Obituary: Fred Loniello - Class of 1963

SAN BERNADINO, Calif. - Fred Loniello, age 71, went to Heaven on May 9, 2015, in San Bernadino, Calif. He was born Dec. 10, 1943, in Madison to Cecil and Jennie (Gianquinto) Loniello. He graduated from St Joseph and from Central High School where he lettered in football. Fred was in the U.S. Marines from 1964-1967, serving in Viet Nam. He then moved to CA and attended Pasadena College. Fred traveled the country as a Missionary of the Lord. He worked in nursing homes assisting those in need. He enjoyed his dogs, swimming and participating in church functions. He played the guitar and piano and had a beautiful singing voice. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Jennie; his two brothers, David and Joe. He is survived by his sister, Angela Loniello; brother, Russell Loniello; nieces, Amber (Michael) Sehgal and Lisa (David) Bohl; nephews, Chris Schroeder, Greg (Michelle) Schroeder, and Kevin (Kathy) Loniello; great-nieces, Andie, Brooke, Bailey, Sidra and Holliday; great nephews Owen and Shayen and many relatives and friends. A celebration of Fred's life will be on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at ST THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison. Visitation will be at 11a.m. A Mass will be at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord Fred and enjoy all the beauties of Heaven.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 23, 2015. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). 

Fred Loniello's class year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where he is photo is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Anthony "Tony" Balsamo - Class of 1963

ONALASKA - Anthony "Tony" Balsamo passed away at his Onalaska home on Sept. 1, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Madison to Pasquale and Maria Balsamo. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison Central High School. Tony’s genuine care for others and his vibrant, joyful personality made him a wonderful salesman. He sold men’s clothing for the Hub in Madison, sold men’s clothing on the road, and sold liquor and wine for Gateco and Quillin’s. Tony was the proprietor of Mr. T’s Airport Lounge from 1978 to 1990 at the La Crosse Municipal Airport. Tony owned La Crosse Dance Centre with his wife, Colleen, from 1984 until his passing, and owned Vinny’s Runway at the La Crosse Regional Airport with his son, Jason, from 2004 until his passing. In 1974, Tony married the love of his life, Colleen (Gallagher). They had two children, Nikki Balsamo and Jason "Vinny" Balsamo, both of Onalaska. Tony was a loving, sensitive, compassionate husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son; daughter-in-law, Erin (Gollnik) Balsamo; and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Giana Balsamo. He is also survived by a large extended family, all of whom he loved very much. His father and mother; sister, Pauline La Breche; brother, Joseph Balsamo; nephew, Jimmy La Breche; niece, Jeanie Becker; and great-nephew, Kevin Severson, preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, in Onalaska. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the SCHUMACHER-KISH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and at the church on Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: John Michael Sweeney - Class of 1963

MADISON - John Michael Sweeney, age 70, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, 2014, at the VA Hospital. John was the first born to John and Marion Sweeney on March 15, 1944. He graduated from Madison Central High, class of 1963, and then Madison Fire Department, class of 1969. John served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He retired after 27 years of service with the Madison Fire Department. John enjoyed exploring/traveling all the corners of the United States during the cold Wisconsin winters and camping with his family in the summers in his motorhome. He also loved bargain hunting, garage sales, boating, fishing, and was a green fisted gardener. John was a man that could only be described by the way he lived. John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandra (Stassi); son, Jeff (Teresa); daughter, Michelle (Brian) Metcalf; grandchildren, Caila, Cory, Kiera, Keegan, and Courtney; sister, Mary; brother, Tom; and many other relatives. A "celebration of life" memorial service will be held at the VFW POST 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St., Madison, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. Fire Department and Military Honors will take place at the VFW at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A special thanks to the staff of VA Hospice and Agrace HospiceCare for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations to VA Hospice, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, would be appreciated. We will remember and love you forever.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 17, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen - Class of 1963

MIDDLETON-  Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen passed away on December 4, 2013 from complications of COPD at the age of 68. She was born in Madison on April 28, 1945 and was a lifelong resident of the city, raised by her mother, Eleanor and grandmother, Catherine.

Kay graduated from Central High School in 1963 and attended UW-Madison. She worked in office management for several law firms around the city. She was the co-owner of Morgan's Bar. She moved on to the Morris Heifitz Recycling Company which she managed for many years and then purchased and successfully operated until her retirement in 1996.

She met the great love of her life in 1991 and eventually married John Berthelsen in 1995. They enjoyed travel and wonderful times together, especially at their second home in Las Vegas where she spent winters for four of her last years. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother Mike. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Kim, step-daughter Angie, step-son Derek and grandchildren Merissa, Kelsy, Elias, Sawyer, Emmitt and Finnegan. Visitation will be held at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 from 9 to 11 on Saturday, December 7. A celebration of Kayʼs life will be held at 11:00, followed by a light lunch at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Meriter Foundation.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 5, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Marian Rae Mitchell - Class of 1963

MADISON - Marian Rae Mitchell, age 67, passed away peacefully at Karmenta Nursing & Rehab Retirement Home on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. 

Marian was born in Madison, on Nov. 19, 1945, to parents, Raymond and Dorothy Mitchell and was baptized and confirmed at the South Shore Methodist Church. 

Marion is a [1963] graduate of Madison Central High School. After school, she worked as a daycare teacher, for hotels and had a passion for sewing. Marian would make wonderful embroidered gifts for her friends and family. She loved to frequent the library to escape into the fantasy of books. 

Marian's family would like to thank the staff at Karmenta for the care they have given her the past few years. Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her niece, Teresa; her nephew, Danny; her brother-in-law, Mr. "B"; her great-niece, Jessica; her aunt, Jewell and uncle, Milford and her aunt, Minnie and uncle, Weldon. 

Marian is survived by her sister, Holly; her nephews, Randy, Allen and Jamie; and her nieces, Jolene and Lisa. She is also survived by great-nieces and nephews; her great-great-nephews; and by her uncle, Melvin and aunt, Lila Ruth. 

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Marian will be laid to rest next to her parents at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, following the services. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday at CRESS FUNERAL HOME. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 Please 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 27, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Paul Timothy "Tim" Cuccia - Class of 1963

MADISON - Paul Timothy "Tim" Cuccia, age 65, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, April 22, 2011. He was born in Madison, to Paul and Vera (Fillner) Cuccia. Tim grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood and was very proud of his Italian heritage. He graduated from Madison Central High School, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, took his basic training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon completion of his enlistment and deciding to remain in California, Tim worked in radio advertising for many years, while taking several college courses to further his education. He was recently the proud owner of his own home. Tim is survived by his sister, Barbara Cuccia (Wayne) Chase; nephew, Randy Chase; niece, Sandra Chase (Chris Klinger); and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and other family members. He was especially close with his Aunt Jen and Uncle Tony Salerno, who served as his second family in Madison and California. Funeral services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at noon on Saturday, April 30, 2011, with the Rev. David Byers-Dent presiding. Visitation will be at the chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Gunderson East Funeral  and  Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 28, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Tim Cuccia's class is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: James S. "Jim" Butler - Class of 1963

MCFARLAND - James S. "Jim" Butler, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born in Madison on May 29, 1945, a son of Stanley and Marion (White) Butler. Jim attended St. James Grade School and graduated from Central High School in Madison. Jim served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. He was united in marriage to Diana Carey in 2002. Jim worked for UPS for 33+ years, and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 344. Jim was also a member of Hope Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion and the VFW. He was an avid outdoor sportsman, and loved NASCAR, the Packers and the Badgers. He is survived by his wife, Diana; daughter, Suzanne (Mike Everitt) Butler; son, Brian Butler; daughters, April (Joe) Stankiewicz-Schmidt and Tammy (Marquion) Hudson; grandchildren, Nicholas Everitt, Donovon, Mason, Cole, Richelle, Melissa and Nicholas Stankiewicz; his mother, Marion; sister, Jeanne (George) Alt; brothers, Michael (Bonnie) Butler and Richard (Delores) Butler; nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the MCFARLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5710 Anthony St., McFarland with the Rev. Wayne Shannon and the Rev. Jack Hicks officiating, followed by Military Rites outside the church. The family will greet friends at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Following services, a luncheon will be held at VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Thank you to his angel nurses at St. Mary's, special thanks to Dr. Ray Kimura at Meriter, Dr. David Shearer, and a very special thank you to Dr. Jo Nord. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2010

Note: James Butler's class year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Wayne "Butch" Harlan - Class of 1963

LOVELAND, COLO. - Wayne "Butch" Harlan of Loveland, Colo., died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, peacefully in his home after a two year battle with cancer. He was 62. Butch was born July 20, 1945, in Madison, to Hildegard Bosben. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison's Central High School. He attended the Wisconsin School of Electronics from 1967 to 1969, obtaining an associates degree. He became employed with Hewlett-Packard, Loveland, Colo., in 1969. For further information see www.kibbeyfishburn.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Joural on September 16, 2007

Note: The URL in the obituary takes you to a funeral home website which has a more complete obituary and a photograph of Wayne "Butch" Harlan. Click HERE to go directly to the obituary.

Obituary: Ruth (Harris) Garner - Class of 1963

CHICAGO - Ruth Garner died of complications related to multiple myeloma at her home in Chicago, Saturday, July 15, 2006, following years of chronic illness. She was born Jan. 17, 1945, in Rockford, Ill. She attended school from elementary through high school (Randall, Hoyt and Central) in Madison, always ranking at the top of her class and was a spelling bee champion. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she taught elementary and middle school in the Madison public school system. Those who knew academic talent wondered why she didn't go directly to graduate school, but she reminded them that sixth grade was a pivotal year in children's lives. A few years later, she returned for her master's and doctorate degrees from the UW-Madison and moved into teaching, research, and leadership roles at the University of Maryland, Washington State University, Michigan State University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and held a visiting scholar post in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University. She is survived and will be missed by her husband of 20 years, Mark Gillingham of Chicago; a sister, Betty Harris Custer (Corkey) of Madison; a brother, Bob Harris (Nancy) of San Carlos, Calif.; nieces and nephews including, Genevieve Custer Weeks (Andrew) of Emeryville, Calif., and Jamie Custer of Madison; and countless friends and colleagues, including former husband, Jim Garner of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Meyers Harris and Bob (Boomer) Harris. Her life was one of learning both as a student and teacher. She was a voracious reader and author of four books, including "Hanging Out: Community Based After School Programs for Children," "Metacognition and Reading Comprehension," "Beliefs About Text" and "Instruction with Text" and a hundred articles. Her writing attempted to shine light on obscure or difficult problems. Ruth believed in place - that context mattered. She studied her own context and that of others whether it was her own teaching or a child struggling to read. Ruth was a brilliant teacher and speaker. Her courses were always in high demand. Parents of her middle-school students jockeyed to get their kids in her room. She had more graduate students than she should have had and still had time to help many students who were not her own. She was sought after as a lecturer across the country and could speak to thousands and seem to reach each audience member individually. She got the highest teaching ratings ever given by the department for a psychology course, which was taught to three locations at once using a video feed. Even in her final weeks of life as illness took its toll, she was sending forth a proposal for a new book. There will be a celebration of Ruth's life and work at a future date close to Thanksgiving. Proceeds from her book with her husband, "Hanging Out," were given to the Children's Defense Fund. It is the family's desire to benefit a local program that also works with children's needs, and they ask that memorials in her name be made to the Community Education Center, an innovative learning center to be built by the Wexford Ridge Neighborhood Center. Checks may be sent to the Wexford Ridge Neighborhood Center, 7011 Flower Lane A/C, Madison, WI 53717; or the Madison Community Foundation, 2 Science Ct., Madison, WI 53711, earmarked for the Ruth Garner memorial to the Community Education Center, which is an endeavor chaired by Ruth's sister Betty Harris Custer. Ruth felt passionately about many things: her work, her family, good wine and food, beautiful vistas and sunsets, politics, the state of the world and its young people and how they are educated. The world has been a better place for her presence and her passion and she will be sorely missed.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 19, 2006

Obituary: Betty (Schaub) Alt - Class of 1963

MADISON - Betsy A. Alt, age 60, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at home, surrounded by her family and friends, following a courageous battle for more than two years with small cell lung cancer. She was born on July 2, 1945, in Madison, the daughter of George and Jane Schaub. Betsy was a lifelong resident of Madison. She attended St. James Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1963. Betsy was a familiar face on State Street, working many years at Ella's Deli. Prior to her death, she was an employee of Oscar Mayer. Betsy loved her family and was always there to give advice, comfort and share in the good times. She loved traveling, walking her dog, attending community events, visiting with her neighbors, antiques and gambling with her family. Survivors include her daughter, Sheila (Dan) Mickelson of McFarland; son, Randy (Lori) Alt of Appleton; grandchildren, Paige, Dayne, Alexander, Drew, and Michael; siblings, Bonnie (Gordy) Hocking, Paul (Margaret) Schaub, June (Peter) Sturgis and Dorann (Ron) Holl; nieces; nephews; other relatives, and friends. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; a niece; and family friend, Sue Dolphin. A celebration of Betsy's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 2005. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made in Betsy's name to Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718. A special thank you to Dr. Hei, Karen and the rest of the staff at 1 South Park. Also, thank you to all of Betsy's wonderful neighbors and friends from Oscar Mayer, her eighth grade friends and Hospice. "Mom, you are a classy lady, great mother and grandmother, who will forever be remembered."

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2005

Obituary: Donald John Cox, Jr. - Class of 1963

OREGON [Wisconsin] - Donald John Cox Jr., age 56, died on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002. He was born on July 25, 1945 in Memphis Tenn., to Donald John Sr. and Sadie (Maxwell) Cox. Donald graduated from Central High School. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1967 until 1971. Donald was employed by Nicolet Industries as an inventory control specialist for 15 years. He is survived by his sons, Brett (Ann) Cox of Oregon, and Chad Cox of Madison; a granddaughter, Macie Cox of Oregon; two sisters, Marylin (Frank) Urban of Waunakee and Jean Healey of Sidney, NB. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Franklin Cox. Friends may call at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon, Wis. from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002. A private burial will take place at a later date. Gunderson Funeral Home (608) 835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 13, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Donald Cox's graduation year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn

Obituary" Walter F. "Rick" Shore, Jr. - Class of 1963

DE SOTO/MADISON [Wisconsin] - Walter F. "Rick" Shore Jr., died on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001, as the result of a hunting accident. Rick was born in Madison on March 20, 1945, the son of Walter F. and Alice C. (Sims) Shore Sr. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1963, and joined the Marine Corps the next year. Rick was a decorated veteran of two tours of duty in Viet Nam. On Nov. 9, 1968, he married Yvonne Lorraine Hagen. Yvonne and Rick had one daughter, Robyn Shore. Rick joined the Madison Police Department in 1969. He graduated from Madison Business College and earned his Master's degree from Upper Iowa University. In addition to his service with the Marines, Rick was a member of the Army Reserves. He was a life member of the De Soto VFW Post 8123, and was elected as District 3 Commander this past spring. Rick was currently employed at Wichelt Imports in LaCrosse. Rick was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He loved the woods and the wild life around the home that he and his father built in rural Vernon County, and he enjoyed sharing Potch-Chee-Nunk with family and friends. Rick is survived by his daughter, Robyn of Madison; a sister, Sally (Michael) Armbrust of Madison; three nephews, Timothy (Janna) Kohl of Madison, Thomas Kohl of Sun Prairie, and Christopher Kohl of Middleton; two aunts, Mrs. Glenn Pfisterer of Brodhead, and Kathryn (Mel) Beduhn of Spokane, Wash.; four great-nephews; two great-nieces; former wives, Yvonne Shore and Cindy McGinnis; and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father in May of 1993; and his mother in May of 2001. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. with the memorial service beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001, at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, with the Reverend Glen Reichelderfer presiding. A second memorial service will be held at the NEW HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Hwy. 82, De Soto, Wis., on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001, at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the De Soto VFW Post 8123, De Soto, WI, 54624

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 20, 2001; submitted by Michale Vahldieck (Class of 1968)