Otto Sever Enkerud

Funeral Service for Sever Enkerud, 94, of Glasgow, MT will be at 11:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, MT officiated by Pastor Jim Biswell. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow.

Visitation will take place 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, MT.

Sever passed away on October 19, 2025 at Dahl Memorial in Ekalaka, MT.

Otto Sever Enkerud, 94, passed to his heavenly home on October 19, 2025 with his family by his side. 

Sever was born in the familiar surroundings of home on September 8, 1931. Midwife Karen Holter, who was Cap Holter's mother, assisted Kristina and Ole in welcoming their son to the world and to life on the Jensen Trail. On the 18th day of October 1931, Sever was baptized at Highland Lutheran Church by Pastor Harold Signeland. He and his older sister, Hazel Alice, spent their early years on the Enkerud homestead north of Glasgow, where the values of faith and work took root. In 1938, Ole and Kristina moved their house, off the original homestead foundation, to the Dignan place slightly east of Tampico.

Starting at age seven, Sever worked alongside his father raising hay for their cattle herd, which included a dozen Guernsey, Jersey, and Brown Swiss milk cows. It wasn't long before a small business of selling milk and cream to neighbors in the Tampico area began. The Enkerud's appreciated the support of their community and enjoyed meeting a local need. Never one to turn down work, Sever began cleaning out Marie Motzkau's chicken coop for twenty-five cents. At age eleven, he worked for John Etchart, raking hay behind John's horses, Captain and Midnight. World War II brought about major workforce shifts in the railroad industry. Although Sever was technically "too young" at age fifteen for employment, Road Master Al Rasmussen saw his potential and hired him to work with the Burlington Northern Section Crew, which he did for two years.

Sever's education began at the Tampico School, a one room country schoolhouse, where he attended grades one through eight. During high school, he rode the school bus to Glasgow, graduating with the Class of 1949. Sever often recalled a memorable day during his senior year when the bus driver became ill. With no one else available, he was asked to finish the route himself- a task he handled with calm confidence, even then.

In high school, Sever was active in FFA and found satisfaction in the challenges and triumphs of playing football as a Glasgow Scottie for four years. During football season, he stayed with Mrs. Edna Raymond in Glasgow.

With the encouragement of George Watson, Sever enrolled at Montana State College (now Montana State University) in the fall of 1949, taking agriculture classes and joining the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Sever completed four quarters of college before returning home when his father became ill. By January of 1952, he was working full time on the ranch - stepping into greater responsibility with the same dedication that had defined him since childhood.

Sever met the love of his life, Esther Wagner, a Registered Nurse, while visiting his father on the 2nd floor of the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, where Esther was Ole's nurse. Their paths quickly intertwined, and on June 5, 1954, they were married at Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney, MT. Together, Sever and Esther raised four daughters, instilling in them a hardworking nature, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an appreciation for education.

In 1968, guided by a belief in contributing to something greater than himself - something that would benefit the lives of others, Sever, along with the late John Kolstad, began the negotiation process to purchase the Wittmayer Ranch. Their goal was to establish a grazing association that would serve and strengthen the community of local ranchers. Fittingly, the negotiation process began with a game of Whist between Johnny, Sever, and Bob and Howard Wittmayer. On September 24, 1970, the Wittmayer Grazing Association was officially established with 30 members. Sever served as president from 1970 to 1985. In 1974, Sever and 19 other ranchers purchased the Miller Ranch, formerly the Lewis Archambeault Ranch, and established the Silver Dollar Grazing Association. Both grazing associations continue to serve the grazing needs of area ranchers today - a lasting testament to Sever's vision for collaboration and community.

Sever remained deeply involved in the agriculture industry throughout his life and served faithfully on many community and state boards: Chairman of the Glasgow Irrigation District for 29 years; Board member of the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Sever was recognized in 1964 as the "Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year" by the Montana Chamber; First Lutheran Church Board Member; Member of the Tampico School Board; Lifetime Member of the Elks Lodge #1922; Member and Chairman of the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Board; Board Member for 45 years of the Badland Grazing District and Member of the MT Stockgrowers.

Sever's commitment to stewardship and community leadership extended beyond his local roots. His dedication and experience were recognized at the state level when he was appointed to the Resource Conservation Advisory Council by Governor Ted Schwinden, and later reappointed by Governors Stan Stephens and Marc Racicot. He also served as President of the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, where his practical insight and steady leadership earned the respect of ranchers statewide and policymakers alike.

When he wasn't farming, ranching, or serving in some capacity, Sever enjoyed league bowling, a good game of cards or Cribbage, and keeping up with the Montana State University Bobcats football team. Each fall, he looked forward to Bobcat season, eager to see how his team would fare. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, most happy with a rod or rifle in hand and Montana's big sky overhead. He and Esther shared a love of dancing and tradition - especially waltzing across the floor at local gatherings and attending area lutefisk dinners, where they visited with old friends and made new.

Sever lost his beloved bride, Esther, 10 years ago after 60 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Kristina (Syverson) Enkerud, his sister Hazel A. Halvorsen, and brother-in-law Joseph M. Halvorsen.

Sever is survived by his four daughters: Kimberly Enkerud of Glasgow; Ava (Randy) Sunnarborg of Rochester, MN; Paula Enkerud of Tampico; and Tena (Bruce) Ketchum of Ekalaka, MT. Also surviving are his five granddaughters: Kariana Sunnarborg of Billings; Avery (Zach) Lawson of Billings; Emma Sunnarborg of Rochester, MN; Cecile (Jeff) Menees of Plevna; Dr. Jaclyn Ketchum of Ekalaka, MT. Great grandchildren Blaze Scott Menees, Ember Elsie Menees, and Edmond Otto Lawson also survive.

The family wishes to thank Prairie Ridge and the Dahl Memorial Healthcare for their loving and compassionate care during Sever's time at their facilities.

For those who wish to offer a memorial gift, Sever's preferences are the First Lutheran Church Foundation or a charity of your choosing.