Dennis D. Severson

Dennis D. “Dog”/ “Dino” Severson, 72, a lifelong resident of La Crosse, passed away March 22, 2017 at Gundersen Health System following a brief hospitalization. Dennis was born on September 21, 1944 to Wilfred and Fern (Geary) Severson. He grew up attending La Crosse area schools and became a well-known local baseball player, a passion that spanned his entire life. Friends

Following high school graduation in 1962, Dennis served in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed sharing stories about his Navy years – the people he met, the various countries where he was stationed and the ways military service influenced his life. In 1979, Dennis married ‘the girl next door,’ Deborah Carson, and later became the proud father of two daughters, Jennifer and Angela.

After discharge from the U.S. Navy, Dennis became a City of La Crosse Firefighter for 30 years. Dennis’ job enabled him to do what he did best: help others and give back to the community. At Station #1 they called him “The Chef” because he enjoyed cooking and sharing this talent with his daughters. His girls have fond memories of helping Dennis fill the firehouse soda machines, and of their dad volunteering to suit up in his firefighter uniform for show and tell at their elementary school.

Outside of work, Dennis’ favorite things included baseball, softball and league bowling. He loved that November brought the start of deer hunting season, and that summer brought long days for taking family and friends out on the river. Dennis will be best known by others for his world-class one-liners and quick wit. He loved dogs and was known to drive around with a stash of dog treats. The nicknames “Dog” and “Dino” were bestowed on Dennis years ago, stories he was happy to share with anyone who asked.

Dennis was a life-long Packer Backer and supporter of all things Wisconsin Badgers. He was an even bigger fan of his accomplished daughters and young grandson. Dennis supported numerous charitable, civic and social organizations relating to military and veteran’s affairs, hunting, fishing and environmental conservation, and animal protection.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; he is survived by daughters Jennifer (Jon) Jellinger and grandson Henry; Angela Severson and fiancé Tony Schaefer; an older brother, Darwin “Butch” Severson, niece Kristin (Scott Jerome) Severson-Jerome (Alex, Joshua and Jaydon) and nephew Jon (Angela) Severson (Addison and Nathan).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse. Joanne Richmond will officiate. Private burial, with military honors, will be held on Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.