Thomas Orville Severson

Thomas Orville Severson, 75, died peacefully in his home early Sunday morning, February 23, 2020.

Tom was born in Preston, Minn., to Orville and Evelyn (Christianson) Severson.  He spent his childhood in Harmony, Minn.  Tom graduated from Luther College in 1967, shortly thereafter he accepted being drafted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War.  In 1969 he met the love of his life, MaryAnn.  One year later, they exchanged vows on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Northern Minnesota.

Before moving to Winona, Tom worked for Conoco for 10 years, as a sales representative in various parts of the country.  Those years took the two of them from the Quad Cities in Iowa to Madison, Wis., St. Louis, Mo., and Atlanta, Ga.

Having young children by this time, they were ready to move closer to family in Minnesota.  It was 1981 when they found their true home in Winona, where they acquired Christenson Oil Co., now known as Severson Oil Co.

Tom had a passion for business and enjoyed exploring the possibilities within it, as well as building relationships with those he met along the way.  He always said he never worked a day in his life, because he loved what he did.  He was a voracious reader, loved to travel, but most of all, loved his family.

He is survived by his wife MaryAnn and his four children: Jon (Mindy), Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jami, Rochester, Minn.; Josi, Chicago, Ill.; and Josh (Jenny), Winona; and his three wonderful grandchildren:  Fletcher, Sloan and Bergen – his loving family members, all of whom Tom was proud of.

He is also survived by his brother Rob (Judy), nieces Cathy (Al), Kirsten (Mike), Sadie and Carly.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Funeral services for Tom will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, with Reverend Michael Short officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the VFW Neville Lien Post 1287, Winona at the church following the service.  Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Winona, Minn.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020 at Central Lutheran Church, Winona and beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorials can be directed to: Central Lutheran Youth Ministry, 259 Wabasha Street, West, Winona, Minn. 55987.

Services are entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home and Crematory, Winona, Minn., and Fountain City, Wis.  Words of sympathy and remembrance can be given at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.