Donald Severeid

Donald Ralph Severeid passed away on Sunday evening, August 31, 2014 surrounded by his family in the home he built. He was born May 22, 1938, in LaPorte, Indiana, the first of six children to Ward and Grace (Hall) Severeid.

Don graduated from South Bend John Adams High School in 1956 and married his Junior High sweetheart, Jeannine R. Mundell, on June 8, 1958 in the First United Methodist church in Mishawaka, Indiana. Don and Jeannine moved to Niles, Michigan in 1964 when he took a job in the City Engineer’s office. He was employed as a surveyor for forty years, and was retired from Lang-Feeney & Associates, Inc. in South Bend, Indiana.

Don and Jeannine were blessed with two precious daughters, Brenda and Susan. Don treasured his family and his faith and his trust in God was very important to him. He loved anything to do with the water, being outdoors and all sports. Don was an avid fisherman and collected antique boats and motors. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving as liturgist, usher and on many committees. He was a board member of Habitat for Humanity and a member of The Antique Outboard Motor Club Inc., Michiana Outboard Boating (MOB) and Wolverine chapters. He was also a member of the Cushman Club of America, the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven and Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Center.

Donald is survived by his wife, Jeannine with whom he celebrated last June the fifty-sixth anniversary of their wedding. Also surviving are their daughter Brenda L. Severeid and her husband, Michael Lee of Muskegon, Michigan and daughter Susan K. Severeid of Kalamazoo, Michigan, brothers, Robert (Shirley) of Granger, Indiana, William (Judy) of Mishawaka, Thomas of Mishawaka and two sisters, Phyllis (Keith) Sadler of Mallard, Iowa and Janet Szabo of Osceola, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews who loved him very much. He is also survived by his adopted grandsons, AJ and Aidan Evans in North Carolina. Don was predeceased by his parents and brother, James Severeid. He will be dearly missed by his family, church family and many friends.

The family will receive friends at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles on Thursday, September 4, from 2 – 4:00 p.m. and 6 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service for Don Severeid will be at Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar Street, Niles at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Mission Hills.

Contributions in memory of Don may be made to his church or to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Heart Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.