Dan Severson

Daniel J. Severson, 83, of Lansing, IA, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 19th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of services on Friday at the church. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling arrangements.

Daniel Joseph Severson was born on April 3, 1943, to Harold “Fish” and Lucille (Schwartzhoff) Severson. He graduated from St. George High School in Lansing in 1961, and later attended Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse, WI, where he studied welding.

On November 29, 1963, Dan married the love of his life Mary Sandry in Lansing. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and service to their community. They were blessed with two children: Mari Beth Severson Valley and Mark Severson.

As a young man, Dan held many jobs throughout the area, from delivering milk for Star Dairy to working in the family business, Severson Standard Oil. Eventually, Dan and Mary purchased the business from his father and proudly continued serving the surrounding communities. Dan delivered gasoline, fuel oil, and diesel fuel throughout the region, building relationships and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Later, Dan and Mary purchased the Standard Oil gas station in Lansing, where customers could stop for fuel, ice, coffee, cold beverages, and warm sandwiches. As their children grew older, they worked alongside their parents - Mark helping with fuel deliveries and Mari Beth working at the gas station. Dan also served on the Lansing Fire Department.

When Dan and Mary became empty nesters, they opened Severson Video in Lansing. The store quickly became a favorite gathering place in the community, especially for local children eagerly awaiting the latest VHS and DVD releases. Dan and Mary loved serving the town they called home and deeply appreciated the support and friendships they received from the people of Lansing.

Dan and Mary were devoted supporters of the Kee High Hawks and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer their granddaughter Chloe. They especially loved attending her baseball games.

Dan is survived by his children: Mari Beth (Jerry) Valley and Mark Severson (Hannah Darling); grandchildren: Jennifer (Cory) O’Neill, Michelle (Josh) Halverson, Daniel (Shelly) Valley, Darin (Ashley) Valley, Chloe (Josh Walleser) Severson, Teela (James) Fleischmann, and Malisa (Ian) Walters, as well as the Strong children: Ella, Lilah, Clara, and Silas. His great-grandchildren include: Ethan and Brylee O’Neill and Evan O’Neill; Olivia and Nora Halverson; Ty, Ella, and Eli Valley; Jenna Valley; and a new great-granddaughter expected in July 2026.

Dan also leaves behind his honorary grandchildren, the children of Clint and Noelle Mohn: Mallory, Mason, Marshall, Morgan, and Marah Mohn - fondly known to Grandma Mary and Grandpa Dan as “the M&M’s”.

He is further survived by his sister Sharon Snitker and her family; his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Marion Sandry-Meiers (Duane), Jean Sandry, and Jim and Cherine Sandry, along with their families.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, who passed away on February 2, 2026. Their more than 62 years of marriage were a beautiful example of love, partnership, and devotion to family.

Dan was also preceded in death by his parents Harold and Lucille Severson; brother-in-law Charles Snitker; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law: William and Jean Sandry, Robert Sandry, and Gerald Sandry.

Dan’s life was defined by hard work, dedication, family, and friendships that endured throughout his lifetime. He took pride in serving his community, providing for his family, and building relationships wherever he went. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his kindness, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Casketbearers are Daniel and Darin Valley, Chloe Severson, Ty Valley, and Cory and Evan O'Neill.