Donald Severance

Rev. Donald Harry Severance was born April 2, 1932, to the late Harry Arthur and Esther Marie (Krake) Severance in a log farmhouse near Imlay City, Lapeer County, Michigan. Don was a cherished husband, father, pastor, and community leader. His life was dedicated to faith, family, and service… leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Together with his wife of 73 years, Alice, they prayed for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild by name each and every day. He lived a life serving Jesus.

 “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.” -Deuteronomy 7:9

 At the age of 15, Don responded to a call to become a minister, and upon graduating from Saginaw High, he studied for the ministry and graduated from Bethel College (now University) in Mishawaka, IN. It was there in his freshman year, that he met the love of his life, Alice Sahmel… whom he married at the end of that academic year, on August 31, 1951. Together they raised five children… Valinda (Jerry) Colyer of Pfafftown, NC; Stephen (Barb) Severance of Kalmazoo, MI; David (Robyn) Severance of Mishawaka, IN; Philip Don (Lorraine) Severance of Brownstown, MI; and Carol (Les Berger) Severance of Santee CA… all of whom survive. 

And together, Don and Alice ministered in several Missionary Church pastorates (The United Missionary Church prior to 1969): Marlette, Springport, Elkton, Buckley (independent church), Kalamazoo, Taylor (the previous, all in Michigan), York PA, back to Michigan in Belleville… and then upon retirement, moved back to Kalamazoo. In “retirement,” Don served some interim pastoral positions. Prior to Don’s calling to be a minister, he thought he wanted to be an attorney. Perhaps that initial unfulfilled desire was assuaged by serving for about 26 years as parliamentarian for the denomination. Certainly, his children’s minds were sharpened by his steel-trap thinking and created a need within them for negotiating skills. He and Alice gave over 50 years of service to the Missionary Church.  

Among many accomplishments, two stand out. For fourteen years, Don and Alice took Faith Missionary Church in York from a congregation meeting in a hotel, through two building projects on prime land, placing the church in a great position for growth. And in “retirement”… taking his experience in helping build the York church… Don served almost as the construction supervisor for the new Missionary Hispanic church in Harford, MI… Iglesia Missionera Betel de Hartford… shepherding it through the sticky rezoning commission meetings, all the way through the final build. Don scheduled the volunteers and contractors, ordered and picked up supplies, and pitched in wherever needed to see it through. He preached the dedication sermon, declaring Jesus’ words from Matthew 16:18… “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it!” He came away with an even deeper appreciation that God’s heart is very near to the stranger among us; how we treat them… is vital to knowing God.

 Eleven years ago, Don and Alice moved to Hubbard Hill Living Wisdom Community in Elkhart, IN, where his funeral will be held in their chapel. In his final years, Don continued to hold a Bible Study, eventually hosted in his home at Hubbard. He died at Hubbard, January 19, 2025… in the presence of Alice and their oldest daughter, Valinda. Also surviving are Don’s 11 grandchildren Preston (Stayce), Meredith, Charles, Eric (Sui), Daniel (Katrina), Scott (Jess), Tonna (Jim) Kyle (Mallory), Danielle (Aaron), Jennifer (Dan), Lauren (Alan); and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved brothers, Larry (Deb) Severance and Lonnie (Peggy) Severance…15 and 20 years younger respectively… who grew up more like brothers to Don’s older children.

 Don’s funeral will be held in Hubbard Hill’s chapel, 28070 C.R. 24 W., Elkhart, IN on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 4pm, with visitation from 2pm – 4pm. A meal will be provided afterwards at Hubbard’s Sailor Center. A 1pm committal service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Riverside Cemetery, 1015 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI. This is open to anyone who wishes to attend, and refreshments will be served following the graveside service at the Kalamazoo Missionary Church, 5045 E. Michigan Avenue.  

Memorial Contributions may be made either to Hubbard Hill Estates or World Partners of the Missionary Church and their work in Israel. The family is grateful for the fine care given to Don by Elkhart General, the Elkhart Center for Wound Healing, Southern Care Hospice, and of course… Hubbard Hill, for its compassionate caregivers and continuum of care… that made Alice and the family feel secure. The family would also like to thank Cruz Family Funeral Home for making possible both services for Don.