Obituary: Josephine Ann (Peterson) Bambrough - Class of 1965

CROSS PLAINS / MADISON - Josephine Ann Bambrough, age 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on Aug. 21, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Montalto) Peterson Jr. Josephine was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed the Badgers, Packers, Cubs and watching local golfers. She loved watching softball throughout the years. She was a coach for East Madison Little League and served a term as league president. She would do anything for her children, and never missed any of their events through the years. Her family was very important to her. She will be remembered for her great, quick wit. People who met her instantly loved her and will always remember her. Josephine is survived by her two children, Andrea Bambrough of Sun Prairie, and Dan Bambrough of Cross Plains and their father, Howard Bambrough of Kevil, Ky.; her mother, Rosemary Peterson of Fitchburg; two brothers, Andrew (Rob) Einer-Peterson and John (Sue) Peterson; a sister, Toni Peterson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, John Peterson Jr.; three nieces, Laura Peterson, Connie Bambrough, and Debbie Olson; nephew, Robert Robinson Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Richard Bambrough and Mickey Olson; and a sister-in-law, Shirley "Poochie" Olson. The family would like to extend their thanks for the care provided by Agrace HospiceCare, the staff at UW Health, Oregon, Meriter Hospital, and family and friends for their support. A celebration of life gathering will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. Tributes in memory of Josephine will be directed to Agrace HospiceCare and a Scholarship Fund for an East High School softball athlete.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 14, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). 

 Josie Peterson's Class year is based on information in the 1965 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the Senior Class.

Obituary: Anthony "Tony" Balsamo - Class of 1963

ONALASKA - Anthony "Tony" Balsamo passed away at his Onalaska home on Sept. 1, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Madison to Pasquale and Maria Balsamo. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison Central High School. Tony’s genuine care for others and his vibrant, joyful personality made him a wonderful salesman. He sold men’s clothing for the Hub in Madison, sold men’s clothing on the road, and sold liquor and wine for Gateco and Quillin’s. Tony was the proprietor of Mr. T’s Airport Lounge from 1978 to 1990 at the La Crosse Municipal Airport. Tony owned La Crosse Dance Centre with his wife, Colleen, from 1984 until his passing, and owned Vinny’s Runway at the La Crosse Regional Airport with his son, Jason, from 2004 until his passing. In 1974, Tony married the love of his life, Colleen (Gallagher). They had two children, Nikki Balsamo and Jason "Vinny" Balsamo, both of Onalaska. Tony was a loving, sensitive, compassionate husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son; daughter-in-law, Erin (Gollnik) Balsamo; and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Giana Balsamo. He is also survived by a large extended family, all of whom he loved very much. His father and mother; sister, Pauline La Breche; brother, Joseph Balsamo; nephew, Jimmy La Breche; niece, Jeanie Becker; and great-nephew, Kevin Severson, preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, in Onalaska. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the SCHUMACHER-KISH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and at the church on Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).