Duane Howard Severson, 96, went to be with the Lord on June 30th, 2025.
Duane was born on July 13, 1928, to Howard and Thelma Severson on a farm north of Cambridge, Iowa. He attended a one-room schoolhouse for three years and then in 1936 the family moved to a farm south of Ames. He attended another one-room schoolhouse for an additional three years and was the only one in his grade for six years. In 1941 the family moved a mile away to a farm south of Ames where he lived 81 years. Duane then attended a "big" school at Shipley for four years and graduated from Huxley in 1947.
After graduation he farmed for four years until he was drafted into the Army in1951. He served in the Korean War as a Bazooka gunner until he was wounded in 1953. Duane was a true war hero, receiving two purple hearts and two silver stars. He was a humble man and finally told his family about these when he was in his 80's.
Duane returned from the war and married Bonnie Long in 1953. Duane and Bonnie were blessed with three sons and he farmed until he retired at 75 years old. His home was always open, with coffee ready for anyone who wanted to visit. Duane loved the Lord, his country, his family, and neighbors. He enjoyed going to farm sales and tinkering with old machinery. He was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed playing horseshoes.
Duane is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bonnie Severson of Story City, IA; sister Maxine Thomason of Ames, IA, sister Juanita White of Nebraska, son Jerry (Sandy) of Kelley, IA; son James (Julie) of Duluth, MN; granddaughter Sarah (Jessica), Duluth, MN; grandson, Ryan (Alison), Ankeny IA; and granddaughter Amber (Quintin), Laveen, AZ, as well as nine great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Howard and Thelma Severson, three brothers, Arlin, Herbert and Earl Severson, sister Elaine Smith and son, Jon Severson.
A memorial service will be held at Heartland Baptist Church in Ames on July 10th at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Private burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Duane requested donations to Heartland Baptist Church for missions.