Carole Severson

Carole Ann Berge was born in Starbuck, Minnesota on September 2, 1940, to Ingvald and Ethel (Knudson) Berge. She was baptized on October 9, 1940, and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church. She attended Brandon School for 12 years.

On June 20, 1959, Carole was united in marriage to Myron Vernon Severson. They started their married life by building a small lake home on Stowe Lake. In the early 1960s, they became owners of Myron’s Phillips 66 Station and Carole’s Lunch in Brandon. In 1962, they bought Carole’s grandmother’s (Clara Knudson) home and moved to Brandon. In 1965 they purchased the V Store in town. Soon after, they built a new store on Central Avenue, and Severson’s Grocery, Variety and Clothing became a fixture in Brandon until the early 1980s, when they sold the business. Their next adventure was Love Country Realty. Both Carole and Myron obtained their real estate licenses and worked as a business team once again. The couple also owned several rental properties in the area.

Carole loved living in Brandon and enjoyed serving on numerous community organizations over the years. She was honored to serve on the Brandon School Board, the Minnesota State High School League Board and the Minnesota School Board Association in the 1980s. Her passion for the Brandon Cemetery Association was her longest-running endeavor – nearly 50 years. Serving as secretary on the Board of Directors was an essential part of Carole’s life. Providing care and maintenance at the cemetery has been a family effort for the Seversons. Carole often joked that working at the cemetery was great because “nobody complains”!

Carole was an avid historian of both family and community history. She loved doing yardwork – her favorite chore was mowing on her beloved Cub Cadet riding lawn mower. Carole was always quick with a joke, loved to laugh and her smile was just like sunshine! Summer gatherings always included her homemade potato salad and a pan of her rhubarb dessert. She loved visitors and was always ready with a fresh cup of coffee and something sweet when company appeared.

Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were Carole’s favorite titles. Six children, eight grandchildren and five little great-grandchildren were a source of joy and pride for her. She enjoyed keeping in contact with relatives and friends near and far.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother Gary, infant son Kelan and son Kory. She is survived by her husband, Myron, and her sister, Janet (Bruce) Nelson. Children: Keith (Candee) Severson, Karen Severson, Kent (Fran) Severson, Kim (Jeffrey) Johnson and Kara (Todd) Nielsen. Grandchildren: Tricia (Steve) Leanger, Troy (Alli) Severson, Trina Severson, Logan (Kayla) Severson, Tanner Severson, Riley Severson, Beth Nielsen and Kate Nielsen. Great-grandchildren: Ryder Leanger, Kinsley and Palmer Severson, Kira and Amelia Severson.

Carole died at home surrounded by family on June 21, 2020, from complications from a stroke. A private family service will be held. Interment will be at Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to the Brandon Cemetery Association.