Robert "Bob" Severson, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024 at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty.
He was born on August 25, 1941, in Canton, South Dakota the son of Segfred and and Lyla Severson. He was a graduate of Larchwood High School in Iowa in 1959. On May 27, 1961 he was united in marriage to June Grotewold. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, raising three children: Mike (Marci) Severson, Shelly Hons, and Mindy (Dean) Heick. His family was his pride and joy, including his cherished grandchildren Riley and Logan Vaughn (Aubrey), Brittney (Greg) Smejkal, Lindsey Hons, Max (Beth) Hons, Clay (Audra) Heick, and Troy (Mikayla) Heick, as well as his great-grandchildren Maleigha, Delainey, Barrett Hons, and Hadley Heick, with three more great-grandchildren expected in November 2024.
Bob had a distinguished career as an educator, teaching at the West Liberty School District (WLSD) for 32 years before retiring in 1997. He was honored as the West Liberty Jaycees' Outstanding Young Educator in 1973. His commitment to education and his students was evident in all he did, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
Bob was inducted into the Eastern Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2000 and was an avid golfer, winning the West Liberty Country Club championship in 1989. He was also a member of the South Dakota amateur baseball league championship team of 1959. Bob’s love for sports and competition was matched by his dedication to his community.
He is survived by his loving wife, June; their children; his sisters, Carol Reinsch of Clay Center, KS, Ruth (Denny) Holland of Gilbert, AZ, and Sharon (Sam) Moser of Fort Dodge, IA; his brother, Dick Severson of Ellsworth, WI; brothers-in-law, Lyle (Joan) Grotewold of Larchwood, IA and Gerald Grotewold of Watertown, SD; sister-in-law, Connie Walker of Sioux Falls, SD; his aunt, Marilyn VanAsh; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Segfred and Lyla Severson; his brother, Jim Severson; brother-in-law, Don Reinsch; sister-in-law, Gayle; in-laws, Harvey and Vera Grotewold; sisters-in-law, Bev Rippentrop and Melva Grotewold; brothers-in-law, Delbert Rippentrop and Jim Walker; his son-in-law, Mark Hons; and a niece and nephew.
A celebration of his life will be held at the West Liberty Country Club on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family invites all who knew Bob to join them for a few words and an opportunity to share stories about him around 6 p.m. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is caring for Bob and his family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bob Severson Memorial Fund.