Arlene Mavis Severson, 95, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Harvest Home in Howards Grove, WI where she had been residing. She was born on May 24, 1931, in Underwood, MN to the late Arthur and Minnie (Heuer) Kolstad. Arlene graduated as Valedictorian from Underwood High School with the Class of 1948. Following graduation, she worked as a secretary for Ottertail Power Company in Fergus Falls, MN.
On June 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to Dennis Edgar Severson at Unitarian Church of Underwood in Underwood, MN. Together they celebrated 69 years of marriage. Dennis preceded her in death on June 16, 2019.
Arlene and Dennis owned and operated Severson Plumbing & Heating for 20 years in Silver Bay, MN. Arlene also worked for J.W. Galbraith Reality as a bookkeeper, retiring after 25 years of service.
She had a strong faith and was a member of United Protestant Church in Silver Bay, MN for 60 years. She was very active in the church through Sunday School Education, Women’s Guild and leading Girl Scout Troops. She continued her faith journey at St. Paul’s UCC when Arlene and Dennis moved from Silver Bay, MN to Sheboygan, WI to be closer to family.
Arlene loved the outdoors and being active. She enjoyed playing tennis, volleyball, badminton, and water skiing. She also loved playing games and cards with family and friends. Arlene’s family was her pride and joy, and she loved teaching her children the enjoyment of boating, water skiing and catching frogs. She enjoyed attending all the events of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arlene cherished her time at the cabin she and Dennis built of stone; on the Kolstad Family Farm on Turtle Lake. Arlene and Dennis spent over 25 years wintering in Arizona where they made many new friends.
Arlene is survived by her two children, Denise (Ken) Cornell and David (Sandra) Severson, grandchildren; Deana (Troy) Brandl, Danae (Antonio) Zugno, Courtney (Ben) Severson-Provido and Brandon Severson, great-grandchildren; Ava and Chase Brandl, Drew and Austin Zugno and Matilda Provido.
She was preceded in death by her brother, parents and husband.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff at Harvest Home and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all their loving care, compassion and support.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Arlene’s arrangements.
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