Obituary: Edsel F. Kingsley - Class of 1938

VERONA - Edsel F. Kingsley, age 85, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2006, at his home with his wife by his side. He was born in Wonewoc, on June 15, 1920, the son of Grover and Lucy (Naglus) Kingsley. Ed graduated from Madison Central High School and attended UW-Madison. He served four years in the U.S. Air Corps from May 1941 until October 1945, flying 50 combat missions in the South West Pacific as a Jolly Roger Bombardier. After the war, Ed served 30 years with the Madison Fire Department, retiring as Fire Captain in April 1976. On July 16, 1977, he married Eleanor Grant Dekker. Ed loved fishing, playing bridge, and spectator sports. He was an avid Yankee fan. He enjoyed many fishing trips with his fireman buddies, and with his wife. Everyone loved Ed for his sense of humor. Ed is survived by his wife, Eleanor "Sissy" "E.G."; three step sons, Grant (Linda) Dekker of Virginia, Richard Dekker of Green Bay and Paul Dekker of Lodi; six grandchildren, Kaia, Susan, Derek, Kimberly, Jennifer and Paul; extended family, James Taylor, Jerry Taylor and Trudy (Tom) Armstrong, and their families; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Maisel Thorne, Paula Niemer and Edna Kingsley; brother, Norman Kingsley; step son, Garry Dekker; and Tommy Taylor. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with the Rev. Jerry Amstatz officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or to a charity of donors choice. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 31, 2006

Note: Edsel Kingsley's class year is based on information in the 1938 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is listed among the June graduates.