Robert E. Severeide

Robert E. Severeide, 93 of Sioux City, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015 at the Whispering Creek Active Retirement Community. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church with Reverend Russell C. Senstad and Reverend David N. Zirpel as officiants. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be offered to Hospice of Siouxland. Robert was born on June 6, 1921 in Sutherland, Iowa to Earl and Blanch (Adams) Severeide. His family moved to Sioux City when he was two years old. Robert graduated from East High School with the Class of 1939 and continued his education at Grinnell College and Creighton University. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War II, and served for three and half years. Robert married Verna M. Lehman on January 20, 1940 in Ponca, Nebraska. Robert, and his son Larry, owned and managed the Morningside, Westside, and Northwest Shopper's Newspapers. Robert was also co-owner of Johnson-Severeide Printing Co., Record Printing Co., and Midwest Printing Co. Robert was past president of Morningside Commercial Club and Morningside Country Club. He served on the Sioux City Planning and Zoning Commission for 20 years including serving as the chairperson. Robert started Morningside Days over 53 years ago and that celebration continues today. He owned many thoroughbred race horses at various times, and trained them as a hobby. Robert was a charter member of the Sioux City Air Guard after WWII, and sat on the board of directors of Morningside State Bank for several years where he was also part owner and president of the bank's holding company. Robert is survived by his wife Verna of Sioux City; sons Craig and Larry of Sioux City; daughters Kathy (Gary) Bender of Maize, KS, Sherry Severeide of Mesa, AZ, and Barbara Severeide of Sun Prairie, WI; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Severeide.