Velma P. Severson

FOREST CITY - Velma P. Severson, age 95 of Forest City, died Monday, April 8, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Forest City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 12, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City, with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Forest City.

Velma Priscilla Severson, the daughter of Thomas and Alta (Eikenberry) Potter, was born on January 8, 1918 in Grimes, IA. She received her education in Buffalo Center rural schools.

In 1940 Velma moved to Forest City and began working at the Central Cafe, where she met her future husband, Orville Severson. They were married in Forest City on April 12, 1941. The couple made their home on a farm, east of Forest City, their entire lives.

Velma was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She recently retired after 42 years at Waldorf Food Services, a job she "loved every minute of", she said. She was an avid quilter. Velma loved her extended family very much and enjoyed being part of their lives as often as she could.

She is survived by her son, Julius Severson of Forest City; her daughter, Elizabeth (Joe) Ritscherle of Naperville, IL.; three grandchildren, Bob (Paulette) Gray, Lisa (Gary) Gramm, and Lynn (Mike) Patton; and five great-grandchildren, Dan, Kelly, Paige, Liam and Emily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orville; six brothers and one sister.