Shirley Rose Sevelin (Severson)

Shirley Rose Sevelin Beloved Matriarch Born April 25, 1927 and passed peacefully on August 15, 2018 at the age of 91. Shirley grew up in Ottawa, IL and spent her childhood caring for all of the animals on her parents farm. She had an unconditional love for all living beings. From a young age, Shirley was headstrong on her independent path. Going against her parents wishes, she continued her education through high school so she was able to start her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. After receiving her diploma, Shirley started her nursing program in Chicago, IL. She finished her nursing program and was accepted into the Navy. Her dream was to travel around this world, so without a second thought she enlisted and began her bootcamp training at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, IL. Right after training, the Korean Conflict had just begun and Shirley was sent overseas to Guam, and later Japan to care for wounded soldiers. During her time in the Navy, she met her one and only spouse Charles Sevelin. They got married and moved to a beautiful old farmstead of 80 rolling acres in the St. Croix Valley. It was there that Charles and Shirley raised five children in a warm and loving home. Shirley finished out her nursing career at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN. The hospital where she would have the chance to be the delivery nurse for a couple of her own grandchildren. Shirley retired after 30 years at St. Johns, and spent her remaining years living just north of St. Paul where she was close enough to see her cherished family members often. Preceded in death by son Steven Charles, parents Arnold Severson and Agnes Nelson, 5 siblings Mae Bastian, Ferne Harmell, Joyce Bennett, Orville (Bud) Severson, and Dorothy (Dot) Severson. Survived by sister Janice Lewis (Vern), children Mark, Linda Ferrer, Deb Grant (Marty Gross), Todd (Connie); step-daughter Jackie Matuska (Dan); 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Shirley was surrounded by her family and friends in the comfort of her home where she passed peacefully enveloped in love and care. The Sevelin family would like to extend our immense gratitude to the staff of Heartland Hospice. Specifically to our mothers nurse Jessie, aide Peggy, music therapist Karen, volunteer Sharon and the rest of her Care Team for their attentiveness and loving care. You are all angels here on earth and we will never forget you. A celebration of Shirley's life will be Saturday, September 8th from 3:00-6:00 pm with a service at 6:00 pm. This will be held at Mueller Memorial in White Bear Lake, MN (4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110) A private interment will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Almelund, MN. Obituary as published in Pioneer Press on August 26, 2018 Sevelin Shirley Rose Beloved Matriarch Born April 25, 1927 and passed peacefully on August 15, 2018 at the age of 91 years. Preceded in death by son Steven C., parents and 5 siblings. Survived by children Mark, Linda Ferrer, Deb Grant (Marty Gross), Todd (Connie); step-daughter Jackie Matuska (Dan); 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister Jan Lewis (Vern); many nieces and nephews. Shirley was a Navel Lieutenant serving as a nurse during the Korean Conflict. She continued her nursing career with St. John’s Hospital and retired after 30 years with HealthEast. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be Saturday, September 8th from 3:00- 6:00 pm with a service at 6:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. A private interment will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Almelund, MN.