Myron Vernon Severson

Myron Vernon Severson

June 30, 1930 –  April 8, 2024 (age 93) 

Myron Vernon Severson was born in Evansville, Minnesota on June 30, 1930. He was the son of Victor and Mabel (Carlson) Severson and younger brother to Norman. Their home was on Stowe Lake where the family of four lived in a one-room house with a Model T parked alongside. No water or electric, but they did have a kerosene lamp, a battery powered radio, and each other. Though the family struggled through the depression and the drought of 1936, Myron often would say, "How could we be so lucky?"

Myron was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Evansville High School in 1948. He farmed with his father and also worked for a time at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the Twin Cities.

In 1954, Myron was drafted into the Army. Just a few months later, his father suddenly died. He was granted an honorable discharge from active duty in 1955 and returned home to join his mother on the family farm. In 1956 and 1957, Myron and Mabel spent the winter months in California and he worked at the Los Angeles Chrysler Automobile Assembly Plant. These extended stays were some of his favorite memories and he was known to tell detailed accounts (very long stories) about their adventures in California.

A young lady in Brandon with a beautiful smile caught his eye, and on June 20, 1959, Myron and Carole Ann Berge were married. The following year, Myron built a small lake home on Stowe Lake where the couple started their family. As their family grew, they purchased a home in Brandon and moved to town.

In the early 1960s, they started Myron’s Phillips 66 Station and Carole’s Lunch in Brandon. In 1965 they purchased the V Store in town and a year later, they built a new building that became Severson’s Grocery, Variety and Clothing Store, which they owned and operated for 25 years. After selling the store business, Myron became a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Alexandria. Eventually, Myron and Carole started their own real estate brokerage company called Love Country Realty.

Serving the community was important to Myron. He was the mayor of Brandon for 16 years. He was a Brandon Lions Club Charter Member in 1969 and recently received the Chevron Award for 55 years of membership. Myron also served on the Board for the Brandon Cemetery Association for over 50 years, an endeavor that he shared with Carole. Providing care and maintenance at the cemetery has long been a family effort for the Seversons. 

The family farm on Stowe Lake has always been a source of joy for Myron and his family, and they proudly received the Century Farm award in 2004, for 100 years of continuous agricultural operation. Myron seemed happiest working on improvement projects, fixing things, maintaining the grounds and admiring the trees. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the farm, and he especially had a soft spot for all of the family dogs. 

Myron died at home surrounded by family on April 8, 2024 at age 93. He is survived by his children: Keith (Candee) Severson, Karen Severson, Kent (Fran) Severson 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, Summer, Kinsley, Palmer, Leighton, Granger, Kira, Amelia and Delaney. Myron was predeceased by his wife Carole, infant son Kelan, son Kory, daughter Kim, his brother Norman and his parents.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Myron and his late wife, Carole Severson (1940-2020), will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1:00pm at the Brandon City Hall, 115 Front St E in Brandon, MN. There will be a casual service followed by an ice cream social. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to the Brandon Cemetery Association. Interment at Brandon Cemetery.