Sunday, September 03, 2017

Obituary: James David Kempfer - Class of 1960

CHERRYVILLE, N.C.—James David “Jim” Kempfer, age 75, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2017, at his residence. He was born June 25, 1942, in Madison, Wis., to the late Gillman and Ruth Opheim Kempfer. Jim was a retired sales associate for Walmart and formerly a computer specialist for Carolina Freight. He also worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District as a computer specialist. He was a Vietnam veteran and a member of the American Legion Post No. 100 and the North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting and cooking, and also loved listening to Elvis music.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Chris) Kempfer of Sun Prairie, Wis.; his beloved granddaughter, Alyssa Rose Kempfer of Sun Prairie, Wis.; his sister, Gail (Gary) Larson of DeForest, Wis.; his sister, Lavonne Sommers of Madison, Wis.; and brother, Tom (Cheyl) Kempfer of Lake Mills, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no service as this was Jim’s wish. God Bless you,Dad/Grandpa!! We hope you are not in any pain anymore. We love you lots!! Till we meet again.....  

James Kempfer's class year is based on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn yearbook, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 3, 2017. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Peter Patau - Class of 1960

MADISON—Peter Hinrich Patau died in a Madison hospital after a brave battle with congestive heart and kidney disease on Aug. 18, 2017. As a photographer, writer, and artist Madison has lost one of its great chroniclers and true appreciators. His remarkable photographic eye and vivid writing style captured iconic Madison scenes, political events, and Madison moments for decades. He was a frequent contributor of photos and writing to many Wisconsin publications—including Isthmus, Madison Magazine, The Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Times, and many others. In recent years Peter focused on publishing his work online. An early adopter to the internet, it was an ideal way of sharing his writing, his ideas, his drawings, and especially his photographs. Letter From Here, his blog; his Facebook site; and his Flickr site are all marvelous troves of his energies and interests, drawings, and a viewing gallery for his photographs. His family hopes that you will stop by them and take a look.

 Peter-Hinrich Bernard Patau was born in Berlin, Germany, on Nov. 7, 1942, to German parents. His father, Klaus Patau, later became a UW Genetics Professor and researcher. His mother, Christine Auslander Patau, was an aspiring opera singer. His younger brother, Jurgen, was born in 1945. A photo-filled Life Magazine cover story about Madison reached Peter’s father in Berlin—enchanted by the photos, he moved his family to Madison in 1949. Peter graduated from Madison Central High School in 1960 as valedictorian. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Peter met the young woman who would become his wife, Trudi von Arndt, on the steps of the old Madison Public Library. They both were 15 and both carrying huge stacks of books. On their first date, they saw Ingmar Bergman’s “Smiles of a Summer Night” at the Majestic Theater in downtown Madison. Peter and Trudi were best friends and married for 53 years, living first in San Francisco, then in New York City. They shared an unstuffy love of books, movies, art, and ideas of all kinds. The two of them returned to Madison where their beloved daughter, Miranda, was born. Peter cherished the small celebrations and the fun of family life—car trips to Maine and New York City, summer camping at Point Beach on Lake Michigan, picnics, little family rituals. Hundreds of his beautiful photos and drawings keep these times alive for his family. Peter spent most of his adult life in Madison, where he used his gift for writing, and his photographic expertise to build a career in publishing and Credit Union magazines. He enjoyed his work, and made many lifelong friends. People who knew him well, knew that he was as proud of having driven a Madison cab in his youthful days, as he was of having had a corner office with a view.

 Peter was a voracious reader with wide-ranging interests, and was a true advocate for public libraries—weekly bringing home stacks of books. Peter had a lively mind, his family and friends loved talking with him. His family remembers him as a skipper of stones, a bicycle rider who loved wolves, who taught his daughter about physics and how to drive and let her stay up too late building a block structure with him that was mostly staircases when she was 5. We miss him more than we can say.

 He leaves behind his wife, Trudi, who thinks 53 years of conversation with him was not nearly enough; his daughter, Miranda; and his brother, Jurgen (Jean).

 Respecting his wishes there will be a private service. In lieu of flowers, take a bike ride, or walk up Frederick’s Hill and look out at the view. If you want to make a donation, help support the local arts - take in a play, attend a local music event, buy a book from a bookstore, support the public library. And he would say, take care of each other.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 3, 2017. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Obituary: Paul Charles Washington, Sr. - Class of 1953

MADISON - Paul was born December 21, 1934, in Wauwatosa, WI. his mother, Frances Givens, named him Charles Givens. Paul was adopted by Suzie and Reverend Joseph Washington of Madison and was named Paul Charles Washington and grew-up in the Greenbush Community.

Paul attended Old Marquette, New Marquette, Lapham and Central High School. He entered the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland where he trained as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist. Paul was sent overseas and served in Seoul and Incheon, Korea where he was injured in a mine sweeping accident. He returned home in 1955 and returned to work at UW Hospital after having several surgeries.

Paul met and married Shirley Alexander in 1956. They have six children and celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Paul did an apprenticeship in Mortuary Service at Obey’s Funeral Home in Milwaukee, WI. He returned to Madison where he worked at Gisholt Manufacturing, City of Madison Water Utility, Madison Police Department-Special Services, Dane County Sheriff’s Department, and part-time for the U.S. Marshall’s office. After his retirement, he and Shirley moved to California for the next 7 years. He returned to Madison and worked full-time as a driver for Dunham Express; then went to work for Fed-Ex Office and retired after 10 years of service.

Paul was very active he was involved with the Madison Scouts and a Boy Scouts leader. In Veteran’s Organizations including the Dane County Veterans Service Office-Commissioner; Disabled American Veterans-past State Commander; VFW 1318; Korean War Veteran Chapter-President; and was heavily involved with Badger Honor Flight. He also volunteered at Madison VA Hospital. He was a charter member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In his free-time he enjoyed golfing, bowling and loved to be friendly and helpful to people.

Paul is survived by his children, Joseph (Janet), Donald (Nancy), Larry, Paulette (Carmelita), Della and Paul Jr., and grandson, Brandon and other step-grand and great grandchildren. He has an adopted brother, Dr. Joseph Washington Jr., special cousin, Sina Thompson, stepbrother, Frankie A. Thompson; cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many, friends.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, with Msgr. Charles Schluter presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until time of Mass on Saturday at the church. Burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Madison VA hospital 4th and 7th floor nurses, the VA CLC Hospice nurses, VA Infusion nurses, the UW Radiation Clinic, and all the VA Hospital and UW doctors for all their support while going through this difficult time. Donations can be made to the Badger Honor Flight, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and UW Cancer Research.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 4, 2017.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Obituary: Joseph S. DiMaggio - Class of 1967

MCFARLAND [Wisconsin]  - Joseph S. DiMaggio, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. He was born in Madison, on Nov. 2, 1949, to Joseph and Audrey (Brockman) DiMaggio.  Joe grew up in Madison and went to Central High School. He then went on to own and operate DiMaggio's Good Year for many years. He later went on to work at Alliant Energy where he retired. Joe loved travel with his wife, Gerri, and his children, Tony and Angie. They visited many beautiful places. Family was the most important thing to Joe, especially his grandson, Eli, who he worshiped. He also loved sports. If you stopped by on a weekend you would see him watching the Badgers or NASCAR and if he wasn't home he was attending one of Eli's sporting events. Joe also was a very generous person and if anyone needed help he was always there for them.  When Joe was 16 he met the love of his life, the woman he would marry and spend the next 50 years with, Gerri M. Stapleman. They then went on to have two children, Tony and Angie.  Joe is survived by his two children, Tony (Yvonne Simms) of Evansville and Angie DiMaggio of McFarland; grandson, Eli; and many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Gerri DiMaggio; his brother, Paul; and his nephews, Zachary and Jovanni.  Joe was loved and will be missed by many, but he is now reunited with his wife, Gerri, and many others who have passed. Joe is now at peace and pain free and although he is gone, he will forever be in our hearts. God bless you dad/grandpa, (as Eli put it) may you rest in peace until we meet again.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, on Saturday, April 1, 2017, beginning at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to immediately follow. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.  The family would to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all your support and condolences.  All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services  Madison (608) 442-0477

Joseph DiMaggio's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn yearbook, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 20, 2017. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Obituary: Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven - Class of 1949

 MADISON  - Blow, Gabriel Blow. Beloved father, musician, and teacher, Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven Jr. [age  85], passed to heaven on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. His rendition of "Basin Street Blues" accompanied him and his loving family on his final procession at Agrace HospiceCare in the early morning hours.  Doc was the first child of Edith Viola (Heath) and Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven Sr., born on June 20, 1931, in Madison, Wis. He attended Central High School, and graduated from the UW-Madison in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He served as a first sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 in the 512th Air Force Band in Oklahoma. In August of 1955, Doc met the love of his life, Shirley "Lea" (Wesenberg). Their marriage of 60 years began only a few months after their first date.  Doc's passions were music and family, and he excelled at both. His career in music spanned more than four decades, beginning with the creation of the Doc De Haven Combo in 1955. Performing Dixieland and Jazz standards Doc and his band consistently filled venues with their great music and adoring jazz fans at the Pirate Ship, the Union South and Memorial Union of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Edgewater and Concourse Hotels, country clubs near and far, and countless Midwest area jazz festivals. They produced multiple albums, and played for generations of weddings and receptions. Doc actively participated in the Madison area music scene by performing with other musicians and mentoring up-and-coming artists. He created the Doc De Haven Booking Agency that Lea managed as secretary, accountant, and president. He was a member of the Madison Municipal City Band and the Madison Jazz Society. He was honored in 1990 as the Isthmus Jazz Personality of the Year, named in 2001 by Madison Magazine as one of the Legends of Madison, and given a lifetime achievement in 2014 by MAMA (the Madison Area Music Awards).  Doc extended his legacy as a music educator. Doc taught music and band at Monona Grove High School for 32 years. His mentorship continued beyond high school as he taught private lessons for students entering state and national competitions many years after he retired from the academic world. He inspired new generations to love and pursue music in their lives.  To continue to support new talent, in 1981 Doc worked with the Erle Smith family to establish the Erle Smith-Doc De Haven Music Clinic Scholarship Fund to support middle school and high school students attending this long-standing summer music camp at the UW-Madison, and to honor his dear friend and band mate, Erle Smith. In 2011, Doc and Lea established the 'Doc and Lea De Haven Music Excellence Award' at the UW-Madison School of Music, to support undergraduate music performance majors, with preference given to those studying trumpet and/or jazz.  The passion Doc had for music was matched only by the love and joy he shared with his family. Doc loved his wife and children, adored his grandchildren and cherished his great-grandchildren. He fostered, mentored and inspired his children, nephews and grandchildren to create bands of their own from The Third Generation to A Touch of Class. Daughter Kelly and son-in-law David (Cooper) developed successful careers in the music industry, and grandson John De Haven is pursuing his own music career. Doc eagerly gave his grandchildren and great-grandchildren piano lessons, and cheered on all of their interests and activities. Doc was the last one to go to bed and the first one to rise, waking his kids each morning with a song and demonstrating his "latest jig" (which annoyed them to no end). They also remember his favorite quote on their family trips across country in a station wagon - a few minutes into each destination stop; "OK, the bus is leaving" … Forever on the go, he would remind us that, "The Old Double D was the Coolest of the Cool." There was never a dull moment. Doc and Lea created a home filled with love, music, and mayhem.  Doc is survived by his wife; children, Brad (Julie), Kelly (David Cooper), Burt, Darcy (Rich Beld), Stacy (Rich Darrow), Nina (Jeff Gaby); grandchildren, Amber Ostrom, John De Haven, Spencer De Haven, Jacob De Haven, Kiley De Haven, Connor De Haven, Mattie De Haven, Skye Cooper, Austin Gaby, Zachary (Alyssa) Wallace, Justin Wallace, Rainey (Justin) Oliver, Bryan Wallace; great-grandchildren, Azure Shaw, Sienna Shaw, Jhett Jordan, Rylee Wallace, Madison Wallace, Missy Oliver; sisters, Joyce Pickarts and Ardith (John) Thomas; brother-in-law, Ken Wesenberg; sister-in-law, Joyce (Dale) Boness; Donna Lavick-Wesenberg; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen Craig Wallace from a previous marriage; brothers-in-law, Ray (Joyce) Pickarts and Gary (Jean) Smith; sisters-in-law Jean Smith, and Jan (Ken) Wesenberg; daughter-in-law, Norma De Haven; and nephews, Tony Wesenberg and Eric Thomas.  Visitation will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, Wis., from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, with a musical service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have your support of a donation to The Doc and Lea De Haven Music Excellence Award, through the UW Foundation, Fund No. 12617236; the Erle Smith-Doc De Haven Music Clinic Scholarship, Fund No. 1262798; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; or to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, Wis.

Doc De Haven's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn yearbook, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 13, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Obituary: Victoria "Vickie" (Prince) Rojo - Class of 1967

MADISON - Victoria "Vickie" (Prince) Rojo [age 67], loving mother of three, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Karmenta Nursing Home. She was born in Rice Lake, Wis., on Aug. 5, 1948, the daughter of Amy (Scherz) Shohet and Stacer Prince. She was a lifetime resident of Madison, a 1967 graduate of Madison Central High School and she attended Edgewood College. Vickie worked in nursing and health insurance throughout her life, retiring from WPS after 10 years. She was a selfless woman who shared her love of baking and cooking with those in need, offering a home cooked meal, a shoulder to cry on or a filled Christmas stocking. Always there for others, her children and grandchildren were her focus and she worked hard to support them. She will be sorely missed. Vickie is survived by her mother, Amy; her siblings, Robert (Lori) Prince, Lena Shohet and Zev (Neelika) Shohet; her daughters, Cecilia, Selina and Angelica Rojo; and seven grandchildren, Kiya, Dominic, Dezmen, Victoria, Jason, Christopher and Caden. She was preceded in death by her father, Stacer Prince; and brother, William Prince. Respects may be made during burial services at FOREST HILL CEMETERY, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 22, 2016.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 20, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Obituary: Edwin Hill, Jr. - Class of 1951

MADISON - Edwin Hill Jr. [age 82] passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at UW Hospital surrounded by his family. Born Jan 8, 1934, in Madison, he was the one and only son of Edwin and Charlyne (Daniels) Hill. Ed graduated from Central High School in 1951. For a short time, he ran a crane for a steel construction company. He started working at Anchor S & L in 1962. He became Vice President of Property Management and retired after 39 years. Ed was the second African-American to be a city alderman. He was a bus driver for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp for 27 years; member of the WPS Board of Directors for 37 years; Chairman of Dane Co. American Red Cross; served on Madison General Hospital Board of Directors; founding member of Group Health Cooperative; served on Dane County Coliseum Board; member of Capital City Lodge No. 2. He was a Badgers football, hockey and Packers fan. He enjoyed photography, playing Spider Solitaire and driving his red Corvette. He is survived by his wife Barbara; sons, Edwin III (Marchel) and James (Rhonda); daughters, Lisa (Jeffrey) Goldsby and Linda (Rich) Real; step-children, Kristi (Jay) Morgan, Kent (Lona) Sheeran and Kurtis (Lisa) Sheeran; grandchildren, Arianna (Terrial) Campbell, Amanda (fiancé Dwayne) and Jeffrey Goldsby; step-grandchildren, Brandi Sheeran, Taylor Morgan, Kaley Morgan, Tyler Sheeran, Emily Sheeran, Landon Sheeran, Kaiden Sheeran and Kaci Sheeran; great-grandchildren, Taryn, Alyse and Wesley Campbell, Jeffrey III and Noriah Goldsby; sisters, Beverley (Al), Colinthia, Freddie Mae, Evelyn (Joe), Bernetta (Johnny), Charlyne, Elaine and Diane (Tony); many nieces and nephews; and many friends and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents; two nieces and a nephew. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2016, at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, Wis. Visitation will be Sunday, June 5, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison, Wis. with a Masonic Celebration at 5:30 p.m. A special thanks to the staff at the UW Intensive Care Unit for their wonderful care of Ed. Also special thanks to the paramedics of Fire Station No. 7 for their efforts. Memorials can be made to National Kidney Foundation or American Diabetes Assn.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on Sunday, June 5, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). Photograph of Ed Hill courtesy of Mona Winston (Class of 1969).

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Obituary: Charline Bernadette Browning Stevens - Class of 1946

MADISON - Charline Bernadette Browning Stevens was in this life from Jan. 31, 1928, until April 27, 2016. Bernadette was born in Madison, the fifth and last surviving child of C. Bernard Browning and Patricia Bridget (Manion) Browning's seven children. Growing up on the edge of the Greenbush neighborhood, she was the quintessential "townie," even having graduated from Central High School, 1946. She was wont to find a way to figure out a Madison connection between herself and family and many of the people she met. This is a penchant she passed along to her children and grandchildren.

Bernadette was fond of saying she had had a good life. It also was punctuated with periods of great happiness, especially being a part of the daily life of many of her grandchildren to whom she was "Grams." She placed a high value on maintaining a sense of humor and not taking oneself too seriously.

Bernadette worked as a bartender, waitress, and for several state agencies. She retired nearly 25 years ago from the Wisc. Department of Veterans Affairs. She lived alone and independently until Jan., 2016, and, as if to have one last laugh, this feisty, strong-willed woman moved toward her final journey quietly.

Some of the rules for getting along with Bernadette were: always be courteous to the waitress, do not be a picky eater, back the car into the driveway, and vote Democrat.

Bernadette is survived by her children, Janet Stevens, Tom (Mimi) Stevens, Mike (Nancy) Stevens, Patty Stevens Blum, David Stevens (Wei Han), and Carol Stevens. Her daughter, Jean "Beanie" Stevens predeceased her in 1994. Also surviving her are 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; her former husband and his wife, Ray and Mary Stevens; and many nieces and nephews.

For many years Bernadette enjoyed hosting a gathering at her place on the Memorial Day weekend. Her family will celebrate her life in this traditional. Please join us on Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2545 Hoard St., Madison, Wis.

If you wish to make a memorial to Bernadette, please consider one of these organizations (which are special to a number of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren): Autumn Farm Sanctuary, P.O. Box 188, Cedarburg, WI 53012 or NESYB [North-East-Sherman Youth Basketball], P.O. Box 7751, Madison, WI 53707-7751.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 22, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Obituary: Patrick J. Corcoran - Class of 1966

MADISON - Patrick J. Corcoran, age 68, of Friendship, Wis., surrounded by family passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Wm. S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison. Patrick was born Dec. 7, 1947, in Madison, to Richard and Hannah Corcoran. He married Gloria J. McVay-Crapp on May 21, 1999, in Arkdale, Wis. Patrick graduated from Central High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Navy on Aug. 17, 1966, serving two terms in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1972. Patrick enjoyed spending time with his family and watching and interacting with his grandchildren's, and nieces & nephews sporting events. He loved coaching youth football in the Madison and Mauston areas. He also enjoyed volunteering his time helping his fellow veterans. Patrick was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Patrick is survived by his wife, Gloria Corcoran of Friendship; son, Kevin Corcoran of Necedah, son, Robert Corcoran of Sun Prairie, daughter, Rebecca Corcoran of Pardeeville, and son, Richard (Jody) Corcoran of Conroe, Texas; stepdaughter, Robin (Chris) Lindner of Dodgeville, stepson, Steven (Crystal) Crapp of Belmont, stepson, Jon Crapp of Friendship; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Tim (Jeri) Corcoran of Madison; brother, Mike (Sue) Corcoran of Madison; sister, Jeanne (Rick) Klongland of Sun Prairie. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Hannah Corcoran. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the ARKDALE TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH in Arkdale. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be 12 noon until the time service on Saturday at ARKDALE TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH. A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716 on May, 25, 2016, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Patrick's family would like to especially thank Dr. Adams and the staff at the Wm S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison for all of their wonderful care. Roseberry's Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 10, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Obituary: Susan J. Prouty - Class of 1967

ALBUQUERQUE / MADISON [Wisconsin] - Suli (Susan) J. Prouty, age 66, daughter of Dr. Lawrence Richard and Margaret (Martin) Prouty, sister of Rick, Mark and Doug (deceased), aunt of Lee and Tim, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016, in Albuquerque, N.M. She grew up in Madison but spent many years in Albuquerque. Services will be held at St. Michaels Episcopal Church, Albuquerque.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 10, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)