| Graduation Year | Class of 1986 |
| Date of Passing | May 13, 2009 |
| About | Severson, Steven FITCHBURG Steven Severson (aka Nutkin and Von Spark), after a spirited, hard-fought battle with cancer has found "the clearing at the end of the path," having passed to the next adventure at his home at HospiceCare in Fitchburg on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Steve had battled what he called "the mystery meat" with personal grit, holistic spiritualism, and his utterly unique, often macabre sense of humor. Steve and his identical twin, Rob, were born in Tampa, Fla., the biological sons of Jean Phillips and Walter Driggers, both formerly of St. Petersburg. Shortly after their birth the twins were adopted by Judith and Gary Severson; a young couple from Wisconsin. Steve was a gifted child, excelling in all art forms. After graduating Oregon High in '86, Steve's path featured numerous artistic endeavors and a career based in deeply held principles of progressive social responsibility and environmental protection. Steve became an activist of national renown, working for MoveOn.org and raised record amounts of private donations on behalf of grassroots campaigns. Most recently, Steve, despite having terminal cancer, volunteered his time and personal resources in the election of Barack Obama. Upon learning of Steve's story and plight, Senator Obama's staff contacted Rob to arrange for a surprise phone call between the candidate and an unwitting Steve. When the future President called and declared how Steve's story was a personal inspiration to him, Steve shed proud tears. On Jan. 12, 2009, his condition worsened and he was admitted to HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Steve not only bounced back physically, he flourished in every conceivable manner. Steve committed himself to "adding to the substance of the universe" through sharing his artwork, music, and the teachings of St. Rita, the patron Saint of the impossible. HospiceCare was Steve's home in every sense. He referred to staff as his extended family, confidently subjecting them to the full range of his fun and sometimes downright tawdry teasing. They made Steve's life come full circle. On April 17, 2009, HospiceCare sponsored an art show featuring Steve's artwork, music and poetry, highlighting the mission of HospiceCare. Steve is survived by his mom, Judy Severson, mother, Jean Camuccio, and stepmom, Linda Severson; his dad, Gary Severson, his father, Walter Driggers; his brothers, Rob (Kim) Severson, Greg (Michelle) Gleich, Tim (Lori) Gleich, Rocky Driggers, John (Andrea) Varda and Randell DiPrima; his sisters, Patti (Mark) Stindt, Tara (Nate) Montemayor and Heather (Karl) Hasman; his twin niece and nephew, Raina and Logan Severson; and too many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to name here without purchasing ad space! Steve is preceded in passage by his grandmothers, Ruth Reineke, Esther Severson and Phyllis Phillips; his grandfathers, Steven Severson and Robert Reineke; and a sister, Jennifer Camuccio-LaRosa; a stepfather, Bob Gleich; and his beloved cat, Uzi. Steve's family would like to express gratitude and heart-felt affection for Dr. Mike Frontiera and his staff (you too front-desk ladies!) at Dean Oncology. They have few peers, given the professional, compassionate service they provided at every appointment. Finally, we must provide profound and loving kudos to every Dr., RN, CNA, Administrator, Support Staff, and every Volunteer that made it possible for Steve to call HospiceCare his home. Special acknowledgement to: Deputy Dan for being a fellow twin and former fellow OHS graduate, the kitchen staff for providing Steve with every last blueberry within a three-mile radius, the Christinas who made Steve's blog entries move, John McCarthy/John Van Dyke for helping Nutkin transcend to a higher plane, "Big D" for kicking him in the shorts when needed, Superman, Batman, and Robin for helping Rob when needed most, Sue and Dan for the Art Show, and finally to Jane, CeCe, Courtney and the Marys for every bit of caring dignity that they afforded our zany, Tom Petty and Bugs Bunny lovin' liberal buddy and brother. Friends and family may come to HOSPICECARE, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. There will be a service held to celebrate Steve at noon, with a reception provided after. In lieu of other gifts, a memorial fund will be established in Steve's name. All financial gifts will be granted to HospiceCare. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com Wisconsin State Journal |
