Sunday, August 30, 2009

Obituary: Donald K. Johnson

MADISON - Donald K. Johnson, age 77 of Madison, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 at Meriter Hospital. He was born on July 27, 1932 in Madison, the son of Charles and Lillian Schleger. He married Lorraine Kittilson on March 12, 1960 in Sparta at Trinity Lutheran Church. Donald graduated from Central High School. After graduation, he worked for Benike and Culver Auto Parts and was then drafted into the military to serve in the Korean War. Donald was very proud to have served in the U.S. Army during the war. After the war, Donald continued his work at Benike and Culver, retiring in 1977. Donald coached all of his children, and many neighborhood children, in T-ball and baseball. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 7591 and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lorraine; five sons, David (Julie), Daniel (Jackie), Rick, Tom, and Steve; eight grandchildren, Stacy (Tim), Matt (Alice), Joe, Nathan, Casey, Nick, Justin, and Ashlyn; daughter-in-law, Kelly Johnson He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009 and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter, 802 Broadway No. 206, Monona, WI 53713. "He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sadly missed." Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 30, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Obituary: Patricia E. McGlynn - Class of 1968

SUN PRAIRIE - Patricia E. McGlynn, age 59, of Sun Prairie, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at St. Mary's Emergency Center in Sun Prairie. She was born on Feb. 10, 1950, in Colorado Springs, Colo., the daughter of John and Alice (Blanchar) McGlynn. Patricia attended school at Madison Central High School and later graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a clerk typist degree. She then worked for Madison Telco Credit Union. Patricia retired from GTE/ Verizon in May 2008. She taught Sunday school at Bethel Lutheran Church and when she was younger, was a "little angel" in the church choir. Patricia enjoyed get-togethers with her family, especially with her nieces and nephews. She was an avid Badgers hockey and football fan, and would follow the Badgers to their away games. Patricia was known as "Little Badger." She also was a Big Brother and Big Sister. Patricia is survived by her mother, Alice Hanson of Madison; half-brother, Gary Smith of Arizona; sisters, Margaret Turner of Nevada and Karen (Patrick) Lambert of Madison; brothers, Alan (Deedee) Hanson and Kevin Hanson, both of Madison; nephews, John and Jacob Hanson and Michael Lambert; and a niece, Amanda Wagner. She leaves behind many relatives, friends and co-workers. Patricia was preceded in death by her stepfather, Odin Hanson; a niece, Jordan Alice Hanson; and grandparents, Leila and Roy Blanchar. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, with the Rev. John Swanson presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be held at Windsor Cemetery at a later date. A special thanks to the Sun Prairie EMTs and the staff at St. Mary's Emergency Center. Also, a special thanks to Linnae Pope, for being there with Patricia during her final moments. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 29, 2009

Patricia E. McGlynn's class year is based on information provided by Michael Vahldieck (Class 0f 1968)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Obituary: Fredrick R. Kiefer - Class of 1950

DEFOREST - Fredrick R. Kiefer, age 77, died early Saturday morning, Aug. 22, 2009. He was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Madison, to Clyde and Rayma Kiefer. He graduated in 1950 from Central High School where he participated in football and wrestling. He subsequently served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fred retired in 1986 after 26 years with the Dane County Sheriff's Department, he was promoted to Sgt. in 1969, in 1972 he achieved the rank of Captain. He was always a hard worker and a sharp law enforcement officer who was highly respected by all who knew him. His passions included hunting, fishing, gardening and he was an avid sports fan. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Phyllis Jean Kiefer; his children, Kathy Jo (George) Naxera and Fredrick Clyde (Cheryl) Kiefer; stepson, Carl Richard Kern; grandchildren, Brandilin, Michael, Rachel, Sarah, Fredrick Robert, and Anthony; five great-grandchildren; brother, Miles; and sister, June Buol. He was preceded in death by Shirley Loughlin, whom he married in 1955; and by his parents, Clyde and Rayma. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at NORWAY GROVE MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CURCH, 820 River Road, DeForest, with the Rev. Kathryn Ulrich officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Norway Grove Church or a charity of your choice.Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services Windsor/DeForest Chapel 6924 Lake Road (608) 846-4250

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 24, 2009.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Obituary: Josephine A. Cerro

MADISON - Josephine A. Cerro, age 86, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2009. Jo was born in Madison on May 7, 1923 the daughter of Callisto (Joseph) and Domenica Cerro. Jo graduated from Central High School. She worked at the UW - Madison Registrar's office for 39 years until her retirement in 1986. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Nicolina Dobson and Anne Gaitan; and two brothers, Frank and Sam. She is survived by her beloved niece and caregiver, Pat Gaitan; her brother, John (Pauline) Cerro; sister-in-law, Alice Cerro; her two part-time caregivers, niece, Nancy Bills and great-niece, Tina Redders; and many other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Alice Waetli, her long time caregiver and companion, for her wonderful care as well as the staff at the Middleton Village Nursing Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Monsignor Dan Ganshert officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Multicultural Center in Madison, c/o Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Jo was a very special aunt and will be missed greatly. "Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow Me, and I will give you rest."
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

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

Friday, August 07, 2009

Obituary" Delores "Dodo" (McCann) Vigdal - Class of 1954

MADISON - Delores "Dodo" Vigdal passed away on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospital, after a courageous fight with breast cancer. She was born on March 5, 1936, in Madison, the daughter of Leo and Dorathea (Schuler) McCann. Dodo graduated from Madison Central High School in 1954. She worked for Don Miller Auto in Madison, retiring in 2008. Dodo loved watching tennis, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her great-nephew, who gave her the greatest joy. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Vigdal (Ann Loyd); a sister, Rosemary (Gene) Leonhardt; brothers, Gordon McCann, Pat McCann, Bob (Donna) McCann, Michael (Charlene) McCann, and Terrance (Donna) McCann; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dodo was preceded in death by her parents; beloved friend, Gary Fitzgerald; a sister, Donna Crawford; and brothers, Sydney, Leo, Ronald and Jack McCann. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, with the Rev. Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Christian Children's Fund or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. A special thank you to her niece, Tracy Steenis, for the care she gave Delores. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 7, 2009

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Obituary: Terry L. MIller

MADISON - Terry L. Miller, age 64, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2009, at his home. Terry was born Oct. 27, 1944, in Madison, the son of John and Viola (Pleus) Miller. He graduated from Madison Central High School and worked at Stainless Tank and Equipment of Madison as a welder for many years. In 1968 he married the former Teresa Sweatmore in Madison. Terry is survived by his son, James (Kristina) Miller of Wisconsin Rapids; two granddaughters, Lauren and Lindsey Miller of Wisconsin Rapids; two sisters, Shirley (Ron) Thompson of Madison, and Nancy Wood of Greenville, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two brothers, John and Timothy; and three sisters, Marie Pierce, Phyllis Bergeman and Jerri Campbell. Funeral services will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, Madison, on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be held at the ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, Madison, on Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 6, 2009