Leslie “Les “ Severson, 68, Stewartville

The funeral service for Leslie “Les “ Severson, 68, of  Stewartville, will be at 11 a.m. on Friday Feb.15 at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rock Dell, with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside honors by Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Mr. Severson died on Friday Feb. 8,  2019 following an illness with cancer at Mayo Clinic Rochester – Methodist Hospital Campus, where he had been a patient this past week.
Leslie Eugene Severson was born on Oct. 20, 1950 in Rochester, to Virgil and Carol(Bjugan) Severson. He grew up on the family farm in Rock Dell Twsp., attended Juelson Country Schoolhouse and Hayfield schools, graduating from Hayfield H.S. in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army in 1970 serving during the Viet Nam War including duty overseas in Germany.                                          Following his discharge he returned to the Rock Dell area. Les was married on Aug. 1, 1981 in Spring Valley,to Pat Miland. Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester and Spring Valley. They were later divorced. Les was employed for many years as a heavy equipment operator with Fraser Construction in Rochester and most recently had driven truck with Bratten Construction in Byron. Les was naturally a hard worker, even through his treatment for cancer, and only retired these last few months due to his health. He belonged to E. St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 49 in Rochester and the Stewartville American Legion. He enjoyed motorcycling, collecting classic car models, fishing, playing cards and games, following the Vikings and woodworking. Les enjoyed visiting with friends and spending time with his family.
Les is survived by his mother – Carol Severson  of Stewartville; one sister and three brothers -  Dawn( Jerry) Hugeback of rural Hayfield,; Larry(Diane) and Randy(Carla) both of rural Hayfield and Scott(Lynn) of Merrifield,; adopted grandchildren -  Kayden and Lizzy; five nieces - Shauna(Jared) Quandt, Lindsey(Derrick) Jacobson, Kiley Jo Severson, Heather Paulson and Kelsey(Nick) Swanson; eight nephews – Nick Severson, Jon(Kim) Severson, Ryan Severson, Corey(Sam) Severson, Mike(Shelly) Severson, Presley Severson, Anthony Severson and Landon Severson; 18 great nieces and nephews and five step-great nieces and nephews.  
He was preceded in death by his father – Virgil, infant sister – Lisa Marie, great niece – Pearl Severson, maternal grandparents – Carl and Lillian Bjugan and paternal grandparents -  Martin and Getta Severson.
A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from  5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 14, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville and 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. On – line condolences and memories of Les are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com