Lewis B Severance

Lewis “Doc” Severance, longtime Kasson, MN resident & businessman, died on March 7, 2020 in Park Rapids, MN at the age of 96.

He was born in a former boxcar near Vayland, SD on May 20, 1923 to Lewis Sr. & Gladys (Beyer) Severance.  He graduated from Balaton (MN) H.S. in 1941 & worked as a telegrapher & agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company.  He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1944 & married his high school sweetheart, Rachel Williams, on October 2.  He served two years as a member of the 381st Bomb Group, stationed in Ridgewell, England.  Airman Severance flew 21 combat missions over Germany in WW II as navigator in the B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber.  After discharge with the rank of Captain, Lew attended the U of M Dental School, graduating in 1950.  He felt truly blessed to practice dentistry for 40 years in Kasson, where he developed deep civic pride & many lasting friendships.  During those years, he was involved in numerous organizations, including the Kasson Commercial Club, K-M School board, Zumbro Valley Golf Club, First Presbyterian Church, Zumbro Valley Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Masonic Lodge, & as chairman of the committee that secured the establishment of the Kasson Mayo Clinic.  He enjoyed golf, cribbage, square dancing, & spending time in Tucson, AZ.  He will be remembered for his love of God, Family, & Country, as well as his strong work ethic, generosity, quick wit, & ready smile.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 74 years, Rachel, parents, brother Stanley, & sister Avis.  He is survived by four children:  Thomas, Jan (Lon) Krieg, Gary (Angela), & Paul (Ann), eight grandchildren, & two great grandsons.

Due to the current travel restrictions and health guidelines, the Celebration of Life service has been cancelled.  There will be a private inurnment service at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Preston for the family. The family requests memorials to the Kasson Public Library and CHI St. Joseph’s Hospice in Park Rapids.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510.

Blessed be the memory of Lewis B. Severance.