Obituary: Margaret (Hatch) Seymour - Class of 1933

WEST BEND - Margaret (Hatch) Seymour, of West Bend, age 94, passed away on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at West Bend.

She was born on Feb. 27, 1916, in Augusta to the late Carlisle (Lisie) C. And Winifred (nee Butler) Hatch. She spent her early childhood in Onalaska and moved to Madison in 1925. There, she graduated from Madison Central High in 1933, attended the UW of Wisconsin for three years and Groves Barnhardt Business School for six months. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Madison Gas and Electric Company for several years until 1942.

Margaret was united in marriage to Eugene (Gene) Seymour in 1940. After her marriage she devoted herself to her husband and to raising her two sons, Gary and Jon. As did many wives during World War II, she did this while her husband served overseas with the United States Navy Seabees. Margaret loved her family and was an active and guiding participant in their successes and adventures. She was the care giver for her parents until their deaths.

Margaret began to china paint later in life and belonged to several china painting organizations such as the World Organization of China Painters and China Painters of Jefferson County. She was active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Madison, demonstrating her china painting skills at school folk fairs in the Madison metropolitan area. In 1992, she moved to West Bend, to be closer to her family. There she continued her china painting and made many new friends at the Cedar Ridge Retirement Apartments.

All who knew her will remember her as a quiet, caring, loving, gentle, friendly, witty, and humorous woman whose generous heart belied her small stature. She will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

Margaret is survived by her two sons, Gary (Jane) of West Bend, and Jon (Jacqueline) of Cincinnati, Ohio; five grandchildren, Andrew of West Bend, Daniel (Gina) of Decatur, Ga., Jennifer of Waukegan, Ill., Cameron of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Amanda (Miles Spathelf) of Anchorage, Alaska; sister-in-law, Edith Hatch of Janesville; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene in 1990; and her two brothers, Seth and Carlisle.

In accordance with Margaret's wishes, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of her life will be held at a time and place convenient to her family and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Reedsburg Educational Foundation (designated for the Seymour Education Fund), 501 K St., Reedsburg, WI 53959; or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive,(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 30, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Lettie Evelyn (Fisher) Dueppen - Class of 1933

CEDARBURG - Lettie Evelyn Dueppen, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Harrison Home, a Family Tree Residential Facility in Cedarburg. She was born in a log cabin on July 12, 1915, in Lynn, Mo., to Roger and Iva Mae Fisher. Her family moved to Madison when she was a young child. She grew up on Madison's south side, and attended Longfellow School. After graduation from Central High School in 1933, she worked at Madison General Hospital. She married James W. Dueppen at St. James Catholic Church on June 20, 1936. They were married for more than 59 years, until Jim passed away in January 1996. In their dating days, and early years of marriage, Lettie and Jim loved dancing, boating, and fishing. When Lettie's youngest started school, she worked part-time in the neighborhood at the Ice Cream Shoppe and Mack's Grocery Store. Thereafter, she worked for the state of Wisconsin Department of Revenue for more than 25 years. After her retirement, she and Jim enjoyed "wintering" in Florida in the Largo/St. Petersburg area. She was a long time member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. Her passion was helping others and caring for others. She will be remembered for the years she was involved in her mothers' care, and visits to the sick or "homebound," and her homemade sweet rolls and meals delivered to others. Her dinner table was always ready to receive guests. Lettie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Lillian Armstrong; and her brother, Chester Louis Fisher. She is survived by sons, James R. (Marilyn) of Largo, Fla. and Thomas L. (Joyce) of Menomonee Falls; a daughter, Betty-Jo (Jack) Dahlman of Cedarburg; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Bernice Myers; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Joan) Dueppen and Kenneth (Mary Ann) Dueppen; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Lettie's grandson, Father David Dueppen will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2008

Obituary: Edward G. Debs - Class of 1933

MADISON/ WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. - Edward G. Debs, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. He was born Feb. 17, 1915, to Joseph and Edith Debs in Elroy and lived in Madison since moving there in 1921. He graduated from Central High School in 1933. He was employed by the post office until serving his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army in the Philippines. After discharge he returned to his job at the post office and served 30 years until his retirement in 1971. He and his wife, Carol, have enjoyed their winters in West Palm Beach, Fla., for the last 30 years. Edward enjoyed traveling, camping, was a passionate trout fisherman and a long time member of Trout Unlimited. He was also a life member of Madison Elk's Club No. 410. Edward is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Carol; children, Jane (Craig) Smith of Delafield, Susan (Eric) Van Abel-Oltmann of Ventura, Calif. and Ron (Andrea) Debs of Middleton; four grandchildren, Jennifer Smith of Milwaukee, Kimberly (Jake) Spitz of Pewaukee and Katie and Matthew Debs of Middleton; two great-grandchildren, Erik and Sonia Spitz of Pewaukee; brother, John (Esther) Debs of Huntsville, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Debs; first wife, Irma Meyr; second wife, LaVerne Hoffman; brothers, Marvin and Leo Debs; and sisters, Josephine Day and Alice Markowitz. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend; he will be missed. It was Edward's wish that a service not be held, but family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at HOWARD-PRICE FUNERAL HOME, 754 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The family thanks the kind and caring people at University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Care Center, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164 and requests any memorial contributions be made to the Center in lieu of flowers.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 26, 2006

Obituary: Letha May Reynolds Mason - Class of 1933

MADISON - Letha May Reynolds Mason, age 90, died on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, after a long battle with Alzheimer's, surrounded by her loving family at her Madison home. Letha was born on Oct. 18, 1915, at home on E. Washington Ave., Madison, to Alex Reynolds and Elsie Liebenow Reynolds. At age 8, her family moved to a home at 544 W. Wilson St. Built in 1843, it still remains one of Madison's oldest residences. Letha attended Madison Central High School where she met her future husband, Glen Mason. They married in 1934 and had one daughter, Barbara, in 1938. Letha was an active member of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Madison, worked in sales at Manchester's and was a devoted wife and mother. She and Glen traveled the world. Letha's special interests included genealogy, (finding an ancestor, Samuel Fuller, who arrived on the Mayflower); wildflower gardening; art and craftwork; writing poetry and music; and entertaining at her home at 5102 Odana Road. She was a great cook, loved all nature, and was very kind. She is survived by her grandson, Tom Schulz and his wife JoAnn; great-grandchildren, Sarah Kulagin (Maxim) and Aaron Michie of Madison; son-in-law, Ken Schultz (Marsha) of Madison; niece, Alice (Don) Schmitt of North Carolina and family; and nephew, James Annen of Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1982; her daughter in 1991; and her grandson, John Schulz, in 1994. Her only sister, Geraldine Annen, also battled Alzheimer's until her death in 2001. Letha's kind heart never faltered even after tragic losses. Services will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at 6 p.m., with visitation one hour preceding at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive. Burial will be at a future time at Roselawn in Madison. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association, 517 N. Segoe Road, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53705. Special thanks to HospiceCare, Oakwood Village West-Hebron Oaks, Prancy Willis and Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien for assisting Letha's family with her care during her illness. We could not have done it without you. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 13, 2006

Note: The class year for Letha May Reynolds Mason is based on information in the 1933 Orange and Black yearbook, which features her senior photo in the section on June graduates.

Obituary: Harold R. Rood - Class of 1933

MADISON - Harold T. Rood, age 90, passed away on Sunday, Aug., 14, 2005. He was born on Jan. 27, 1915, in the Town of Burke, the son of Harold and Tillie (Hendrickson) Rood. Harold graduated from Central High School. He married Sophie Edwards on Aug. 13, 1938. Harold worked for 23 years for the City of Madison, Waste Water Treatment Department until his retirement. Harold is survived by his wife, Sophie of Madison; and his son Roger Rood of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents. Private graveside services will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Harold's name to HospiceCare, Inc. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 15, 2005

Note: Harold Rood's graduation year is based on information in the 1933 Orange and Black yearbook, where his senior photo is included among the June graduates.

Obituary: Don Trachte - Class of 1933

MANCHESTER, VT. - Don Trachte, age 89, a long time resident of Sandgate, Vermont, died at the Equinox Terrace in Manchester on May 4, 2005. Don was born in Madison on May 21, 1915, the son of the late Arthur Fredrick and Meta Trachte. Mr. Trachte graduated from Madison's Central High School, attended the University of Wisconsin and later served in World War II as a lieutenant in the Army. In his formative years in Madison, Trachte's interest in art and drawing led him to collaborate with the late Carl Anderson, the creator of the cartoon strip "Henry." The first cartoon was submitted to the "Saturday Evening Post" in March of 1932, and quickly skyrocketed "Henry" to fame. Soon after, the cartoon strip was sought out by William Randolph Hearst for syndication and grew to appear in 400 newspapers in 40 countries. While drawing, he spent countless hours traveling for the USO in Europe, Alaska, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines, where he entertained troops. In 1950, Trachte moved his family to Arlington, Vt., in part because he knew the late Norman Rockwell, a man he greatly admired, lived there. Arlington provided a comfortable surrounding with famous artists who inspired him to paint as well as continue his cartoon work. He established a close relationship with Rockwell and posed for him several times. The most recognized "Post" cover, Trachte was the principal in "Outside the Principal's Office." Trachte was active with other local painters and became a committee member of the Southern Vermont Art Center. The peaceful Arlington area helped nurture Trachte's diverse interest in amateur theater, gardening, building stone walls, photography, repairing parlor organs and running his pet baby bulldozer. He is survived by four children, a daughter, Marjorie Rosenberg of Locust Valley, N.Y., Donald Trachte, Jr. of Burlington, David Trachte of Sandgate and Jon Trachte of Houston, Texas; and a brother, David Trachte of Saint Joseph, Mo. A private memorial service is planned at a later date. To send the Trachte family email condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Brewster Funeral Service in Manchester, Vt.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 29, 2005

Note: Don Trachte's graduation year is based on information in the 1933 Orange and Black, the yearbook published by The Madison Mirror that replaced the Tychoberahn during the 1930s.

Obituary: Florence Elizabeth (Anderson) Class - Class of 1933

MADISON - Florence Elizabeth Class, age 89, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2004. She was born on Jan. 18, 1915, the only daughter of Adolph Carl and Eleanor Ann (Rinder) Anderson. She graduated from Central High School and Madison Business College after which she was employed in the office of Gisholt Machine Tool Company. Florence married Ronald P. Halvorsen in 1937. He was a popular grocer on Monroe Street, and they had four children before his untimely death in 1945. In 1956, Florence married George M. Class, an executive with Gisholt. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and one extended venture around the world. Their home was in Maple Bluff, and they were members of the Madison Club, the Maple Bluff Country Club and Christ Presbyterian Church. Her beloved George died in May 1988. Survivors include four children, Barbara J. Wiechers of Madison, John R. Halvorsen of Port Orange, Fla., Ronald G. Halvorsen of Racine and James P. (Mary) Halvorsen of High Point, N.C.; and two step-children, Marilyn M. (Gordon) Doss of Birmingham, Ala., and Virginia A. (Raymond) Johnston of Madison. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John L. Anderson; and two stepsons, John B. Class and George Michael Class Jr. A memorial service will be on Monday, June 28, 2004, at 11 a.m. at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison. The family requests that memorials be made to the church in lieu of flowers. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 25, 2004

Note: Florence Anderson Class's class year is based on information in the 1933 issue of The Orange and Black yearbook, which includes her senior photograph.

Obituary: Theodora H. (Herfurth) Kubly - Class of 1933

MADISON - Theodora H. Kubly, age 87, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 3, 2003, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. She was born in Madison on Nov. 20, 1915, to the late Genevieve Gorst Herfurth and Theodore Herfurth, Jr., whose family was among the early residents of the city. Christened Jean Theodora, she was known to all as Teddy. She attended the Lincoln Elementary School directly across from her family home on Gorham Street and in February 1933 she graduated from Central High School where she was salutatorian of her class. Teddy was active in the Girl Scout movement, which had been founded in 1912. She was a member of Troop #1 (Lincoln School) and at age 17 became the troops leader. Subsequently she helped form Troop #2 at Lakewood School and continued her involvement in scouting while her children were young. Teddy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1937 with a degree in Art Education. While at the university, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. On Feb. 3, 1938, Theodora married Harold Edward Kube Kubly, another Madison native. Other than during the war years when Kubes V-12 Naval duties took them to Louisville Ky., Plattsburgh NY, and South Bend Ind., and a sabbatical spent in Munich, Germany in 1954-55, Teddy and Harold lived in Madison, where Dr. Kubly was a professor at the university. Over the years Teddy was active in a variety of community organizations. She became a member of Attic Angels in 1954, where she was head of the Expansion Committee for the Segoe Road facility. She was on the Board of the UW-YWCA focusing on membership and finance. Teddy was membership chairman for the University League, significantly increasing affiliation during her tenure. Teddy also served as deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 75 years. Among the other philanthropic, civic, and cultural organizations with which she was worked were several centered on assisting international students with their stay in Madison: the American Field Service, the Experiment in International Living, the Madison Friends of International Students, and the Briuingham Viking Organization. Both Teddy and Kube delighted in entertaining foreign students in their home. Teddy had a profound love of the natural world and took great joy from working in her garden and in spending time at the family summer cottage on Lake Mendota. Another interest was Native Americans. She and Harold often vacationed in the Southwest and over the years Teddy became very knowledgeable about Native American arts and crafts. They also enjoyed traveling in Europe, where, whenever possible, they would renew friendships made over the years. Teddy was a gentle, genial, and generous soul. Her youthful, happy outlook on life made her a delight to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her sense of humor was keen and she kept it to the end. She will be missed by the many people whose life she touched. Teddy is lovingly survived by her daughter, Beth Margaret Kubly; and her son-in-law, Dr. James Weeks of Madison and State College, Pa. She is further survived by Jean McWilliams Peters (Mrs. Henry) and family of Madison, Jean Lucia Brechier of Los Angeles; Lucia DeGroot (David) Tyler of Trumansburg, NY, Daniel Kubly and family of Middleton, and Robert Kubly of Madison. Her parents; her sisters, Eleanor Herfurth and Virginia Marie Herfurth; her husband; and her beloved son, Vincent Frederick preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2003, at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham Street, followed by a celebration of her life with family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Madison Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5010, Madison WI 53705; the Library and Archives Endowment of the Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St., Madison WI 53706; or the organization of ones choice. Afterglow I'd like the memory of me To be a happy one. Id like to leave an afterglow 0f smiles when life is done. Id like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways 0f happy times, laughing times And bright, sunny days. Id like the tears of those who grieve To dry before the sun 0f happy memories that I leave When life is done. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road 608-238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2003

Obituary: A. Evelyn "Evie" Ritchie - Class of 1933

MADISON [Wisconsin] - A. Evelyn "Evie" Ritchie, age 86, died after a long illness at Meriter Health Care Center on Monday, December 31, 2001. She was born July 27, 1915, in Madison, to John and Anna (Dienberg) Boyle. She graduated from Central High School and was a member of St. Raphael Cathedral, Moose Lodge, Eagles, Elks, American Legion, and the VFW. Evie is survived by a nephew, Michael Boyle of Spokane, Wash.; many great nieces and nephews and special friends; especially two dear friends, Lolita Jordan and Alice Speth, both of Madison; sister-in-law, Ruth Boyle of Madison; and a goddaughter, Janice Kuehl of Helenville. She is preceded in death by her parents, and five brothers, Kenneth, William, Vern, Jack and Ted Boyle; a sister, Vera Zeloff; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. RAPHAEL CATHEDRAL, 222 West Main St., at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2002. Father Douglas Dushack will officiate. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 North Sherman Ave., on Thursday, January 3, 2002, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Friends may call again on Friday, at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of services. In life Evie was always most gracious and loving, generously giving of herself to her family, friends and everyone she met. No one was a stranger to Evie for long. She willingly offered a heart-warming smile and helping hand to everyone in her life. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Meriter Health Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or St. Raphael Cathedral. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 North Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257 www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 2, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Evelyn (Boyle) Ritchie's class year is based on information in the 1933 Orange and Black yearbook, which has her senior photo in the section on June graduates.

Obituary: Marian (Farr) Widmann - Class of 1933

PEORIA, ARIZ. - Marian Widmann, age 86, of Peoria, Ariz., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2001, at Sun-Health Hospice, Peoria. Marian was born April 19, 1915, in Black Earth, Wis., to George and Grace Farr. Marian graduated from Madison Central High School and married Raymond R. Widmann in 1936. Marian and her husband, Raymond, were lifetime Madison residents until their retirement, when they moved to Peoria, Ariz. Marian was administration assistant in the Monona Grove Public School District for 30 years. For 24 of these years, she served as personal secretary to Edmond Schwan. Her husband, Raymond, was retired from the city of Madison Police Department and continued serving as chief of Blooming Grove and McFarland. Marian was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed doing needlework and crossword puzzles. She is survived by a sister, Eunice (Ralph) Sumnicht of Portage; a brother, Russell (Marian) Farr of Madison; daughters, Anna (Gordon) Erickson of Tomahawk, Susan (Dan) Holcomb of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Carrie, Rebecka and Raechal. Surviving also are her beloved nieces, Karen (Jim) Crary, Peoria, Ariz., Julie (Will) Major, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; a nephew, Gary (Diane) Sumnicht, Madison; and several grand-nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Raymond; brothers, George Farr and Berton Farr; and her sister, Ruth Setunsky. Memorial services will be held in Peoria, Ariz., on Friday, June 22, 2001. Entombment will be in Madison with her husband, Raymond. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sun-Health Hospice - Peoria, 12740 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85381. She is survived by many dear friends in Madison, Monona, and Peoria, Ariz. Her friends of the Monona Grove School District will miss her annual summer months stays while residing in Portage.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1965)

Note: Marion Farr Widman's class year is based on information in the 1933 issue of The Orange and Black yearbook, which includes her senior photograph

Obituary: Kathryn (Bates) Goodrich - Class of 1933

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Kathryn Goodrich, age 87, died on Friday, May 11, 2001, at a local hospital. Kathryn was born in Madison on August 28, 1913, the daughter of Wilfred and Mary Bates. She graduated from Central High School, Class of 1933. Kathryn married Don Goodrich on April 2, 1937, at Grace Episcopal Church. She was a long time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Kathryn is survived by her three daughters, Nancy (Jim) Cook of Hazel Green, Susan (Jim) Opelt of West Bend, and Ruth (Ron) Niendorf of Madison; nine grandchildren, Cathy (Mark) Buttell, Ken (Angie) Cook, Stacey Cook, Debbi (Don) Clark, Laura (Greg) Giessen, Kurt Opelt, Sheryl (Brian) Pochel, Chris Niendorf, and Maria Niendorf; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, John D. (Carole) Bates of Hortonville, Wisconsin; a brother in-law, Bob (Mary Jane) Goodrich; and other relatives and friends. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Don in 1996; two brothers; and a sister. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2001, at 2:00 p.m. at ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4011 Major Avenue, with Father Gary Lambert presiding. Friends may call on Saturday, May 12, 2001, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Health Care United. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Dr. 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 13, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Bob R. "Boomer" Harris - Class of 1933

MADISON - Bob R. "Boomer" Harris died late Sunday morning following a brief illness. Harris is best remembered for serving as head basketball coach at three Madison high schools, West (1947-53), Central (1957-69), and Memorial (1970-75). He also helped coach prep football and,11/09/ football team in California that played USC and UCLA junior varsity squads in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Following his discharge from the Army, Harris decided against several other opportunities and opted for high school coaching. Two of his West teams won Big Eight championships and the 1951 Regents finished second to Wisconsin Rapids in the WIAA State Tournament. A conflict of philosophies at West resulted in the transfer of Harris to Central in 1953, and he served as assistant there until being named head coach in 1957. He didn’t enjoy the same success at Central, but as usual, got the most ability out of his players as well as respect from all those who’s lives he touched. He led Central out of the Big Eight Cellar in 1958 for the first time in four years and was named Coach of the Year. His 1963-64 team compiled a 10-4 conference record, finished second and earned Harris another Coach of the Year citation in the city. Harris said one of his most enjoyable years was at Central in 1953 when he also assisted coach Harold "Gus" Pollack with the football team. "Then having coached my son, "Tuffy" (Robert Harris) at Central was one of my most enjoyable experiences," he once told an interviewer. When Central closed, he moved to Memorial, retiring in 1975. He was inducted into the Madison Pen and Mike Sports Hall of Fame in June 1978. He was awarded the Madison Pen and Mike Good Guy Award. He also was named Mr. Olympic in 1977 by the Madison Service Club Council. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaching Association Hall of Fame in 1979. Harris was a product of the "old school," who taught absolutes to his pupils, emphasizing there wasn’t a right and wrong way, but a "Harris way" to live their lives. Discipline was a key word in his vocabulary. Bus drivers used to say their buses were cleaner when Harris teams got off after road trips, than when they boarded. Harris credited his experiences as a kid on the old Marquette playground, where the late Scott Hake was the instructor, for inspiring his interest in teaching and coaching. He was born May 9, 1915 in Chippewa Falls to Reverend and Mrs. Fred W. Harris. His father was a Methodist minister who brought his family to Madison when Bob was in fourth grade. Harris graduated from Central High School and earned a varsity letter in basketball at the University of Wisconsin. playing for Harold "Bud" Foster. He worked his way through the University at Toby and Moon’s Restaurant, gaining other experience during his high school years at Egan and Kelly’s Restaurant. He also credits former East High teachers Morgan "Doc" Gottschalk and Archie Morrow for aiding his coaching career as well as former UW baseball coach Dynie Mansfield and UW recreation director Pat Holmes. A 1937 University of Wisconsin graduate, Harris was one of only three physical education majors in the class of 62 to land a job during that Depression year. He went to work in Madison’s public elementary schools. During summers, he worked at Madison playgrounds and beaches, supervising swimming programs on all Madison beaches for many years until ill health forced his retirement in 1975. The old coach never put much stock in records, championships or awards. He treasured as his greatest "trophies" those former students and players who became outstanding citizens in their respective communities. Scores of those pupils never lost touch with him, and many appreciated his positive influence on their lives to this date. Bob and his wife, the former Ruth Meyers, were married September 29, 1942. They became parents of two daughters, Ruth A. Garner (Mark Gillingham) of Portland, Oregon, and Betty J. Custer (J. Corkey) of Madison; as well as a son, Robert B. Harris (Nancy) of San Mateo, California. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; his father, Frederick, and mother, Estelle; his sister, Dorothy Steinweg and his brother, Lawrence. He is survived by his three children, his two sons-in-law, and his daughter-in-law; two grandchildren in Madison, Genevieve Harris Custer and James Corkey Custer III; and his brother, Wilfred, of Madison. He also leaves behind countless former students and athletes, and teaching and sports colleagues who will never forget that they knew "Boomer". Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 1993 at the COMMUNITY OF HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 7118 Old Sauk Road, where friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 1993. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meritor Park Hospital, whose dedicated staff cared for Bob in his final days and supported his family; Hospice Care, Inc., who did the same for Bob’s wife; the Wisconsin Dance Ensemble with whom Bob’s granddaughter dances; and the Madison Midnight Basketball Program.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 9, 1993

Note: Robert Harris's class year is based on information in the 1933 issue of The Orange and Black yearbook, which includes his senior photograph.