Our beloved husband and father, Kieth E. Severson, died on February 20, 2026.  He wrote his own obituary in February of 2020.  Though we didn't know it, we believe he knew his brain was changing, and he wanted to write his story.  These are his words until the last two paragraphs.

Kieth was born to Luella (Miller) Severson and Howard E. Severson on December 22, 1936, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  He is survived by his wife, Beverly Thomsen, his daughters Kerri Severson Stover (Chris) and Kjirsten Severson, and his bonus children Tammy Schrempp, Steve Hillman, Michelle Meyering, Heidi Llona, Suzanne Thomsen, Mary Jane Thomsen, and their partners, children, and grandchildren.  Kieth was preceded in death by his parents, brother Terry Lee, and the mother of his daughters, Judith (Busho) Severson.

In 1946, Kieth's parents purchased what became Severson's Resort in Isle, MN, on the southeast edge of Mille Lacs Lake.  While the resort required work, it was also a boyhood dream with tremendous fishing just steps across the front lawn to the lake.  After graduating from Isle High School in 1955, he served in the US Army for three years as a cartographer.  It was during this time that his brother, Terry, died at age 14 and 11 months. Terry left a lasting memory.

After discharge, Kieth attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and the University of Wyoming.  Ultimately, with the help of his first wife, Judi, he earned a PhD in Range Science.  He began his professional career as an assistant professor at South Dakota State University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in Brookings (where he picked up birdwatching, a lifelong hobby), and later he accepted a position as a range scientist with the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Experiment Station in Rapid City, South Dakota, a place he considered paradise, with the pine forests on one side and the fascinating grasslands on the other.  He worked on mule deer habitat studies in the Northern Great Plains, and ecology of aspen stands and the effects of ponderosa pine stocking levels on white-tailed deer forages in the Black Hills.  Later he was transferred to Tempe, Arizona, as a research wildlife biologist, where he studied the ecology of pinyon-juniper woodlands and semi-desert grasslands.  Here, he also became interested in the use of livestock grazing to improve wildlife habitats; not a very popular endeavor but fascinating for him.  Kieth also served as a Project Leader for the Tempe Wildlife Unit for six years.  Throughout his time in Arizona, Kieth loved his role as father figure to his four wonderful bonus children - Tammy, Steve, Michelle, and Heidi.

Later, Kieth wrangled a transfer back to Rapid City and, after spending some time analyzing prairie dog populations, he was encouraged to study the pre-1880 historical ecology of the Northeastern Great Plains.  Kieth retired in 1994 and returned to Isle to assist his father with the family resort on Mille Lacs Lake.  He continued to work on a contract basis with several agencies including the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, Sheyenne National Grasslands, and North Dakota State University, mostly on the previously mentioned task – the historical ecology of the Northeastern Great Plains -- which eventually led to the creation of a book with his colleague Dr. Carolyn Sieg, published in 2008.

Kieth became an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Isle.  He also participated in several civic organizations such as the Lion's Club, IREC Board of Directors, Friends of the Library and Friends of Father Hennepin State Park.  He devoted time to the MSA (Military Service Association).  Here, he did everything from cleaning bathrooms and hauling garbage to smoking ribs, auditing books, and calling bingo.   At the beginning of the century two things occurred that changed his life.  One was the loss of his father, and the other was a happy discovery!  He became reacquainted with Beverly Thomsen, a pretty school teacher who captured his attention.  After a proper courtship she agreed to marry him.  It was a perfect union because Beverly loved to talk and Kieth did not.  They ran the resort for about four years then sold it and moved into a log home in the woods where they lived happily for 12 years.  They eventually moved closer to town and remained there until it became necessary to find additional care for Kieth after a dementia diagnosis in October of 2023.  He moved into assisted living and then memory care in the Black Hills and became a blessing in Kerri and Chris's daily lives, attending baseball games, watching Gunsmoke, and spending time with lifelong friends, Art Carter and Dan Uresk.  He died surrounded by love from his family and caregivers on a sunny winter afternoon.

Beverly, Kjirsten, Kerri and Chris extend their deepest gratitude to Kieth's Rapid City primary care providers - Dr. Kevin Weiland, Dr. Kay Foland, and Andrew Schock.  In addition, we recognize the dedication of the caregivers at the Village at Skyline Pines, Good Samaritan St. Martin Village Unity Place, and Stillwater Hospice.  Your tender, loving care of our husband and father will be remembered always.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Isle with Rev. Josh Blair officiating.  Visitation will be from 12 until 1 P.M.

Should friends choose, memorial contributions may be made to the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF), 243 Founders Park Drive, STE 102, Rapid City, SD 57701. Please write BH Watershed in the memo line.