Obituary: Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara - Class of 1952

OREGON - Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. He was born on July 15, 1934, the son of Gaspare and Rose Novara. Ernie graduated from Central High School in 1952. He served in the Air National Guard at Truax Field from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Ernie married the love of his life, Mary Lou Kerwin in 1955. He was a volunteer for St. Mary's Hospital as a Eucharist Minister for 20 years. Ernie also served in all capacities at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church. He and Mary Lou enjoyed their get-togethers with "The Sweethearts Club" (a group of six couples from Truax) which had been established for 52 years. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou; was the proud father to four daughters, Sarita and Larry Neath of Fitchburg, Jo Jean Novara of Tucson, Ariz., Darcy and Edward Halloran of McFarland, and Julie Hagen and Michael Mahnke of New Glarus; honorary daughter, Jane Cords of Tucson, Ariz.; prouder grandfather to Tyler and Amanda Halloran and Bret and Kayla Hagen (the grandkids could do NO wrong in grandpa's eyes); brother to Leonard "Dino" and Gen Novara; and is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main Street, Oregon, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday. Ernie loved taking the entire family on Caribbean cruise vacations. "Thanks for all the memories; we know you were happiest when we were all together. We all love you, and will miss you." Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 29, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)