Weston R. "Sonny" Severson

BELLEVILLE - Weston R. “Sonny” Severson, age 87, died on Monday, February 10, 2025, at his home. Born on August 13, 1937, in Viroqua, Wis., he was the son of Weston J. and Maurine Severson. On January 2, 1983, he married Esther Olson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, Wis.

Wes graduated from West High School in Madison. He earned an associate degree in Electronics from DeVry Technical College. He also completed a six-month electronics course in the U.S. Navy. In February 1955, while still in high school, Wes joined the U. S. Marine Corps reserves. In July 1955, he was discharged from the reserves so he could join the full-time Navy. He served on the USS Calvert - a personnel transport ship. He spent two years on shore duty in Kami Seya, Japan, maintaining the Pacific Pac Communications System. While serving in Japan, he became friends with many of the village families and was often invited to share in their family events. He ended active duty in August 1959. He then joined the Naval reserves where he served until August 1966.

In 1964, Wes started employment with the Midwest Universities Research Association (MURA) - working on a proto-type electron storage instrument. In 1967, MURA was dissolved, and the facility was acquired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison - becoming the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL). Wes spent his career at PSL - as a Senior Electronics Technician - working with scientists and engineers to design and build scientific instrumentation for researchers at the University and around the world. He retired in 2000.

In retirement, he continued his interests in Civil War reenactments, Taekwondo (Karate), Badgers football and men’s and women’s hockey, Green Bay Packers football, nature and its beauty, reading - military stories and strategies, sailing, skiing, Norwegian chip carving and traveling. He portrayed a 1st Lieutenant in the 2nd Wisconsin Regiment, Company K, Army of the Potomac. He practiced Taekwondo - achieving a rank of 2nd degree black belt. With a friend, Howard Sherpe, he established a group called Namkido Karate Club that focused on Vietnam veterans. Wes was a 60 plus year Badgers football season ticket holder.  In 2016, he was inducted into the 50 Year Legacy club of the Badger men’s hockey program. He was, also, a strong supporter of the women’s hockey program - a season ticket holder from its inception. He was a member of the Hoofer’s sailing club and the Madison Ski Club in his younger years. He was a long-time member of the Fitchburg Serenity Club.

Weston is survived by his wife, Esther; daughter, Kristin; son-in-law, Ryan; and grandsons, Nathan and Flynn Dabbieri. He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Adams; and sister-in-law, Ruth Severson. Wes was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly; his brother, Ron; his brother-in-law, John Adams; and his parents.

A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with military honors to follow. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Burial will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Memorials may be made to: UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Dane County Humane Society, Fitchburg Serenity Club, UW-Madison Women’s Hockey Program or a charity of your choice.  Links and/or addresses to all of these appear below.

The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare and Homestead Care Group, especially Nick and Jacob, for their compassion and care during Wes’ last days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515