Ernie SEVERTSGAARD

SEVERTSGAARD, BRANDT, TEGLAND, SALGER, MACAL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/25/2011 at 21:56:14

December 10, 1923 --- August 22, 2011

VINTON. IA --- Ernie Severtsgaard, 87 of Vinton died Monday, August 22, 2011 at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab Center in Vinton following complications of several strokes. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Phillips Family Center, 605 Second Avenue in Vinton (due to storm damage at Trinity Lutheran Church) with Rev. Clarke E. Frederick officiating. Private Family Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Friends may call from 4 – 7 PM on Friday at the Family Center. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and Hospice Compassus.

Ernie was born December 10, 1923 to James and Lydia Brandt Severtsgaard at Decorah. At the age of 16 Ernie was stricken with Polio, but recovered and went on to live a full and productive life. He graduated from the Elgin Watch College and began a 62 year career in watchmaking and repair. Following his graduation, Ernie worked in Clarion for four years where he met and was united in marriage to Donna Tegland on March 20, 1945. Following their marriage they moved to Vinton where Ernie began working for Don and Ethel Lane at Lane's Jewelry Store. Ernie continued to work for the Lane's for 42 years when the store closed in 1988. He then worked on many watches, jewelry and clocks out of his shop at his home for another 16 years retiring in 2004. Ernie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and past-member of the Vinton Country Club where he enjoyed Couple's Golf League and playing Bridge. Ernie took great satisfaction in working with people, and was known around the community as always having a positive attitude and outgoing personality. He loved spending time with his family, especially at family get-togethers. Ernie will be greatly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Donna Severtsgaard; daughter, Diane Severtsgaard; son, Michael (Phyllis) Severtsgaard all of Vinton; grandson, Jay (Tracy) Severtsgaard of La Porte City; granddaughter, Amy (Matt) Salger of Vinton; four great-grandsons, Tyler and Grant Severtsgaard and Gavin and Reagan Salger; one brother, James (Janice) Severtsgaard of Hampton, IL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Myrtle Macal and Jeanette Severtsgaard and three brothers, Leonard, Clarence and Walter Severtsgaard.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude for the care given to Ernie during the last few weeks, especially to Dr. Brian Meeker, Dr. Mark Dearden, North Benton Ambulance, the staff at Virginia Gay Hospital, VGH Nursing & Rehab, Mercy Medical Center ICU and Hospice Compassus.

Cedar Valley Daily Times -- Vinton, Iowa
August 26, 2011