Larry W. Severson, 70, of Miles City, MT, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024, after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Larry was born in Harvey, North Dakota on February 13, 1954 to Elmer and Myra (Pross) Severson of Fessenden, ND.

It was no secret that a young Larry had a passion for baseball. During legion season back in Fessenden, it was a common occurrence for Larry to rush out the door to meet his teammates at the local Tastee Freez, pile into cars, and speed off to whatever small-town North Dakota team they were playing next. A little-known fact - Larry was ambidextrous. He played catcher and could bat and accurately throw a baseball left or right-handed. Larry was also a lifelong New York Yankees fan. As a kid, he liked to mimic the bright white socks and high-ankle pants that Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle sported. As an adult, Larry's winter uniform was his blue Yankee Starter jacket.

After graduating from Fessenden High School in 1972, Larry attended Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, ND for one semester to study Art. He then transferred to the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks to study communications. Larry graduated from UND in 1977, majoring in speech, with an emphasis in radio, television and film. During his tenure at UND he was the videographer for the Fighting Sioux hockey team and produced many promotional films for the university.

Larry started his professional career in Grand Forks working for several television stations as a production director and photographer. In 1980, Larry moved to Wolf Point, MT as an account executive, producer, and announcer for KVCK Radio. During the annual Wild Horse Stampede, Larry had a knack for finding rodeo cowboys near the arena and interviewing them live on air. It's during this period that he met Celina LaFloe-Nedrud at a mutual friend's Halloween party - where they were thrown into a picture together - both dressed as vampires. They were married in 1982 and through this union he inherited a stepson, Michael, then welcomed a daughter, Ashley, shortly after.

Between 1986 and 1991, Larry juggled residency in Wolf Point, Billings, MT and Minot, ND as his work as a producer necessitated a larger media market. Larry returned to Wolf Point in 1991 and worked in many capacities including the Fort Peck Journal, the Chamber of Commerce, The Herald News, KVCK Radio and the Fort Peck Community College, as an adjunct professor, where he taught Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communications, Photography and Essay Writing. In 2004, Larry moved to Miles City, MT where he worked for Mid-Rivers Communications as a video production coordinator and an announcer at KYUS FM Radio. He also contracted as a freelance photographer for the Associated Press.

While his original passion was baseball, Larry had a variety of other hobbies. Throughout his life he was an avid runner. He was also a highly skilled photographer. Whether he was on the job, or just on vacation, Larry was always packing around a professional Canon camera with a collection of telephoto lenses.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Celina (LaFloe) Severson, parents Elmer and Myra (Pross) Severson, and his beloved cat, Miss Kitty. Larry is survived by his sister Connie (Dale) Mason of Fessenden, ND; brothers Dean Severson of Chandler, AZ, and Paul (Rebecca) Severson of Burnsville, MN. He is also survived by his children; son Michael (Kelly) Severson of Portland, OR, daughter Ashley (Hali) Scher of Fort Collins, CO and two grandchildren – Brayden Severson and Ari Scher.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Hillside Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life dinner at the Fessenden Country Club.