Obituary: Mary Bernice (Crowley) Heidt - Class of 1931

MADISON/STURGEON BAY - Mary Bernice Heidt, age 97, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Legacy Gardens in Madison.

She was born Dec. 21, 1913, in Hillsboro, to John and Ella (Lloyd) Crowley. She graduated as valedictorian from Central High School in Madison in 1931, and the UW-Madison in 1935. She taught high school in Highland, and DePere before her marriage to Harold B. Heidt on June 17, 1944. In 1954 she moved to Sturgeon Bay. She taught Latin, French, English, and World History at Sturgeon Bay High School from 1954 until her retirement in 1975.

Mary enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters, and Hospital Auxillary for many years, and volunteered as a docent for the Miller Art Gallery and a "pink lady" for the Door County Memorial Hospital.

Mary is survived by daughter, Ellen (Martin) Vogel of Madison; and son, Robert (Jean) Heidt of Bloomington, Ind., and Jacksonport, Wis.; granddaughters, Lisa (Ed) Emmons of Sun Prairie, Becca (Joseph) Giebel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Lianna (Andrei) Marks of Philadelphia, Pa., and Holly Heidt of New York City; six great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John R. Crowley and Robert Crowley.

Funeral services will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, Sturgeon Bay, at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, with Father Robert Konkol officiating, followed by burial at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704.

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

Obituary: Dorothy R. Gaukel - Class of 1931

MADISON - Dorothy R. Gaukel, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. Dorothy was born on Aug. 6, 1913, in Madison, the daughter of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. She attended Holy Redeemer grade school and graduated from Central High School. Following high school, Dorothy went on to work for the federal government, where she held several different positions, including working as a secretary to the commanding general at Truax Field during World War II. After retiring from the federal government Dorothy was employed as a secretary by the University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering. She was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Dorothy is survived by her brother, William Gaukel; sister; Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork, six great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel and Lindsay Davenport and Jordan Mork; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and sister; Marian Davenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, 11 a.m. at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison. Monsignor Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the CHURCH on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Dorothy will be dearly missed as she was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and especially her 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 November 6, 2008

Note: Dorothy Gaukel's class year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, where she is listed among the Madison Central High School seniors who will receive their degrees on Friday, June 12, 1931.

Obituary: Helen Jessie (Becker) Thomas - Class of 1931

MIDDLETON - Helen Jessie Thomas, age 94, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. She was born on Dec. 17, 1913, the daughter of Fred K. And Susan V. (Fry) Becker. Helen graduated from Central High School in Madison. She was employed as a salesperson at Triggs Bakery in Madison. Helen enjoyed gardening and had a passion for reading that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed rosemaling, quilting and crocheting for her grandchildren. Helen was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Women's Police Auxiliary, and the Christian Mothers at St. Bernard's. She is survived by her children, Helen "Bonnie" (Duane) Van Haren of Middleton, Marietta (Robert Tucker) Kust of Waunakee, Valarie (Ted) Cole of Decatur, Ga., Vicki (Jerry) McGuire of Oregon, Emil Thomas of Middleton, Tomas (Jeanne) Thomas of Madison, Newel (Carol) Thomas of Eagle, Kim (Ron) Loresch of Madison; many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Lyllyan Emden and Izola Roller; three brothers, Fredolin Becker, James Becker and LaVergne Becker; and a grandson, Scott Van Haren. A memorial service will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Wednesday. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 17, 2008

Note: Helen J. Becker's Class year is based on a list of Madison Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 5, 1931.

Obituary: Marie M. (Duffey) Esser - Class of 1931

MADISON - Marie M. Esser, age 94, died on Thursday, April 26, 2007, at HospiceCare, after a short illness. She was born on July 27, 1912, in Highland, the daughter of John J. and Mary (Wall) Duffey. She married James Esser on Sept. 7, 1938, at St. Raphael's Cathedral and he preceded her in death on March 27, 1997. Marie moved from Highland when she was in sixth grade, attended St. Raphael's Grade School and graduated from Central High School in 1931. She then went to Stemp Business School and retired from the State Medical Society. She also enjoyed the fashion world and had been employed by many Madison department stores. She was a member of the Catholic Women's Club, President of the Rosary Altar Society at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison and was a member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, Sun Prairie. Survivors include her son, Gerald (Deanna) Esser of Madison; three grandchildren, Steve (Heidi) Miller of Denver, Colo., Michael Miller of Appleton and Marianne (Jon) Baer of Milwaukee; five great-grandchildren, Alexis, Cole and Connor Miller, Kyle Miller and Nathan Baer; a former son-in-law, Thomas P. Miller; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; a daughter, Mary Kay Miller; a sister, Margaret Rohr; and three brothers, C.J. Duffey, Ed Duffey and John Duffey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, on Wednesday, May 2, 2007. Father Michael Radowicz will officiate with entombment in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., where a rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Friends and relatives may also call at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be made to the Mary Kay Miller Scholarship Fund, Apostolate to the Handicapped or HospiceCare Inc. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 29, 2007

Obituary: Jerome "Jerry" Hoffman - Class of 1931

MADISON/ PARSONS, KAN. - Jerome K. "Jerry" Hoffman, age 92, former longtime Madison resident, died on Monday, April 25, 2005, in Parsons, Kan., where he had resided since March 2001. He was born on March 20, 1913, in Madison, to Frank J. and Lillian J. (Kelly) Hoffman. Jerry grew up and attended schools in Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1931. He also attended the University of Wisconsin. For a time, Jerry worked for his father as a plumber. He later owned and operated the Pure Oil Gas Station, and worked at the former Manchester Department Store, before going to work at Bancroft Dairy in 1937. For several years, Jerry owned and operated the Dane County Dairy until retiring in 1978. After his retirement, he was active in Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Southwest Men's Club, Madison Masonic Lodge, Zor Shrine, and the Elk's Lodge. Jerry and Kathlyn Cass were married on Aug. 31, 1936. She preceded him in death in 1965. Jerry and Lorraine Feiler were married in 1966. She preceded him in death in 1996. Jerry is survived by a son, Walter B. "Wally" (Dianne) Hoffman of Parsons, Kan.; eight grandchildren; and a step-daughter, Barb (Gary) Powers of Cottage Grove. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by infant twin daughters; and a sister, Laverne Murphy. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2005. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorials in Jerry's name are suggested to the Shriner's Hospital for Children or the American Cancer Society. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 24, 2005

Obituary: Rudy Custer - Class of 1931

Obituaries: Football
Rudy Custer, 92
Longtime aide did many jobs for Halas

by Don Pierson and Bill Jauss
Tribune Staff Reporters

The Navy assigned Rudy Custer to George Halas as an administrative assistant during World War II. Halas later wrote that Custer was so efficient, "I tagged him for postwar service to my Bears."

Custer, who died in Charleston, S.C., on New year's Eve at 92, never left the Bear's owner and coach, serving as business manager of the team for 38 years.

The title failed to cover the scope of Custer's duties.

"I also did advertising, public relations, travel arrangements, the stadium box office, credentials, halftime entertainment and personnel records. Just about everything but coaching and scouting," Custer told author Jeff Davis in a recently released biography of Halas, "Papa Bear."

Custer's primary contribution was to organize and oversee one of the first NFL television networks in 1949 when Halas feared TV exposure would diminish his gate.

Custer first sold a Monday highlights package to Standard Oil of Indiana, which sponsored the "Bears Quarterback Club" with host Red Grange. Later, Custer and Halas drew a 75-mile blackout area around Chicago and sold cable rights to games to the DuMont network.

In his autobiography, "Halas by Halas," the Papa Bear wrote: "Television's prime objective would undoubtedly be to flood the rich Chicago market with football telecasts, something I did not want. I delegated Rudy Custer to the task.

"Rudy worked hard and we finished with a loss of only $1,750. The quarterback show more than met loss. I told Rudy he had worked wonders but next year he would have to double them. He did."

Custer eventually sold rights to the Bears in the Deep South and West and was virtually running the DuMont operation.

"By the end, our network was the largest independent sports network in the country, at a profit of $153,000," Custer said.

Custer retired in 1984, the year after Halas died.

"Jim Finks was running the Bears then," former assistant coach Chuck Mather recalled. "When Rudy retired, Jim had to hire seven people to fill all the rolls he had filled for the Bears."

"Rudy was everything to the Bears," said Mather, Custer's longtime neighbor in Wilmette. There wasn't anything he couldn't do and didn't do."

But he loved his job.

"Dad was blessed to have a job he loved to pour himself into seven days a week," said his son Jim.

"When I was in high school, I hung around Soldier Field as a sort of gopher. It was hard to keep up with Dad. He stood only about 5 feet 3 inches, but he walked around like he was 8 feet tall."

Custer, was a native of Madison, Wis. and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He was working in advertising in Milwaukee when he entered the Navy and was an avid Packers fan.

He described Halas' offer to him in Davis' book, "He took me out to dinner at the end of his tour in '45. He handed me an envelope. It had $500 cash in it. I siad, 'George, you don't have to do this.' Halas replied, 'You don't know how much you've helped me. I'd like you to go to work for me.' Just like that! offered me $5,0000."

Custer said his boss in Milwaukee advised him to take it.

"Five thousand dollars felt like a million bucks to me," Custer said.

Besides his son, Custer is survived by a daughter, Terrie, and two grandchildren. His wife, Evie, died in 1991.

Originally published in the Chicago Tribune on January 8, 2005.

Note: Rudy Custer's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. He is listed as Rudof Presber Custer. Rudy Custer was the twin brother of Madison history chronicler Frank Custer, who was also a member of the Class of 1931.

Obituary: Elizabeth H. "Betty" (Schweinem) Ernser - Class of 1931

MONROE - Elizabeth H. "Betty" Ernser, age 89, of Monroe, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at the New Glarus Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1913, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Henry and Sena (Knudtson) Schweinem. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School and a 1936 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Betty and Mathew F. Ernser were married on Feb. 14, 1944, in Riverside, Calif. Betty taught high school in Horicon and Wisconsin Rapids. She was a member of St. Victor Catholic Church, and former member of Monroe Country Club. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen M. (Philip) Norton of Argyle; son, Thomas W. (Sue) Ernser of Madison; granddaughter, Megan Ernser of Madison; and brother, William J. Schweinem, of Madison. She was predeceased by her parents; and husband, Mathew, in, 1986. A Mass of, Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at noon at ST. VICTOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, Monroe. Officiating will be Father Michael E. Klarer, with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, 1455 Mansion Drive, Monroe. A memorial fund has been established in Betty's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2003

Note: Elizabeth H. (Schweinem) Emser's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. She is listed as Elizabeth Henrietta Schweinem.

Obituary: Vera Clara Jeanette (Johr) Lee - Class of 1931

WATERTOWN [Wisconsin] - Vera Clara Jeanette (Johr) Lee, age 88, of Watertown, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 16, 2002, at Watertown Memorial Hospital. She was born July 30, 1913, in Merrill, Wis., the daughter of Otto and Selma (Grueneberg) Johr. She graduated from Madison Central High School, and went on to receive a bachelor's degree from UW-Whitewater in 1935. She married Donald Lee June 9, 1938, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison. Vera was employed as secretary to the superintendent of schools in West Chicago, Ill. She also had been a teacher at the Jefferson and Johnson Creek high schools. She was elected to Pi Omega Pi, an honorary fraternity, as well as Alpha Sigma sorority. She was a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Jefferson, and was recently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Watertown. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra (Carl) Werth of Waterford, Mich., and Karen Fontaine of Miller Beach, Ind.; two sons, Tom (Mary) Lee of Martinez, Ga., and John (Berta) Lee of Glenview, Ill.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, on Jan. 29, 1980; and her parents. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Watertown. The Rev. James A. Mattek will officiate, with burial at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Watertown, and Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Hafemeister Funeral Home, Watertown, is in charge of arrangements.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Vera Clara Jeantter (Johr) Lee's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. She is listed as Jeanette Johr.

Obituary: Isabel W. Brinkman - Class of 1931

MADISON/ MILWAUKEE - Isabel W. Brinkman, age 88, died on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, at St. Marys Care Center, Madison. Isabel was born on Sept. 7, 1913, to Henry and Delia Brinkman. Born and raised in Madison, Isabel graduated from Madison Central High School in 1931. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated in 1935 with a bachelor of science degree. Isabel taught home economics and typing during her teaching career. She taught at Patch Grove, Belleville, Oconomowoc and retired from her teaching career at Longfellow school in Wauwatosa in 1978. Isabel was a member of Woodman's Circle and the Madison chapter of Eastern Star. She was also a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee. Isabel lived most of her adult life in Milwaukee. Isabel will always be loved and remembered for her generosity, caring ways, impeccable etiquette, and her love for children, the homemade sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, brownies, fudge and the mittens she knitted for so many people. Her family and friends will dearly miss her. She is survived by nieces, Ruth-Ann "Ruthie" (Dex) Hess of Madison, and Sandra L. Coleman, address unknown; and nephews, Ronald K. (Cindy) Coleman of Wyocena, and William W. (Loretta) Coleman of Mosinee. She is also survived by great-nieces, Catherine A. Hess, Madison, and Tracy L. Coleman of Madison; and great-nephews, Jonathan A. (Sherry) Hess of Madison, and Billy Joe (Tammi) Coleman of Hartford; a great-great-nephew, "Little One" Beau of Madison; and a special step-great-nephew, Jerry (Jennifer) Schulke and their daughter, Cera Ann, of El Paso, Texas. She is also survived by several cousins and other great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ruth M. Coleman; a great-nephew, Marvin A. Hess III; a great-nephew, Kenneth R. Coleman; and cousins, Harley Moore, Robert J. Moore and George Moore. Ruth-Ann would like to express special thanks to Aunt Isabel's loyal and good friends, especially Mary Winters, Joe Romas, Maxine Moore and Kathy Moore. Special thanks to St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, and St. Marys Care Center, Madison. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002, at 11 a.m. at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY CHAPEL, 601 E. Broadway, Monona. The Rev. Krista Kiger will preside. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the cemetery chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3302 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53216.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Jouranl on January 15, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Geraldine R. "Gerry" (Reynolds) Annen - Class of 1931

MADISON [Wisconsin] /LEESBURG, FLA. Geraldine R. "Gerry" Annen, age 89, died on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001. She was born Aug. 4, 1912, in London, Wis., to Alexander and Elsie (Liebonow) Reynolds. Gerry graduated from Madison Central High School in 1931. She married Herbert Annen. Gerry was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Madison and Knights of Columbus Women's Auxiliary. She is survived by her son, James (Arlene) Annen of Summerfield, Fla.; her daughter, Alice (Donald) Schmitt of Fuquay-Varinia, N.C.; five grandchildren, Mary Christofferson of Fuquay-Varinia, N.C., Mark Schmitt of Madison, Chris Schmitt of Madison, Kathy Kratochwill of Madison and Bob Schmitt of Wauwatosa; and 11 great-grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert and her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2001. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Dr. 608-221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 4, 1002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Sara Sweet Shapiro - Class of 1931

MADISON - Sara Sweet Shapiro passed away peacefully Sunday night, March 18, 2001, surrounded by her loving immediate family, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. She was 88 years old. Sara, who lived at Coventry Village Retirement Apartments, was born April 13, 1912. She was the third of six children born to Morris and Helen Sweet. The family lived in Madison's Greenbush neighborhood, where Morris operated a blacksmith shop. Sara attended Longfellow grade school and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1931. She was working as a clerk at Bloom's Grocery when she was introduced by relatives to Sam Shapiro, a native of Chicago, who had come to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin. After a two-year romance, Sara and Sam were married on June 25, 1933, and they enjoyed 55 years together until Sam's death in 1989. Sara lived an active life. She loved to play softball with the boys when she was young, and she was a league bowler up to her later years. She was an avid and skilled Mah-Jongg player. In 1950, Sara, Sam, and Sam's brother Louis and his wife Florence purchased the Sweet's Food Shop grocery store at the corner of Main and Broom streets, and the two families operated this landmark grocery store for 25 years. It was one of Madison's first self-service grocery stores and also featured home delivery service. Sam and Sara were charter members of Beth Israel Center, and she was active in the sisterhood and served on a host of synagogue committees. Up until the past year, she continued to work in the Beth Israel kitchen helping to cater dozens of bar mitzvahs, weddings and anniversary parties, something that she had loved to do for more than 40 years. Her chopped liver, strudel, taglach and mandel bread were out of this world. Sara held a variety of part-time jobs during her middle and late years. She worked at J.C. Penney, Gimbel's candy department, and she volunteered at Meriter Hospital and the Westside Coalition. Up to late last year, Sara had enjoyed serving as a consultant for the books that were being written about the old days in Greenbush ... the Mothers of Greenbush and the Grandmothers of Greenbush. She was a gold mine of knowledge ... she knew everyone, she knew their families, where they lived and what they did. Sara is survived by her two children: her son, Marshall (Susan) Shapiro, Madison, and their two daughters, Ragen and Lauren; and her daughter, Naomi Cissy Shapiro (Ray Spitz), Clam Lake, Wisconsin, and her two daughters, Andrea and Eden Epstein. She is also survived by a sister, Lena, Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded n death by her parents; and her four brothers, Harry, Sam, Nathan and Mike. The Shapiro family would like to thank the HospiceCare Center staff, and other friends and volunteers for their loving care in her final days, especially Judy Sokolow, Sheila Buss and Sue Laughrin. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning, March 21, 2001, at 11:00 a.m. at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., with the Rabbi Kenneth Katz officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Forest Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Sara's name be made to Beth Israel Center, Westside Coalition and HospiceCare.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 20, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Frank S. Custer - Class of 1931

MADISON - Frank Stanley Custer, age 88, ended his brave battle with cancer on Saturday, October 28, 2000. He passed away peacefully, attended by his children, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Frank was born on July 16, 1912, in Madison. He was the first of five children, and shared his birthday with his identical twin brother, Rudy, of Atlanta, Georgia. Frank is survived by his wife, Selma of Stoughton; his children, Deborah (Tom Sykes) Custer of Columbia, Maryland; Wendy (Mike) Kornell of Stoughton, William of Madison, and Jill (Tom) Hietpas of Madison; and six grandchildren. Frank is also survived by his brother, Rudy; and sisters, Joy Dakin of Dallas, Oregon, and Maya Olsen of Banks, Oregon. Frank was a graduate of Madison's Central High School and UW-Madison. During his high school and college years he was a cheerleader for their football and basketball teams. As one of the famous "Custer twins," he led energetic cheers and acrobatic routines, revving up the crowds on a regular basis. He turned cartwheels on the football field during UW Homecoming games throughout his adult life, until the mid 1990s. After college, Frank served as personal secretary to the founder of The Capital Times, William T. Evjue, before enlisting in the United States Army on June 18, 1942. He was very proud of his service overseas in various World War II battles, including Normandy and Ardennes. Following the war, Frank returned to the states. After a brief respite in southern California, he returned to Madison and The Capital Times, beginning an eventful career as a newspaper reporter. Frank married Selma Iylland on June 25, 1949. A veteran reporter of The Capital Times, Frank was the author of the popular "Looking Backward" column, in addition to covering the police run and writing a variety of feature articles. Frank thrived at the newspaper, loving every minute. Frank had a deep love for Madison and a passion for its colorful history. As a walking encyclopedia of Madison history, Frank became a respected Madison historian. This led him to develop popular lectures and slide shows which he presented to organizations and schools around the area. He also acted as a guide on bus and talking tours, taught Madison mini-courses at the UW-Madison, and wrote Madison history articles for Madison Magazine and In Business. In addition to his professional activities, his tireless energy was funneled into community involvement such as PTA president, Sunday school teacher, and credit union director. He was a dedicated, enthusiastic Chicago Bears fan. Frank loved music, art and nature. He was a voracious reader and treasured his books. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Custer and Maya Custer; and his brother, Dr. Glen Stanley Custer. Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 1, 2000 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. The funeral will be on Thursday, Novermber 2, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. at ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison. Friends may call on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. William Rock, nurses and assistants, and all those who have made such wonderful, compassionate care available through the HospiceCare Center. They allowed our father a loving and peaceful passing on to God's arms. Frank was a beloved husband and heroic father who lived to its fullest and had a smile for everyone. He cherished his family and never let them forget it. His love, quick wit and high energy will continue to be an inspiration to his family.

Originally published in The Capital Times on October 31, 2000

Note: Frank Custer's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates.