Ronald M. Severson, age 50, of Sauk Rapids, MN, died Thursday, February 23, 2017, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 28^th at Grace United Methodist Church in St. Cloud, MN, with Pastor Dianna Dunham officiating. Visitation will be at the church two hours prior to the service. Inurnment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.  

Ronald Merle Severson, the son of Merle and Margaret (Schik) Severson, was born on July 10, 1966 in Hibbing, MN.  He grew up in Hibbing and was a 1984 graduate of the Hibbing High School.  As a young man, he entered the United States Navy where he earned a Chief Boiler Operator License and served his country until his honorable discharged in 1994. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Brenda (Stanton) Severson on February 14, 1992. They made their home in Bemidji, MN, where he became a proud and loving father and worked at Potlatch Stud Mill for 19 years. Additionally, Ron served on the Bemidji Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years. In 2010, the family moved to Sauk Rapids where Ron was employed at St. Cloud State University until he retired in 2014 due to health reasons. 

Ron will be remembered for his positive personality and great sense of humor (and especially his corny jokes).  His faith carried him through his life and long hard health journey with never a single complaint.  He was proud to be a veteran and a dedicated volunteer at the St Cloud VAMC. He had great enthusiasm for the Minnesota Wild, football, history, and books---but he hated movies. He was an avid story teller with a continuous curiosity for life and learning. He had a pin point sharp memory and a keen sense of direction. He was a multiple award-winning woodworker. He never met a stranger that he did not know, and anyone would tell you that he would give the shirt off his back to someone if needed. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, wood-scroll work, scuba diving, and travel. He loved his “rabbit hunting” dog Captain Jack. Ron was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in St Cloud.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Brenda Severson of Sauk Rapids; son, Samuel (Allison) Severson of Albertville; siblings and their spouses, Gary (Shirley) Severson of Circle Pines, Roger Severson of La Crescent, Dennis (Jackie) Severson of Gig Harbor, WA, Bruce Severson of Bowlus, Greg (Jean) Severson of Hibbing, Keith (Diane) Severson of Bloomington, and Janice Severson (Eric) Roller of St Paul; sisters-in-law and spouses, Doris Stanton (Gene) Schermerhorn of Callaway, Judi Stanton (Rodney) Lydell of Osage and Lori Stanton (Alan) Artner of St Cloud; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Merle; mother, Margaret; twin daughters, Sarah and Olivia; and 3 brothers Wayne, Richard, and Dale.

Ron’s life is an inspiration to all who knew him and that he will be greatly missed.

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