Thomas "Tom" V. Severson

Thomas V. Severson, 93, of Rockford passed away peacefully October 31, 2019 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born August 31, 1926 in Janesville, WI, son of Val & Helma Severson. Tom was raised in Janesville and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1948 with a B.S. in Engineering. Tom worked at Barber Colman Company for 40 years and retired in 1988 as Vice President of the Machine & Tools Division. He was active in the National Machine Tool Builders Association.

Tom married Alice Capellen on June 27, 1951 in La Crosse, WI. Together they spent their 58 years in Rockford, including 5 years in Gastonia, NC. They were founding members of St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church where he remained active until his passing. Tom enjoyed woodworking, golf, bridge and traveling around the world with Alice. After retiring they spent winters at their home in Naples, FL. Tom held leadership roles in Boy Scouts, the Rockford Board of Education and both the Rockford and Gastonia Chambers of Commerce.

Tom will be remembered most for his honesty, generosity, respect for others and his fabulous story telling ability.

He is survived by children Cappy (Mark) Johnson of Rockford, IL. and Peter (Annette) Severson of Rockford, MI; grandchildren, Ryan (Maryna) Johnson and Kari (Shannon) Kruger, Erica (Brian) Cook, Kelcie (Andrew) Martin, Jenna and Annika Severson; great grandchildren Vera, Mia, Shaw and Theodore and two nieces. Predeceased by wife, parents, brother and sister.

Memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church, 4801 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61114. Visitation from 9 am until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association 1111 S. Alpine Rd., suite 307, Rockford, IL. 61108. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. – Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.