Erma E. Severson

Erma E. Severson, 89 of Sioux City, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at a local hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Holy Cross Blessed Sacrament Parish with Father Roger Linan as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, July 23rd from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present at 6:00 p.m. A Vigil Service, incorporating a Daughter’s of the Nile Service, will begin Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. with Neil Peck as officiant at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  Memorials for Erma are asked to be made to the family for division to numerous charities of the family’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com Erma was born on April 29, 1929 on the family farm in rural Pierson, Iowa to Harry and Minnie (Meyer) Dragoo. She received her early education at Rock Branch School before attending Westmar College, Methodist School of Nursing, and finishing her Masters degree at the University of South Dakota. Erma married Phillip Severson on November 1, 1957 in Sioux City, to which two children were born. The couple lived on the Northside of Sioux City their entire life. Erma taught nursing most of her career, including St. Vincent’s, Methodist Hospital, Western Iowa Tech, and the University of South Dakota. She worked at St. Joseph’s, Marion Health, and St. Luke’s Hospital. Erma volunteered during Flight 232. She taught English as a Second Language (ESL) for 20 years following her retirement. Erma owned In Stitches, and taught all crafts including needlepoint, crocheting, tatting, and knitting. She was Worthy Matron of ISIS Chapter of the Eastern Star with her husband Phillip was Worthy Patron. Erma became District Instructor under Bonnie Martin for Easter Star, and made many friends while traveling. Erma is survived by her husband Phillip of Sioux City; daughter Lisa A. Severson of Sioux City; son Paul (Karen) Severson of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren Andrea, Alexia, and Phillip; and many nieces and nephews. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Casket Bearers for the service will be Dan and Robert Johnson and Lynn and Jeff Gross.