Obituaries

Fred P. Severson was born August 2, 1939 in Geneva, Illinois to Frederick G. Severson and Dorothea B. Pierce. The family lived in Wheaton, Illinois along with sisters Susan and Candace. Growing up he was always interested in cars, and always had a summer job saving up for his first car. Fred was an avid skier. Nearing graduation from high school, and the military draft still in affect he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Rangers. As an expert Black Diamond skier he was stationed in Alaska training to become a member of the skiing soldier’s. Eventually he was sent to Vietnam. Having had parachute training was assigned to a five man team dropped into the jungle for reconnaissance, locating and searching tunnels. He was wounded, sent to Hawaii, recovered, and sent back to Vietnam. After his discharge from U.S. Army service Fred pursued a career as a tool/ model maker, prototype machinist, and tool & die maker serving as an apprentice tool & die maker 5 years program at Chicago Tool & Die Institute, then worked for Fisher body tech 2 years. Learning prototype stamping, tools design, specialized machinery, design, build, and precision grinding. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Liked older cars having restored a 1955 Ford T Bird, then had Gary George restore his 1964 El Camino. Having a 1927 model T body, started with a pair of channeled rails, learned how to weld, and built himself a roadster. It was 95% finished when he passed. Fred is survived by his sisters, and cousin Karen, Sally, and Mike Pierce. At Fred’s request no services will be held.