Laverne Kenneth Severud Obituary

Greetings Family and Friends!Wonderful and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Laverne "Vern" Severud left this earth and moved to Heaven on June 30, 2024. He died of heart failure and a piece of each of our hearts went with him.

Vern was born April 22, 1938, to Peter and Alma Severud in Chico, California, the youngest of three kids. He grew up in Chico and graduated from Chico State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. It was at Chico State where he met his future wife, Carol, at a Lutheran college activity in 1958. They married September 6, 1959 and moved to Tucson, Arizona where Vern earned a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. They moved back to California and settled in the Sacramento area, and Vern began working for AeroJet Rocketdyne in management positions. As a matter of fact, Vern was a Rocket Scientist and some of those engines were later used to power the Space Shuttles. In 1961 they welcomed their first child, Kenneth, and Michelle followed in 1967.

A job opportunity at Westinghouse Hanford presented and in 1972 the family moved to Kennewick, Washington. Vern was a bright and revered leader at Westinghouse where he rose to the title of Manager of Engineering, overseeing up to 500 employees. On a professional level, a string of designations followed his name and included, BS, MS, PE, and Fellow of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). He was a member of the Subgroup on Elevated Temperature Design and was the author of many code rules and methods. He was the author or co-author of about 40 technical publications. His position took him on numerous domestic and overseas trips including Europe and Japan. Carol was able to join him on some of those trips. Vern retired in 1995, which allowed more travel with Carol and time with his family. In June 2011 they relocated to Spokane, Washington to be closer to family.

Vern was a steadfast, lifelong member of the Lutheran church and he held many church leadership positions over the years. He loved basketball and played on the Chico State University team and teams at Aerojet, and the church league. His basketball days continued vicariously and enthusiastically through the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Vern was a warm, unassuming, and loving man. He was a Gentle Giant. Vern and Carol were cheerleaders for Ken and Michelle, and again for grandkids, Peter, Austin, and David. A three-pronged leadership saying that would emerge from time to time was, "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?". Vern met and spoke to everyone as a gentleman with a cheerful demeanor.

Vern is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Kenneth (Janine) Severud, Michelle (Brian) Shute, grandchildren, Peter Severud, Austin Shute and David Severud, sister Arlene (Paul) Janke, brother Ordean (Ellen) Severud, and many nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his mother Alma (1988) and father Peter (1989).

Vern and the family would like to thank the people at The Gallery and Hospice House for their kindness, care and support. Memorials if you wish may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

PNW Cremation & Funeral is a Spokane funeral and cremation provider with three Spokane area locations.