Ordell (Ordy) Julian Severson

Ordell Julian Severson was born on February 21, 1930, in Swede Prairie Township, Yellow Medicine County, to Selmer “Sam” and Agnes (Rafnson) Severson. He grew up in rural Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School. Ordell served in the U.S. Navy “Seabees”. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minneota. On November 11, 1951, he was united in marriage to Gwen Mann. Ordell did construction and farm work before he began working with field drainage. He owned and operated Severson Tiling for many years, retiring in 1996. After retiring, he enjoyed life on his acreage. He enjoyed working in his shop, tending to his yard and all of the local wildlife. He also enjoyed hunting and refurbishing his guns. He loved spending time with his family. He was an excellent cook and hosted many family gatherings. Ordell will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was well versed on many current topics and was a great husband and father. Ordell died on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. He is survived by his children Wendy (and Pat) Sarazyn of Minneota, Diane (and Doug) Peterson of China Spring, TX, David (and Jean) Severson of Hopkins, grandchildren Lance, Beth, Brent, Jana, Thomas and Leah, great-grandchildren Megan, Brooklyn, Beau, August, Henry, Claire, Bailey, Clark, Emerson, and Caroline, sisters Shirley Nosbusch and Muriel “Midge” (and Ron) Verschelde and Lorna Rafness, nieces, nephews, relatives and special friend Norma Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers-in-law.