Saturday, May 24, 2008

Obituary: Victor Moyer - Class of 1953

FORT ATKINSON - Victor Moyer, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, Wis. died May 21, 2008, at the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. Victor was born in Sauderville, Pa. on June 18, 1935, the son of William and Ethel (Oen) Moyer. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953 and from the University of Wisconsin - Madison Law School in 1969. Victor served his country in the U. S. Army from 1955 until 1956 in Alaska. Victor resided in Evansville, Wis. from 1969 until 1981. He served as the assistant district attorney for Rock County as well as owning a bar in Evansville. From 1984 until 1997, Victor served as corporate counsel for Jefferson County. Following his retirement, Victor enjoyed traveling, having visited 49 of the 50 states. He loved cars and racing. Victor belonged to the "Froggers" and enjoyed the fellowship at the Legion Dugout. Surviving are daughter, Lori Donnelly of Janesville; daughter, Jennifer Moyer of Janesville; four grandchildren; and a brother, Owen (Jan) Moyer of Eau Claire. Victor was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Paul Moyer. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the NITARDY FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, Fort Atkinson with the Rev. Bill Beyer officiating. Military Rites will follow the services. Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at NITARDY FUNERAL HOME, Fort Atkinson until the services.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 24, 2008

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Obituary: Joanne K. "Pinky" (Westbury) Crawmer - Class of 1949

MADISON - Joanne K. "Pinky" Crawmer, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, with her loving husband Bud at her side. Joanne was born Nov. 21, 1930, the daughter of John and Alice (Lobre) Westbury in Madison. She was a graduate of Central High School and excelled in softball. "Pinky" was a semi-pro softball player, and had the chance to move and join an advanced league, but chose to stay in Madison. Joanne was united in marriage to Lorin "Bud" Crawmer in Madison on June 20, 1953, and they shared nearly 55 years together. "Pinky" loved music, especially country music, and loved to sing and dance. She was employed as an account specialist with the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation for over 25 years until her retirement in 1986, and was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church. Joanne "Pinky" is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, "Bud"; her devoted sister, Jacqueline "Dolly" Mathews of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Donna Epler and Patricia Triplett. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank the staff of HospiceCare, especially Karen, for their loving and compassionate care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsni State Journal on May 18, 2008

Note: Joanne Westbury's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where here photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Sharon C. (Buchanan) Ponselle

MADISON - Sharon C. Ponsolle, age 68, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center. She was born on Oct. 31, 1939, in Madison, the daughter of Lyman and Clare (O'Neill) Buchanan. Sharon graduated from Madison Central High School and Madison Area Technical College, nursing program. She married John Ponsolle in Madison. Sharon was a licensed practical nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison and at Paoli Memorial Hospital, while residing in Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, John; three sons, Dominic of Phoenixville, Pa., Chris of Madison, and Phillip (Heather) of Lewistown, Pa.; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Cody; siblings, Joan Workman, Gail (Charlie) Zwergel, and James (Rosemary) Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Linda Burns. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 19, 2008

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Obituary: Ralph J. Stothard - Class of 1940

MIDDLETON - Ralph J. Stothard, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born on Dec. 17, 1922, to Raymond and Florence (Bolzt) Stothard. The family moved to Madison in 1930. Ralph graduated from Madison Central High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 until his honorable discharge in 1945. Ralph served on the U.S.S. Wyoming in the Atlantic, Convoy Control Unit in the Caribbean, and on the U.S.S. Cyrene, a P. T. Tender, in the Pacific. He and Ouanita Chitwood were united in marriage at St. John's Church in Muscoda, on Jan. 4, 1947. Ralph was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad as an agent/telegrapher for 15 years, followed by employment with Ohio Medical/Ohmeda for 24 years in the Finishing and Production Control departments until his retirement in 1988. He was also employed by Kraemer Air Filter Corp. for 18 years. Ralph was a devoted husband and father, and enjoyed reading, music, marquetry, cooking, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Ouanita; daughters, Randy Stothard-Kampen of Madison and Jo Stothard of Waunakee; son-in-law, Michael O'Driscoll; and grandson, Rory O'Driscoll, also of Waunakee. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. In keeping with Ralph's wishes, no services will be held. Contributions may be made to HospiceCare Inc., in memory of Ralph J. Stothard. The family is thankful to the HospiceCare staff for their kindness and help. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 15, 2008

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Obituary: James "Jim" Schmitz - Class of 1965

MONONA/ MADISON - James "Jim" Schmitz, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. He was born on Oct. 10, 1946, in Madison, the son of Hubert and Gertrude (Hauser) Schmitz. Jim attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was abroad the USS Randolph. On Oct. 30, 1982, Jim married Mary A. Munson at St. Patrick's Church in Madison. Jim had several hobbies including playing cards and dice, dancing, hunting, fishing and having a good time with friends and family. He especially loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed being with them. Jim is survived by his sisters, Carol Connery of Blue Mounds, Sister Mary Schmitz of Madison, Jean Norman of Peoria, Ariz. and Betty (Marvin) Meyers of McFarland; sister-in-law, Alice Schmitz of Waunakee; 14 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; brother, Robert; and brother-in-laws, Maurice Connery and Thomas Norman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, 11 a.m., at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 413 Dempsey Road, Madison. Father Roger Nilles will officiate the mass. A visitation will be on Sunday, May 11, 2008, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Dennis Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2008

Obituary: Theodore Veloff

MADISON - Theodore Veloff, age 96, died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. Ted was born on Feb. 23, 1912, in Bitola, Yugoslavia. Ted graduated from Madison Central High School and worked for the City of Madison for nearly 40 years until his retirement from the city traffic engineering department. He enjoyed casino hopping, reading and dancing, and in fact met his first wife, Arlene, at a dance at the old Eagles Club, and his second wife, Matilda, at a dance at the new Eagles Club. He met his present lady friend, Fran Borquist, at a senior center dance. Ted has six children, Dick (Nancy), Don (Shirley), Pat, Ray (Judy), Jim (Jan) and Carol (Jerry) Crary; three stepchildren, Donna (Bob) Wipperfurth, Arlene McNall and Duane (Lucy) Strassman. He also has 10 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 18 step great-grandchildren; one step great great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Ila Wermuth and Janice (Eddie) Niebuhr; and one cousin, Leona Kinder. He was preceded in death by each of his wives. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the funeral home and again on Thursday one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Ted's name to Home Health United, 4601 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711; or the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank Dick, Nancy, and Stuart for sharing their home with Todo for the past 17 years. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2008

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Obituary: Annabelle (Peck) Clements

MADISON - Our beloved mother, Annabelle Clements (Peck) of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. She was born on Sept. 25, 1916, in Madison. She graduated from Central High School and was a lifelong resident. She was united in marriage on April 29, 1936, to Thomas C. Clements. Annabelle was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. In addition to raising her children, Annabelle was employed with the Dept. of Transportation and Rural Insurance Company. Annabelle had many friends and everyone said how sweet she was and what a beautiful smile she had. Annabelle is survived by her five children, Thomas J. Clements (Lynn) of Rogers, Ark., Bonnie Livesey (John) of Madison, Sue Krueger (Gordon) of Madison, Nancy Clements (Kris) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Dan Clements (Susie) of Middleton; nine grandchildren, Rob and Jon Clements, Debbie Perry, John, Jim and Jeff Livesey, Michelle Hutton, Katie and Nick Clements; 16 great-grandchildren, Robbie, Crystal, Tiffany, Tresa, Morgan, Travis, Jake, Sydney, Tony, Erika, Kyle, Austen, Ashlin, Abbey, Gavin and Madeline; and eight great-great-grandchildren, Trey, Baylee, Katie, Devon, Niah, Riley, Haley and Hunter. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Hughes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Albert Peck; her husband, Thomas Clements; three sisters, Violet, Elizabeth and Eleanor; and a brother, Henry. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison. We want to thank the staff of Waunakee Manor for all of their support over the past five years. In addition, thanks and appreciation to St. Mary's Hospital and HospiceCare for all of their loving and compassionate care.Mom, we all love you, and your memory will remain in our hearts forever. Your devoted daughter, Sue, will be lost without you. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 1, 2008