----Source: Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis., Library Scrapbook

OBITUARY OF MRES. JOHN SEVERSON 1880 - 1938

From the scrapbook of Mrs. Andrews, former librarian of the Greenwood Public Library

Edith Larson Severson was born on the old home farm near Greenwood,February 29, 1880, and at the age of 57 years, 10 months and 17 days on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 January 12, 1938 at River Pines Sanatorium in Stevens Point, she passed away after a long illness. She was at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lillian Schmidt, who tenderly cared for her from April 1937 until December 29th, when she was taken to the sanatorium.

In 1897 she was united in marriage to John Severson, who preceded her in death in April 1914. Eight children were born to this union, Vern of Greenwood Arnold of Phelps, Lillian (Mrs. Hans Schmidt)of Willard Elmer of Willard, Floyd of Prescott Beatrice (Mrs. Frank Heinzen) of Shawano, and two sons, Arthur and Johnny who died in infancy.

Mrs. Severson was a very devoted and loving mother and was well thought of by all who knew her.. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Greenwood where she was an active member until her illness.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Greenwood Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock on January 16th and were conducted by Rev. C. R. Gaylord, the local pastor. Psalms the 90th chapter, the 12th verse was read as the text. The songs "The Old Rugged Cross" "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Does Jesus Care" was sweetly sung by Mrs. Geo. Hauser and Mrs. Perkins, Miss Bishop at the piano. The beautiful floral offerings were carried by Mrs. Dahl, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Slouiker and Mrs. Arbs, members of the Royal Neighbors.

The pallbearers were six nephews, Lawrence Johnson, Clarence Hendrickson, Lawrence Larson and Walter Johnson. She was laid to rest in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Severson leaves to mourn her loss, besides her children, three sisters, Ms. Matilda Hendrickson, Mrs. Helma Salzwedel, Mrs. Tena Rossow and three brothers, Louie, John and Jacob all of Washington. Also grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Those from away who attended the funeral were Arnold Severson and two daughters, Carol and Agnes of Phelps. Floyd Severson of Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heinzen of Shawano, Mr. and Mrs Charley Rossow of Granton, Mrs. Helma Salzwedel and son, Lester of Marshfield, Mrs. S. Lyle of Loyal, Mrs. George Geire of Marshfield, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Tessmer and daughter of Spencer and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mess and daughter of Marshfield.

Our sweet little mother has passed beyond,
Where the angels were waiting to welcome her home.
We will miss our dear mother here on this earth,
But we know she was ready when Jesus said "Come."
No Not cold beneathe the grasses,
Not close walked, within the tomb,
Rather, In our Father's Mansion,
Living in another room.
Shall we doubt our Father's mercy
Shall we think of death as doom
No Just stepping oe'r the threshold,
To a bigger, brighter room.