William John Severin

William (Bill) Severin, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Salem, Oregon. Family surrounded him in love and prayer as he transitioned into eternal rest. His twin daughters, Amy and Heidi, were by his side as he took his final breath.

Bill, deeply devoted to the Catholic faith, departed from this world just as Holy Thursday Mass began at his home parish, Queen of Peace, entering into the Holy Triduum with all his faithfully departed brothers and sisters.

Bill grew up in Mt. Angel, Oregon, and was the oldest of six children born to Bill and Helen Severin. He later moved to Salem, Oregon, where he and his wife, Jo, were married and raised their family. He worked for many years in banking and commercial real estate. Bill also held his Commercial Driver’s License and drove school bus for Mt. Angel and Blanchet Catholic School. However, his most cherished role was as manager, tour bus driver, sound tech, and roadie for his daughters’ bluegrass band, The Severin Sisters.

A loving father, papa, brother, uncle, husband, and friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His character will forever be remembered as loyal, dedicated, honest, kind, strong, brave, gentle, patient, and humble. He worked in acres, not hours. He did the job with care and precision—not simply to get it done, but to do it well and with great love.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jo, and his siblings: John (Pam); Ann (Ed); Jim (Terry); Don (Suzi), and his legacy continues through his children: Heather; Heidi (Scott); Amy (Ian); Zach (Sarah); and Haley (Quinn). He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Riley, Audrey, Kelsey, and Jameson.

"Daddy is My Hero"

Written by Amy and Heidi Severin, Age 9

Daddy is my hero

Says he loves me every day

Reads Scriptures from the good book

And he taught me how to pray

His hair is kinda fuzzy

And the sides are turning gray

He still lifts me high upon his back

And he carries me away

Your are my hero

Daddy, you're the man I love

I sing this song to you

Just to thank God above

Of all the heroes

that have lived from sea to sea

There's no one else's little girl

That I would rather be!

He likes to take me fishin'

Wears a pair of old shoes

Puts on my favorite shirt

It's plaid with green and blues

We eat our lunch on the river

In a spot that we both choose

And then he entertains me

By hummin' those country tunes

Your are my hero

Daddy, you're the man I love

I sing this song to you

Just to thank God above

Of all the heroes

that have lived from sea to sea

There's no one else's little girl

That I would rather be!