Thomas “Tom” R. Severson, 68, of Viroqua. formerly of La Crosse​ passed away Saturday November 9, 2019 with his children by his side.​

He was born on August 27, 1951 to Eloise (Johnson) and Richard ​Severson. On November 3, 1973 he married Luanne Brown and had​
3 children to follow. In 1989 they divorced but still remained friends. ​ In 1972 Tom graduated from La Crescent High School in La Crescent​
Minnesota where he was the first great long distance sprinter ​and member of La Crescent’s first Cross Country Team in 1970. As​
a sophomore in High School he placed 1st in the district 100 and 440 laurels. ​ In 1971 as a junior, Tom placed 1st in the mile relay and 2nd in the district​
mile sprint medley relay and the 880 regional relay. As a senior he took​ 1st in all three 440 dash, the mile relay and the 220 dash. These were only​
a few of his accomplishments in Track and Cross Country. In his High​ School Track and Cross Country career he set 5 records. His family is​
proud to know that all 5 of the records he set are still listed in the top 10 ​in the history of La Crescent High School. After High School he was also​
named an MVP in Southeast Minnesota Men’s Softball League. ​ Tom had many jobs throughout his life including working on the farm, the​
Winona Foundry, Trane Company, Southwind Orchard and his ​latest job as an iron worker for Erect-A-Tube until the time of his​
accident in 1989.​  Until he was no longer able to do so, his hobbies included hunting “up north”,​ fishing, gardening, playing cards, mowing lawn and never ever forgetting to water​
it from the wee morning hours until the sun came up! ​ His “babies”, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his​
life. More than anything he loved playing with or tricking them and watching them ​grow up. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his newest great-grandson.​
In his recent months Tom thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside​ soaking up the peacefulness and beauty of the country.​

He is survived by his three children, Heidi (David) Eckert, Wendy Severson-Hellerud ​both of Viroqua, Andrew (Elizabeth) Severson of Brice Prairie; 13 grandchildren,​
Kaleb, Hailey and Kullen Eckert, Destinie Brown, Dylan Stika, Grace,​ Gage and Hope Hellerud, Lanika Moyer-Schock, Ryland Schock, Zachary,​
Xavier and Sabrina Severson; 4 great-grandchildren Aurora and new​ baby boy Eckert, Dreysen Brown and Landon Stika. ​

“Tommy” is further survived by his brothers and sisters Rita Elenfeldt, Rick​ Severson, Tarri Kanthack, Jerome Severson, Scott (Julie) Severson,​
Shawn (Annette) Shepardson, Carrie (David) Moore,​ Darin (Linda) Shepardson and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins​
and friends.​

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death​ by his brother in law Larry Elenfeldt and sister in law Susan Severson.​

​A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, Chaplain Jeff Thomson will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.