Obituary: Theresa Marie (Castagna) Hare - Class of 1945

MADISON - Madison has lost a good one. Theresa Marie Hare (Castagna) [age 86] went to Heaven on March 27, 2014. She fought one helluva fight and did it her way. Cue the Frank Sinatra music! Her spirit still lives on with all who were fortunate to know Theresa. She touched everyone she ever knew. She was fun, funny, hard-working, friendly, the life of the party and made you feel like part of the family. She was tough as nails and you wouldn't have wanted to make her mad. She was a 5 foot powerhouse bursting with personality.

She married the love of her life, Jesse Jack Hare and together they forged a life branded with the motto "You only live once, so what the hell, go for it!" Theresa opened her first bar Chesty's in 1952 and eventually ran many businesses with Jack including The Bunny Hop, The White Hare and Hare's Towne Bowl. Their life read like a manual of how to live the best life ever! Theresa was blessed with family, many friends, crazy adventures and lots of love. Theresa's daughters, Toni and Jackie always felt lucky to have been chosen to be her kids. The greatest gift she ever gave to her daughters was an idyllic childhood filled with fun, laughter and lots of love.

When friends think of Theresa they remember her quick-witted humor and how she made everyone feel special. She could be found most Sundays hosting big spaghetti dinners and pool parties. Theresa also loved to take trips in their family's RV. As Theresa grew older into what she called "the Rusty Years", she still stayed spry. She never missed an Italian Fest and reminiscing with former Greenbush neighbors. She taught her grandchildren that fine art of being a wise-crackin' jokester. They were lucky to know that their Grandma loved them with every fiber of her being. Theresa lived life not according to how old the calendar said she was. In fact, she really disliked hanging out with "old people". At 86, she never considered herself old. That is the key to defying 70+ years of smoking those damn cigarettes and eating a cheeseburger with a slice of raw for breakfast! Her strength, tenaciousness and determination was the foundation of who Theresa was.

So get ready world because the Angel of Happiness is on the scene! The Department of Fun will never be the same! Raise a Miller Lite, smile and enjoy life today as Theresa would tell you to do. We all love and miss you, from your family: Toni Hare and Marcy Braucht, (Katie and Alex Hipler, Gabe and Will Braucht) Jackie and Mark White (Scarlett, Marshall and Truman White) and the Arizona Hares. Join us to celebrate the amazing life of Theresa Hare, Thursday April 3, 2014, at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at St. James Church, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, Wis, with a 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m.funeral. Luncheon will immediately follow.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 30, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Theresa Castagna's class year is based on a 1945 list of graduates published in The Capital Times.

Obituary: Sam O. Buscemi - Class of 1945

MADISON - Sam P. Buscemi, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

He was born on April 30, 1928, in Madison, the son of Salvatore and Frances (Gandolfo) Buscemi. Sam was a lifelong Madison resident and graduated from Central High School in 1946. He served his country as a master sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Easy Company, in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Sam was united in marriage to Marilyn (Millar) Chittenden in December 1986. He was a ticket agent for Milwaukee Road for 20 years, had an industrial x-ray business for several years, and eventually retired from Gardner Bakery in 1990.

Sam was an avid fan of all sports, being particularly partial to the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. He also loved to dance, particularly to swing music. Above all, Sam enjoyed spending time in the company of his family and friends and playing cards with his buddies. He was a kind man and had a "soft spot" in his heart for babies and animals. Sam was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, was loved by many, and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Debra (Scott) Jonovic, Kathy (Peter) Liebl, Sam V. (Kris), Vicki (Dave) Bedell, Paul (Karen), Michael (Kristi) and Rob; stepson, Michael (Nicole) Chittenden; 11 grandchildren and a stepgrandson; mother of his children, Annette (Cardarella) Brown; sister, Sister Rose Marie Buscemi of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross; and two special aunts, Catherine Gianquinto and Vicki Pellitteri. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the dialysis staff at St. Mary's Renal Center and the staff at Oak Park Place for their care of Sam.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 12, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Thomas Ralph Fuller - Class of 1945

LOUISVILLE, KY - Thomas Ralph Fuller, age 83 of Destin, Fla., formerly of Louisville, Ky., died on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, in the presence of his family.

Tom was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 14, 1927, and was raised in Madison. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945, where he lettered in track, basketball, and football. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. He began a career with the former Thomas Industries Inc. as a sales trainee in Fort Atkinson, in 1945, and progressed to the position of president, chief executive officer and board member of Thomas Industries, from which he retired in 1991. During his career he served as an executive committee member of the National Association of Electrical Distributors, chaired the Economic and Air Services Committee of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, and was an executive committee member of Project 2000 for the City of Louisville. From 1988 to 1994, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the former National City Bank (First National Bank) during which time he served as a member of its executive committee and chaired its audit committee.

Tom married the former Jeannette Ellen Faust on June 24, 1948. She preceded him in death on October 31, 1999. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Christine Ellen Fuller, and his parents.

He is survived by three sons, Michael (Kathy), Daniel (Alishia) and Christopher (Christa); nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Joseph Herring), Caroline, Thomas, Amanda, Brittany, Erin, Michael, Danielle and Megan; and a great-grandchild, Avery. He is also survived by his second wife, Betty Jo Cofer; his brother, Richard D. Fuller (Jan); and two sisters-in-law, Caryl Bremer (Howard) and Ellen Faust.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at PEARSON FUNERAL HOME, 149 Breckenridge Lane, with a memorial service at Pearson Funeral Home immediately following the visitation. There will be a private family burial service on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at Cave Hill Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity High School, 4007 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 5, 2010

Obituary: Norbert J. King - Class of 1945

MADISON - Norbert J. King, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Oakwood Village West. He was born on July 16, 1927, in Madison, to Norbert V. and Myrtle (Nolen) King. They preceded him in death. Norbert graduated from Central High School in 1945. Norbert served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he was a letter carrier for 30 years and then Dean Medical Center. Norbert was a member of the Moose Club. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Norbert loved his fishing trips to Canada where he went once a year with his buddies. Norbert is survived by his sister, Lucille Smith; children, Gregory (Cathy) Doudna, Jerry (Donna) King, Lee (Nancy) King, Vonda Shoemaker, Connie (Bob) Poster, Joel Shiver, Jeffrey King and Raymond King; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Leslie Smith. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Dane County. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2010

Obituary: Sam Raimond - Class of 1945

Sam Raimond, age 82, died on Saturday, July 25, 2009, following a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born on Dec. 8, 1926, in Madison, to Tony and Providenza Raimondo. Sam graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for the North Western Railroad and for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1987. Sam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, cooking and baking, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs and University of Wisconsin sports teams. He was a member of the Italian Workmen's Club and cherished the time he spent with his buddies from the Greenbush neighborhood where he grew up. Sam was also a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. He volunteered his time to the church and to the Salvation Army. Sam is survived by his children, David, Tony (Connie), Patty, Mark (Linda), and Sam (Brenda); nine grandchildren, Amy, Missy, John, Mark, Bruce, Corey, Adam, Kayla and Brooke; four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Gabby, Kennedy and Aiden; siblings, Vi (Victor) Martinelli, Teresa (John) Brausen, John (Pat),and Pat (Janice); and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Sig) Gulvik, Audrey (Harvey) Theobald, and Kate Cook. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at, ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, July 29, 2009, with Father Lance Schneider presiding. A visitation will be held at, GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Burial will be at Verona Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sam's name to The American Heart Association. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 26, 2009

Obituary: Bertha A. (Reynolds) Erickson - Class of 1945

MADISON - Bertha A. Erickson, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at her home. She was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Madison, the daughter of the late Roger and Olga (Werner) Reynolds. Bertha graduated from Central High School in 1945. She was united in marriage to Robert Erickson on Nov. 16, 1946, in Madison. Bertha worked for Research Products for 35 years. She was a big Packers fan. Bertha is survived by her two children, Pamela Dienberg and Roger Erickson, both of Madison; a granddaughter, Gina Graville; step-grandchildren, Kim, Keith, Kenny Jr., Gene (Denise), Michelle, and Carolyn (Johann); 19 step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Daisy Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Robert, in 1968; a brother, Roger; and a niece, Sheila. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, with the Rev. Glen Reichelderfer presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 30, 2008

Obituary: John L. "Orangie" Berg - Class of 1945

MADISON - John L. "Orangie" Berg, age 80, died Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg, following a long illness. He was born in Sublette, Ill., on Jan. 9, 1926, to Leslie T. Berg and Anna Woods Berg. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Madison. After graduating from Holy Redeemer Grade School, he attended Central High School, where in 1944, he was chosen as All Madison High School halfback. He graduated in 1945. For several years he was a brakeman for the Milwaukee Road Railroad, before enrolling in the Madison Business College. He graduated in 1955, with a degree in business administration. He entered the insurance business, first as an accountant and eventually as a sales representative, until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, the former Isabelle Muskat Anderson, whom he married on May 26, 1962. He is also survived by a brother, Leslie (Lorine) Berg, Fort Mitchell, Ky.; a sister, Mary C. Berg-Schmitz of Madison; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie T. and Anna Berg; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Marie Berg; and his sister, Phyllis and his brother-in-law, Robert Schmitz. A memorial Mass will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 Owen Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In John's memory, all memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at hospice. The dedication to peace and comfort shown by everyone there was wonderful. Also thanks to his many faithful old friends who gave him their time and laughter to the very end. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 23, 2006

Obituary Gerald P. Fruth - Class of 1945

MADISON - Gerald P. Fruth, age 78, of Madison, died on Friday, April 7, 2006, at home, after a long illness, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 2, 1927, in Madison, the son of Joseph Fruth and Irene (Harrington) Fruth. He attended St. Raphael's Elementary School, Central High School and graduated from UW-Madison in 1951. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired from the housekeeping department of UW-Madison in 1993. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Bannister) Fruth; his five children, Marilyn (Lee Konrad) Fruth and their daughters, Adriana and Michaela; Susan Fruth; Mark Fruth, all of Madison; Margaret (James G. Marshall III) Fruth-Marshall of Holt, Mich. and their daughters, Alyssa and Natalie; and Kathleen (Danny) Viernes of Kauai, Hawaii and their children, Kaitlin, Kendra and Kian; his brother, Marvin (Beatrice) Fruth; and his two sisters, Josephine (Dennis) Rodgerson and Gail (Richard) Bugdanow; brother-in-law, Roy (Joyce) Bannister; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Verna (Holzbower) Fruth; sister-in-law, Helen (Harold) Anderson; and his son, John Jay Fruth. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1134 St. James Court, Madison, on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 1 p.m. Monsignor Tom Baxter will officiate with inurnment in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call after noon at the church on Tuesday, until the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. A special thanks to the staff member of HospiceCare who assisted us in Jerry's care during his final days. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 10, 2006

Obituary: Eugene C. Osborn - Class of 1945

MADISON - Eugene C. Osborn, age 79, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at his home. A successful local businessman, he was born the son of Eugene E. and Dorthy (Cnare) Osborn on Nov. 28, 1926, in a house located at 245 Langdon St. He was a resident of either 245 or 241 Langdon St. for more than 79 years. Eugene graduated from Central High School in 1945. There he met the love of his life, Jannette Lindauer, whom he wed on Sept. 8, 1948. Together they had two sons, E. Kurt and Mark A. Osborn. Eugene also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he became a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Eugene started his business career by purchasing a gas station located at the corner of Park and Lakeside streets from his father. After a short stint, Eugene became a successful realtor, spending 20 plus happy years. Once he retired from realty, Eugene, along with his brother, Duane, owned and operated rental property on Langdon and State streets until the time of his passing. The two brothers also developed a family farm in McFarland. Eugene's favorite hobbies were mostly outdoors related, including: fishing, long rides in the country with friends and family, and especially hunting. He will always be missed by those who walked the woods and fields with him. Eugene could also play a mean game of cards of all varieties (poker, pinchole, sheephead, euchre, cribbage, gin and many more). Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jannette; her two sons, E. Kurt (Anita) Osborn and Mark A. Osborn; four grandchildren, Adam (Jeanette) Osborn, Kristin (Mark) Krueger, Ryan Osborn and Marissa Osborn; a great-granddaughter, Emma Krueger; his brother, Duane Osborn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Glen Reichelderfer officiating. Friends may greet the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison WI 53717; HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703.Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road Madison (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 1, 2006

Obituary: Eugene C. Osborn - Class of 1945

MADISON - Eugene C. Osborn, age 79, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at his home. A successful local businessman, he was born the son of Eugene E. and Dorthy (Cnare) Osborn on Nov. 28, 1926, in a house located at 245 Langdon St. He was a resident of either 245 or 241 Langdon St. for more than 79 years. Eugene graduated from Central High School in 1945. There he met the love of his life, Jannette Lindauer, whom he wed on Sept. 8, 1948. Together they had two sons, E. Kurt and Mark A. Osborn. Eugene also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he became a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Eugene started his business career by purchasing a gas station located at the corner of Park and Lakeside streets from his father. After a short stint, Eugene became a successful realtor, spending 20 plus happy years. Once he retired from realty, Eugene, along with his brother, Duane, owned and operated rental property on Langdon and State streets until the time of his passing. The two brothers also developed a family farm in McFarland. Eugene's favorite hobbies were mostly outdoors related, including: fishing, long rides in the country with friends and family, and especially hunting. He will always be missed by those who walked the woods and fields with him. Eugene could also play a mean game of cards of all varieties (poker, pinchole, sheephead, euchre, cribbage, gin and many more). Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jannette; her two sons, E. Kurt Osborn and Mark A. Osborn; four grandchildren, Adam (Jeanette) Osborn, Kristin (Mark) Krueger, Ryan Osborn and Marissa Osborn; a great-granddaughter, Emma Krueger; his brother, Duane Osborn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Glen Reichelderfer officiating. Friends may greet the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison WI 53717; HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road Madison (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 28, 2006

Obituary: Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine - Class of 1945

MADISON - Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine, age 78, quietly passed away in her home on Monday, Nov. 21, 2005. She was born on March 28, 1927, in Oconto Falls, the youngest of seven children born to the loving and close family of Frank and Maude Hanek. Jeanne Carol moved to Madison with her family in 1943. She graduated from Central High School in 1945, and shortly thereafter went to work at Bell Telephone, as a long distance operator. Jeanne Carol had a soothing voice and was a good singer, as were her brothers and sisters. In 1951, she married Arnie Steine of Decorah, Iowa, and became a loving wife and mother. She returned to work after her husband's death in 1966. With her warm personality and experience as an operator, she worked as a receptionist until her retirement in 1986. Jeanne enjoyed her independence and loved to travel with her sisters to visit family and friends. Although her last few years became physically difficult for her, she never complained and battled courageously until her last breath. Jeanne was a kind and gentle soul. Her love and life will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by those she touched. She is survived by her son, Kent; a brother, Blaine Hanek; a sister, Verle (Hanek) Jacobs; granddaughter, Autumn (Steine) Malotke; grandson, Shane Steine; great-grandson, Donovan Malotke; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnie Steine; parents, Frank Hanek and Maude (McLean) Hanek; sisters, Joyce Hanek and Geraldine (Hanek) Everett; brothers, Claude Hanek and Donald Hanek. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at 11 a.m. at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 25, 2005

Obituary: Donna J. (Arnold) George - Class of 1945

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Donna J. George, age 76, of Madison, died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, at St. Marys Hospital. She was born on August 12, 1926 in Madison at St. Marys Hospital, the daughter of Earl and Lucille (Mueller) Arnold. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945. She worked for 31 years as a cosmetologist at Barons, Manchester's and Yost's Department stores. Donna married Robert J. George on January 28, 1950, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Madison. Her hobby was decorating and she used her decorating skills in the homes of friends as well as those she and Bob shared. Donna had a loving nature, a quick wit and she was also very generous and giving of herself. She had a great sense of style! She is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Lynn (David) Hudson of Verona; her adoring grandsons, William and Andrew; brother, Jim (Charlene) Arnold of Florida;sister, LaVonne (Jim) Hilgers of Stone Lake, Wis.; nieces and nephew, Jenny, Lori and John; her aunt, Etta Straus of Madison; and many other relatives and close friends over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1134 St. James Ct. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Orval O. Fisher - Class of 1945

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Orval O. Fisher, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2002, at St. Marys Hospital. He was born on Sept. 9, 1927, at Madison General Hospital, to Vernon and Ethel (Burnsworth) Fisher. Orval graduated from Madison Central High School in June 1945. He entered service in the U.S. Army in September 1945 and stationed at Fort McCoy during World War II. Orval served in the Korean War and went to Vietnam with the 826th as first sergeant with more than 200 men in Long Bindh. He served in the Army for more than eight years and the Reserves for 25 years, retiring from the 84th Division, 2nd Battalion, 339th Regiment, in May 1979. Orval was united in marriage to Patricia Hellenbrand on May 22, 1954, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Ashton. He was employed by Oscar Mayer for more than 40 years as a pipefitter. Orval was a charter member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, where he served as an usher; he was also a member of Oscar Mayer Local No. 538; American Legion Post No. 534, past commander, honor guard and marching unit of VFW Post No. 7591; and a life member of the Bristol Gun Club. An avid sportsman, Orval started fishing and hunting with his dad and continued the pastime with family members and his many friends. An annual Canadian fishing trip became a tradition. Orval is survived by his wife, Pat of Madison; sons, Clifford (Jean) and Brian, both of Madison; a daughter, Denise (Scott) Miller of McFarland; five grandchildren, Reese, Blake and Desirae Fisher, and Rachel and Courtney Miller; step-sisters, Dorothy Leming of Edina, Minn., Joyce (Dick) Sutton of Mount Horeb, and Emilie Hawk of Verona; a step-brother, Ronald (Darlene) Johnson of Mount Horeb; a sister-in-law, Pam Fisher of DeForest; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Loren Johnson; a brother, DeWayne; infant brother, Clinton Fisher; step-sisters, Lorraine Hill and Arlene May; and a step-brother-in-law, Dick Leming. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2002, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted by the Madison Veterans Firing Squad. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2002, where VFW Post No. 7591 will conduct a pass and review at 7:30 p.m., with a rosary to follow. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Dennis Catholic Church for masses or to the American Heart Association. Orval died doing what he enjoyed the most, fishing with his son and grandsons. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 24, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Virginia (Bullis) Brockman - Class of 1945

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Virginia (Bullis) Brockman of Madison passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2002, due to COPD, surrounded by family, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. She was born on June 7, 1927, in Waukesha, the daughter of Lloyd and Kathleen Bullis. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945 and continued on to what is now the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she met Arthur Brockman. They married on July 7, 1951. Virginia was employed at the Plaza True Value for 17 years. She loved to read and collect cook books. Virginia always put family before herself. She will be greatly missed. Virginia is survived by her husband, Arthur; four children, Kathy (Dan) Kohlhagen, Marsha (Steve) Tortorice, Lori (Harold) Hobbs and Dale (Lisa) Brockman; six grandchildren, Laura and Derek Kohlhagen, Michael and Gina Tortorice, and Jeremy and David Hobbs; mother, Kathleen Bullis; and her sister, Noreen (Don) Severson. A memorial service will be held at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2002. The Rev. Brad Homan will preside. Family and friends may call at the church from noon until the time of the service on Sunday. A precious one has left us, A voice we love is stilled. An empty place is in our lives That never can be filled. God saw her getting weary And did what seemed the best, Just came and stood beside her And whispered, "Come and rest." Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420


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