ST. ANSGAR — Samuel Lloyd Severson, 77, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, following a short stay at Good Samaritan in St. Ansgar, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work, treasured friendships and fond memories of fishing trips, friendly card games and the Labrador retrievers he loved.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Woodbury Cemetery, 10504 MN-105, west of Lyle, Minnesota. A memorial gathering and luncheon will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Carpenter Community Center in Carpenter, Iowa.
Born March 31, 1949, to Roy and Mabel Severson, Sam was the youngest of four brothers. He grew up in St. Ansgar, attended local schools and later graduated from Hawkeye Tech with a degree in animal husbandry.
Sam built his working life around agriculture, eventually retiring from Farmer’s Hybrid, where he took considerable pride in selecting quality boars and gilts for his customers. He had a reputation for knowing exactly what he was looking for and holding himself to high standards.
One of his proudest accomplishments was being able to say that he never had a hog rejected. If an animal did not meet Sam’s standards, he certainly was not going to recommend it to a customer.
Away from work, Sam found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing with the guys, especially the memorable trips to Canada that provided plenty of stories and lasting friendships.
In later years, cribbage became another favorite pastime. Sam enjoyed the competition and camaraderie around the card table, particularly those satisfying occasions when he managed to “skunk” his friend Gordy.
He also had a special place in his heart for Labrador retrievers. His dogs provided years of companionship, affection and joy. His beloved chocolate Lab, Maya, was among those he leaves behind.
Sam was a man who valued a job done right, good friends, the outdoors and the companionship of those closest to him. His practical nature, quiet pride in his work and enjoyment of life’s familiar routines made him a memorable presence in the lives of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mabel Severson, and his brothers, Ronald and Verlin.
He is survived by his brother, Richard, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory. He also leaves behind his special friend, Glenda Belz, and the Belz family, who held a meaningful place in his life, as well as his faithful chocolate Labrador, Maya.
Family members and friends are invited to share memories and offer condolences through Hoff Celebrations’ online remembrance for Samuel Lloyd Severson.
For those who knew him, Sam’s legacy will live on in memories of fishing adventures, spirited cribbage games, his devotion to his dogs and the simple satisfaction he found in doing things well.
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