John F Severin
John F Severin
John F Severin
September 24, 1943 – February 9, 2024
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 80
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
John Francis Severin, 80, of Oskaloosa, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born September 24, 1943, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the son of Albert Leo and Catherine Rose Hinderks Severin.
He graduated from Hecla, South Dakota High School with the class of 1961.
Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Minneapolis.
While living there, he became friends with a young lady named JoAnn Gervais, who lived in the same apartment building. Their friendship flourished, culminating in their marriage on April 16, 1966, in Minneapolis.
Early in their marriage, they relocated to Des Moines and John went to work for Supersweet Feeds doing construction and maintenance work. In 1969 the Des Moines plant closed and they moved to Oskaloosa, and John continued working for Supersweet in their new mill. John was talented and had a keen mind for formulating efficient processes for feed mills. After working for Supersweet, he spent seven months in Turkmenistan building a feed mill. When that project was complete, he returned to Oskaloosa and went back to work in the same building, which was now International Ingredients. John retired from there.
John enjoyed spending time with family and friends. When their kids were young, John and JoAnn took the family boating, waterskiing, and camping most weekends, building many fond memories. Additionally, they found joy in supporting the Oskaloosa High School Marching Band, dedicating their time as chaperones, and assisting in the logistics of moving equipment between shows. John loved riding his Gold Wing motorcycle.
John was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa and was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Oskaloosa American Legion, where he proudly served on the honor guard for many years and dedicated countless hours to putting flags out for veterans on Memorial Day.
He and JoAnn relished exploring the globe, with cherished destinations spanning Australia, Alaska, Europe, Switzerland, Canada, and New Zealand among their favorites. In retirement, he applied his mechanical expertise to the restoration of antique tractors, with a special affinity for Case models, amassing a collection of 15 tractors. In addition to collecting and restoring old tractors, he enjoyed going on tractor rides with various groups.
His family includes his daughter, Lisa Shaw of Kansas City; four grandchildren, Haley Shaw, Eamon Shaw,
Nolan Shaw, and Celia Shaw; two brothers and their wives, Mark and Barbara Severin of Monument, Colorado and Joel and Cathy Severin of Belle Fourche, South Dakota; brothers and sisters in law Dorothy Kendall of Mora, Minnesota, Connie and Jerry Nelson of Mora, Minnesota, Sandra and Robert Treland of Mauston, Wisconsin, Ara Severin of Claremont, California, Melanie Gervais of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Timothy Gervais of Esko, Minnesota, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Severin on August 2, 2018. In addition to JoAnn, John was preceded in death by a daughter Brenda Severin, a brother Paul Severin, sister-in-law Mary Jo Allen, and two-brothers-in-law, Steven Gervais and Alfred Allen.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Joseph Phung officiating.
Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
Graveside Military Honors will be performed by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Friday morning after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral home from 6-8 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives. At 8:00 p.m. the Rosary will be prayed at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Oskaloosa American Legion.
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