Obituary: Francis "Fritz" Conway - Class of 1957

CHICAGO - Francis "Fritz" Conway, age 72, died Oct. 17, 2011, at Alden Nursing Home, Chicago, Ill. He was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Westport to Frank and Lucy (Walker) Conway. He was a 1957 graduate of Madison Central High School and served in the U.S. Marines.

Fritz is survived by brothers, Joseph (Bobbi), Patrick (Barbara) and Robert (Mary Boyd) Conway; sisters, Margaret (Carl) Bongard, Dorothy Reichling, Mary Harrington and Delores Conway; sister-in-law, Carol Conway; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Conway; and brother-in-law, Tim Harrington.

Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., at JOE'S FIRE STATION, 900 E. Broadway, Monona. "Rest in peace, Fritz."

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Clair "Sonny" Carson - Class of 1957

MADISON - Clair "Sonny" Carson, age 70, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2007, in Madison. He was born on April 21, 1937, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Sonny graduated from Madison Central High School in 1957. He enjoyed being outdoors, landscaping, hunting and fishing. Sonny loved spending time with friends, customers, otherwise known as the "regulars," working in his vegetable garden and selling produce at his stand. His red barn has been a fixture on Madison's East Side for the last 34 years, beginning at the Capital Square during the early days of the Farmers Market, to Fair Oaks Avenue, Cottage Grove Road, Monona Drive, and most recently at Lake Edge Shopping Center. Sonny did not have any children of his own, but he was looked upon as a mentor and father to all. He is survived by his three brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) of Madison, Robert "Bob" (Joan) of Madison and John "Jack" (Alvina) of Tennessee; a half-sister, Doris Davis of Platteville; and nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lemke; and a half-sister, Dorothy Strait. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17,2007. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 16, 2007. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Beverly and to all of Sonny's customers and friends, for all their friendship throughout the years. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 15, 2007

Obituary: Clarence David Masshardt - Class of 1957

WAUNAKEE - Clarence David Masshardt, age 66, died suddenly on Monday, Aug. 14, 2006, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born on Sept. 6, 1939, in Madison, the son of Otto and Clara (Anderson) Masshardt. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. On July 13, 1957, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Alice Mae Hotmar. He worked for the State of Wisconsin as a computer programmer retiring in 1995. He also worked at Brennan's in the bakery. He would take the day old bread and give it to the homeless. Clarence was very active in sports, playing in many city baseball and football leagues over the years. He played on the National Guardian Life softball team. He also bowled in many bowling leagues. He coached girls softball and was active in high school sports and the Boy Scouts. Clarence was a member of the Moose Lodge in Madison and served on the Ritual Staff. He was an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan for more than 40 years. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Alice Masshardt; his children, Joan (Paul) Vetter, Clarence Jr. (Margie) Masshardt, Carrie (Doug) Mall and Linda Wille; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; brother, Art (Betty) Masshardt; sister, Sue (Jack) Marking; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents. Celebration of Clarence's life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006, at 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. A celebration visitation will be held at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME on Thursday from 4 p.m. until time of celebration. Clarence's family would like to extend a special thank you to the Waunakee EMS and the ER Staff at St. Mary's Hospital. Rest in peace my beloved Husband. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 16, 2006

Obituary: Joe Reda - Class of 1957

BARABOO/ WACO, TEXAS - Joe Reda, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 20, 2006, in Baraboo. Joe was born on April 7, 1939, in Madison, son of Charles "Pasquale" and Pearl (Johnson) Reda. He was a 1957 graduate of Central High School, Madison, and served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years in Anchorage, Alaska, and later, at James Connally Air Force Base, Waco, Texas. Joe was a sheet metal contractor and member of the Sheet Metal Laborers Union, Local No. 18 until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all, loved time spent with his family and friends. He is survived by daughters, Kim (Jim) Trumm of Gays Mills, Rhonda Reda of Dallas, Texas, Lisa (Steve) Veronie of Murphy, Texas, Dianna Duffey of Waco, Texas, and Cindy (Gene) Sams of Waco, TX; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Joyce (Bud) Bock of Williamsburg, Va., Pat Olsen of Neenah, and Vickie Reda of Pocahontas, Ark.; a brother, Pasquale Reda of Sun Prairie; and many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Richard. A celebration of his life and times will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the V.F.W. HALL, 133 Lakeside Drive, Madison. "Dad, you will never be forgotten. We love you and will miss you." Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home 520 East St., Baraboo (608) 356-4656

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 24, 2006