Alvena Severson, 96, Bismarck, formerly of Fessenden, passed away Thursday, November 26,
2015 at the Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck.

Alvena Schmidt, daughter of Daniel and Dorothea (Reiner) Schmidt, was born October 21, 1919
at Fessenden where she was raised. She attended Fessenden Public School, graduating in 1937.
During her school years, Alvena worked for several families doing housework and cooking.

On June 3, 1939, Alvena was married to Robert Severson in Carrington. They made their home
in Fessenden and in 1948 purchased a local grocery store which they operated as Bob's Grocery
until 1956. In 1957, Alvena accepted a position as price-support clerk for the Agriculture
Stabilization and Conservation office in Fessenden where she continued to work until her
retirement in 1979. Robert passed away March 14, 1985. Alvena continued to reside in
Fessenden until October of 2005 when she moved to Bismarck to be close to family.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden and, while living in Bismarck, had
attended Faith Lutheran Church. She was also a continuing member of the Frank Proisl
American Legion Post #33 Auxiliary of Fessenden and a former member of the New Rockford
Eagles Club where she and Robert enjoyed many evenings dancing.

Alvena enjoyed baking and canning and sharing her baked and canned goods with family, friends
and neighbors. She also enjoyed going for long walks throughout the Fessenden community.

She is survived by her son, Gene (LeAnn) Severson of Bismarck; 2 daughters, Judy (Al) Kocis
of Bismarck and Joan (Bob) Breyer of Charleston, SC; 4 grandchildren, Mary Beth (Brad)
Cance, Tony Breyer, Todd Kocis & Melanie Lennick, Lance Kocis & Beth Kocis; 5 greatgrandchildren, Harrison & Hunter Cance and Braden, Hunter & Bailey Kocis; and one brother,
Fred Schmidt of Minot.

Alvena was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; seven brothers and seven sisters.

Alvena's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Baptist Health Care
Center for their compassionate care during her brief stay , the Sanford Dialysis Center nurses and
staff for the dedicated and professional care and to Pastor Shirley for her loyal visits.
The family prefers memorials be made to the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden.

Funeral: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Fessenden
Visitation: Monday , 2 p.m. to 5 pm at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden
Burial: Hillside Cemetery in Fessenden.