MANLY — Karen Marie Severson, 88, of Manly, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Hospital in Mason City, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith and selfless service to her family and community.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. A luncheon will follow before burial at Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle, Minnesota.
Karen was born April 20, 1938, in Northwood to Seymour and Hazel (Hanson) Reyerson. She grew up in the Silver Lake, Carpenter and Manly areas and graduated from Carpenter High School in 1957.
On Aug. 29, 1958, she married the love of her life, Richard R. Severson. Together they built a home filled with faith, compassion and family while raising six children.
Karen dedicated many years to caring for others. After devoting herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother, she welcomed countless children into her home through her childcare business. She later spent 23 years serving residents as a dietary aide and nursing assistant at the Manly Care Center, where her gentle nature and caring heart touched many lives.
She found joy in quilting, fishing, bowling, cooking and card games with family and friends. Karen and Richard especially treasured their fishing trips together in Minnesota, and she was an accomplished bowler who competed at the state tournament level.
Her kitchen was known as a place of warmth, laughter and wonderful home-cooked meals. Family birthdays were never complete without her homemade angel food cake, a tradition that created cherished memories for generations.
A devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Karen participated in the church circle, quilting guild and senior center. Her quiet faith and servant’s heart were reflected in the countless ways she cared for others throughout her life.
Karen will be remembered most for her unwavering love of family, her generous spirit, her humble strength and the kindness she freely shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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