Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Obituary: Nichola "Nikki" (Masino) Johnson - Class of 1968

MADISON - Nichola "Nikki" Johnson, age 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. Nikki was born on Aug. 28, 1950, in Madison, to parents Joseph and Vi Masino. She graduated from Central High School in 1968. On July 26, 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Dave Johnson. Nikki worked at the University Hospital and loved gardening, sewing and quilt making. She is survived by her husband, Dave Johnson of Madison; children, Renee (Rick) Hart of Janesville, Chris Johnson of Edgerton, Brian Johnson of Wonewoc and Lora Johnson of Sun Prairie; nine grandchildren; parents, Joseph and Vi Masino; sisters, Mary (Bill) Becker of Golden, Colo., Gina (Mike Halvorsen) Masino of Madison and Leslie Vanko of Middleton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the HospiceCare Foundation Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. A special thanks to the entire staff at HospiceCare, especially Tommye, for their love and care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Monday, November 26, 2007

Obituary: Raymond K. Zach - Class of 1954

MADISON - Raymond K. Zach, age 71, died unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 23, 2007. He was born in Madison on Oct.16, 1936, the son of Vincent and Olive Zach. Ray graduated from Madison Central High School in 1954, and apprenticed as a steamfitter in 1955. He was a proud 50 year member of the UA and a very active member of Steamfitters Local 394/60l. Ray served Local 394 as president, recording secretary, executive board member and was an apprentice instructor for more than 20 years. Ray was employed by Johnson Controls for 49 years, retiring in February 2005. In April 1958, Ray married Susan Bump of Madison. Together they raised four children, Peter (wife Linda) of Middleton, Cynthia (husband Jim Parsons) of Laguna Hills, Calif., Jill (husband Jeff Cossu) of Euless, Texas, and Amy (husband Todd Williams) of Bellvue, Colo. Ray and Sue are also the proud grandparents of Nathan, Amanda, Michelle and Nicole Zach, Michael and Amy Parsons, and Danielle and Allison Cossu. Ray is survived by his two brothers, James Zach and Richard Zach, their wives; and many nieces and nephews. An avid Packer and Badger fan, Ray loved sports of all types and for many years officiated WIAA High School Football. For more than 15 years, he patiently supported his three daughters in their equine endeavors, hauling them to horse shows around the state nearly every summer weekend. In later years, he was a very proud spectator at his grandchildren's athletic events. Since his early years, Ray loved cars, especially muscle cars, and shared this enthusiasm with his son, Pete and grandson, Nathan. He found great pleasure spending time in his garden, feeding birds, taking walks, and just putzing around his home. He will be deeply missed but forever loved by his family and close friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton. Msgr. Douglas Dushack will officiate. Friends may offer their condolences at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 26, 2007

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Obituary: Irene B. (Hefty) Wheeler

OREGON - Irene B. Wheeler, age 96, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007. She was born on June 3, 1911, in New Glarus. Irene graduated from Madison Central High School. She and her husband, Earl Wheeler moved to Oregon in 1941, where she resided until the last few years. Irene currently lived at Attic Angels Place in Middleton. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Oregon and served as an elder of the church and past president of the Ladies Guild. Irene served the village of Oregon for many years as an elections clerk. She was a member of Oregon Chapter 49, Order of Eastern Star, serving both as matron and trustee. Irene was also a member of Town and Country Women's Club, Oregon Historical Society, Friends of the Library, Stoughton Country Club, as well as several bridge and 500 clubs. She loved to travel and also enjoyed an occasional casino trip. Most of all, Irene loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, Lori, Janna, Julie, Marcus, Jason and Melissa; and great-grandchildren, Megan, John, Erin, Leslie, Cody, Marley, Brooke, MacKenzie, Olivia, Maxwell, Emily and Soslan. She was very proud of all their accomplishments and had fond memories of their joyful times together. Irene will be deeply missed by her son, Donn of Stoughton; daughter, Barbara (James) Hamilton of Westfield; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; brother, Willard Hefty; daughter-in-law, Virginia Wheeler; and great-grandson, Jamie Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 172 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, with the Rev. Clara Thompson presiding. Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., with an Order of Easter Star service at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. Memorials may be made in Irene's name to First Presbyterian Church-Oregon Building Fund. Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608)

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 22, 2007

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Obituary: Charles L. "Chuck" Thompson - Class of 1951

MCFARLAND - Charles L. "Chuck" Thompson, age 75, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, at Serenity House, DeForest, after a 14 year battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on Nov. 16, 1932, in Madison, the son of Luther and Josephine (Caruso) Thompson. Chuck grew up in "The Bush". His love in life centered around his family and the sport of gymnastics. Chuck went to Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he competed in gymnastics. He served in the U.S. Army. Chuck enjoyed his profession as an iron worker for 50 years and during that time he served as president of Iron Workers Local 383 for 22 years. He was a member of Madison Turners, participated in volleyball and gymnastics, and helped to teach many young people the value of the sports he loved. He and his wife, Ruth enjoyed traveling, gardening and had many good friends. Chuck is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ruth; four children, Charles Thompson, Mark Thompson, Cathy Thompson and Amie Thompson; seven grandchildren, Alex and Nicholas Thompson, Chrissianna, Wilbert and Lieisha Davis and Brett and Scott Kelley; and sisters, Joanne Brandel and Patty McGuire. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jim Thompson. A Memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at 4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m until the time of the service on Saturday. Chuck will be missed greatly by his family and many of his friends. Thank you for being a part of his life. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 21, 2007

Note: Charles Thompson's class year is based on information in the 1951 Tychoberahn, which includes his senior photograph.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Obituary: Fred "Fritz" Hinkel - Class of 1945

MADISON - Fred "Fritz" Hinkel, age 80, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at HospiceCare, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 26, 1927, the son of Karl and Louise (Doktor) Hinkel. Fritz graduated from Central High School in 1945. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Fritz was united in marriage to Margaret Schindler on Aug. 28, 1948. They raised their family in a Norman Rockwell setting. He was involved in his children's lives, becoming a scout leader, a baseball coach and helping with school projects. Fritz liked bowling and was known as "the Machine". Fritz spent his career as a salesman in the auto parts industry. As a navy veteran he frequently visited Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post No. 7591, which was also his favorite watering hole. Fritz was an avid outdoorsman often donning orange during the hunting season but was more familiar with the shores of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, where he was frequently seen hauling in more fish than any of the others. He enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and flowers. Fritz referred to his garden as "Olbrich Gardens II.". He was the life of the party, who enjoyed hearing or telling a good joke and was a self-proclaimed "dirty old man". For relaxation, Fritz enjoyed completing daily crossword puzzles, listening to opera and classical music, and watching the Packers, punctuating each touchdown with a "yaba-daba-doo". Fritz is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Margaret of Madison; five children, Diane (Ken) Kleinheinz of Monona, Jim (Linda) Hinkel of Austin, Texas, Dave (Terry) Hinkel of Poynette, Richard (Jean) Hinkel of Madison and Fred (Karyn) Hinkel of Watertown; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Vernon (Jeanette) Hinkel of Gatlinburg, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Werner. A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding and military rites conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post No. 7591. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of William S. Middleton VA Hospital who cared for Fred through several illnesses over the years, especially the S.I.C.U. and Palliative care unit with his latest illness and to HospiceCare, Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 19, 2007

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Obituary: Grace M. (Bonanno) Boland - Class of 1936

DEERFIELD - Our beloved mother, Grace M. Boland, age 90, joined our Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. She was born on Oct. 16, 1917, in Madison, the daughter of Antonio and Antonina Bonanno. She married George E. Boland on Nov. 30, 1948, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Madison. Grace graduated at Central High School in 1936, and continued her education for many years at MATC taking business courses. Grace had an exciting and satisfying career. She began her career at Red Dot Foods in the production department. In 1942, the government was conducting an experiment to train women to be Federal civil service aircraft mechanics. Passing the FBI background check, she was trained and worked as an aircraft mechanic at Truax Field until the war ended in 1945. She then took a position at Rayovac but had to leave to care for her sister Ann in California. Returning to Madison, she married, and once all of her children were in school full-time, she rejoined the work force at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in the dietary department. Later, she obtained a position with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, registration department, where she worked for 22 years, retiring in 1983. Grace was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph Church. She enjoyed serving on the Religious Education Committee and the Women's Auxiliary Committee. Grace was very proud of her Italian heritage and she became a member of the Italian American Women's Club in 1942. She took great pleasure in being an active member, attending the meetings and participating in club activities. Most of all, Grace loved her family. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and they brought her great joy. She was a wonderful teacher of life's lessons and those values are embedded in every generation. She is survived by her children, Thomas of Brooklyn, Judith (Mike) Way of Deerfield and Sandra (John) Hunter of Madison; grandchildren, Travis Hunter (Tia Marshall) of Middleton and Andrea Hunter of Madison; three step-grandchildren, Vicki (Garett) Kipp of Madison, Randy Way of Oregon and Rick (Anne) Way of Evansville; three step-great-grandchildren, Tighearnan Way of Evansville, Griffin Kipp of Madison and Logan Marshall of Middleton; a brother, Tony (Tena) Bonano of Monona; a sister, Sophie (John) Healy of Madison; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Her parents; her loving husband, George; her devoted daughter, Suzanne; her sisters, Mary and Ann; and her bother Sam, preceded Grace in death. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter officiating. Friends may call on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., rosary to follow at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A special thank you to the loving and caring staff and volunteers at the Hospice In-Home Care Unit. Words cannot express the difference each of you made in our mother's life! To Heather and Juanita, your devotion in providing quality care in a loving manner is so appreciated. To Dr. Albert Musa, thank you for the years of care, support and for the twinkle you could put in Mom's eyes. You treated her with the care of kindness of the heart in addition, to the care of medical knowledge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 18, 2007

Obituary: Charles E. Lee

BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA - Charles E. Lee, age 72, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, at Hope Hospice, after battling cancer. Charles was born in Madison, on Feb. 13, 1935, at St. Mary's Hospital to Charles E. and Mary Ann (nee Hanson) Lee. He attended Madison Central High School. He then enlisted in the U. S. Navy for four years. He attended the University of Wisconsin. Charles worked construction and retired from The News Press of Fort Myers Florida. He is survived by a brother, Robert (Betty) Lee; niece, Debbie Lee, Sandy (Roger) Kaiser of California; nephews, Donovan (Peggy) Olday and William Olday. He was preceded in death by his parents; half-brothers, Otto Anderson and Art Anderson; and a sister, Delia Robinson. The will be no visitation. Funeral arrangements were made by Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz, 1600 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 18, 2007

Monday, November 12, 2007

Obituary: Galdys Jean (Baumgartner) Stanley - Class of 1928

MADISON/NEW GLARUS - Gladys Jeanne Stanley, age 97, of Madison passed away on Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at Four Winds Manor in Verona. She was born on Oct. 6, 1910, to her parents Matheus and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner in New Glarus. Gladys attended grade school in New Glarus before graduating from Madison Central High School in 1928. On February 28, 1930, she married Emerson Drew Stanley in Waukegan, Illinois of the Stanley Pharmacy in Madison. Gladys had retired as a clerk typist from the Wisconsin Department of Justice in 1976. She had previously worked for the Bell Telephone Company of Madison. After retirement she worked as an LTE for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Gladys volunteered with many groups in the Village of Shorewood Hills. She was a Cub Scout den mother and worked with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Gladys also assisted with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp. She was charter member of the Shorewood Hills Book Club and the Shorewood Hills Garden Club. Gladys enjoyed classical music and helped with many musical and performing arts productions. She was a member of the Lutheran Memorial Church of Madison. She is survived by her children, Dorothy Rae Eberhard of Denver, Colo. and James Richard (Sandy) Stanley of Madison; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Anne Behrnd of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, John Emerson Stanley in 1969; a grandson, Lee Robert Stanley in 1991; six brothers; and six sisters. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at 9 a.m. at the SWISS CHURCH CEMETERY, 700 Sixth Ave., New Glarus with the Reverend Tom Nielsen officiating. The family suggests memorials to Olbrich Gardens, Madison, HospiceCare, Inc., or the donor's choice. The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 12, 2007

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Obituary: Carol L. (Schroeder) Selstad - Class of 1944

MADISON - Carol L. Selstad, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at Karmenta Care Center. She was born on April 14, 1927, in Madison, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Schwenn) Schroeder. Carol graduated from Central High School in 1944 and UW-Madison in 1948, with a degree in history. She married Clarence Selstad at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on Sept. 6, 1952. Carol was employed by Selective Service and in her later years by Pirkle Freight Lines. For many years, she was a partner with her husband, Clarence, in his business, Monona Motors. Carol did volunteer work for the Madison Literary Council and enjoyed bowling, golf, bridge, travel and being with her family in her spare time. She is survived by her husband, Clarence; her three sons, Craig (Kathy) of Snellville, Ga., Mark of Pewaukee and Peter (Deborah) of Colgate; and three grandchildren, Christopher and Courtney of Snellville, Ga. and Amy of Colgate. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Eugene. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, with the Rev. Brad Homan presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Karmenta Activities Fund or a charity of your choice in Carol's name. The family wishes to thank Dr. Al Musa and the staff of Karmenta Care Center. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420