Bonita E. Severson
March 12, 2013
Bonita Elois Severson, 67, was welcomed into the kingdom of God on March 12, 2013, when she passed away from complications of Stage 4 Breast Cancer, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Bonnie was born February 9, 1946, in Des Moines. She graduated from North High School, attended Waldorf College and Iowa State University, and received her B.S. and Master’s degrees from Drake University. She worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services for nearly 30 years until retiring in 2008. Bonnie had a great zest for life, as she was actively involved in Daughters of Norway and the Des Moines Women’s Club, still volunteering for committees from her hospital bed. She loved scrapbooking, sewing, dancing, shopping, and traveling. Bonnie also doted on her two grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. With everyone she met, she would always greet them with her beautiful smile, and bless them with her sense of humor and kindness. Throughout her long, courageous battle with cancer, she maintained her deep faith, positive spirit, and lived life to the fullest.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Roger; two daughters, Lara Severson of San Diego, Calif., and Jen (Travis) Swendseid of St. Louis Park, Minn.; two grandchildren, Emmett and Greta Swendseid; her sister Shirley (Ron) Sealine of Johnston, Iowa; her mother-in-law, Virginia Meinecke of Forest City, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Karen Hopson of St. Louis Park, Minn., and Susan (Jim) Totty of Harrisburg, Va.; and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Selmer and Alma Olson; her fathers-in-law, John Severson and Alvin Meinecke; and her brother-in-law, Tal Hopson.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m., at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, 1240 66th Street, followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, and also one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Above and Beyond Cancer at aboveandbeyondcancer.org or Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jo Lerberg
07/24/2013
Roger and Family,
I was so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.
I had the pleasure of working with Bonnie at DHS Central Office. We were such grandmas, sharing all the news and pictures of our grandchildren. Emmett and Greta are about the same age as my grandchildren. Bonnie would light up whenever she talked of them and looked forward to spending more time with them in retirement.
Life is not fair. Please let the memories of your wonderful times with Bonnie help ease the sorrow you are feeling.
I will always remember Bonnie's beautiful Norwegian Smile!
Mary Holtan Harland & Classmates from Forest City
04/18/2013
Roger, just learned of Bonnie's illness and passing. Her smiles and personality were amazing! Your family is outstanding, thanks for sharing your lives and talents with others. God bless you, today & every day.
Your friends and family from Leland, Forest City, Waldorf class of 1966 send our blessings to you, In Christ's name,
Lila Starr
03/25/2013
I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the Severson family. I was a colleague of Bonnie's for several years, in the Division of MHDS. She was a sweet, kind, thoughtful, and always smiling, breath of fresh air in our days at DHS. May peace be with you in this challenging time!
Jim Hendrix
03/18/2013
Roger, Jen, Lara & families, I'm so sorry to hear about Bonnie's passing. My heart goes out to you & my prayers to Jesus are with your family. May He give you peace! God Bless!
Charese Wolfe
03/18/2013
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Severson family. I only knew of Mrs. Severson through her beautiful daughter Lara and now I know heaven has gained another Angel. May God's peace, love and comfort be with you all.
Sheri Runyon
03/18/2013
Roger, Jen, Lara and family, We are so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. It will not be the same without her. She had such a beautiful smile and sweet nature, she was a joy to be around and we were truly blessed to call her our friend. We are out of state and will not be able to be with you at this sad time, please know we are thinking of you and hold you close in our heart. We will miss our dancing partner, Peace be with all of you. Sheri and Bud
Tim and Marianne Fitzpatrick
03/16/2013
We were sad to hear about Bonnie's passing. We both worked with her over the years when she was involved with the case management program. She was so caring of the clients we served and the staff she supervised. She always took the time to listen and had a great sense of humor. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by many.
Ed & Judy Benson
03/16/2013
Roger, know that you & your family are all in our prayers. We cherish our Waldorf memories, your wedding, & share the challenge of going through breast cancer (twice) as well. God's comfort & peace to you. Ed & Judy Benson
Cece Arnold
03/16/2013
I met Bonnie at Drake when we were in graduate school. Later, she served an internship there where I worked in the School of Education. She taught me about quiet strength and deep compassion. Without question, her life made a positive difference in the lives of countless people. I am sad she is no longer here but her love remains. My prayers are with you.
Linn Adams
03/16/2013
Your family is my thoughts and prayers. Bonnie was a wonderful person who truly cared and had compassion for every person and thing she was involved in. She was so helpful while working at DHS. I valued her judgement and advise many times.
Kathy Olson Arts (North High '64)
03/16/2013
My sympathy and prayers to Bonnie's family. I new Bonnie at Central Lutheran and North High School. Bonnie was a beautiful person and she will be missed by all.
Karma Cahill
03/15/2013
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Bonnie. She had such warmth and zest for life, I felt lifted up every time I encountered her at Daughters of Norway or in the community. Her depth and caring will never be forgotten
Martha Willits, Emily Willits, & family
03/15/2013
Bonnie's warmth and fun-loving spirit touched everyone who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to Roger, Jen, Lara and family.
Marno Batterson
03/15/2013
Bonnie was truly an inspiration for all of us, especially those with the same condition (stage 4 breast cancer). She had a zest for life, mingled with patience and calm. I am so sorry for your loss.
Deb Finer/ Remmers
03/15/2013
My family and I would like to express our sympathy and prayers for the loss of Bonnie! She will be missed by all that knew her. May God comfort and give peace to you. love and prayers