Stanley Severson

Stanley "Stan" Severson, age 93, of Sartell, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home on March 10, 2026.

Born on August 23, 1932, in Forest City, Iowa, to Norwegian immigrants Bendik and Bertha (Roseland) Severson, Stan was the youngest of 14 children. He grew up on the family farm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy on April 23, 1952. He served for eight years in Pearl Harbor and San Diego, later continuing his military commitment with 36 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. On June 22, 1953, he married Deloris Nelson in Corwith, Iowa.

After his initial Navy service, Stan worked as a salesman for Crane Ordway, specializing in plumbing and heating. In 1965, he and Deloris realized his lifelong dream by opening Handyman's Hardware. Known for personalized customer service and carrying both everyday items and hard-to-find parts, the store became a beloved local institution. Stan was a mentor and friend to many employees and cherished the relationships he built with family, friends, and lifelong customers. He and Deloris retired in 1993, after which their children and grandchildren continued the family business. They spent the next thirty years wintering in Arizona, where they formed many lasting friendships.

Stan was deeply devoted to his community. A longtime member of Salem Lutheran Church, he was also active in the Jaycees—where he founded the St. Cloud Soap Box Derby—the Sons of Norway, East Side VFW Post 4847, East Side Boosters, and served as president of the Wheels, Wings and Water Festival, overseeing its parade for 15 years. Travel was one of his greatest passions; he visited all 50 states and more than two dozen countries, returning often to Norway with great pride in his heritage.

Stan is survived by his children, Debra (Dennis) Backus of St. Cloud and Doug (Carol) Severson of Sartell; four grandchildren, Tracy Backus, Gordon (Ashley) Severson, Patrick Severson, and Natalie (Kyle) Ross; six great-grandchildren, Elijah, Finley, Layla, Fallon, Eden, and Faya; and his brother, Kenneth Severson of Burlington, Vermont. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris; his parents; his grandson, Michael Backus; and twelve brothers and sisters.