Obituary: Bernice Emma Severson

Bernice Emma Severson

Bernice Emma Severson, 92, formerly of the Town of Egg Harbor, fell asleep in the loving presence of her family and awoke in the arms of the Lord, Friday afternoon, November 4, 2016 at Pine Crest Village in Sturgeon Bay where she had been living the past year.

She was born at home in West Jacksonport on March 31, 1924, the daughter of William F. Herbst and Lena Rose (Bley) Herbst. Bernice attended Sunny Point School and graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1942. She worked as an office manager for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation County Office in Door County (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) for 30 years, retiring in 1982.

Bernice was united in marriage to Kenneth Morgan Severson on September 28, 1968 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in West Jacksonport. They were blessed with over 48 years of marriage.

Bernice enjoyed traveling and knitting, but her faith was first and foremost in her life. She loved her church, Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in West Jacksonport, served as church secretary, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. Bernice was also a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).

Her love will live on in the hearts of her husband, Ken; sister, Jean Sawyer; nieces and nephews; Mark (Sarah) Sawyer, Bert (Sara) Sawyer, Barbara (Mike) Lautenbach, Julie (Dan Rehberg) Sawyer, Mary (Philip) Bley; great-nieces and great-nephews, Josh (Carissa) Sawyer, Nellie (Eric) DeJardine, Emilie (fiancé, Pat Nash) Sawyer, Joe Sawyer, Christine (Paul) Pierquet, Casey (Kelly) Lautenbach, Megan Lautenbach, Leila (Greg) Balza, Jenifer Zettel, Robert Zettel, Kelly (Adam) Nelson, Sadie (Matt) Ash, Annie Bley, Andrew Bley, Lucy Bley, Sam Sawyer, Lilly Sawyer; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her Bley and Herbst cousins.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Walter (1913-1969), Artie (1914-1957), Freddy (1920-1971), and John (1918-1919) Herbst; nephew, Joey Sawyer (1964-1968); and favorite brother-in-law, Bob Sawyer (1930-1998).

Her life was honored with a funeral service on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in West Jacksonport with Pastor Peter Lindemann officiating. Bernice will be laid to rest in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Bernice’s memory for Zion Lutheran School.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to her special family friend, Karen Schartner and the wonderful staff at Pine Crest Village for their compassionate care given to Bernice.

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at huehnsfuneralhome.com.