Thursday, October 27, 2011

Obituary: Mark H. LaFlash

MADISON - Mark H. LaFlash, age 60, died of heart failure on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at University Hospital in Madison.

He was born Jan. 9, 1951, the son of Walter Jr. and Bernice (Birrenkott) LaFlash in Madison. Mark attended Central High School, and graduated from West High School. He loved and was very dedicated to his family, his friends, and his job at Meriter Hospital where he was employed in Environmental Services for more than 30 years. Mark was a true survivor overcoming cancer, and leukemia in his younger years. He was a very devoted son to his mother Bernice, and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. His interests included sports, cars and politics. Mark was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

He is survived by nephews, Jason LaFlash, Chad LaFlash, Andrew LaFlash and Philp Gold; nieces, Caitlin LaFlash, Emily LaFlash and Marissa Gold; aunt, Rosie Werren; sisters-in-law, Susan LaFlash and Sharolyn LaFlash; and a brother-in-law, Auric Gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jr. and Bernice LaFlash; brothers, John, Steve and Jim; and a sister, Mary.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH / ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made in Mark's name to The American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718; or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 27, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Mark H. LaFlash is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West because Central closed in 1969.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Obituary: Albert L. Hall - Class of 1951

MADISON - Albert L. Hall, age 78, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at his home.

He was born on March 14, 1933, in Madison, the son of Alan and Helen (Anderson) Hall. Albert graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, serving during the Korean War, and was discharged in 1955. Albert married Beverly Schlimgen on Nov. 26, 1955. He attended Madison Business College for a year, then worked as a truck driver for many years, retiring at Foreway. Albert was a member of Teamsters Local No. 695, VFW Post No. 7591, American Legion Post No. 501, Korean War Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed camping with the St. Dennis Campers, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Albert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; seven children, Sharon (Michael) MacDonald, Brian Hall, Alan (Cindy) Hall, Susan Hansen, Marilyn (Ronald) Ary, Carolyn (John) Adametz, and Jacquelyn Johnson; grandchildren, Susan, James Jennifer (Jimmy), Troy, Stacy (Tim), Joseph, Anne and Caitlyn; a great-granddaughter, Taylor; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Violet (Carmen) Tortorici, Barbara "Pat" (Rod) Bailey, Sylvia (Dean) Argall, and Margaret "Peg" (Peter) Gennrich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Ronald "RJ'; and sister-in-law, Evelyn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, with Father Roger Nilles presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. A special thank you to all of the ladies at Heartland Hospice, Tara, Megan, Abby, Penny, Jenny and Colleen.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 26, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Obituary: Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr. - Class of 1967

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA - Mr. Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr., died on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, in his home in Hampton, Va., with his loving wife at his side.

A Memorial Service will be held at MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (2019 Fisher St., Madison) on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at 2 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13, 2011 (submitted by Sidney Iwanter, Class of 1967)  

Note: Danny Henderson's class year is based on a list of 1967 Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 9, 1967.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Obituary: Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche - Class of 1935

MADISON  - Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche, age 94, died on Oct. 9, 2011, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center in Fitchburg.  Rosie was born Sept. 11, 1917, the 12th of 15 children born to Joseph and Anna Marx Geier. She attended Holy Redeemer School and was a 1935 graduate of Madison Central High. Rosie could easily have been lost in the crowd but her piano playing talent (playing anything by ear by the age of 4), established her as the Geier family "musician in residence." She began her formal piano training at the old Wisconsin School of Music under the tutelage of Olive Endres. Rosie became a very accomplished classically trained pianist winning the Wisconsin State Piano solo championship in 1935. She continued playing memorable recitals and was the accompanist for many soloists and orchestral groups. She won the hearts of the soldiers of World War II, traveling by train to entertain them at the various army posts where her husband Hal was assigned before his deployment to the South Pacific.  Rosie began her working career with the State Bureau of Personnel in 1935 and was one of the first four women to be employed by the Wisconsin Legislature as a committee clerk during World War II. Rosie caught the eye of a young Capital Times reporter named Hal Roche while he walked through the Madison State Capital building. He only saw her as she walked up the stairs and asked a friend, "Who is the girl with the beautiful legs?" The rest is history. Rosie and Hal were married on Valentine's Day 1942. Rosie's working career was put on hold after the war with the arrival of William (Billy) Roche. The addition of Patty and Theresa in the next five years extended her leave. Rose always said that the time spent with her children was the happiest time of her life. The addition of her two grandsons Andy and James added more joy and love.  Rosie resumed working when her "fledglings left the nest." She worked in the purchasing and payroll department of the Madison Board of Education until her retirement in 1982. After her retirement Rosie became an active volunteer with her church, St. Raphael Cathedral and Meriter Retirement Center where she helped with residents and played the piano for Mass every Tuesday until age 93. She volunteered at the information desk at the Madison City County building and helped at St. Vincent de Paul on Willy Street.  One of Rosie's greatest pleasures was sitting on her porch overlooking Monona Bay. She invited neighbors who were passing by to come in for a visit. Her little four legged neighbors Zoe, Cinder, Sam and Foxtrot were always welcome on Rosie's porch for a little treat.  Rosie was a loving wife, mother and grandma. We will remember her for her classic Rose Conclusions or "RC's." The "RC's" were Rosie's opinions on every subject in life, backed by no scientific or established evidence. "RC's" were never to be questioned - just enjoyed. Rose is survived by her children, Bill (Ellen) Roche, Patty (Ron) Wood of Madison, Theresa Roche (Betsy Schulz) of Bronx, N.Y.; and her grandson, James Wood of Madison. In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold (Hal); beloved grandson, Andrew (Andy); eight brothers and four sisters, Norbert, Sylvester, Joseph, Peter, Linus, Roman, Alois and Vincent; Sister Joanice (Armella), Laura (James) Reis, Marie (James) Shipley and Irene (John) McDermott. Our family wishes to thank all the caring neighbors who helped our mother and father over the years, especially Robin Douthitt and Brian Gould - the "angels" next door. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth George, Gail Gaustad and Ann Knudson for the kindness and loving care they always showed our mother. Pader Yang of Senior Helpers was Rose's wonderful caregiver and friend for two years. The Oregon Manor and HospiceCare treated our mother with warmth, compassion and dignity during her final months. Thank you all. A visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum.  Final thoughts: Dear Mom, you taught us to love, to laugh, to be strong and as Frank sang. "I did it my way." We love you, we will miss you but you will live forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Meriter Foundation, the Oregon Manor or HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave., Middleton,

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 10, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Obituary: Marilyn Friske - Class of 1968

MADISON - Marilyn Friske, age 61, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at the HospiceCare Center.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1950, in Madison, the daughter of Russell Kenneth and Elizabeth (Hammersley) Friske. Marilyn graduated from Central High School in 1968, then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for six years during the Vietnam war era. She was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was a great mentor to those in need. Marilyn was a drug and alcohol counselor at Rebos House and then the Detox Center. Her most recent job was at Tobacco Outlet in Monona. Marilyn loved softball and was a huge Packers fan.

She is survived by her siblings, Barbara (Bill) Crawford, Sandra Friske, Thomas Friske and Janice Friske; nieces and nephews, Jason, Justin, Chad, Carrie, Nicole and Thomas Jr.; four great-nieces; adopted grandchildren, Lydia and Amelia; and best friend and greatest supporter, Maureen Drunasky. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Patricia Dobie.

On behalf of Marilyn's wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2011 (submitted by Michale Vahldieck, Class of 1968)