Richard Severn

Richard Severn died peacefully at his home in Stoughton Wisconsin on Sunday, September 13th, 2026, after the recent diagnosis of cancer.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister Jean, father Lloyd, mother Helen, mother-in-law Helen (Agda), father-in-law Dewaine and brother-in-law Wayne. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Sue, and their children Rick (Tami) and Stephanie, grandchildren Colin and Keegan, step- granddaughters Nicole and Jordan, and great grandchildren Sebastian, William and Margo, brother Tom (Barb), Janet (Gary) Walstrom, Jackie Paulaskis, John (Liz) and Lori (Mike) Zimmer.

Richard was born in San Rafael, California to Lloyd and Helen Severn on June 24th, 1941. The family returned to Wisconsin and bought a small farm property near Chippewa Falls. Richard often spoke passionately about life on the farm as a small boy. The family then moved to Madison where Richard graduated from West High School and, later, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied Civil Engineering and became a member of Triangle Fraternity (Men’s STEM fraternity for engineers, architects and scientists). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and his Master’s in structural engineering. While working on his bachelor’s degree he lived at home with his parents, so it was the fraternity that allowed him some of the “college life” experiences where he would meet the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Bonneau. From the first time meeting they were an instant couple.

Dick and Sue were married on June 26th, 1965, in Kenosha Wisconsin, Sue’s hometown. Their children came a bit later as Richard finished his Master’s degree and started his professional career. Rick was born in 1969, and Stephanie followed three years later.

Richard and Sue were blessed with and enjoyed spending time with many friends. They enjoyed vacationing, going to Badger football, hockey and basketball games. They attended seven Rose Bowl games and were season ticket holders to Badger men’s and women’s hockey and men’s basketball for many years.

A longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church, and a volunteer usher and usher captain, both Rick and Stephanie were baptized and confirmed there. Their membership lasted over twenty years at Bethel, but when they moved to their hobby farm and home in McFarland, Wisconsin, they found a new faith family at Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton.

If you knew Dick, you knew that he was passionate about his work and career. He identified and saw the world through the eyes of an engineer. Through the years he completed many projects that he spoke about often; private buildings, public buildings, bridges, power plants, freezer and refrigeration buildings, structural machinery foundations, apartments, historic home revisions; his projects were always a topic of conversations around him.

We would like to thank the staff of Stoughton Hospital, Agrace Hospice and Visiting Angels for their professional and compassionate care for Richard in his final weeks.

A Memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 Co Rd B, Stoughton WI on October 12th at 9:00. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Richard may be made to the Christ Lutheran Church capital fund or the Stoughton Area High School Makerspace FabLab, which supports STEM education initiatives.