KATHRYN SEVERANCE

KATHRYN SEVERANCE

     Kathryn Severance, 87, passed away peacefully in Saint Paul, MN, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in the presence of her family. 

     She was born in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Henry and Mildred (Haaker) Newman, and attended elementary and secondary schools in La Grange, IL. She attended Knox College and the University of Illinois where she met her husband-to-be, Jay Severance. They were married in San Francisco in 1959 while Jay served on active duty in the US Navy.

     In 1961, Kathryn and Jay moved to La Crosse, WI, where Jay joined The Trane Company. They lived in La Crosse for 30 years interspersed with nine years in Lexington KY, Epinal, France and Waco, TX. In 2000, they moved to rural Black River Falls, WI, and lived part-time in St Paul, MN. 

     Kathryn had a life-long love of education and teaching. She continued her education, attending UW-La Crosse for BS and MS degrees, and George Washington University for an Ed D. She taught university courses on the extension faculty of Cardinal Stritch University and Western Wisconsin Technical College, and served for several years on the Business School faculty of Viterbo University. She also taught swimming for the handicapped through the YM/YWCA and was the Gateway Area BSA handicapped scouting coordinator.  She taught Sunday School at Christ Church Episcopal, English literacy to inmates at the Jackson County Correctional Facility and established an English literacy/second language program in the Jackson County area.

     Kathryn was active in local politics and volunteer activities. She was elected to three terms on the La Crosse School board, serving as president and vice president. She and her husband were long-time supporters and volunteers for the La Crosse Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps. She was a member of the Black River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Rhythm of the River Sweet Adelines Chorus; sang in the choir of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal parish, St Paul, and was a governing member of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.  

     Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, and her older brother, Dr Richard Newman.  

     She is survived by her husband, Jay; four sons and their spouses, Stephen (Karen), Denton TX, David (Leslie), Denver CO, Robert, Waukegan IL, Douglas (Christine), Ramsey MN; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Nancy Jane Newman, Downingtown PA; and four nephews and their families.

     A celebration of life for Kathryn will be held at a future date.