---

Don J. Severson of Lindstrom, MN journeyed to his Heavenly Home on July 18, 2014 at age 84.  His was a life of helping people in countless ways, as a Lutheran pastor, counselor and friend., devoted husband, father and grandfather, Don will be greatly missed.  He inspired many in their life journeys with his wisdom, wit and caring.  As Don often said, “Easy does it—one day at a time!”
Born May 15, 1930 in Windom, MN to parents Morris and Anna Severson.  Don was educated in the Windom school district, and graduated from Augustana College in 1952, received a Masters in Theology in 1956 at Luther Seminary, he also received a Masters in Social Work from the U of M, and acquired clinical pastoral education training in 1975.  Don served three parishes as a Lutheran pastor: Vienna, SD, Glencoe, MN and Lake Wilson, MN.  Having a passion for helping people in their life journeys, Don began training in the clergy program at Hazelden and the family moved to the Chisago County area in 1972.  Don began doing visitations as a Chaplin at several hospitals in the Twin Cities.  He worked at the Five County Mental Health Center in Braham for 16 years as a therapist, nine years at Hazelden as a Chemical Dependency Specialist and Family Program professional, and continued to volunteer at Hazelden with his wife Bonnie, giving tours, greeting visitors and facilitating groups.
Don taught silver smithing with passion, enjoyed woodworking, hunting, Nordic cross-country skiing, taught ballroom dancing, led Bonnie around the dance floor to hop polka, enjoyed big band music, water skiing, boating, built a sail boat and a fishing boat with his sons, sang tenor in numerous choirs, ensembles and duets with his wife Bonnie, and played trombone in both high school and college bands.  During retirement, he and Bonnie wintered in Apache Junction, AZ for 17 years.
Don is survived by his wife Bonnie, son John (Debbie), daughter Mary, son Joel, three grandchildren Emily, Hayley and Anders, and many friends and family whose lives he touched.
Memorial Service 11 a.m. Friday, July 25,  at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  Visitation 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, and one hour prior to the service, at church.  Interment at a later date at Bethany Cemetery near Fairview, South Dakota.  Memorials preferred to the Family Program at Hazelden.  Online condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh. com

---