Marion Severson

Marion Severson, 93, died on August 16, 2024, at her Legacy Assisted Living home in Iowa City, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota.

Marion was born on December 26, 1930, in Preston, Minnesota, the daughter of Raymond and Alma (Clark) Barnes. She graduated from Preston High School in 1948, then married Arlyn Severson on December 31, 1948. After the wedding, they traveled to Denver, Colorado, where Arlyn was stationed in the Air Force. Marion worked outside the home until their first daughter, Susan, was born.

Marion and Arlyn moved to the Air Force Academy before the arrival of their second daughter, Gigi. A few years later, after moving back to Denver with her family, Marion continued to be a full-time homemaker until both daughters were in school, at which point Marion went to work as an executive secretary downtown. She had a long career in the insurance industry, working in life and health insurance and later in employee benefits. She was the first woman president of the Denver chapter of the National Life Underwriters Association.

When they retired, Marion and Arlyn moved into a modular home community located on a golf course in Mesa, Arizona. Marion was an avid card player – especially Bridge – and served on the homeowners association board for several years, including one term. as president. They traveled back to Preston many summers to help their elderly mothers and spend time with friends and family.

Marion and Arlyn moved to Iowa City, Iowa in 2021. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Marion is survived by her daughters Susan (Tim) Fuchtman and Gigi (Doug) Cole, eight grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters Margery Tinan, Shirley Krogstad and Olive May Means; her brothers Norman Barnes and Warren Barnes and by her niece Lindsey Waldner.

Memorials may be directed to Preston United Methodist Church, PO Box 247, Preston, Minn. 55965-0247.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at gayandciha.com.