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
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
Yvonne Burrell
03/15/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you cherish the memories you shared and find peace in the knowledge that she lives forever in your hearts. My deepest sympathy.
Ken & Sue Finer
03/15/2013
We express our sincere sympathy .Wish we could be there to share your sorrow. Your family went through tough times during her illness , but now she is at peace with the Lord. May you too have the LORDS peace.
Sarah Gay Brannon
03/15/2013
Bonnie touched my heart in a way she never knew. My love goes out to Roger, Jen, and Lara. Our loss is Heaven's gain. I don't think she'll be resting in peace--I think she'll be busy doing great works and keeping close tabs on her precious grandchildren. As I told Jen, I believe she was greeted in Heaven with a fanfare and the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Your mission is complete." To love Bonnie was to know her, but we will surely see her beautiful smile again. I regret not being able to make it to Iowa for the service but I will cherish my memories of her.
Sheri Runyon
03/15/2013
Roger, Jennifer, Lara and family. We are so saddened to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was such a sweet and kind person, and we are truly blessed to have had her for a friend. We had such fun dancing with our group - it will not be the same without her beautiful smile and fun personality. We are out of the state right now, but please know we are thinking of you and know what a hard time this is. Peace be with all of you. We cannot be there but you are in our hearts and prayers. Sheri and Bud
Tammy Minor
03/15/2013
My prayers are with the entire Severson family in this tough time.
Maria Hernandez
03/15/2013
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I did not know Bonnie but in knowing Lara, she was an amazing person that will be missed dearly.
Elaine Sweet
03/15/2013
Bonnie and I are kindred spirits - still. Our paths first crossed decades ago as she championed excellence in Case Management services for people with mental illness and disabilities. Our professional paths crossed frequently. In recent years, Bonnie and I shared the personal devastation of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Bonnie lost that battle this week, and I am deeply saddened. My heart goes out to Bonnie's family as you grieve the loss of a very special lady.
Alycia Concannon
03/15/2013
Severson Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, The Concannon Family
Marc and Dena Finer
03/15/2013
Praying the Spirit brings you comfort and peace now.
Sheri Gilkerson
03/15/2013
I was saddened to hear of Bonnie passing away. She was a dear friend to my sister, Dianne and was always very kind and sweet to me.
May the Lord be with her family at this difficult time, as she will not be forgotten. Sheri
Joyce Friederich
03/14/2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie family. I always enjoyed visiting with her at the Daughters of Norway meeting. She was always caring and kind. I will miss seeing her.
Don Hart (North '64)
03/14/2013
So sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was a bright spot in every day, and the world is diminished without her smile. May God comfort her beautiful family.
Jen Bleakley
03/14/2013
Thinking and praying for all of Bonnie's family who loved her dearly. Bonnie was such a kind, thoughtful woman.
Roberta Harris
03/14/2013
Bonnie was a special lady who was kind and caring. She was courageous in her battle with her cancer. She loved life and her family. I believe that her special poodle pets, Sparky, Mickey and Minnie greeted her on her final journey and together they will continue to watch over all of you. I will miss her as she was a good friend.