Obituary: Paul E. Wichmann - Class of 1961

MADISON - Paul E. Wichmann, age 70, of Madison, passed away on March 5, 2014. He was born on Jan. 24, 1944, in Stevens Point, the son of William "Bud" and Myrna June (Edwards) Wichmann. Paul graduated Madison Central High School in 1961. He was employed at Madison Opportunity Center and Ray O Vac. Paul was an usher at University of Wisconsin football games in Camp Randall and basketball games held in the Fieldhouse. He lived in Madison for more than fifty years and was a resident of the Romnes Apartments for over twenty years. Paul was an avid sports fan. He closely followed the Badgers, Brewers and Packers. He loved bingo and his bowling league. Paul was a member various Presbyterian churches in Madison and of the Eagles Club.

Even though he had challenges in life, he was very generous of his time and talents to the residents of his apartment complex. Paul was often able to help the residents with their needs, driving them to appointments and shopping trips. He will be fondly remembered for his unique sense of humor, kindness to many, and great attention to detail. Surviving are his cousins, Louis (Nancy), Phillip (Pauline), William (Pat), and Barrett Jung, Gaye (Jack) Scheidegger, Charles (Karol), Scott (Carol) Wichmann and Brenda (Fred) Caruso, and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Bud, in 1954; and later his mother, Myrna June Duranti, in 1998.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside funeral services on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 2 p.m., at the BELMONT CEMETERY in Belmont, Wis., with the Rev. Chris Davis officiating. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Platteville is assisting the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 6, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Sandra K. McCord - Class of 1961

STOUGHTON/MADISON - Sandra K. McCord, age 69, of Stoughton, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at the Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on April 9, 1942, in Madison, the daughter of Sidney and Vera (Minard) McCord. Sandra went to Badger School and graduated from Central High School. She worked for the State of Wisconsin for 30 years, retiring in 2001. Sandra loved animals, pomeranians and her cat. She was a very loving and caring person.

Sandra is survived by her siblings, Richard (Janice) McCord, William (Carol) McCord, Donald (Rita) McCord, Walter (Helen) McCord, Randolph (Lisa) McCord and Jeffery (Gloria) McCord; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gloria Jean "Jeannie" Wilfong McCord; and brothers, Robert Gary "Huckie" McCord and Steven K. McCord.

Memorial services will be held at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 3 p.m., on Friday, July 15, 2011, with the Rev. Rich Johnson presiding. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service on Friday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 14, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Sandra McCord's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Toni R. (Pankow) Mills

OREGON - Toni R. (Pankow) Mills, age 68, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

She was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Madison, the daughter of Oscar and Genevieve Pankow. She grew up in Madison, raised by Oscar and Pat Pankow, surrounded by many brothers and sisters. Toni graduated from Madison Central High School. She worked many years as a waitress in and around Madison and Oregon, priding herself on remembering her customers. Toni later retired from University Hospital in 2010 after seven years of service. She enjoyed her times spent at Ho-Chunk and her recent trip to Las Vegas. She enjoyed fishing, reading, and had a fabulous recipe for creamed onions, and anyone that has had them will remember.

Toni is survived by two children, Brad ( Eda) Gronli, of Apopka, Fla., and Denise (Dana) Terrian, of McFarland; ex-husband and friend, Doug Gronli; grandchildren, Christopher (Hannah) Froeschle, Patrick (Jeanette) Froeschle, Derek Terrian; great-grandchildren, Cassandra (Scott), Skyler, Liam and Zoe; great-great granddaughter, Ayla; brothers, Richard, Robert (Helga), Ronald (Carol), Kenneth and Terry Pankow; sisters, Jan Ware, Sandra (Richard) Anderson, and Marlene Pankow; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Larry; sisters-in-law, Sally Gronli-Evans and Gay Anne Frappier; brothers-in-law, Richard Buss and Dennis Gronli; friend, Jeannie Gronli; and a son-in-law, Paul Putnam.

A memorial gathering will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, Madison on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 19, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Toni Pankow's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: William "Bill" K, Hilgers - Class of 1961

MADISON - William "Bill" K. Hilgers, age 65, died peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the HospiceCare in-patient facility. Bill was born and raised in Madison, loving the beauty and the bounty of the lakes which he knew so well. He also enjoyed golf and scuba diving and any excuse to be in the great outdoors. His charming, congenial and gregarious personality will be missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his sons, Jeffrey and Johathan (Marlo); grandchildren, Kristie, Spencer and Westley; his brothers, James (LaVonne), Richard (Susan) and David (Shirley); many nieces and nephews; and his former wife and forever special friend, Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Thelma (Norby) Hilgers; as well as his brother, Jerome and wife, Dorothy. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A gathering of friends and family will be held following the service, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2009

Note: William Hilger's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Karen L. (Larson) Johnson - Class of 1961

GAINESVILLE, FLA.- Karen L. Johnson, age 66, died Saturday, April 11, 2009, at Shands Hospital. She was born in Madison on Dec. 25, 1942. She moved to Florida in 1982 and has been working as a patient representative at Shands Hospital in Gainesville since 1990. Karen is survived by her daughter, Kelly Johnson of Naperville, Ill.; her son, Eric Johnson of Argyle; three grandchildren, Hagen, Nora and Sydney of Naperville, Ill.; and her two brothers, John Larson and Charles Larson both of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Virgil Larson; her sister, Judy; and her brother, Terry. A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, April 27, 2009, at the VILLAGE PARK in Browntown. If inclement weather, the service will be at the United Church of Christ in Browntown. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation in Karen's name to the Heifer Project or charity of their choice.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2009; submitted by Sandra Sabroff Weber (Class of 1961)

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels - Class of 1961

MADISON - Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels, age 65, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at HospiceCare, of a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was born on Aug. 6, 1943, in Madison, the only son of Franklin and Florence (Caravello) Stoffels. Dick graduated from Madison Central High School in 1961. He was a Madison city letter carrier, served two years in the U.S. Army and spent the rest of his working career as a city letter carrier in Madison, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service. He was an avid fisherman and sports fan. Dick especially loved watching his own children and his grandsons "the boys" participate in their sporting activities. Dick is survived by his three children, Frank Stoffels of Middleton, Roxanne (Harrison) Stoffels-Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Rich (Mary) Stoffels of Waunakee; and three grandsons, Caden and Tegan Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Zachary Stoffels of Waunakee. He is further survived by four sisters, Geraldine Slattery of Madison, Mary (Michael) Furcht of Miami, Fla., Theresa (John) Both of Madison, and Kathy (Jeff) Pollei of Verona; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. We invite family and friends to a Celebration of Dick's life on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. There will be a private service for family officiated by Deacon David Nolan at another time. The family would like to acknowledge with a special "thank you" to the following: Mary Ann Dailey, Theresa Both, Kathy Pollei, Sherrie (Chris) Saunders, Bob Vohs, Gerry Vohs, VA and St. Mary's Hospitals, Home Health United, Senior Helpers (Lori) and HospiceCare. We are additionally grateful to family and friends who provided support and stopped in for a visit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 21, 2009

Obituary: Annettie Marie (Germann) Montgomery - Class of 1961

PORTAGE/MADISON - Annettie Marie Montgomery, age 64 of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2008, at her home in Saddle Ridge in the arms of her husband. She was born Nov. 29, 1943, in Madison. Annettie graduated from Madison Central High School and went on to receive degrees in cosmetology, business middle management, bookkeeping, and travel and hospitality. She worked for over 20 years with the State of Wisconsin in the Departments of Revenue, Health and Social Services, and Unemployment Compensation. She also worked as a beautician, a travel agent, and unit clerk for the General Clinical Research Clinic and a receptionist scheduler in the Pain Clinic at UW Hospital. Annettie was an avid bowler for many years and had City High Series of 702 in 1984. When her children were young she was a Cub Scout den mother and later was very active in the East Madison Little League. She was also active with the Heart Association. She loved to travel and traveling with her was always an adventure. She enjoyed supporting the Madison Mallards at their home and away games. Annettie is survived by her husband, Brian; her son, Brian II (Stefanie Tuhus) and their children, Bolan, and Tyler; son, Brad (Jody Strasser) and their children, Madeline and Cole; and her brother, Robert, (Karen Tetzlaff) and their children, Mike and Joe. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and June Germann; her sister, Barbara; and a grandson, Jack. A memorial visitation will be held at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, all memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 118, Madison WI 53719. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 26, 2008

Note: Annettie Marie Germann's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Sandra Edge Johnson Emerson - Class of 1961

STOUGHTON - Sandra Edge Johnson Emerson, age 66, passed away on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family, due to lung cancer. She was born on May 28, 1942, the sixth of eight children to Carlos and Marion (Lincoln) Edge. Sandy graduated from Central High School. She enjoyed working in her yard, traveling, and gambling. Sandy will be greatly missed by her two shih tzus, TT and Freeway. She worked for many years in shipping and receiving for Cummins of Stoughton. Sandy is survived by her two sons, Scott (Lisa) Johnson and their daughter, Tonika, all of Seattle, Wash., and Jeff Johnson of Milwaukee; siblings, Patricia (Don) Easland, Carlos (Shirley) Edge, Peter (Jean) Edge, Gary (Caty) Edge, and Ginny Hoff; her stepfather, Ruben Hoff; and many relatives, friends, and cheerful neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Linda Gullickson and Theresa Winkler. Private family services will be held at a later date. A wonderful thank you to HospiceCare Inc., thank you to the University Hospital Cancer Clinic, and a very special thank you to Dr. Toby Campbell. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave. Stoughton (608) 873-9244

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 1, 2008

Note: Sandra Edge's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where her photograph appears among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Margo Lane Cuccia - Class of 1961

WEST ALLIS/ MADISON - Margo Lane Cuccia, age 64, of West Allis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, at West Allis Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 24, 1943, in Madison, the daughter of Anthony Theodore and Gerda Harriet (Anderson) Cuccia. Margo graduated from Central High School. She worked at Miller Brewing Co. for 35 years. Margo loved reading books, completing word puzzles and playing bingo. She especially enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas, faithfully visiting twice a year. Margo enjoyed collecting coins. She had a very loving, caring, and generous spirit. Margo is survived by her aunt, Barbara O'Dell; a "brother-in-law," James "Jim" Cox; her niece, Theresa Cuccia-Dillard and husband, Jerome Dillard, whom she treated and loved as her own children; her devoted dog, Fluffy; and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thomas Anthony Cuccia; her sister, Georgina Frances Cuccia; and "sister," Beverly "Bev" Cox. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Alexander Gee Jr. officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2007

Note: Margo Lane Cuccia's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the senior class.

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Coghlan - Class of 1961

NAPLES, FLA. - Richard "Dick" Coghlan, age 62, of Naples, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, after battling lymphoma. He was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Madison, to the late Ruby and John Coghlan. Dick graduated Central High School in Madison and worked for the Badger Cab Company, there as a mechanic. After he graduated from the Wisconsin School of Electronics he worked for Western Electric in Chicago. Dick and his family moved back to Madison, where he worked for General Telephone Company (GTE) for 30 years until his retirement in 1999. He and his wife, Marsha, moved to Naples to do some golfing. He also worked part time at Arrowhead Golf Course. In 1987, Dick had a heart transplant and in 1988, a kidney transplant. He was always very grateful to his donors for their generous "Gift of Life." Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Coghlan. Dick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marsha; three children, Cori Shambaugh (Troy) of Greenfield, Ind., John Coghlan (Jennifer) of Carmel, Ind. and Todd Coghlan of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; and three grandchildren (whom he adored), Luke and Abigail Shambaugh and Conner Coghlan. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Debbie Brown (Roger) of Fitchburg; an aunt, Alvira Sutcliffe of Black Earth; and many cousins and friends. Dick will be buried at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes everyone would consider becoming organ donors. Dick had 19 extra years of life because of his two donors. Fuller Funeral Home Pine Ridge Road (239) 592-1611

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 29, 2006

Note: Richard Coghlan's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, which includes his senior class photo.

Obituary: Ernestine (Mitchell) Bugbee - Class of 1961

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Ernestine Mitchell Bugbee of Providence, R.I., died peacefully Tuesday Oct. 3 2006, at the Phillip Huiltar Inpatient Hospice Center in Providence, following a long illness. Ernestine was born in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 18, 1943, the daughter of Edward D and Ernestine Roberts Mitchell. She grew up in a large and loving family in Madison and graduated from Central High School. As an undergraduate at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. she participated in the student sit-ins and boycotts that helped focus national attention on America's civil rights movement and inspired similar actions by students in 54 cities across nine states. Upon graduation from Bennett, Ernestine's interest in fashion and style led her to New York, where she wrote marketing copy for Allied Stores and Mademoiselle before becoming director of public relations for the professional products division L'Oreal. Her success designing and fabricating custom tablecloths, napkins and table arrangements made her a sought-after expert both on national television programs and in the consumer press. Following four years in Harrogate, England, she and her husband relocated to Rhode Island, and their present home on Providence's east side. Her volunteer commitments included the Women's Center for Domestic Abuse and ASSE Student Exchange. Until forced to retire because of her illness, Ernestine was the Director of the Community Kitchen Culinary program for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. A member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, she taught church school and was involved in many activities focused on helping the less fortunate members of the Providence community. The beloved wife of Robin Alexander Bugbee for more than 35 years, Ernestine had a great sense of humor and a magical laugh--both frequently directed at herself. To her love of plaid, music and children she brought her big heart, great common sense, an unshakeable belief in peoples essential goodness and an eagerness to help others however she could. She touched the hearts and helped change the lives of many. She is survived by her devoted husband; her sister, Marilyn Mitchell of New York City (their brother Don predeceased her); her brothers-in-law, Christopher Bugbee of Las Angeles, Calif., and Bruce Bugbee of Napa, Calif.; her nieces and nephews, Sara, Erin, Isabelle, Rachael, Byron and Colin; her godchildren, Christopher Altchek and Tamara Brown; and a vital community of family and friends throughout the world who knew the gentleness of her touch and loved her as dearly as Ernestine loved them and every minute of her wonderful life. She will live forever in our hearts. Funeral services will held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at ST. MARTIN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Orchard Ave., Providence, R.I. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Thethe Southern Poverty Law Council, Thethe Rhode Island Community Food Bank or the Phillip Hulitar Hospice Center.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 12, 2006

Note: Ernestine Mitchell's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn.