Donna R. Severson, age 77 passed away Monday, May 9, 2022 at her home in Monroe, WI after a fearless and well fought 5 ½ year battle with cancer. Donna was born November 16, 1944 the daughter of Leonard “Spike” and Ruth (Wells) French in Monroe, WI. She attended Monroe High School. On April 1, 1962 she married Raymond Neuenschwander. That union produced 5 children and later ended in divorce. On March 13, 1982 she was united in marriage to her soulmate, David J. Severson.
During her life she had various jobs, including factory work, CNA work; eventually she and Dave built and owned an assisted living facility Graceland Manor of Monroe LLC. Donna loved the Green Bay Packers, never missed watching a game, she also loved Elvis Presley, cooking for her family, collecting kitchen gadgets, camping, taking “Day-cations” (gambling trips with Dave) and to Dave’s dismay shopping on Amazon.
Donna was happiest when surrounded by people, talking and laughing. She was a “people person” and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Her door was always open to her family and friends, and if you left her house hungry it was your own fault. She was blessed with her mother’s quick wit and sense of humor – which she kept to the end. She was known to tell us “Don’t take life to serious, you aren’t getting out of it alive anyway.”
She is survived by her 5 children, Jody (Kevin) Hauser of Monroe, Angie Neuenschwander of Monroe, Scott (Lori Melland) Neuenschwander of South Wayne, Vance Neuenschwander of Monroe, and Amy Bates of Monroe; her 2 dogs, Scooter and Hunter; brother, Duane “Butch” (Amy Gutzmer) French; sister, Diana (Don) Westphal both of Monroe; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way); and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Dave; brother, Bob French; sister-in-law and partner in crime, Elaine French; great-granddaughter, Delilah Luebke; and her fur and feather babies, Duke, Peppy, Pudgy, and Lucy.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but especially her family.
Family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at SSM Health Monroe Hospital for the care she received during her recent hospital stay, and especially Dr. Dida and Dr. Ahmad for their sincere caring, honesty, and support. We would also like to thank Dr. Richardson and his excellent hospice team for the support they gave us during her last days at home. You are all angels on this earth.
A short prayer service and a time of sharing stories will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at SHRINER HAGER GOHLKE Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday, at the funeral home. Condolences can be sent to the family: shriner111.com
Until we meet again mom – We love you tender.
