Gordon Severa

1930 - 2023

Severa, Gordon

February 15, 1930 - March 20, 2023

Gordon Lee Severa passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023. Born in Clarkson, NE to Olga and Rudolph Severa on February 15, 1930, Gordon was industrious from an early age. He graduated from North High School in 1947 and was honored 50 years later with the Viking of Distinction Alumni Award. He attended and graduated from Omaha University (University of Nebraska at Omaha) with a Degree in Business Accounting and immediately began working with Northern Natural Gas. Gordon worked his entire professional life at Northern Natural Gas. During his tenure, he served as President of Peoples Natural Gas Company, President of Northern Natural Gas Wholesale and Transmission Divisions, Senior Vice President of InterNorth, and Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff of HNG/InterNorth at the time of his retirement in 1986. Gordon would likely tell you his greatest professional accomplishment was the Alaskan Pipeline Project, a project he led from start to its completion.

Throughout his life and career, Gordon served as Chairman of the Board of United Way and President of the UNO Alumni Association. He was also on the Nebraska University Foundation Board of Trustees, Children's Hospital Board of Trustees, as well as the Board of Directors of both the Midwest Gas Association and American Gas Association.

Gordon's 93 years were filled with numerous business and personal accomplishments, awards and honors as well as his favorite athletic pursuits of golf and tennis. However Gordon was the ultimate family man and his greatest joy was marriage to his beautiful Jackie for 71 years and dad to his four children. Gordon and Jackie travelled the world and the entire family came along whenever possible. He was happiest when everyone was together, preferably around the table with good food and wine.

Gordon Severa is survived by wife Jackie Smith Severa; daughter: Sue Severa Magee and husband Dean Magee of Omaha and their children Katie, Kyle, Craig and Brian as well as great-grandchildren Grace, Luke, Theo and Sierra; son: Dan Severa and wife Kathy of Texas, and their children Kaela, Kendyll, Kieran and Kyleigh and great-grandchildren Hadley, Brooks and Rorye; daughter: Siri Severa Huston and husband Curtis Huston of Omaha, and their children Natalie and Jacob; and daughter: Sara Severa Tibby and husband Eric Tibby of Colorado and their children Dylan and Jenna. He is also survived by his sister Jean Severa Dowling; nephew David Dowling; and niece Deb Dowling Reese of California.

The family plans a Private Gathering to honor Gordon. Condolences can be sent to Jackie at 6104 S. 102 Avenue, Omaha, NE 68127. The family requests memorials be sent to the Omaha Symphony Foundation, UNO Alumni Foundation and Children's Hospital in Omaha.