Obituary: Gladys Haskins Bronson - Class of 1918

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Gladys Haskins Bronson, age 101, retired educator and civic leader, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 8, 2001. She was born on Jan. 13, 1900, the daughter of Lieu and Nellie Haskins. Her two sisters, Dorothy and Ethel, and her brother, Winfield, predeceased her. Gladys married Theo E. Bronson on Aug. 17, 1927. Their 57-year marriage ended with his death in 1984. Two children, a son, Winfield, and a daughter, Ann, were born to the marriage. Ann died in 1970; Winfield survives his mother. She was a graduate of Longfellow and Draper elementary schools in Madison, and graduated with honors from Madison Central High School in 1918. She received a B.A. with honors from UW-Madison in 1922 and was elected to Phi Kappa Phi in her junior year and Phi Beta Kappa in her senior year. At age 52, she returned to UW-Madison and earned a master's degree in education. She taught first grade at Monona's Nichols School from 1952 until 1965, and enjoyed having contact with many of her former students until the time of her death. Prior to having her family, she was employed as the dean of women students at the Presbyterian Student Center at UW-Madison from 1923 until 1931. Gladys was a YWCA volunteer from 1920 until a few years before her death. She served as president of the board of the YWCA and headed the fund drive that resulted in the purchase of the Belmont Hotel, where the YWCA is currently located. She was also responsible for securing funds necessary to continue Briarpatch at a critical point in its early history. At the time of her death, she was the longest living member of Christ Presbyterian Church, having joined it in 1918. She served two terms as elder from 1966 until 1972, and as president of the Presbyterian Women's Association and chair of the Christian Education Committee. Her other volunteer work included serving as president of the Shorewood League and the Shorewood School PTA. The celebration of her 100th birthday was a great joy to her. She enjoyed seeing and hearing from many old friends and former colleagues. She was invited by Governor Tommy Thompson to be an honored guest at his "State of the State" address at the state capitol in January 2000. She was also selected to be featured in a book of centenarians living in Dane County. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2001, in the community room at ATTIC ANGEL PLACE, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Madison. The Rev. John Thomas will officiate. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham, Madison, WI 53703. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Michael Charles Zanoya

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Michael Charles Zanoya died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Sept. 17, 2001. He was born on Oct. 1, 1949, in Madison, to Ulrich "Sonny" and Grace (Mickelson) Zanoya. Michael grew up in Madison and attended Madison Central High School. He was a generous and caring man who enjoyed helping people. He will be remembered and greatly missed by the Nelson family and many friends at the Maple Wood Condo Association, where he served on the board of directors. Michael is survived by "Matt the Bear," his dear friend and significant other of 33 years, Don Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother Richard. A special thanks to Diane Ruch. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001, at the SCHROEDER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., where friends may call from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. The Rev. Charles A. Wolfe will officiate.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 19, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Warren Seifert - Class of 1934

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Warren Seifert, a third-generation Madisonian, died Wednesday Sept. 12, 2001, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, following a short stay at University Hospital, Madison, on the renal service. He was the son of Ida (Wiedenbeck) and Victor Seifert, husband of Marie Schwenn, and with Marie, parent of Kathryn and Paul. He found a second chance at happiness when he married Edna Speth Sandberg, his former college sweetheart, and this February they celebrated 30 years together. Edna presently resides at Karmenta, where she is "rehabbing" following a fall in late August. Warren was born July 31, 1916, and celebrated his 85th birthday jointly with his daughter's 60th at a party for all their friends and family in early August. Warren graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934 and was lucky to attend the UW for two years, as it was the Depression. He worked at the post office from 1940 until 1956, when he had a heart attack. There he courageously fought to start a union because of abusive working conditions and also began the postal workers' credit union. Before and after his triple bypass surgery in 1976, he was employed in various ways, including real estate sales with Badger and Starr Realty, as the owner of The Liquor Store Inc., and manager of Pleasant View Golf Course. Warren was proud to be a Democrat and liberal with a capitol "L" (he found it difficult to understand how so many of those he loved could possibly be Republicans). He argued intelligently and passionately for things he believed in, wrote many letters to the editor of The Capital Times in support of causes he believed in and actively campaigned for democratic political candidates, most recently working many hours for the Garvey campaign for governor. He kept up his mother's perfect voting record even after he could no longer go to the polls in person. Organizations that Warren belonged to and served in leadership positions for include the BPOE (Madison Elks Lodge No. 410), the TIP Club and the East Side Business Men's Association. He and Edna belonged to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, a longtime neighborhood euchre group, the Elks bridge marathon and euchre groups, and the Madison Dance Club. His priorities were first his beloved wife and family, followed by playing cards with his family and friends, keeping up his reputation as a master punster, learning the ins and outs of his new computer and digital camera - and then there was fishing. Warren never caught much, but he sure did love to fish! He is survived by his wife, Edna; his daughter, Kathryn (Roy Schenk) Seifert and her children, Dave Parks, Steve (Dana Burmaster) Harkins, and Vicki (Christopher O'Brien) Harkins and her son, Ryan DeBolt, all of Madison; Edna's children, Barb (Jack) Kerttula of Watertown, Wis., and their sons, Gregg (Michaela Reimert) and Mark and his daughter, Kelsey, Robert (Ginny) Sandberg of Jamestown, N.C., and her sons, Joffre and Justin Schrandt, her daughter-in-law, Sandi Sandberg and son, Michael. He is further survived by his former brother-in-law, Roger Schwenn and sister-in-law, Helen Schwenn, and their children; and many Wiedenbeck cousins. Warren was preceded in death by his parents; his younger brother, Gerald; his son, Paul; his step-son, Jim; and Jim and Sandi's two infant sons. Visitation will be at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, this evening, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., followed by an Elks service at 7 p.m. Services will be held at ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, at 2 p.m. Visitation, with coffee and dessert, will precede the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Cremation and burial at Forest Hill Cemetery will follow at a later date. Memorials may be made to the elevator fund at the Madison Elks Lodge, as Warren thought that would be "most uplifting" for all. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Lillian Frances Cecelia Marks - Class of 1929

MADISON - Lillian Frances Cecelia Marks, a dear aunt who proudly was a Madison resident for all of her 91 years, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2001. She was born in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Michael and Helen Marks on May 5, 1910. Lil attended St. James Grade School, graduated from Central High School in 1929, and from the State Teachers College, La Crosse, Wis., in 1933. She taught second and third grades at Sunnyside School in Madison for nine years. For 33 years she was employed at Forest Products Laboratory as an engineering technician. Lil was a lifetime member of St. James Parish, Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Iota Sorority, Catholic Order of Foresters, a 50 year season ticket holder for both the University of Wisconsin Badger and the Green Bay Packer football games, and volunteered for many Madison organizations and St. James Parish activities throughout her long life. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Margaret Marks, Denver, Colo.; a niece, Louise (James) Doyle of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; and six nephews, Paul Sommer of Elgin, Ill., Robert (Joanne) Gerritts of Sherwood, Wis., Michael (Sharon) Marks of Boulder, Colo., Denis Marks of San Jose, Calif., Patrick Marks of Denver, Colo., and Phillip (Beatriz) Marks of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She is further survived by numerous cousins, 15 grand-nieces and nephews; 20 great-grand-nieces and nephews; 20 great-great-nieces and nephews; and many, many very special friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Michael and Helena Marks; her maternal grandparents, Mary and Henry Schwenker; her paternal grandparents, Ellen and Patrick Marks; two brothers, Richard Marks and Robert Marks; two sisters, Helen Sommer and Catherine Gerritts; her nephews wife, Barbara Sommer; and godchild, Dolly Gerritts Nardella. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2001, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1121 St. James Court, Madison, with Father Douglas L. Dushak and Father Tom Coyle officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with procession to the church. The family would like to thank all those who have touched Lils life during her days on Adams Street, Spooner Street, South Hill Drive, and at Coventry Village. May the Lord treasure you in his garden of rest because you, dear Lil, were one of the best.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 2, 2001; ssbmitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mary B. (Lawry) Varese

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Mary B. Varese, age 80, of Madison, died on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, at Karmenta Nursing Home. She was born on May 20, 1921, in Madison, to Daniel and Anna (Macaig) Lawry. Mary graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Salvatore "Sam" Varese. Mary was employed as a clerk for the United States Armed Forces Institute until her retirement. She was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church and VFW Post No. 7591 Women's Auxiliary. Mary enjoyed bingo, knitting, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also bowled in a couples league with her husband. Mary is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Ken) Dyer of Madison; her sons, Earl Varese of Billings, Mont., Jon Varese of Stevens Point, and Joe Varese of Phoenix, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a brother, John (Diane) Lawry of Elroy, Wis. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a sister, Virginia Lawry. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2001, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 29, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert Brustman - Class of 1949

MADISON - Robert Brustman, age 70, died peacefully at HospiceCare on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001. Bob was born in Oshkosh, Wis., on July 7, 1931, to Walter and Amelia (Christensen) Brustman. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. He served in the National Guard Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Germany. He was a former member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and an Eagle Scout. Bob married Lois A. Schmidmayr on July 31, 1954. He worked for the University of Wisconsin, retiring from the purchasing department after 35 years of service to the state. Bob enjoyed playing and umpiring slow pitch softball with the city of Madison Recreation Leagues. He was an avid square and round dancer, with his wife Lois, for 50 years. He sang in the Capitol City Chordsmen barbershop chorus and in the Saint Maria Goretti choirs. Bob was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church for 40 years. He and Lois enjoyed their summer home at Pioneer Park, Lake Delton. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross. As an organ transplant recipient, Bob and his family will be eternally grateful for the "gift of life" given to him 5 years ago by his donor Melanie and her family, as well as the transplant team at UW Hospital. Bob is survived by his wife, Lois; his daughter, Ann (Paul) Starkey of Ossian, Ind.; his son, David of Los Angeles, Calif.; his grandchildren, Jessica and Benjamin Starkey; his brother, Dick (Doris) of Richland Center; his sister, Lois (Ron) Heidner of Buena Park, Calif.; and nephews, grand-nephews, and a grand-niece. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Jim; and his parents. Friends may call at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2001, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Monday. A Mass in celebration of Bob's life will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, with Msgr. Michael Burke officiating. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti parish, the HospiceCare, Inc., or American Cancer Society. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert John Goetz

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Robert John Goetz, age 95, died on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001, in Waukesha, Wis. Bob was born on Nov. 30, 1905, in Genesee, Wis., the son of John and Anna (Mertz) Goetz. He lived in Madison more than 85 years. Bob graduated from Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin School of Business (commerce) in 1927. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. He was employed by the state of Wisconsin for 43 years as auditor and accountant. When he retired in 1971, he was supervisor of the pre-audit division of the Department of Administration. In 1931, at Luther Memorial Church, he married Ruth Frances Walker, who died on Jan. 6, 1998, after almost 67 years of marriage. He was an active member of the Madison West Lions Club, where he served as treasurer for many years. He was a longtime member of Luther Memorial Church, where he was active in many areas, including ushering, teaching Sunday school, and council. He is survived by a daughter, Marjorie (Raymond) Rucks of Brookfield; two sons, Robert (Janet) of Chicago, Ill., and James (Diane) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Steven (Shelly) Rucks of St. Paul, Minn., Lori Rucks (Paul) Kinzer of Waterford, Wis., and Graham Goetz and Katie Goetz, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Natalie Rucks, and Sandra and Thomas Kinzer; a sister, Ruth Petersen of Madison; nieces, Jean Petersen (Mike) Graff of Madison, and Sue Goetz (Chuck) Willke of Hood River, Ore.; nephews, David (Sherry) Petersen of Wales, Wis., and Phil (Karen) Goetz of New Mexico; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Walker and Helen Karberg of Madison; a niece, Elizabeth Hambrecht of Milwaukee; and a nephew, Dennis (Rita) Walker of Kansas City, Mo. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, in 1998; his sister, Katherine; his brother John (and his wife, Florence); and his brothers-in-law, Edwin Petersen, William Karberg, and Miles Walker (and his wife, Janet). Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Shelly Bobb officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church and the Madison West Lions Club.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 22, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: James Joseph McCann

SUN PRAIRIE/ MCFARLAND [Wisconsin] - James Joseph McCann, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2001, at the University Hospital in Madison. He was born on August 13, 1915, in Hartford, Conn., the son of Steven and Mary (Relihan) McCann. His family moved to Madison in 1922, where Jim attended St. Raphael's Parochial School and graduated from Central High School. He married Adelia Pahl on June 8, 1937. A multi-talented and people loving person, he worked in many areas. Early in his marriage while working as a Greyhound bus driver, he and his wife purchased and ran the adjoining restaurant at the Greyhound bus station in Portage. He worked in the TV and appliance business in both Madison and Portage. on moving to McFarland, were his wife was teaching, he served as Municipal judge for the community for 17 years. Jim also proudly served as a member of the U. S. National Guard from 1934 until 1940. He was an active member of Eastside Businessmen's Association, McFarland Lions Club, McFarland Senior Citizens and the McFarland Lutheran Church. He thrived on sharing his handy-man skills, and witty humor with those around him. Jim, truly a "jack of all trades," was a an avid woodworker having gifted many with beautiful grandfather clocks, Queen Ann Desks, trunks and cained chairs. He passes his love of traveling on through his family and always enjoyed being with friends, engaging in a good card game or a round of triominos (which he always seemed to win), and loved inventing ways to keep the squirrels away from his prized bird feeders. His love of volunteering and sharing with others also found him the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award as a 4-H volunteer leader. Survivors include his wife, Adelia; two daughters, Lois (Dave) Keup of Placentia, Calif., and Joyce (William) Mihlbauer of DeForest; four grandchildren, James (Amy) Keup of Mesa, Ariz., Christine Snowberger of Fullerton, Calif., Jennifer Mihlbauer of Chicago, Ill., and William Mihlbauer of DeForest. Jim is also remembered by the many other relatives, friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched. He was a loving, devoted husband and father to his wife of 64 years, his daughters, and grandchildren. He was a gift of love and we will cherish the time we were given with him. We invite all to celebrate the truly amazing life and journey of James J. McCann. He will forever be with us all. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 20, 2001 at 11 a.m. at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland. Rev. Terry Peterson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Lower McFarland Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Sunday, August 19, 2001 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the McFarland Lutheran Church, the American Lung Association of Wisconsin or the American Heart Association of Wisconsin. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress 5801 Hwy 51 McFarland (608)838-0655 www.cressfuneralservice.com

Originally published in The Capital Times on August 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Clair A. Brazee - Class of 1928

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Clair A. Brazee, age 91, passed away on Monday, Aug. 6, 2001, at St. Marys Hospital. He was born on Dec. 2, 1909, to Rollin and Lucinda Brazee of Madison. Clair was a lifelong resident of Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1928. He was with the University of Wisconsin Physical Plant for 40 years and a member of the Steamfitters Union Local 394 for more than 50 years. He is survived by his son, Eugene (Myrty) Brazee; his daughters, Marlyn (Dick) Hodges, Janice Newman and Elaine Brazee; eight grandchildren, Lucinda (John) Bannon, Sheri Wiatrowski, Dan (Julie) Brazee, Laura (Bob) Beale, Marcy (Doug) Marquis, James (Sue) Hodges, Gregory (Maria) Newman and Bill (Stacy) Newman; 16 great-grandchildren, nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, in 1992; his parents; his brother, Buell; his sister, Monona Breitenbach; a son-in-law, Larry Newman; and a great-grandson, Aaron Marquis. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Delaphine Grace Rosa Wyckoff

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] / CONNECTICUT - Delaphine Grace Rosa Wyckoff, age 94, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2001, surrounded by her family. She was born on Sept. 11, 1906, in Beloit, the daughter of Charles and Grace (Chamberlin) Rosa. Delaphine graduated from Madison Central High School and attended UW-Madison, where she obtained her Ph.D. in bacteriology. She met her husband, John Wyckoff, in Fargo, N.D., where she was teaching. They married in Madison on Aug. 17, 1942. They then moved to Newington, Conn., where Delaphine was a professor at Wellesley College, becoming the dean of women. Delaphine and her husband, John, were devoted to tracing the genealogy of the Wyckoff and Rosa families. They traveled in the U.S. and Europe, where they visited old churches to study the family records. Delaphine is survived by two nieces, Patricia (David) Rosa Fritz and Shelly (Bill) Rosa Melvin; numerous great-nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John, in 1999; her brother, Ranald Rosa; her nephew, Robert Rosa; and her niece, Janice Nehring. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with the Rev. Curt Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2001, in Stroudsburg Cemetery, Stroudsburg, PA. Cress Funeral Service

Originally published in The Capital Times on Aug. 1, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)