Monday, February 16, 2009

Obituary: Kenneth Lloyd Mickelson

POYNETTE - Kenneth Lloyd Mickelson departed this life surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at the age of 74. After graduating from Central High School, Madison, he served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Professionally, Ken was a carpenter and worked for Sullivan Brothers and Capitol Ceilings. Ken loved the great outdoors and was a lifelong gun and bow hunter. He trained many Springer Spaniels to hunt pheasants, and in later years enjoyed the close companionship of his rat terrier, Buddy. He was a faithful Packer-Backer all his life. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage; his family was one of the first Mickelson settlers in Vermont, Wis. Ken was a friend to everyone, always ready for a good joke or a gentle ribbing. He was always willing to help friends and family; he was someone all could count on. He celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary to his beloved wife, Beverly, in May, 2008, with his immediate family at his favorite supper club. Ken was preceded in death by Beverly on June 16, 2008; parents, Adolph and Florence (Zatocil); and siblings Donald, Lyle, Virginia, Lola, Robert and Betty Ann. He is survived by daughter, Georgia (Robert) Beaverson; son, Donald (Patti); son, Douglas (Toni); son, David; son, Daniel (Sheila); sisters, June Murphy, Meredith Skolaski and Ardith Kuska; and brother, Richard. Ken was the best grandfather any child could ask for, fun-loving, thoughtful and affectionate. He took joy in his eight grandchildren, Michael, Laura, Megan Natalie, Paige, Mitchell, Dayne and Drew. In their hearts "Grandpa Ken" will always have a safe and loving place. His children and their spouses will sorely miss their dad; he was a wonderful man and father. The entire family gratefully acknowledges the kind care and respect shown Ken by the staff of the Meriter oncology wing and HospiceCare. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ken's life on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2008, at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. for a Memorial Service. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 16, 2009

Friday, February 13, 2009

Obituary: Patricia Ann "Patty" (Adams) Klein - Class of 1953

MADISON - Patricia Ann "Patty" Klein, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, surrounded by family. She was born on Nov. 10, 1935, in Baraboo, to Victoria and Clarence Adams. Patty grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953. Patty married Roger Klein on June 25, 1955 and they celebrated 53 years together. They had three children. Patty loved to cook, bake, and shop all day on Saturdays. She also enjoyed garage saling with sister-in-law, Helen. Her homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be missed and according to her grandchildren, the best sugar cookies ever! Patty loved being with family at holiday time or just to sit and visit with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Roger; three children, Terri Klein, Dan Klein, and Gary (Valerie) Klein, all of Madison; three grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie and Jesse Klein, all the apple of Grandma's eye; a sister, Betty Retallick of Cassville; and brother, Jim (Toni) Adams of Mount Horeb. Patty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Dick Adams; and sister, Nancy Ward. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank HospiceCare and Dr. David Hei for making Patty more comfortable in the past few weeks. Patty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 13, 2009

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Obituary: Opal Marie (Smith) Ihlenfeldt

OREGON/ MCALLEN, TEXAS- Opal Marie Ihlenfeldt died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at the age of 92. She was born in Beloit, on Dec. 12, 1916, to Iva Morton Smith and James Nelson Smith. Opal resided in Madison for 21 years, attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Professor Stanley W. Ihlenfeldt on June 23, 1941, and had three children. After Opal's marriage, she lived in Two Rivers, Neillsville and Elkhorn. W.T. Grant's and Harry S. Manchester Department Store employed her, and she later was an administrative secretary for the Elkhorn Public School System. Upon retiring, Opal and her husband moved to McAllen, Texas, and spent summers in Hatfield and Oregon, Wis. She was active with the Oregon Senior Center, and enjoyed making quilts for RSVP of Dane County, reading, and baking "her special recipe" of chocolate chip cookies for family and friends. Opal is survived by her children, Lee R. (Mary) Ihlenfeldt and Richard S. (Sandee) Ihlenfeldt; five grandchildren, Heather Ihlenfeldt, Jenn (Chad) Wachtl, Curtis (Katie) Ihlenfeldt, Mark (Becky) Ihlenfeldt and Doug (Pam) Ihlenfeldt; a great-granddaughter, Samantha Ihlenfeldt, and two great-grandchildren on the way; and a brother, Paul Morton Smith of Madison. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a daughter, Ruth Marie Ihlenfeldt; sister, Gladys O'Donnell Ekdahl; and brother, Milton Elmer Smith. Private services were held at Gunderson Stoughton Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Trusted Hands at Stoughton Hospital, and friends and neighbors for the excellent caregiving which allowed her to stay in her home for many years. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to the staff of Nazareth House in Stoughton for the wonderful personal care she received while residing there.Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Centers Highway 51 N. at Jackson St. (608) 873-4590

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 11, 2009

Monday, February 09, 2009

Obituary: William F. "Bill" Gaukel

MADISON - William F. "Bill" Gaukel, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, with his family by his side. Bill was born on Aug. 31, 1917, in Madison, the son of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. He attended and graduated from Central High School. Bill worked for Bennett Drapery for many years. He then became the service manager of Goben Car Dealership and worked there until his retirement in 1983. He was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Bill was both a talented artist and handyman. Bill is survived by his sister, Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork; seven great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel, Lindsay and Sierra Davenport and Jordan Mork and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and two sisters, Marian Davenport and Dorothy Gaukel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson Street, Madison. Msgr. Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Chapel in Madison. Bill will be dearly missed as he was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608)249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 9, 2009

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Obituary: Jack E. Sorenson

MINOCQUA - Jack E. Sorensen, age 74, of Minocqua, died at his home on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. Jack worked in advertising sales at Madison Newspapers and was a graduate of Madison Central High School. He is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Knute "Rick" (Becky) Sorensen of Oregon, Wis.; two grandchildren, Dane and Brooke; and a sister, Gerry Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Vickie. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at 1 p.m. at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Minocqua, with a gathering for the public starting at noon in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua. Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services in Minocqua and Woodruff is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 3, 2009