Beatrice Jane Smith Wagner - Class of 1942

CEDAR PARK, TEXAS - Beatrice Jane Smith was born on Aug. 12, 1923, in Madison, Wis., to Cora and Erwin Smith. In 1941, her father died leaving Beatrice and her mother to run a rooming house together. She graduated from Central High School in Madison, Wis. in 1942. Her brother, Gordon was lost in Australia briefly in World War II, but Beatrice was able to serve proudly as a USO worker during those difficult times. Beatrice was a avid ballroom dancer at the USO dancing to the Big Band sounds. She worked for a brief time in Chicago at the Lyon and Healy Music Store meeting many recording artists of the time. In 1960, she married John A. Wagner, and became a instant mother to a 4 year old daughter. She raised Michelle as her own with love and devotion. Beatrice worked in retail sales (including 13 years for Pranges Dept. Store in Madison) while Michelle was growing up. In 1984, Beatrice and John moved to Texas. She is survived by her husband of over 41 years, John; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Jim Bittick in Cedar Park; step-daughter, Pat and Henry Fredenberg in Sun Prairie, Wis. and their children; granddaughters, Michelle Fredenberg, Sun Prairie, Wis., Marcy and Bill Grassa and two great-grandsons in St. Cloud, Fla.; and a grandson, Garth also in Wisconsin. Mrs. Wagner is also survived by her sister-in-law and dear friend, Dolores Smith of Madison, Wis. Mrs. Wagner was preceded in death by her parents; an infant twin sister; her brother; and a step-daughter and grandson, Naomi and Scott Fredenberg. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2002, at BECK FUNERAL HOME, Cedar Park location. Arrangements under the direction of Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park/Leander (512) 259-1610. Rest well, my dear Mother. May Heaven be full of the Big Band Sound so you may dance and tap your feet to the beat.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 17, 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)

Obituary: Erna H. (Wilke) Milne

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Erna H. Milne, age 92, of Madison, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 10, 2002. She was born on June 29, 1909, in Madison, to the Rev. Otto J. and Clara Beck Wilke. She attended Brayton Elementary School, Madison Central High School, the University of Colorado-Boulder and Milwaukee Downer Teachers College. She taught kindergarten at Lincoln and Washington schools for 19 years before her marriage to Lloyd W. Milne on Jan. 20, 1948. She was a substitute teacher at Lakewood School and taught at Mrs. Deakman's Nursery School prior to starting Mrs. Milne's Nursery School in Maple Bluff. She returned to teaching kindergarten at Lapham School in 1961 and taught there until her retirement in 1971. She was an avid antique collector and loved needlework and traveling. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison, where her father and grandfather were founding clergy and she served as choir director. Erna is survived by her beloved sister, Adelaide "Addie" Wilke; her daughter, Ann Milne (Justice William Bablitch) of Madison; a granddaughter, Bulleh Bablitch; and two great-granddaughters, Laytee and Nancy, of Eagan, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Milne, in 1967. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Hospice of Dane County. Erna's family would like to thank all her friends and relatives who showed such a fondness for her. Erna loved to laugh and entertain and would want all of those who remember her to relish in the joys of friendship and family. Informed Choice Funeral And Cremation Alternatives 5801 Highway 51, PO Box 105 McFarland, WI 53558 (608) 838-0536


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 12, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Alice Siggelko Better - Class of 1928

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Alice Siggelko Better, age 91, a fourth generation lifelong resident of Madison, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, at the Meriter Health Center. She was born in Madison on Aug. 10, 1910, the daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Perkins Siggelko. Mr. Siggelko was a prominent Madison attorney. She was the granddaughter of John and Alice McFarland Siggelko. One of Madison's pioneer families, the Siggelkos arrived from Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1851 and originally settled in the town of Blooming Grove. Alice graduated from Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in history. During World War II, she worked as an air traffic controller at Truax Field in Madison. After the war, she worked in the University of Wisconsin Extension Division until her retirement. An enthusiastic Democrat her entire life, Alice read widely in English history and literature. She was an accomplished model railroader, wood carver and model furniture maker who leaves countless handmade creations that are treasured by her family and friends. A gifted athlete from girlhood, she maintained a lifelong love of golfing and bowling, winning numerous trophies and awards. Coming from a family of serious bridge players, she had achieved the level of life master in the ACBL. Her keen intellect, her ironic humor and her independent spirit will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. "Her mind was her kingdom, her will was her law." Mrs. Better is survived by two brothers, Scott Siggelkow of Lake Tomahawk, and Dr. Richard Siggelkow and his wife, Lois, of Ellicottville, N.Y.; two nephews, Rick Siggelkow of South Nyack, N.Y., and Jim Siggelkow of Buffalo, N.Y.; a grand-nephew and two grand-nieces. Burial was in the family plot in Forrest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.

Originally published in The Capital Times on March 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Alice Siggilkow [sic] is pictured among the members of of the February graduating class in the 1928 Tychoberahn.

Note: The Siggelko and Siggelkow spelling differences may be explained by her grandfather's decision to drop the "w" from the end of his surname. Click HERE for additional information about this spelling change.

Obituary: Nancy (James) Oesterle

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Nancy Oesterle, age 69, passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, in Madison. She was born Dec. 10, 1932, in Bloomington, Wis., to William Reuben and Genevieve (Steinbach) James. She graduated from Madison Central High School, and also was a graduate of Madison Business College, where she met her husband, Joseph. She married Joe Oct. 10, 1953. She worked as a medical secretary at the Veterans Administration Hospital for a number of years before starting her own business at home. Nancy was the proud mother of Joe (Lynn) of San Jose, Calif., Jim of Seattle, Tim of Madison and Susan (Steve) of Des Moines, Iowa; and loving grandmother of Erin, Peter and Becky. She also leaves behind her brother, Roger (Gail) of Orinda, Calif.; and special friends, Joan Neubauer and Wendell Hoffmaster. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 4, 2002, at 10 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 3, 2002, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 2, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: MaryAnne (Dooley) Pressentin - Class of 1942

MONONA [Wisconsin] - MaryAnne Pressentin, affectionately known by many as "Mrs. Prez" or "Grandma Prez," died on Friday, Feb. 22, 2002, in Pompano Beach, Fla. She was born on July 27, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., to Francis Dowdle and Marvel (Ellickson) Dowdle Dooley. She moved to Madison as a child and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1942. She married Donald C. Pressentin on Aug. 25, 1945, in Madison at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. MaryAnne was a passionate lady who was dearly loved by everyone who met her. She was known for her engaging smile and the uncanny ability to make everyone she met feel good. She was kind, fun, gentle, and always found good in everyone. Her home was always open to her family and friends and was always a gathering place. She was an avid sports enthusiast always at her grandkid's activities, attending every Badgers home football game, watching all the Packers games, and never missing a professional golf match. In her cache of wonderful memories were the Rose Bowl, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Ryder Cup. She was a player, always saying, "Yes, let's go!" She loved the great outdoors. She had a passion for the Northwoods of Wisconsin, particularly her beloved Presque Isle Lake where she spent many years. MaryAnne could tell you about the habits of the wildlife, the flowers and plants and birds, and she shared that openly with everyone. She loved her home in Florida, and all the wonderful friends she had there, and all the parties and fun gatherings that were a daily event. She was a sun bunny, permanently tanned! She loved to dance, had a passion for arts, loved to read and her home was always filled with lots of books, especially the big dictionaries that always took Dad and she to the completion of their crossword puzzles. Her most fervent passion was her family. Her husband, "Duck," was her soulmate and love of her life, forever in her heart. Her nine kids to whom she gave unwavering love and acceptance, their spouses, and her 20 grandkids who she adored and celebrated every waking moment ... she made each feel they were the apple of her eye. Maryanne loved babies, children, people, animals, birds, travel, parties, rainbows, music, blue skies, rainy days, sunshine, books, flowers, parades, jokes, Christmas, holidays, and the USA She was a kind, gentle, fun loving, and generous woman who was always aware of the tiny miracles in life; a true testimony to her incredible spirit! She will be missed with heavy hearts but our lives will be filled with the memories of the passionate love Mom had for everyone and everything in her life. She is survived by her children, Cassie and son, Reid, Brad (Shari) and children, Brent, Bryce, and Bridget, Randy (Janie) and children, Christopher, Adam, Haley, and Kim, Becky (Bruce) Mueller and children, Shelby and Peyton, Gary (Michelle) and son, Jeffy, Joe (Kim) and children, Emily, Lauren, and Kevin, and Carrie (John) Murphy and children, Keenan, Bailey, Corban, and Cavanagh; her son-in-law, Terry Fisher and children, Brian and Amber; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Charlotte O'Brien; and a nephew, Tim (Mary Sue) Pressentin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald C. Pressentin; and her children, Suzi Pressentin Fisher, and Jeffrey Pressentin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ST. MARIA GORETTI CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2002, with a luncheon following. A private family burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002. A memorial fund will be established in her name. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Steven J. "Feeney" Caravello

FITCHBURG [Wisconsin] - Steve J. "Feeney" Caravello, age 78, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare inpatient unit. He was born on Feb. 3, 1924, the son of Joseph and Mamie (Chiovaro) Caravello. Steve attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving in WWII aboard the distinguished USS Cassin Young. In May of 1947 Steve married Betty Lincicum, who preceded him in death in Oct. of 1986. In September of 1989 he married Bernadette Hickman. Steve is survived by his loving wife, Bernie; three children, Joe (Patti) of Los Angeles, Calif., Michael of Sun Prairie and Diane (Lee) Larsen of Fitchburg; three step-sons, Dennis (Clara) Hickman of the United Arab Emirates, Michael (Janet) Hickman of Rochester, Minn., and Patrick (Linda) Hickman of Ashland; 18 grandchildren; a sister, Florence Hankel; and a brother, Joe Caravello both of Sacramento, Calif.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, John. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, Wis., 53711. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Helene Johanna Gutzman

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Helen Johanna Gutzman, age 97, died on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, at Waunakee Manor. She was born on Jan. 24, 1905, in Madison, Wis., to Otto and Mathilda (Gill) Gutzman. She was a lifelong resident of Madison. Helen graduated from Holy Redeemer Grade School and Central High School. In 1969, she retired from Madison Gas and Electric Co. as an assistant supervisor after 45 years of service. She was a member of the Catholic Womens Club, and a volunteer of the St. Marys Auxiliary. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Tomas) Thomas, Bob (Karen) Gutzman, Mary (Don) Janquart, Joan (John) Paitl, Shirley (Bill) Martinson, and Michelle Menigoz. She also has many great- nieces and nephews. She appreciated the many visits of Stephanie, Marietta, Jennifer, Becky, Denise, and Sharon. The true joy of her life the past six years, has been her great-great nieces and nephews, Courtney, Jared, Emma, Anna, Matt, and Colleen. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Edward; sister, Catherine Menigoz; and a nephew, Joe Menigoz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 E. Johnson St., Madison, with Father Lawrence Bakke officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Friday. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude for four years of loving care given by the dedicated staff of the Waunakee Manor. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally posted in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Lawrence "Larry" W. Post, Sr.

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Lawrence "Larry" W. Post, Sr., age 77, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002. He was born on May 8, 1924, in Madison, the son of Adolph and Alma Post. He married Virginia "Ginny" Hanley on Feb. 6, 1947, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Madison, where they are still members. Larry attended Madison Central High School and entered military service in 1943. He was a Heavy Weapons NCO with the 106th Infantry Division and fought in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge near Schonberg, Belgium where he was seriously wounded and captured on Dec. 16, 1944. He was a prisoner of war for four months until he was liberated on April 15, 1945. Larry was awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for courage in battle. He was a member of VFW Post #7591, American Legion Post #501, DAV Chapter 2, as well as the past local commander for the Badger Chapter - POW. Larry and Ginny attended numerous annual reunions of the 106th Division including Ariz., Fla., S.C., Va., Mo., Ill., and Ind., and the most recent reunion which was held in Washington, DC just days before the Sept. 11th "terrorist attack" on the Pentagon. Larry was employed at the University of Wisconsin-residence halls for 28 years. He and Virginia retired in 1986. Larry enjoyed woodworking projects in his workshop, creating beautiful furniture pieces for family and friends and enjoyed traveling, especially to Arizona and Alabama to see his wartime buddy, Calvin and his family. He was also an avid photographer. In addition to Virginia, his wife of 55 years, survivors include his sons, Larry Jr. (Betty) of Sun Prairie, Tom (Vicki) of Mt. Horeb, David of Madison; his daughters, Mary (Bob) Pankratz and Theresa of Madison; his grandsons, Paul (Sue) of Lodi, Todd (friend, Michelle) of Madison; his great-grandson, Ryley James Post; close friend, Joyce Gausmann, and her sons, John and Jaimie; his sisters, Dorothy (Bernard) Hahn, Evelyn (Stan) Gallagher, and Marie all of Madison; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Nelson, Rosemary Halzel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens cemetery. Friends may call from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive where a military pass and review will be conducted by the VFW Post #7591 at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be sent to Llew Bredeson, Treasurer, Ex-POW's, 406 Frost Woods, Monona, Wis., 53716. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Benny Kopelberg - Class of 1942

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Benny Kopelberg, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, Feb. 2, 2002, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. Benny was born June 5, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis. His family moved to Madison in 1939 where they owned and operated the Supreme Food Shop (later known as the Mifflin Street Co-Op) on Bassett & Mifflin Street. Ben graduated from Central High School (class of 1942) and shortly thereafter joined the Navy. He served as Yeomen on the USS Leonis in the South Pacific and at the end of his duty he served as an aid to Admiral Nimitz, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shortly before his discharge from the service, he met and married Roslyn Lassen and they were married for 56 years. Benny owned and operated the Leader Laundry and was later an independent insurance agent. He was a lifelong member of Temple Beth Israel, and a local and regional past president of the Bnai Brith Organization. Benny was also very active as an advisor to the AZA Youth Group. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lily and Harry Kopelberg; his brother, Phillip Kapell; and his son, Steven. Benny is survived by his wife Roslyn (Lassen); his son, Mark (Barbara); and daughter Lisa (Perry Hoffman). Benny had the joy of his wonderful grandchildren Emily and Michael Kopelberg and Steven Hoffman, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and loyal friends. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Beth Israel Center or a charity of choice. Services will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Committal to be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Cress Funeral Home (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)