Obituary: Ruth (Levin) Levey - Class of 1939

MADISON - Ruth Levey, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 22, 2013. She was born on March 21, 1922, in Madison, the daughter of Max and Clara Levin. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Negelow of Atlanta, Ga., Lenore Katz (Joel) of Athens, Ga.; and son, Dr. Allan Levey (Lori) of Atlanta, Ga.; and sister, Ada Mitchell. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew Edelstein (Lisa), Colin Edelstein (Ali), Emily Katz (Thurston Domina), Marisa Katz (Prentiss Cox), Natalie Levey, and Daniel Levey; and great-grandmother of Jaclyn, Lincoln, Maggie, Jake, Willa, and Hallie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Seymour Levey. She was married to Sy in 1943, and together they established Rock-A-Bye Youth Center, a children's department store, which became a Madison landmark for more than 40 years. A private funeral service was held with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Madison. The family would like to express special thanks to Chompel, the staff at Attic Angel Place and Janine Field for advocating for a dignified end to life at home, and for many years of care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719, or Jewish Social Services of Madison. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 25, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Ruth Levey's class year is based on a list of June 1939 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 1939.

Barbara B. (Heiliger) Vogel - Class of 1939

MADISON - Our beloved Barbara B. Vogel, age 89, passed away on Sept. 22, 2010, at Hospice Care in Fitchburg. She was born on Aug. 2, 1921, in Steuben, Wis. and moved to Madison as a young girl. Barb graduated from Central High School in 1939. She was married in 1942 to the love of her life, Harold Vogel. Mom dedicated her life to Dad and her seven children. She was a wonderful example of care and compassion who taught us the true meaning of unconditional love. Thanks to mom we are blessed to carry on her legacy of love for those in our lives. Barb had many interests and passions which included gardening, sewing, baking, travel, reading the bible and her church family while retired in Orlando Fla. Mother's card making started out as a simple hobby and turned into a large full time ministry. Her handmade cards brought joy, encouragement and celebration to people's lives all over the country. Mom was a unique woman for her time. She did not like to shop but loved sports. When it came to sports, her knowledge and enthusiasm would earn her an announcer's job at ESPN. Mom is survived by her children, Christine Vogel, Dave Vogel, (Rebecca Rodriguez), Paul Vogel, Cynthia Johnson (Kenneth), James Vogel, William Vogel and Susan Duong; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vogel; father, George and mother Nellie Heiliger; sisters, Margaret Whiting and Alice Thysse; brothers, Jim and Dud Heiliger. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following a luncheon. We would like to thank the loving caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center and Hospice Care Inc. for the incredible way they blessed us all at the end of mom's life. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cress Funeral and Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 26, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Barbara B. (Heiliger) Vogel - Class of 1939

MADISON - Our beloved Barbara B. Vogel, age 89, passed away on Sept. 22, 2010, at Hospice Care in Fitchburg.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1921, in Steuben, Wis. and moved to Madison as a young girl. Barb graduated from Central High School in 1939. She was married in 1942 to the love of her life, Harold Vogel. Mom dedicated her life to Dad and her seven children. She was a wonderful example of care and compassion who taught us the true meaning of unconditional love. Thanks to mom we are blessed to carry on her legacy of love for those in our lives. Barb had many interests and passions which included gardening, sewing, baking, travel, reading the bible and her church family while retired in Orlando Fla. Mother's card making started out as a simple hobby and turned into a large full time ministry. Her handmade cards brought joy, encouragement and celebration to people's lives all over the country. Mom was a unique woman for her time. She did not like to shop but loved sports. When it came to sports, her knowledge and enthusiasm would earn her an announcer's job at ESPN.

Mom is survived by her children, Christine Vogel, Dave Vogel, (Rebecca Rodriguez), Paul Vogel, Cynthia Johnson (Kenneth), James Vogel, William Vogel and Susan Duong; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vogel; father, George and mother Nellie Heiliger; sisters, Margaret Whiting and Alice Thysse; brothers, Jim and Dud Heiliger.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following a luncheon. We would like to thank the loving caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center and Hospice Care Inc. for the incredible way they blessed us all at the end of mom's life. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Services, 3610 Speedway Road,(608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 26, 2010

Obituary: James Patrick Conway - Class of 1939

MADISON/ MONTELLO - James Patrick Conway, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at Harmony Living Center, in Stoughton. He was born on Nov. 29, 1919, in Madison, the son of John and Hattie (Schroeder) Conway. He graduated with the class of 1939, from Central High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. James married Laura E. Irons, in 1949. James worked at Madison Metro bus company from 1951, until retiring as a maintenance supervisor, in 1986. He was a great fisherman, hunter, gardener, and simply loved being outdoors. James enjoyed playing guitar, harmonica, and singing. He could fix anything and was always willing to help in any way he could. James is survived by his sons, James P. (Beverly) Conway Jr., and George Michael (Wanda) Conway; daughters, Sherry Lee Conway (Pat), Christi L. (James) Remsik, and Karen E. Conway; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, Thomas and Franklin D. Conway. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laura, in 1997; grandsons, Rick Kramer and Mark Remsik; great-grandson, Charlie Kramer; three brothers; and six sisters. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with military rights being conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. A special thank you to Harmony Living Center in Stoughton, and HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 14, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Charlotte I. (Kalbacken) Emery - Class of 1939

MADISON - Charlotte I. Emery, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Dec. 24, 1921, in Madison, the daughter of Peter and Thea (Tollund) Kalbacken. Charlotte graduated from Central High School. She married Wilbur H. Emery on May 13, 1944, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Charlotte was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a former member of the church choir, and a former member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and was a sports fan. Charlotte is survived by two daughters, Sharon J. (Theo) Mavridoglou of Jackson, Miss. and Patricia I. (Paul) Nehm of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Kristine I. (Allen) McDermott, Aris E. (Alicia) Mavridoglou, Kari L. (Troy) Gunderman, and Petros E. (April) Mavridoglou; seven great-grandchildren, Kadin, Helena, Ayden, Cole, Luke, Paul and Ava; and a sister-in-law, Joan Kalbacken of Bloomington, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur H. Emery (a former City of Madison Police Chief); and a brother, Norman Kalbacken. Funeral services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Visitation will be at Roselawn Chapel from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospital. A special thanks to the nursing staff at 4 East, Cardiac Care Unit, St. Mary's Hospital. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 2, 2008

Note: Charlott Kalbacken Emery's class year is based on information in the June 16, 1939 edition of The Capital Times, which features a list of Madison Central High School's graduating seniors.

Obituary: Arthur "Art" Harrington - Class of 1939

MADISON - Arthur "Art" Harrington, age 85, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at his home. He was born on Jan. 3, 1922, in Madison, the son of Arthur Edward and Anna Harrington. Art attended St. Raphael's Catholic School and graduated from Central High School. After graduation he attended UW-Madison until he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve at the Pentagon in World War II. Art worked at Rayovac as a regional credit manager for more than 40 years. He was an avid golfer and achieved hole-in-one, four times. Art was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Mittelstaedt); and a grand-daughter, Laura Harrington of Madison. Art was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Tim. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. May you always walk in sunshine and God's love around you flow; for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; a part of us went with you the day God called you home. A million times we've needed you, a million times we've cried. If love could only have saved you, you never would have died. Traditional Irish blessing.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 16, 2007

Note: Arthur Harrington's class year is based on a list of 1939 Madison Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 16, 1939.

Obituary: Charlotte J. (Bartle) Martin - Class of 1939

MADISON - Charlotte J. (nee Bartle) Martin, age 85, passed away early on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna. Charlotte was born in Madison on June 18, 1921, the daughter of the late Charles and Catherine (O'Neill) Bartle. She attended St. Patrick Grade School, Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin. She worked at Truax Field in Madison and Badger Ordnance in Baraboo. Charlotte was proud to have worked until age 75, retiring from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Charlotte is survived by her wonderful children, Philip (Karen) Martin II of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and their children, Megan and Ryan; Jeanne Martin of Davis, Calif.; Lisa (Peter) Garvey of Appleton and Laura Martin of Rockville, Md.; two nephews, Leo Halverson and Robert Halverson; a niece, Marcia DuVair; and her former husband of 23 years, Philip Martin. Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marcella (Leo) Halverson, Kathryn (Harley) Britt and Helen (Milton) Fergen; and a niece, June (Albert) Skorupa. Memorial services for Charlotte will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Duane Hanson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Bethel Horizons Foundation or for Macular Degeneration Research. Wichmann Funeral Home 537 N. Superior St., Appleton (920) 739-1231

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 25, 2007

Note: Charlotte Jean Bartle's class year is based on information in the June 16, 1939 edition of The Capital Times, which features a list of Madison Central High School's graduating seniors.

Obituary: Sister Robert Mary Wilke (Phylllis Mary Wilke) - Class of 1939

SINSINAWA - Sister Robert Mary Wilke, O.P., age 85, of St. Dominican Motherhood in Sinsinawa, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at the Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa. She was born Sept. 24, 1921, in Madison. She was the daughter of Robert William and Helen Regine (O'Neill) Wilke. Her birth name was Phyllis Mary Wilke. She attended St. Raphael's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central High School in 1939. She knew at a very young age that she wanted to become a Dominican Sister, so after graduating from high school she entered the order. She made her first profession of religious vows on Aug. 7, 1941. She was an elementary school teacher and principal for 44 years. She taught in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. After retiring from teaching. she was the business officer at St. Dominic Villa in Dubuque, Iowa, for 10 years and retired from that position in 2001. She is survived by her sister, Lorraine Wilke of Madison and many cousins. She is also survived by her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared her religious life for 66 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen and brother, Robert Jr. A remembrance service was held on Sunday, March 25, 2007, at the Gathering Place in the Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of Rosary Chapel at the Dominican Motherhouse with her burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery on Monday, March 26, 2007. She served God all of her life and now she lives with him eternally.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 20, 2007

Obituary: Patricia E. (Phillips) Moore - Class of 1939

MADISON - Patricia E. Moore, age 84, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2007. She was born on June 27, 1922, in Lewistown, Mont., the daughter of John and Georgia (Spain) Phillips. Patricia graduated in 1939 from Central High School. She continued her education in the Nursing program at Mount Sinai in Milwaukee, then working as a registered nurse until her marriage to Dr. R. H. Moore on Aug. 9, 1946. Patricia was a member of the V.F.W. Post 8483 Women's Auxiliary. She took great pride in taking care of her children and grandchildren. Patricia is survived by her husband, Robert; four children, Bob (Denise) Moore, Pam Moore Pomrenke (Ron Brown), Dave (Vicki Strange) Moore and Brad (Sheri) Moore; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jane Jung; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, McKenzie; her parents; a brother, John Phillips; and a sister, Nancy Phillips. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Our world is a little less bright without the unconditional love and support she shined upon all those she touched. She was so many things to so many people, we will hold on to the wonderful memories she has left behind. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2007

Obituary: Norman W. Pettey - Class of 1939

MONONA - Norman W. Pettey, age 83, celebrated his heavenly birthday on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, after a year of slowly declining health. He was at home, surrounded by the family he had lovingly provided for his whole life long. Norman was born on June 24, 1921, in Sun Prairie, the son of Benjamin F. and Ethel F. Pettey. He graduated from Central High School in 1939. Norman proudly served his country for four years during World War II as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was stationed in the South Pacific aboard the USS Van Buren (PF-42). He married Marjorie M. Johnson on Sept. 5, 1947. Together they raised four wonderful children. He made cabinetry for 30 years at the University of Wisconsin Carpenter Shop and retired in 1986. Norman was a proud blood donor (14 gallons!). He was a 57-year member of the Carpenters and Joiners Local 314, and a member of the V.F.W. Post No. 7591 and the American Legion Post No. 429. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marjorie; four children, Jon, Susan Pautz, Tom and Karen; four grandchildren, Bethany (Evan) Kerns, Andrew and Matthew Pautz, and Lauren Pettey-Ajango; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Patricia Moe, Thomas and Helen Johnson, and Richard and Barbara Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a baby brother, David. In the words of Pastor Mary Pharmer of St. Mark's Lutheran Church where Norm was a member for 52 years, his family gives thanks for his life of simplicity and honesty. His family extends their most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Robert Alt and to all the wonderful staff of HospiceCare, Inc.; especially Marcy, Neil, Kari, Debra, Mary, Chris, Karen, Diane and Pastors Jerry and Bob. According to Norman's wishes, private services will be held. Memorials can be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711; or to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St., Madison, WI 53715. Normie, Dad and Grandpa ... we miss you and look forward to the day when we will all be together again. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 6, 2004

Obituary: Stephen William Beld - Class of 1939

MADISON - Stephen William Beld, age 82, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 2, 2004. A lifetime resident of Madison, he was born on July 18, 1921. He and his wife, Angeline Parisi, enjoyed 55 years of marriage together. Steve grew up on the south side and graduated from Central High in 1939. During high school he was a paperboy and then worked at Rennebohm's on the Square. Steve was a member of the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division-Company G during World War II from 1940 through 1945. He served in the Paupuan, southern Philippines, Luzon, and New Guinea campaigns, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation Badge. Following his discharge, he was employed at the University of Wisconsin as an electrician until 1977. Steve enjoyed reading, music, and spending time with family, neighbors, and friends. He and his family regularly made trips to northern Wisconsin and around the United States and Canada. In his free time, Steve spent many hours in his basement workshop and dabbled with oil painting, gardening, golf, and many other hobbies. He was proud to help assemble the large tile mural of Christ's life at Midvale Lutheran Community Church. He lived his life with dignity, courage, and good humor. Surviving Steve are his wife, Angie; daughters, Susan and Joan (Jon Curti); grandchildren, Jennifer, Julie and Peter; sister, Anna Haessig (Robert); brother, Bill (Alyce); and many nieces and nephews. His parents; sister, Grace Faust; and brothers, Ambrose, Joe, Fritz, and George, are in Heaven to welcome him. The family will greet friends at the RESURRECTION CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD LUTHERAN HOMES, 6201 Mineral Point Road, from 1 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Loewenhagen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Oakwood Foundation Endowment Fund. Steve will always remain in our hearts as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 4, 2004