GERALD L. “JERRY” “SEVER” SEVERSON
GERALD L. “JERRY” “SEVER” SEVERSON
Gerald L. “Jerry” “Sever” Severson, 80, of Black River Falls peacefully entered his final resting place in heaven June 20, 2024, receiving comfort care at Gundersen Hospital due to lingering COPD complication.
Jerry was born July 11, 1943, in Black River Falls Memorial Hospital to George and Beulah (Berry) Severson. He was the big brother in a family of six children. Life on Pierce Street mostly was exploration in Stickney Creek between home and the fairgrounds. Being a year apart, he and his little sister were inseparable. As a young teenager, he enjoyed hard work and was a hired hand on local farms. After school he had to see the world and left for the west, ended up in the Dakotas combining wheat until the draft for Vietnam War. Jerry decided he wanted to join on his own accord.
Jerry enlisted to Fort Bragg for paratrooper school in 1964, he went on to building an exemplary history receiving his Green Beret 82nd Airborne Unit as a Ranger. Soon he requested to fight for his country during the Vietnam War and went on to become a medic, because he wanted to save lives. He spent 14 months of active duty in the battlefield as a paramedic. His squad of 10 got hit, where Jerry was severely injured but went on to save the life of one man, receiving one of two Purple Hearts. He also received two Bronze Stars, later returning to the U.S. in 1967 being honorably discharged from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Army Special Forces. He also went on to join the National Guard for many decades, until retiring in 1991. Thank you, sir, for your dedication to our country.
In 1968, Jerry married Janice Kostohryz. They purchased an old farmhouse on Cloverdale Road, where 40 years of life were lived until Jan’s passing in 2008. Two daughters were born during this time, Teresa and Tori, also raising their grandson, Jacob. Jerry was employed as plant manager for Trane Company making the trek over the Mindoro ridge every working day for 40 years until retirement.
In 2010, Jerry met Kathy Peterson and after four years, they got married. In their 10 years together, they traveled often, taking a vacation to Washington State to see the Scab Lands of the Ice Ages. Both Jerry and Kathy were history buffs, visiting many museums and historical sites learning more about history. They were avid Packer and Badger fans, watching many games together. When Jerry began to fail, Kathy was his devoted caregiver. Jerry had a zest for life; he loved many things like woodworking, building canoes and anything with wood. He was a member of Melrose Rod and Gun, AMVETS, American Legion, and spending many hours with Laine and friends at The Fob. He enjoyed cooking his specialty of horseradish pickles and sour dough starter for bread. He liked being outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, activities with his grandson, Jacob, trap shooting, golfing, and especially trips to Cripple Creek, CO, which, according to him, was his first trip to heaven. He loved flat toothpicks.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jacob; and sister, Ramona.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughters Teresa and Tori Severson; great-grandson Jayden; stepchildren Lori, Deana and Joel; step-grandchildren Savannah, Daniel, Amber, Andrea, Peyton, Joey, Mathew and Nathan; step-great-grandchildren Noah and Tayte; siblings Georgia (Jim) Earl, Steven Severson, Karen (Jim) Smothers and Roger (Linda) Severson; and many nieces and nephews.
The celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Old School, 805 2nd St. Melrose. A light lunch will be served at 1 p.m. and a service with full military honors at 2 p.m.; a private burial will be held at a later date.
Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.