyed square dancing and playing cards. Arlie passed away May 24, 1996.

Very grateful for sharing her life are a daughter, Lynne Hebberecht, Sioux Falls; son, Bob (Julie) Severson, Lake Norden, SD; five grandchildren, Jeff Hebberecht; Sarah Veniard; Amber (Jeremy) Koth; Aaron Severson and Adam (Lanie) Severson; three very special great-granddaughters, Josephine and Avery Koth and Shaylee Veniard; sister, Mildred Berg; sisters-in-law, Ruth Olson, Joyce Farr, Dorothy Severson and Merla Severson; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Olga; brother, Les and son-in-law, LeRoy Hebberecht.