Archived Services

Keith Arlen Severson
11-29-2020

Keith A. Severson, 87, passed away November 29, 2020 at Grand Living in Sioux Falls. Keith was born in Summit, SD on May 19, 1933 to Irene and Olaf Severson. He was the 6^th child in a family of 10. He had 7 brothers and 2 sisters. He grew up both in town and on the old Severson homestead farm northwest of Summit. He went to school while living on the farm in a one room country school house.  

With the help of his mother signing for him, he entered the Navy in 1950 at the age of 17. While he was in the Navy he traveled around the world passing through both the Suez and Panama Canals. He celebrated his 18^th birthday in Havana, Cuba. After getting to the Pacific Ocean he traveled to the coast of Korea where he and his ship took an active part in helping to fight the war. After serving in Korea, he returned and his ship was stationed in Rhode Island. His good buddy took him to New York for Thanksgiving and introduced him to the girl who would become his wife.   

On May 8^th, 1954 he married Elvira DeGiorgio in Queens, NYC. After getting married they moved to Sioux Falls. They lived in Sioux Falls for a couple of years and eventually made their way back to New York City. While there, Keith worked in lower Manhattan with his father-in-law in his label cutting business for 9 years. In 1964 they decided to give Sioux Falls another try.

Keith was fortunate to find a job on his first day of job hunting. He began a 39 year career with Sioux Printing Inc. He started in the press room and quickly landed in sales. He never stopped selling. He enjoyed his many customers and meeting new people. He had a tremendous ease of talking with people and working throughout the community. He served as President of the O’Gorman High School Board, Booster Club and Christ the King Parish Council. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW. After retirement, he spent 7 years volunteering at Avera McKennan Hospital and was Volunteer of the Year in 2007. 

Early in his adult life, he loved to hunt and fish, but then someone introduced him to golf , he was lefty. From that point on, hunting and fishing went to the back burner. In the summer time he could be found either on the golf course or manicuring his lawn.  

Keith was preceded in death by his parents: Irene and Olaf: his siblings: Glen, Dorothy, Darold, Kalvin, Karmon, Ronnie, Berneil, and Beverly; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Elvira; his 3 sons: Jim (Bonnie) of Sioux Falls, Keith Jr. (Becky) of Sioux Falls, and Christopher (Donna) of Aspen, CO;  brother: Rodney (Karen) of Kensosha, WI. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation with MASKS REQUIRED and the family present will take place from 5:00 – 6:30 PM on Thursday, December 3^rd at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls SD. A Scripture Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary will take place at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial with MASKS REQUIERED will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 4^th at Christ the King Catholic Church. The internment will take place immediately following the Funeral Mass. Due to Covid, there will be no luncheon following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial suggestion would be to Christ the King Catholic Church or the Avera at Home hospice program.