Jeannette Severtson

Jeannette Isadora Krogh Severtson, 97, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, June 19, 2016, at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake. In her final days, Jeannette often let her family know that she was looking forward to being with her Lord and Savior.

A service celebrating Jeannette’s life and her enduring, devout religious faith will be held Saturday, July 2, at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. Kathy Graves officiating.

Friends may call on Friday July 1, from 4-7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 123 Third Street NE, Mason City. Interment will be at Clear Lake Cemetery.

Born Jeannette Isadora Krogh on Oct. 16, 1918 in Manantennina, Madagascar, she was the daughter of Lutheran missionaries Johan Kristian and Ida Theoline (Enger) Krogh. After the family returned to the United States, Jeannette graduated from high school in Little Falls, Minn., in 1936 and from St. Olaf College in 1940. In her early work life, she taught home economics in Kenyon, Minn.

Jeannette married Murley Severtson in Washington, DC, on Sept. 12, 1942. During their 72 years of marriage, Jeannette raised six children and was a partner to Pastor Severtson in his congregations in Pequot Lakes, Minn., Rockford, Ill., Clear Lake and Mason City.

She is remembered as a person who lived her abiding faith in both word and deed. During their ministry, Jeannette and Murley often had extra “family” at the Sunday noon dinner and holiday meals. She was beloved by her family and friends for her kind and loving care, the twinkle in her eye, her mischievous sense of humor, and her love of life. Jeannette was a wonderful homemaker whose greatest pleasure was having her family around the table for meals, companionship, prayer and laughter. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and music, and she continued to play the piano at Oakwood for church services until the past few months.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Murley; her daughter, Judy; and her sisters, Helenore Larson and Lillian Roe.

She is survived by her children, Maren (Steve) Coates, Galena, Ill., John (Jana) Severtson, Clear Lake, Genelle (Mike) Morgan, Pella, Iowa, Mark (Lori) Severtson, Oregon, Wis., Rolf (Fran Hayden) Severtson, Delray Beach, Fla.; her grandchildren, Emily (Justin) Watkins, Andrea (Nathan) Sanger, Kirk (Josie) Severtson, David (Amanda) Severtson, Andrew (Tammera) Severtson, Lisa (Anthony) Alvino, Sara (John) Shaffer, Bjorn Severtson, Rolf Severtson, Keelin Severtson, and Anna Severtson; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Hazel Severtson and several nieces and nephews.

Jeannette’s family wishes to convey special thanks to the caregivers at Oakwood Care Center and Hospice of North Iowa, and to Pastor Kathy Graves, for their exceptional thoughtfulness and attention to Jeannette during her last illness.

Memorial donations may be made to Opportunity Village, Trinity Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice. Family condolences may be offered through Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428, ColonialChapels.com.

Clear Lake Mirror Reporter

12 N. 4th St.
Clear Lake, IA 50428
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