Gladys Linstad was born November 23, 1911, in Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Ole and Clara (Bang) Linstad. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith. She grew up and attended country schools near Thief River Falls.

On January 4, 1933, Gladys was united in marriage to Elmer Severson in Thief River Falls. The couple bought a farm in New Solom Township and operated it until 1943. They then moved to Thief River Falls, where Elmer became a carpenter and Gladys went to work at Valley Home. She stayed working and helping people at Valley Home for over 30 years, retiring at the age of 70. In 2003, Gladys and Elmer celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Gladys and Elmer were charter members of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, where she served as its first secretary. She was an active member of the Womens Missionary League, Bible Study and was involved with Our Saviours Christian Academy. She also was a 4-H Leader. She enjoyed handiwork such as afghan, pillow cases, dish towels and such. Gladys was a good cook, loved birds and enjoyed the beauty of them. She also had a love for children, her own children and grandchildren and all children in general. Nothing made her smile like little children. Many referred to her as Grandma Gladys . Gladys and Elmer were the adopted grandparents to many in the neighborhood.

Survived by husband, Elmer; 3 children, Richard (Caren), Stanley, ND, Ronald (Marnie), St. Paul, MN and Dennis, Denver, CO; 4 grandchildren, Meredith Severson, Seattle, WA, Blythe (Paul) Hallinan, St. Paul, MN, Dean Severson, Rochester, MN and Byron Severson, Lincoln Park, NJ; 2 great grandchildren, Conner and Riley Hallinan; 2 sisters, Vivian Kosmatka, Foreman, ND and Naomi Hoffer, Lincoln, CA and brother-in-law, Paul Thoreau.

Preceded in death by daughter, Ardella in 1954, sister, Juanita Thoreau, brothers, Elmer, Ben, Allen, Oscar, Lawrence and one brother in infancy.