Larry W. Severson, 70, of Miles City, MT, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9th, 2024, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Larry was born in Harvey, North Dakota on February 13th, 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.
Cremation has taken place at the Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, CO. A memorial service will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden, ND on October 4th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. An inurnment will immediately proceed the service at the Hillside Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life dinner at the Fessenden Country Club.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday October 4, 2024
Nelson Funeral Home
400 1st St. South
Fessenden, North Dakota 58438
Interment
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday October 4, 2024
Hillside Cemetery
1692 42nd Ave NE
Fessenden, North Dakota 58438
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday October 4, 2024
Nelson Funeral Home
400 1st St. South
Fessenden, North Dakota 58438
Interment
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday October 4, 2024
Hillside Cemetery
1692 42nd Ave NE
Fessenden, North Dakota 58438
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Joseph Leggett says
RIP Uncle Larry. Mike & Ashley, love you both.
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Farewell my friend enjoyed our talks about advertising, business and other news in the community. Enjoy your eternal rest and your new body in Christ.
Josh Rath says
Met Larry all the way back in 2006 when I started working at KYUS-FM in high school. He and I got the joy of working the BHS parade together a handful of times over the years, along with working with our bud CW.
I remember calling KYUS looking for Terry here awhile back… I think sometime this year, but I could be wrong… but I know I spoke to Larry… and I am glad I did. It was great catching up, friend.
Cindy C says
My condolences to the family. Larry was a nice guy who supported the community both on and off the radio. May he rest in peace.
Debra Nesbitt says
Fly High on Angel wings Larry, thank you for The 23 years of love and friendship. Thoughts and prayers to Larry’s family. Love Deb
Cheri Weidner says
I worked with Larry in Wolf Point at KVCK and had the pleasure to reconnect with him while he was working for Mid-Rivers. I knew his wife and remember how proud he was of his kids. He was a man of many talents. Rest in peace Larry.
Cheri(Fritz) Weidner and David Weidner
Deb Jerrel says
What a list of accomplishments. Parkinson’s is such a terrible disease. You were highly respected by everybody that worked in radio. Rest in peace Larry..🌻
Clayton P Sherman. says
Deb and Calico Kitty. Sorry you weren’t mentioned as a HUGE part of his life. I’m sure you know he appreciated you being there for him the last 23 years. You, my friend, are an angel.
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
Sending hugs and prayers Deb . You and Calico were such a big part of Larry’s life . He was at your place every day. RIP Larry .
Gerald Stutlien says
Larry was a high school classmate and friend. Not mentioned but he was our Quarterback in football our junior and senior years, I went to his house numerous times when I stayed in town after school. I thought his Sports Illustrated magazines were so cool. I also was in Billings, Montana as a Navy Recruiter in 1986 but did not know he was there too. I was never good at keeping up with folks. I am very saddened by his loss. May his soul forever rest in peace.
Toby R. says
I just heard the news about Larry. My deepest condolences to your family. I first met Larry when I moved to Montana in 2013 where I worked for Mid-Rivers. Larry and I worked video production, we spent a lot of time together on the road and I was like a sponge to his vast knowledge of video production and radio. I always looked forward to seeing Larry and picking his brain. We stayed in contact even after I moved back to Florida in 2015, the last time Larry and I texted was summer of 2024. We’d always text about The Twilight Zone marathon on the Sy-Fy Channel or looking for any production errors while watching the Oscars, or how he had to take Miss Kitty to get a haircut. Larry was a fantastic person and friend. I’ll miss him deeply.
Toby R.
Tampa, FL