Joel Melvin Severson (1907-1964)

SEVERSON, DENTON, HAMMOND, OLSON, ZENOR, HUSER, BROWN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/8/2023 at 22:00:43

From The Slater News December 3, 1964 (page 1)

Last Rites Held for Joel Severson, 57

Funeral services for Joel Severson were held at the Bethlehem Church on Friday afternoon, Nov.27 at 2 p.m. A large crowd of relatives and friends of the deceased filled the church to pay their respects to a long-time friend and co-worker.

Officiating clergyman was Rev. W. A. Adix, pastor the church, who chose as his sermon text John 6:40. Mrs. Oliver Newman was the organist. Rev. Lewis Malmin of Des Moines, who was a co-worker of Joel's in the Slater Creamery for 11 years before entering the ministry, was the soloist. His selections were "I Won't Have to Cross Jordan Alone" and "Sunrise."

Obituary

Joel Melvin Severson, son of Martin and Matilda Severson, was born near Kelley, Ia., on July 23, 1907. He passed away very suddenly from a heart attack on Tuesday evening, Nov. 24, 1964 at the age of 57 years, 4 months and 1 day.

His mother died when he was a young boy and he grew to manhood with the help of his father and sisters. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Joel attended the Slater schools and in his youth had various farm experiences working on local community farms.

On May 16, 1930 he was united in marriage to Flossie Marie Denton of Cambridge, Ia. They have resided in Slater since that time and have been active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Joel served this church as a deacon and for 11 years as custodian.

He was a member of the Slater Community Club and was a participant and supporter of community activities and functions. His election to the Slater School District Board of Education placed him in contact with the school program for 12 years.

At the time of his passing he was employed as plant manager of the Farmer's Cooperative Creamery. Joel worked for 38 consecutive years in the employ of this organization.

Survivors include his wife, Flossie; three children, Mrs. Howard (Maralyn) Hammond of Slater, Mrs. Robert (Katherine) Olson of Story City and Garry of Slater; six grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Agnes Zenor of Slater, Mrs. George (Lily) Huser of Cambridge and Mrs. Ruth Brown of Runnells; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.