Milan A. Severson

Milan A. Severson, age 88 of Rio, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019 at the At Home Again Assisted Living Center in Rio.  

He was born in Rio, the only child of Arnold and Esther Severson December 12, 1930. He married Wanda J. Severson (Price) March 31, 1951 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio.  Both were graduates of Rio High School in the spring of 1949. Shortly after high school, Milan enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at (then) Truax field.  Together, Milan and Wanda enjoyed 53 years of marriage, and lived in Madison for a short time before returning back to Rio. During their marriage, Milan and Wanda enjoyed each other’s company, particularly in the Northwoods of Wisconsin at their cabin on Mercer Lake in Mercer which they purchased in 1993 after vacationing in the same area since 1977.  Both Milan and Wanda loved to ‘just get in the car and drive’, no matter if such trips took them to the Rocky Mountain range, spring-break trips to Florida’s gulf coast, or even a breakfast run… to Eau Claire! Wanda passed away in February of 2005 after a 5-year battle with cancer. In her obituary, Wanda requested that it state how Milan’s love, care, and support carried her through her illness.  This statement again bears repeating for Milan, as his love and dedication for Wanda did not die with her passing. Milan cared deeply for those he loved, especially Wanda.

Milan had a few jobs in his career, but he is most remembered as being a skilled machinist for the Ball Company (formerly Heekin Can and Stokely USA) in Deforest.  This career was a perfect match for Milan’s meticulous mindset and abilities, as well as his creative problem-solving skills. At home, these unique talents brought Wanda and his children the assurance that there “was not a problem that Dad can’t fix”.  Time in the outdoors was also cherished by Milan with his family. Whether it be hunting, fishing, working in his garden, or working on the family’s home or autos, Milan rarely sat idle until both time and age eventually slowed his pace.

Survivors include 4 children; Doug (Carolyn) Severson of Portage, Daryl (Jami) Severson of Sun Prairie, Joan (Dale) Engelbrecht of Green Bay, and Jim (Amanda) Severson of Waunakee.  Milan was blessed with 12 grandchildren; Jason (Jean), Jennifer (Jeremy), Kylie, Courtney (Beau), Kenzie, Allyson (Jacob), Madysen, Olivia, Natalie, Emma, Will, and Anna. Milan was also a great-grandfather to 6 great-grandchildren; Broderick, Karlee, Delaney, Kennedy, Wyatt, and Quinn, and a great-great grandfather to Conner.

Milan was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda, and a granddaughter, Casie.   

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 14 at 11 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio with Rev. Ann Walsvik officiating. Burial with full military honors will occur immediately following the service at Ohio Cemetery in Rio.  Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of services at the church. The family invites attendees for a meal and fellowship in memory of Milan at Redeemer Lutheran Church following the burial. The family also wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of At Home Again during Milan’s time he was there.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 610 Lincoln Ave., Rio WI 53960. 

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