Richard Severson

1932 - 2022

Richard Severson
February 1, 1932 - April 30, 2022
Bradenton, Florida - We said goodbye to Richard Severson, much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, on April 30, 2022. "Rich" grew up on a farm in Kanawha, Iowa with his four brothers and sister. After graduating high school, he attended Iowa State University where he received his B.S. in Agronomy. He was a talented baseball player, and at ISU he lettered as their shortstop and team captain. His enthusiasm for Iowa State continued throughout his lifetime, and he would later he would be honored by the university as the first recipient of its Professional Award in Agri-Business and again in 1994 with his most cherished honor - "Cy's Favorite Alum." After graduating in 1954, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain.
Severson was passionate about his career in agriculture and the animal feed industry. He joined Kent Feeds, Inc. in 1957 and served in a variety of sales and management capacities before settling in Muscatine, Iowa and eventually serving as President. He also served as President and Chairman of the Board for Evergreen and Americana Seeds. He contributed his expertise to the field with numerous related companies in various board and officer positions. His dedication was recognized with many accolades including his honorary membership on the American Feed Industry Association's Board of Directors and earning the Distinguished Service Award for leadership and extraordinary contributions to agriculture and the feed industry. His commitment to the profession continued long after his retirement when he dedicated himself to establishing criteria for safety for the animal food production industry.
In addition to his many career accomplishments and industry associations, Severson was an active member of his beloved community. He served as President of the YMCA and as board member for the United Way and the National FFA Foundation Sponsor's Board.
Rich moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1994 where he continued to fulfill his most important roles with love and commitment to his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Lahr) Severson. He is survived by wife, Kay Severson; sons; Todd (Missy) Severson and Brad (Cindy) Severson; daughters; Lynne Severson and Beth (Ron Russell) Severson; and step-daughters; Janna and Julee Jones. Rich was a dedicated grandfather spending much of his time in retirement with his grandchildren; Sarah, Jessica, Alexandra, Griffin, Sam and Jake; and more recently as great-grandfather to Emmalynn and Betty. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, and some of his most celebrated memories were of organizing and enjoying trips to Canada with family and friends for walleye fishing. Even at 90 years old, he could be found on the golf course every week with his adored friends or in cardinal and gold enthusiastically cheering on his Cyclones.
A Service will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life on the same date at Sarasota's The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, at 4:00 pm.
Rich was proud of his service to our country as Captain in the Airforce. We know that he would be honored by memorial contributions made in his name to the local organization Operation Patriot Support (www.operationpatriotsupport.org).