Milo Severson

Milo Vernon Severson, 78, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Milo “Squirt” Severson was born to John and Minnie (Thrane) Severson on June 9, 1934, in Barnesville, Minnesota. He grew up there, attending Barnesville High School, and doing various jobs on the farms in the area. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War. Following his discharge he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Alaska and at Ft. Lewis until his discharge in 1957. On May 11, 1957, he married Darnella Grimstad in Fergus Falls. They lived in Fargo, ND until 1959 when they moved to Watsonville, CA. They returned to Minnesota in 1967 and resided in Fergus Falls. Throughout the years he was employed at a variety of jobs, from tool and die, to sales, home construction, and house painting, but truck driving, most recently with his good friend Lyle Miller, was the mainstay of his employment. He finally retired in the spring of 2010. His hobbies included fishing, reading, playing cards, tinkering (he could fix almost anything), and watching westerns. He was well known for his great sense of humor; he was quick with a joke, of which he had a seemingly endless supply! Spending time with his family was always a priority, and he was the best “hugger” ever. He will be remembered for his kindness and great generosity. Milo was a member of the American Legion and VFW. Reuniting with him at heaven’s gate were his parents; his wife, Darnella; his son, Donovan Severson; his life partner, Louise LaFontaine; brothers Fred, Clifford and Lyndy Severson; his sisters Eva and Merlene Severson; his father and mother-in-law, Selvin and Mabel Grimstad; sister-in-law Minerva Leitch and her husband Eugene; brothers-in-law Pat Gamel, and Arvid Solum; nephews Dale Severson, David, Dennis and Micheal Solum, Mark and Brian Grimstad, and J.C. Gamel; and nieces Renae Hult and Shannon Solum. Survivors include his children: Annette Severson, Roseville, MN, Dawn Severson, Barnesville, MN, Denise and Steve Kenyon, Underwood, MN, Daniel and Janine Severson, Columbia Heights, MN, Darren Severson, Fergus Falls, MN, and Darla and Jon Dillon, Olivia, MN; 17 grandchildren: Bradley and Matthew Preuss, Dustin Severson, Dana and Emily Severson, Jon, Dylan and Mila Sheldon, Stephanie and Richard Layland, Daniel Severson Jr., Carrie Jane Goulet, Courtney and Logan Dillon, Shantelle LaFontaine, Danielle Billmeier, Rebecca Rosenthal and Tasha Kenyon; seven great-grandchildren: McKena Preuss, Hayleigh Severson, Elle Severson, Takaira, Keanah, and Quinn Sheldon, and Maralyne Jane Meyer; his brother Roland and wife Gen Severson of Paynesville; his sister and best friend Sodonna Gamel of Barnesville; brothers and sisters-in-law: Manny & Judy Grimstad of Bellvue, NE, and Jerry & Debbie Grimstad of Rice, and sister-in-law Elayne Severson; son-in-law, Peter Sheldon; special friend Bev Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Kate Bruns Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30 Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.