Visitation: A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 5-8:00 p.m. with family present at 6-8:00 p.m. in rural Larchwood, IA at Grandview Covenant Church.
Service: The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Grandview Covenant Church, rural Larchwood, IA.
Barbara “Barb” Severson, age 81 from Inwood, IA, died on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 5-8:00 p.m. with family present at 6-8:00 p.m. in rural Larchwood, IA at Grandview Covenant Church. The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Grandview Covenant Church. A private family burial will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery near Inwood, IA.
Barb was born September 4, 1939 in Pipestone, MN to Earl and Helen (Glaser) Gageby. She grew up in Ward, SD and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1957. She then attended St. Luke’s Nursing School in Aberdeen, SD. She worked as a registered nurse at McKennan Hospital before beginning her career in long term care, eventually supporting several Sanford nursing homes, while mentoring staff and making lifelong friendships along the way.
Barb married Sherwin Thompson July 14, 1961. To this union, three sons were born, Michael, Matthew, and Mitchell. Sherwin died in 1978.
She married Leslie (Les) Severson February 4, 1984. They enjoyed 27 loving years together, spoiling their grandkids, holding Minnesota Twins season tickets, doing the Farm and Country Trader route, or anything as long as they were together. In an unfortunate farming accident Les died on April 27, 2011.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches, watching Wheel-of-Fortune, and daily Bible readings. Family and friends often chuckled at the creative nicknames she came up with for others, as well as one of her favorite sayings “Lord love a duck.” She loved watching the Twins and Vikings games, and placing bets on games with grandchildren behind their parents’ backs. Barb stated that “I love babies and old people, it’s the people in between that I have trouble with.” She treasured her friendships that were created with the Our Savior’s group through church activities, circle, and lunch outings.
Continuing to celebrate Barb’s life are her family – daughter Pam (Randy) McKenney of Inwood, IA, grandchildren Tyler McKenney, Ethan (Angela) McKenney, great grandchildren Brody, Jaden, and Macy McKenney; son Allen (Janna) Severson from Larchwood, IA, grandchildren Cody Severson, Justin (Alexis) Severson, Tanner Severson, and Zachary Severson; sons Michael (Debra) Thompson, Matthew Thompson, and Mitchell (Jill) Thompson and their families all from Sioux Falls, SD; and sisters Mary Ellen Janklow, of Sioux Falls, SD and Shirley (Jake) Creedon, of South Easton, MA.
Welcoming her into heaven, with joyous celebrations, hugs, and dancing are her two husbands, Sherwin Thompson and Les Severson; a brother, Charles Gageby, and a sister, Joan Evans, along with countless family and friends.
We are so saddened at Barb’s passing – we loved her and will miss her greatly. Our prayers for comfort for all of her family.
My sincere sympathy to the Thompson & Severson Families, I worked with Barb years ago, in fact before each of us was married; I remember the birth of her sons and the joy they brought.
In reading her obiturary I am reminded of many memories. She was always so upbeat and a joy to be around. Always a smile and laughter. My heart is breaking and just wanted you to know I truely enjoyed her friendship.
God’s Blessings and Peace…………………Donna Knutson
Miss you mom
I was so saddened to see that Barb had passed away. She was a very special person. I worked with her for many years. I remember how happy she was about her grandbabies and when Les proposed to her and they set the date. I remember Grandma Severson and making mints for all the kids graduations. She is in a better place and my prayers go out to all the kids.