Duane Gene Severson

On April 8, 2024, just four days before his 90th birthday, Duane G. Severson heard a call from his Lord … "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lords.” (Matthew 25:23) Duane answered the call, put down his yoke and left this world behind.

Duane was born April 12, 1934, in Rollette, N.D., to Joseph and Olga Severson. He was the third of four children born in this household. He had an older brother, Aldo, an older sister, Junice, and a younger brother, Roger.

Duane graduated from Rolla High School and joined the Army. Although his specialty was tank mechanics, he could be relied on to fix any vehicle. He was stationed in Korea from 1953 to 1955. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he traveled to Kellogg, Idaho, and worked various jobs such as mortician, vehicle mechanic and laborer. On Nov. 3, 1957, he married Jennice Brower, and together they raised four children, Lona, Sandra, Kent and Wendy.

A few years later, he packed up his family and moved to Federal Way, Wash., where he worked for Boeing as a supervisor. After a health challenge left him unable to continue his position with Boeing, the family worked together to allow Duane to obtain his accounting degree. He then was able to go to work for the Internal Revenue Service as an IRS agent. After retiring from the IRS and with his children growing up and living on their own, he and Jennice moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Duane loved to work with his hands. If it was broken, he could fix it. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid reader and pool player and he especially liked to do carpentry. He was known for his birdhouses. The only thing he enjoyed more was spending time with his 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. When he and Jennice finally moved into the Brookdale Senior Living Center, because of his participation, he soon gained the title of “King of Bingo.”

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his son, Kent.  

Duane will be put to rest in the Priest River Cemetery in July 2024.