LIFE SPAN OF 90 YEARS ENDS FOR MRS. SEVERSON

Last Friday afternoon, shortly after five o'clock, one of the outstanding women of the Mapleton community passed to her eternal rest. Mrs. Betsy Lee Severson died at her home in Medo as she neared the ninetieth anniversary of her birth.

The life of Mrs. Severson was so much a part of her home community, that her death leaves a vacancy, not only in the home, but in the church and home circles of her neighbors. Coming to Medo as a bride in 1867, her entire life, since that time, has been spent on the Medo homestead. Here here eleven children were born and six of them laid to rest in the little church cemetery just across the road from her home. Here her husband passed away thirty years ago.

But her long years were filled to the fullest with the activities which only the pioneer mothers of this section of the state could know. She worked side by side with her husband in developing the beautiful home which they and their children enjoyed. And as her sons went to homes of their own, it was a part of her enjoyment to see them well established in their own fine farm places.

Sorrow and bereavement came into her life but she met them with heroic courage and a firm faith in the Almightly goodness which has been her strength. Early in life she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and during her long years, she was an outstanding worker in the church and its various organizations. She and her husband were among the little band of Norwegian settlers who established the Norwegian Lutheran church in Medo,

LIFE ENDS FOR MRS. SEVERSON
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now the Medo Lutheran church.

Betsy Lee Severson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Lee and was born March 18th, 1847 in Norway, about seven miles from the city of Bergen. When but four years old she came with her parents to America and she often told of the trip across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, the journey taking nine long weeks.

They landed in New York City but continued their journey by way of the Erie canal and by land to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and still further to Cambridge, that state, where Mr. Lee bought a farm. This was her home until June 1, 1867 when Betsey Lee and Lars Severson were united in marriage. They came at once to Minnesota and located on the farm in Medo now owned by their son Albert.

In the fall of 1878, Mr. and Mrs. Severson moved to their farm just across the road from the Medo Lutheran church. Gifted with a rugged constitution, she has always enjoyed good health, was active about the home until her very last days. A few years ago, she spent a short time in Immanuel hospital in Mankato for a throat trouble, but outside of this difficulty, she has always been well.

On November 13th, Mrs. Severson suffered a stroke of paralysis which affected her right side and after that she was unable to speak. A few days before her death, her left side also became paralyzed.

A member of a large number of brothers and sisters, she was the last of her family. Her twin bother was the late Andrew E. Lee of Vermillion, South Dakota, a former governor of that state. On their 78th birthday anniversary, this brother and sister enjoyed a celebration together at the Lee home in Vermillion.

Of the children of Mrs. Severson, four sons, Sam, John, Fremont and Bertie preceded their mother in death. Two daughters passed away in infancy. Those remaining to mourn the passing and revere the memory of this good mother are Lee, Albert, Edward, Elmer, and Victor Severson, All of Medo.

She is also survived by six grandsons, Lewis, Paul, Harold, Melvin, and Carlyn of Medo and Ralph Severson of St. Paul. There are also five granddaughters, Mrs. Joseph Wing of St. Paul, Mrs. Harold Rassmussen of Butternut, Bernita Severson of Carleton College, Northfield, Mrs.Alvin Lewis, who is in California at present, and Mrs. Harold Rosenquist of Minnesota Lake. Two grandchildren, Bernice and Charles Severson preceded her in death. She has also two great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the home at one o'clock on Monday and at half past one from the Medo Lutheran church. Maurice Holmquist sang "Asleep in Jesus" and "Rock of Ages," accompanied by Mrs. Grace Nelson at the piano. Rev. E. B. Holte, pastor of the church officiated. Interment was made in the church cemetery, the six grandsons acting as pall bearers. Those from away to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Severson and Melvin Severson of St. Paul, Miss Bernita Severson of Northfield, Mrs. Harold Rasmussen of Butternut, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kraske of Janesville and Frank Cords of Mankato.

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The funeral of Mrs. Betsy Severson was conducted at Medo Lutheran church on Monday by Rev. E. B. Holte. Mrs. Severson suffered a stroke about three weeks ago and it left her partially paralyzed and from the effects of which she passed away at twilight on Friday evening, Dec. 4. Betsy Lee was born March 18, 1847 in Norway about nine miles from Bergen. She came to America with her parents when four years old and they settled in Cambridge, Wisconsin.

In 1867 she married Lars Severson and moved to Medo where she has lived ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Severson were founders of the Medo Lutheran church.

Her husband, four sons and two daughters preceded her in death. Five sons, Lee, Albert, Eddie, Victor and Elmer survive, fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Interment took place in the church cemetery. Mr. Maurice Holmquist sang two solos, "Asleep in Jesus" and "Rock of Ages." Rev. Holte stressed on the text Hebrews 9:27, "and it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Severson of St. Paul, Thelma Severson and her husband, Melvin Severson of St. Paul attended the funeral from away.

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