Richard "Dick" Dean Severson

Dick Severson, age 84 of Blanchardville died on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at The New Glarus Home after a long struggle with dementia.   He was born on October 21, 1935 and raised by his parents Burnette and Mildred (Pederson) Severson.  Dick graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1953 and went on to join the US Army.  He served three years in the military.  Dick returned to Blanchardville after the service, and never left!  He married Mavis Judd on January 12, 1963.

Dick worked for Skaife Bros. for years.  Word has it he started by polishing apples, and eventually became a butcher.  In the mid-70’s Dick and Mavis purchased Gant’s Drug Store and opened Dick’s Variety Store.  Over the years, he worked for Saether Furniture and Funeral Home.  He was a school bus driver, did maintenance for many businesses in town, and was a courier for Park Bank.  Dick served on the village board and was a member of the EMS/fire department (I remember that plectron going off!)

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, now part of New Hope Lutheran Church.  Dick was very involved in church life, serving on the church council, Sunday School superintendent, and church choir.  Boy could Dick sing!  Singing was his passion.  There probably isn’t a person in Blanchardville that hasn’t attended a funeral or wedding without hearing him sing.  Later years, Dick was an active member in the Green County Harmony Chorus, blending his voice with other good friends in traditional barbershop harmonies.  He also enjoyed going to his son Randy’s farm to help with chores.  Golfing and indoor target shooting were other fun hobbies.  Rumor has it he even got a hole-in-one at Edelweiss Golf Course.

Dick is survived by the mother of his children, Mavis; daughter Pam (Scott) Sorensen, Lake Elmo MN; sons Randy (Denise), Monroe WI, and Gary of Davenport, IA; Grandchildren Shaelyn and Peyton Sorensen, Alexis and Jaron Severson, and step-grandchildren Andrea and Jarrett Winder.  He is also survived by his sisters Joanne (Jim) Price, Karen (Al) Boll, brothers Dennis (Betty Lou) and Burnie (Louann), and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Randy.

The family would like to thank some very special people for watching out for Dick as this terrible disease was taking our dad and friend away from us.  Thank you, Donna and Lance, Peg and Bob! Your unselfish love and caring for Dick allowed him to live in his house until it was time for more round the clock care.  Thank you to the New Glarus Home and staff for your excellent care of Dick. And lastly, thank you to Paul and the staff of Saether Funeral Service for your care after Dick’s death.

A visitation (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic wearing masks and social distancing is required) honoring Dick's life will be held on Saturday morning, October 24, 2020 from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM at New Hope Lutheran in Blanchardville.  A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM.  Burial with Veteran's honors by the Dobson-Johnson-Gallagher American Legion Post will follow in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. 

Services will be livecast for all to participate in on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.  You can use the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice

Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralservice.com. 

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