Stephanie “Stevie” V. Severson, aged 101 and a half, of Wells, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Northwoods Assisted Living in Escanaba, surrounded by loved ones.
Stevie was born on November 30, 1922, in Perronville, Michigan, the beloved daughter of Mathew and Victoria (Fetro) Luchay. Her life was a testament to courage, dedication, and love, marked by her extraordinary journey from rural Michigan to the broader world.
Stevie’s indomitable spirit led her to become the first woman in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to enlist in the Marines during World War II. As a sergeant and Morse code operator, she faced the challenges of war with bravery and resilience, encoding and decoding critical messages.
She met her Marine husband-to-be at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, North Carolina. After they married in 1945, Stevie left the marines while her husband remained. Their first child was born in North Carolina.
Having chosen a military life, there were many deployments. She followed him to Hawaii – 2nd child born, to the chicken farm in Minnesota, to Michigan while her husband served in the Korean war, to Ft Riley, Kansas – 3rd child born, to Ft McCoy, Wisconsin, to Ft Sheridan, Illinois, to Ft Buchanan, Puerto Rico, to Ft Belvoir, Virginia, to Ft Clayton Panama, to Michigan as he went to VietNam. Next up, Ft Monroe, Virginia, where they retired. Once again, they moved. This time to Perronville, Michigan so their youngest could graduate. That year went quickly and they moved to Detroit Lakes Minnesota area to farm after that.
Having followed her husband including 27 years of total military service, the tables turned and he moved with her to Powers, Michigan in 1977 where they farmed until 2006. But wait! The moving continues! Fully retired, they moved to Wells, Michigan. A few years after her husband died, she moved one last time to North Woods Assisted Living (Lakehouse).
Stevie’s zest for life was evident in her many passions. She was an avid league bowler until the age of 91, a testament to her vibrant spirit. Her love for travel brought her joy and countless memories. Stevie found peace in her garden and excitement in playing BINGO, never missing a game. A voracious reader, her extensive library was a reflection of her diverse interests. Her passion for old movies was seen in her vast collection and knowledge of actors and films. Even as her eyesight faded, her talking books were by her side, maintaining her love for stories and language. Her rich vocabulary made her a formidable Scrabble player who never let anyone win easily and always enjoyed a good challenge. Stevie also embraced her deep-rooted Polish heritage and a love for lively polka melodies.
She was a beloved friend, a cherished matriarch, and a pillar of strength and wisdom for her family. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and a life lived to its fullest.
Married on May 19, 1945, and passing on May 19, 2024, Stevie and her husband are united once again on what would have been their 79th wedding anniversary. Her life, richly lived and deeply loved, will be missed by all who knew her.
Stevie is survived by her children Richard (Judy) Severson and Joan McCoy; brother Richard (Connie) Luchay; grandchildren Carl Keppard, Karyn (Kim) Keppard-Poupore, Amy (Todd Donohue) Haiar, Sharyn Trinko, Mike Wodrazka, Tiffany (Luis) Severson-Ochoa, and Weston Severson; great-grandchildren Jena, Devin, Cynthia, Stephanie “Stevie”, Isabella, Cadye, Allye, Vaughn, and Claudia; great-great-grandchildren Jaxson and Luca; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, as well as her cherished friends and caregivers at the Northwoods community.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lyman “Steve” Severson; her parents; daughter Shirley “Bunny” Haiar; grandson-in-law Joe Trinko; grandson Bob Wodrazka; great-grandson Aaron Brown; and brothers Conrad (Marsha) Luchay, Leonard Luchay, and Edwin Luchay.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Gardens of Rest Chapel from 2 PM to 2:30 PM EST. Military Honors and committal prayers will be presented at 2:30 PM EST.
Paula Waeghe - Gladstone , MI
I met Stevie when she went on the Honor Flight. There were a few other women veterans on that flight. Loved her smile. God’s Speed Stevie
Bud Lemire - Escanaba, MI
Stevie is one of the rewards of being a Senior Companion Volunteer. Meeting such wonderful people like her. I shall remember our visits with her for many years to come. Her motivation to keep on going despite the odds, was amazing. May your journey in the afterlife be a great one. You deserve it!
Tammy Ryerse - Escanaba , Mi
My dear Stevie. How I’ll miss seeing you at the Lakehouse and your amazing stories you shared with me. I feel blessed to have been a part of your life this past year. You’ll always be in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend ❤️
Carole Boucher - Escanaba, MI
I used to wait on Stevie at Elmer’s Restaurant. She always told me such interesting stories of her time in the military. RIP sweet lady and thank you for your service!