WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karen Maxine Severson, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with her family by her side.
She was born March 8, 1940 in Garrett, Indiana, daughter of John E. and Catherine (Arnold) Leech.
Karen graduated from Garrett High School in 1958 and earned her Registered Nurse diploma from Parkview Methodist School of Nursing in Fort Wayne in July 1961. That same year, she married Kenneth Severson in Garrett. They were married for 61 years before his death on November 1, 2022.
Karen served as the school nurse for three years at Eastside Jr./Sr. High School in Butler, Indiana, where Kenny began his teaching and coaching career. In 1969, they moved to Sturgis, where she began a 24-year nursing career at The Doctors Office, retiring in 1994.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing games and spending time with family and friends on camping trips and adventurous vacations.
Karen was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis where she served with the Altar Guild, played in the Bell Choir, and participated in the Trinity Book Club.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Sherry Severson of Wolcottville; her son, Brian (Jane) Severson of Statesville, North Carolina; granddaughter Catherine Severson; brother Thomas Leech of San Diego, California; sister-in-law: Leslie Leech of San Diego, California; brothers-in-law: Daryl Severson of LaOtto, Indiana and Jim Kelham of Garrett, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sisters: Phyllis (Leech) Clark and Virginia (Leech) Kelham and brother: Bill Lesch.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 4, from 5 to 7 pm at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis and Wednesday, August 5, from 10 to 11 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will take place at 11 am with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Kaleb Yaeger will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran School, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
