Mary Severson

     Mary A. Severson, 81, of Lansing, IA, died Monday, February 2, 2026, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of services on Monday at the church. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling arrangements.

     Mary Alice Severson was born on September 29, 1944, in Lansing, IA, to Odean and Gladys (Sweeney) Sandry. She was the fifth child in a family of five, growing up with four older brothers. Lansing was always home, and it was there that Mary built a life rooted deeply in family, friendship, and community.

     From a young age, Mary formed a lifelong bond with her first cousin and best friend, Rosanne Sweeney; sisters by heart. Together they shared countless adventures along the river, babysitting for family and friends, and later in life, traveling all over Iowa to cheer on granddaughter Chloe Severson at her many ballgames. Their friendship was constant throughout Mary’s life.

     Mary graduated from Kee High School in 1963, and went on to attend the Young School of Beauty in Waterloo, IA, where she became a licensed beautician. Her path soon crossed with a handsome young man named Dan Severson. The two fell in love and were married on November 29, 1963, beginning a partnership that spanned more than 61 years. Together, Dan and Mary raised two children, Mari Beth Severson Valley and Mark Joseph Severson, and built a life defined by hard work and entrepreneurship. Mary was the owner and operator of Mary’s Beauty Nook, which for many years was located in their home. Later, after remodeling, she continued working at local salons in town.

     Dan and Mary also purchased the family Standard Oil business from Dan’s father, Harold “Fish” Severson. While Dan delivered fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel to local homes and farms, Mary kept the books running smoothly behind the scenes. They later purchased the Standard Oil Gas Station in Lansing, transforming it into a mini mart where customers could buy fuel, cold drinks, ice, coffee, and warm sandwiches. As their children grew older, Mari Beth and Mark worked alongside their parents; Mark helping with farm deliveries and Mari Beth working at the gas station.

     When they became empty nesters, Dan and Mary opened Severson Video in Lansing. The store quickly became a community favorite, especially among local kids, as they eagerly awaited new VHS and DVD releases. Dan and Mary loved serving the town and cherished the support they received from Lansing residents.

     In 1989, Mary began a new chapter as a 911 Dispatcher for the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department. She proudly served for 20 years before retiring in 2009. Mary was honored to work alongside deputies and fellow dispatchers, taking great pride in her role serving the community and helping others during their most difficult moments.

     Despite her many responsibilities, Mary never missed what mattered most: her family. She was a constant presence at concerts, sporting events, grandparents’ days, and graduations. You never had to look for her in the crowd; you simply knew she was there.

     Mary was also a devoted supporter of the Kee Hawks. She attended countless events, donated prizes for after-prom celebrations, played corn bingo, supported fundraisers, and proudly wore as many Kee Hawks shirts as she could find. She and Rosanne also enjoyed many bus trips sponsored by Kerndt Bros. Bank, creating memories while visiting new places together.

     Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Dan Severson; her very best friend, Rosanne Sweeney; two children: Mari Beth (Jerry) Valley and Mark Severson (Hannah Darling); seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Cory) O’Neill, Michelle (Josh) Halverson, Daniel (Shelly) Valley, Darin (Ashley) Valley, Teela (James) Fleischmann, Malisa (Ian) Walters, and Chloe (Josh Walleser) Severson. Eight great-grandchildren: Ethan and Evan O’Neill, Olivia and Nora Halverson, Ty, Ella, and Eli Valley, and Jenna Valley; a new great-grandchild arriving in July 2026; a brother Jim (Cherine) Sandry; three sisters-in-law: Marion Sandry Meiers, Jean Sandry, and Sharon Snitker; and many nieces and nephews.

     Mary also leaves behind her honorary grandchildren: Mallory, Mason, Marshall, Morgan, and Marah Mohn, who are fondly known by Grandma Mary as “the M&M’s,” children of Clint and Noelle Mohn.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Odean and Gladys Sandry; her in-laws, Harold and Lucille Severson; three brothers: William (Jean) Sandry, Robert Sandry, and Gerald Sandry; and a brother-in-law Charles Snitker.

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

     Mary’s life was one of service, dedication, laughter, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of community involvement, family devotion, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.