Gene R. Severt

Gene R. Severt 73, Wausau, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Tomahawk. He was born May 4, 1939 at Holy Cross Hospital in Merrill, son of the late Arthur and Laura (Whitson) Severt. Gene attended and graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1957. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Airforce and was stationed in Ankara, Turkey, specializing in communications. During his stint in Turkey, Gene joined a musical quintet, "Four Notes and a Fifth", that entertained at bases throughout the Mid-East. He finished his Airforce duty at Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon returning to the Wausau area, Gene tried his hand at several different trades before becoming involved in the cable television industry, almost at its inception. He worked nearly 30 years as a technician and eventually retired from Charter Cable due to injury. Gene will always be remembered for his baritone singing voice and guitar playing. He frequently entertained at family and social gatherings, with an amazing repertoire of old and new tunes and spiced everthing up with some "virtuoso" bone playing. He could bring a smile to both old and young. Gene will be sorely missed. Survivors include, one son, Michael Severt, Wausau; one step-son, Robert (Colleen) Yaatenen, Wausau; one grandson, Zachary Michael Severt, Rhinelander; one sister, Laurice (Tom) Schwartzman, Merrill; and one brother, Terry Severt, Wausau. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Marlin, Gordon and LeRoy Severt. Funeral services will be at Noon on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Rev. Chris Juvinall will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com