Thomas Orville Severson, 75, died peacefully in his home early Sun. morning, Feb. 23, 2020.

Tom was born in Preston, Minn., to Orville and Evelyn (Christianson) Severson. He spent his childhood in Harmony, Minn. Tom graduated from Luther College in 1967, shortly thereafter he accepted being drafted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. In 1969 he met the love of his life, MaryAnn. One year later, they exchanged vows on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Northern Minnesota.

Before moving to Winona, Tom worked for Conoco for 10 years, as a sales representative for Conoco in various parts of the country. Those years took the two of them from the Quad Cities in Iowa to Madison, Wis., St. Louis, and Atlanta.

Having young children by this time, they were ready to move closer to family in Minn. It was 1981 when they found their true home in Winona where they acquired Christenson Oil Co., now known as Severson Oil Co.

Tom had a passion for business and enjoyed exploring the possibilities within it, as well as building relationships with those he met along the way. He always said he never worked a day in his life, because he loved what he did. He was a voracious reader, loved to travel, but most of all, loved his family.

He is survived by his wife MaryAnn and his four children: Jon Severson ‘97 (Mindy), Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jami Severson ‘99, Rochester, Minn.; Josi Severson ’02, Chicago; and Josh Severson ‘06 (Jenny Knapp Severson ‘01), Winona; and his three wonderful grandchildren:  Fletcher, Sloan and Bergen- his loving family members, all of whom Tom was proud of.

He is also survived by his brother Rob Severson ‘69 (Judy (Brimmell) Severson ‘69); nieces: Cathy (Severson) Sedacca ‘92 (Al), Kirsten (Severson) Lynch ’96 (Mike), Sadie and Carly.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Funeral services for Tom were Sat., Feb. 29, 2020, at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, with Reverend Michael Short officiating. Military honors were provided by the VFW Neville Lien Post 1287, Winona, at the church following the service. Interment was at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Winona, Minn. Memorials can be directed to: Central Lutheran Youth Ministry, 259 Wabasha Street, West, Winona, MN 55987.