Orlou C. Severson, 86, St. Cloud

September 18, 1928 - January 5, 2015

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lower Church in St. Cloud for Orlou C. Severson, age 86, of St. Cloud, who passed away on Monday at St. Benedict’s Center. Rev. Robert Rolfes will officiate. Entombment will be in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call on Friday between 4:30-8:00 PM at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and on Saturday one hour prior to services at the Church. Parish Prayers will be at 6:30 PM.
Orlou was born September 18, 1928. She grew up in the small western Minnesota town of Browns Valley, the youngest of four children and the only daughter of Alva and Christine Bigelow. Everyone called her "Sis." She attended the St. Cloud School of Nursing and was employed by hospitals in Browns Valley, Buffalo, St. Cloud and Mankato. Orlou married Marlowe "Red" Severson of Summit, South Dakota and together they raised eight children in and around St. Cloud. Orlou retired from nursing in 1992. She and Red spent several winters in Scottsdale, Arizona following retirement. In her final years, Orlou appreciated the loving care provided by the health care professionals at St. Benedict's Senior Community in St. Cloud. Orlou enjoyed everything musical - especially singing, dancing and playing the piano. She was known for always whistling a merry tune while baking and cooking for family gatherings. She had a fondness for animals and birdies and loved to watch figure skating on television. Orlou found the most joy visiting with friends and spending time with her family. Our Heavenly Father welcomed Orlou home peacefully on January 5, 2015.

Her caring nature continued in retirement which included Eucharistic ministry, caregiving, funeral greeting at church, and numerous volunteering both at the church and in the community.

Orlou's legacy continues through her husband Red; eight children and their spouses Gerard Severson (Teresa) of Paradise Valley, AZ, James Severson of Faribault, John Severson (Carol) of St. Cloud, Joel Severson (Bev) of Princeton, Gene Severson (Michelle) of Sartell, Jill Krebsbach (Jim) of Collegeville, Jennifer Sheffert (Mark) of Edina and George Severson (Brian) of Salt Lake City, UT; 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Orlou will be missed by her in-laws, Jeanne Bigelow of Seattle, WA, Pearl Severson of Battle Creek, MI and Aleda Knopf (Gene) of Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Alvin “Mike” Bigelow, Lowell “Ike” Bigelow II, and George Bigelow.

Memorials are preferred to St. Benedict’s Senior Community.