Everett Paul Severson Obituary (1944

“On the eighth day, God looked down on His planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.” -Paul Harvey Everett Paul Severson, 82, passed away at his home August 21, 2026 after succumbing to the effects of pancreatic cancer. Everett Paul was born January 2, 1944, to Harold and Ethel Severson of rural Gardner, Illinois and was named for both his grandfathers. Everett attended Gardner High School, graduating with the class of 1962. As a teenager, Everett met the love of his life, Dorothy Mae (Seabert) at a church youth group hayride. They were married April 3, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dwight. Together, they built a life around farm and family. Everett and Dorothy raised four children: Brian (Karen) Severson, Evan (Lynne) Severson, Nathan (Sheila) Severson, and Heather (Joshua) Betsworth. Everett was a grandfather to eleven and great grandfather to eight. Believing one never “works” a day in his life if he truly enjoys what he does, Everett loved being a farmer. Everett enjoyed every farming season – planting, growing, harvesting, and maintenance – and the challenges that came with each. Every day he would set the day’s project and then would head out to tackle it after a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bowl of Cheerios. He believed strongly in his faith, caring for God’s creation, and providing for one’s family. Proud to have carried on the family farming legacy during his lifetime, Everett always considered it a blessing to have been able to trace his heritage back to the family’s ancestral farm near Skanevik, Norway. He most appreciated walking on the same fields with his sons and grandsons that his great-great grandfather had walked prior to immigrating to the U.S. Aside from his family and farm, Everett also enjoyed vintage farm tractors, 1950’s cars, spur-of-the-moment run-away adventures with Dorothy, and woodworking in his shop. Everett was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Nathan. Everett is survived by his wife, Dorothy and sisters, Elsie Jerbi and Eyvonne Dock. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 26th at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight. Visitation will be held two hours prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Round Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight or the Dwight FFA.