Former Kent Feeds President Richard Severson, who passed away last month at the age of 90, will long be remembered for his dedication to agriculture, the animal feed industry and his hands-on role in helping lead Kent to become one of the country’s top feed companies during the 14 years he served as general manager and, later, president.
Severson joined Kent in 1957, straight from the United States Air Force where he was trained as a jet fighter pilot. At first, Severson worked as a Kent territory sales manager, but was quickly promoted to oversee plant operations that initially made him responsible for the production and distribution of the entire Kent Feeds network.
Rich Severson (left) and Dick Halpin inspect new Altoona plant, 1967.
It was a natural fit when, in 1974, Severson was elected to the board of directors and named executive vice president for manufacturing and distribution. Extremely devoted to Kent, Severson had a deep understanding of the company’s growth potential. He was also committed to Kent’s “dealer-first” culture and delivering customers consistent, quality products – with the best personal service possible.
In an interview with Feed Management in 1991, shortly after he was named executive vice president and general manager, Severson said, “I feel very fortunate in having grown up with a company in which there has always been a close teamwork philosophy. I am continuing this type of philosophy with open and two-way communications at all times.”
Employees say they were fortunate to have worked with Severson, and recall examples of his easy-to-approach leadership style. Kent Nutritionist Michael Edmonds said he’ll never forget Severson’s determination to learn first-hand what the company was doing to improve feeding programs for our customers.
“He set up regular meetings with our department,” Edmonds said. “How often does that happen, where you get to speak directly with the president? I will always cherish his confidence in the people at Kent Feeds to do the very best for our customers.”
Then president of Kent Feeds, Richard Severson examines product at Kent’s research farm near Muscatine. At right is farm manager Dan Kraklow. February 1991.
Likewise, Dan Paca, VP of Producer Direct Sales, said, “Rich stood for what Kent Feeds was – a quality company with quality people and products. He was a great representative of our company and our industry for many, many years, even after his retirement.”
In a Des Moines Register article written in 1991, Farm Editor Don Muhm credited Severson with growing Kent Feeds into one of the top five in the business, describing him as “a former baseball-loving farm kid from Kanawha” who was integral to Kent’s success.
Severson retired in 1994 and moved to Florida’s gulf coast. His long, and incredibly respected career with Kent will not be forgotten. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, May 12 at Sarasota National Cemetery. His obituary can be found here. https://www.brownandsonsfuneral.com/obituary/richard-severson