Eleanor Severeid Sather

MADISON–Eleanor (Severeid) Sather, 93, passed away on Saturday March 22, at Oakwood University Woods-Tabor Oaks. She was born May 21, 1931 to Werner and Ella (Helland) Severeid in Pipestone, MN. After a brief time in California, the family settled in Sioux City, IA, where she graduated from Sioux City Central High School as her class Salutatorian in 1948. Eleanor attended the University of Minnesota School of Education, where she not only earned her B.A. in English, but met her future husband while volunteering for the Lutheran Student Association. Glenn and Eleanor were married Sept. 6, 1952. While Glenn served in Korea, Eleanor began teaching for St. Paul Public Schools. After his return, Glenn earned his Ph.D. and taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison; he and Eleanor built their dream home on the west side in 1958.

Eleanor taught English at Van Hise Middle School. She transferred to Orchard Ridge Middle School after adopting two babies and moving into their home on Woodland Way. So as not to be a teacher where her children attended, she transferred to West High where she taught both Freshman and Advanced English until her retirement.

Eventually, Eleanor and Glenn began full-time “careers” of volunteer work and adventurous travel, as evidenced by her remarkable collection of bells from around the world. Over the next 20 years, they visited seven continents - some multiple times - went dancing regularly, and loved visiting with friends and relatives. Eleanor loved singing hymns and Christmas carols; she enjoyed playing her piano and regularly attended music and dance performances by local ensembles. She was a very active volunteer with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Oakwood Village West, and Meriter Hospital’s Cardiac Department. She generously supported charitable organizations that helped feed hungry families, promoted literacy, and helped settle refugees in Wisconsin. Above all, Eleanor was a devoted wife and exceptionally loving and proud mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Belford Wigen; daughter, Sonya; and beloved husband, Glenn. She is survived by her son Andrew and daughter-in-law, Kit Emory.

A memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD RESURRECTION CHAPEL, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison WI at 12:30 p.m. on April 12, 2025 with visitation preceding, 30 minutes prior to the service.

Memorials may be sent to:

*Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation

5701 Raymond Road

Madison, WI 53711

*The Oakwood Foundation

6209 Mineral Point Road, Suite 200

Madison, WI 53705

*Lutheran Social Services Of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

6737 W. Washington St., Suite 2275

West Allis, WI 53214

Cress Funeral Home

Speedway Road