Marion Severson, age 93, passed away on August 16, 2024, in her home at Legacy Assisted Living in Iowa City, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
Marion was born on December 26, 1930, in Preston, Minn., the daughter of Raymond and Alma (Clark) Barnes. She graduated from Preston High School in 1948, then married Arlyn Severson on December 31, 1948. After the wedding, they traveled to Denver, Colo., where Arlyn was stationed for the Air Force. Marion worked outside the home until their first daughter, Susan, was born.
Marion and Arlyn moved to the Air Force Academy before the arrival of their second daughter, Gigi. A few years later, after moving back to Denver with the family, Marion continued to be a full-time homemaker until both of her daughters were in school, at which time Marion went to work as an executive secretary downtown. She had a long career in the insurance business, working in life and health insurance, and later in employee benefits. She was the first female president of the National Life Underwriters Association chapter in Denver.
When they retired, Marion and Arlyn moved to a modular home community located on a golf course in Mesa, Ariz. Marion was an avid card player — especially Bridge — and served on the board of the homeowners’ association for several years, including one term as president. They traveled back to Preston many summers to help their aging mothers and to spend time with friends and family.
Marion and Arlyn moved to Iowa City, Iowa, in 2021. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Marion is survived by her daughters Susan (Tim) Fuchtman and Gigi (Doug) Cole, eight grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Margery Tinan, Shirley Krogstad and Olive May Means; her brothers Norman Barnes and Warren Barnes, and by her granddaughter Lindsey Waldner.
Memorials may be directed to Preston United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 247, Preston, Minn. 55965-0247.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at gayandciha.com.
Eunice Kistner says
My sympathy to the family. Marion and I were friends since we were little children. We were neighbors and 2nd cousins and played together (along with Shirley) often. I have so many good memories of Marion.