Robert J. Payzer

Robert J. Payzer 82, Boulder Junction, died Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff. He was born June 28, 1928 in Wausau, son of the late Stanley and Florence (Lukasavitz) Payzer. Bob was educated between 1946 and 1948 in Stevens Point and spent his first two collegiate years at Central State Teacher College, where he had a counsin, Art Pejsa, as a math teacher. He furthered his education at St. Thomas Military Academy, St. Paul, Minn. and received a degree in BME in 1950 at University of Marquette, Milwaukee, Wis. Following graduation, he moved to Schenectady, New York where he joined General Electric and took a engineering training course. For 40 years, he worked for General Electric in Evendale, Ohio in various management positions. Bob Headed General Electric's Supersonic Transport Engine Program and headed their Advanced Engines and preliminary design group. He invented the CFM56 high bypass turbofan which powers many airplanes, including the Boeing 737-200 series. More CFM56s have been produced that any other GE airplane engine. He retired in 1990 in Hamilton, Ohio and obtained his private pilot's license in 1946 and seaplane rating a few years later. Bob helped rebuild two World War II aircrafts, a U.S. Army Stinson L5 observation plane and a U.S. Navy N3N biplane. Survivors include one brother, John (Carla) Payzer, Seattle, Wash.; two nephews; and other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Payzer. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Polonia. Friends may call Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com