Obituary: Patricia E. (Phillips) Moore - Class of 1939

MADISON - Patricia E. Moore, age 84, passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2007. She was born on June 27, 1922, in Lewistown, Mont., the daughter of John and Georgia (Spain) Phillips. Patricia graduated in 1939 from Central High School. She continued her education in the Nursing program at Mount Sinai in Milwaukee, then working as a registered nurse until her marriage to Dr. R. H. Moore on Aug. 9, 1946. Patricia was a member of the V.F.W. Post 8483 Women's Auxiliary. She took great pride in taking care of her children and grandchildren. Patricia is survived by her husband, Robert; four children, Bob (Denise) Moore, Pam Moore Pomrenke (Ron Brown), Dave (Vicki Strange) Moore and Brad (Sheri) Moore; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jane Jung; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, McKenzie; her parents; a brother, John Phillips; and a sister, Nancy Phillips. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Our world is a little less bright without the unconditional love and support she shined upon all those she touched. She was so many things to so many people, we will hold on to the wonderful memories she has left behind. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2007

Obituary: Madeline S. (Mergen) Haessig - Class of 1930

MADISON - Madeline S. Haessig, age 95, passed away on Feb. 10, 2007, at Oakwood Nursing Home. Madeline was born Aug. 31, 1911, in Madison to Michael and Anna (Mueller) Mergen. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1933, she taught home economics in Duluth, Minn., and at West High School in Madison. On Aug. 24, 1940, Madeline married Henry E. Haessig at St. James Church in Madison. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she assisted her husband in the operation of Deans' Poultry Farm and Hatchery on Madison's far Westside. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, gardening, reading, sewing, baking, and volunteering at her children's schools and at her church. Madeline and Henry were charter members of St. Maria Goretti Parish. Upon retirement, they spent many happy summers at their cottage on Long Lake in Washburn County, and enjoyed fishing and boating. Special times at the lake were visits from their children, grandchildren and friends. Madeline will be remembered by her family and friends for her positive attitude, and her care and concern for others. Madeline is survived by her daughter, Sue (Bob) Demrow of Sun Prairie; son, David (Jeneice) Haessig of Sarona; grandchildren, Ross (Josie) Demrow of Waterloo, Heather (Bart) Banks of Silverton, Ore., and Darran (Daryl) Haessig of Madison; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan and Joshua Demrow, Henry and Oscar Banks. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Alois and Phillip Mergen; and sisters, Rose Deans and Alvira Gilbert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, 11 a.m., at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti, the Long Lake Preservation Association, or charity of the donor's choice. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 13, 2007

Note: Madeline Mergen's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, which lists her as a member of the "Mid-Year Class of 1930."

Obituary: James Michael Slattery - Class of 1959

MADISON - James Michael Slattery, age 65, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007. He was born, Oct. 22, 1941, in Madison, the son of Peter and Gladys (Lepke) Slattery. Jim graduated from Madison Central High School in 1959. He married Geraldine Stoffels, on June 22, 1963, in Madison. Jim worked for the University of Wisconsin for 28 years as a steam fitter. He was an avid hunter and had a great passion for hockey. Jim volunteered for several years for the Heats on Program for Dane County. The thing that brought him the greatest joy were his eight grandchildren, Brittany, Jake, Justin, Matt, Trevor, Megan, Lauren and Rachel. He is further survived by his wife, Geri; four children, Michael (Lauri) Slattery of Madison, Diana (Allan) Statz of DeForest, Shawn (Steve) Erbe of Mount Horeb, and Patrick (Julie) Slattery of Madison; two sisters, Patricia Slattery and Katherine Briggs, both of Madison; a brother, Kenneth (Joanne) Slattery of Sauk City; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering will be held at the ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 7, 2007

Obituary: James Michael Slattery - Class of 1959

MADISON - James Michael Slattery, age 65, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007. He was born, Oct. 22, 1941, in Madison, the son of Peter and Gladys (Lepke) Slattery. Jim graduated from Madison Central High School in 1959. He married Geraldine Stoffels, on June 22, 1963, in Madison. Jim worked for the University of Wisconsin for 28 years as a steam fitter. He was an avid hunter and had a great passion for hockey. Jim volunteered for several years for the Heats on Program for Dane County. The thing that brought him the greatest joy were his eight grandchildren, Brittany, Jake, Justin, Matt, Trevor, Megan, Lauren and Rachel. He is further survived by his wife, Geri; four children, Michael (Lauri) Slattery of Madison, Diana (Allan) Statz of DeForest, Shawn (Steve) Erbe of Mount Horeb, and Patrick (Julie) Slattery of Madison; two sisters, Patricia Slattery and Katherine Briggs, both of Madison; a brother, Kenneth (Joanne) Slattery of Sauk City; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering will be held at the ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 7, 2007

Obituary: Grace Elinor (Batker) Harrington - Class of 1944

MADISON - Grace Elinor Harrington, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007, after a long illness. She fought a courageous battle. She was born on Jan. 2, 1926, in Verona to Edward and Bertha (Gessler) Batker. She attended grade school thru 4th grade, then the family moved to Madison. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1944, where she was a high honor roll student, winning many school honors and music awards. She attended UW-Madison for three years and on Dec. 20, 1947, she married classmate Richard Harrington. Together they raised four children. Grace worked for Madison Newspapers for 10 years and 16 years as an educational assistant at Madison East High School. Grace is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Richard "Dick" Harrington of Madison; and four children, Jacqueline (Gary) Rockweiler of Verona, June (Mike) Goglio of Madison, Michael (Laura) Harrington of Madison, and Patrick (Julie) Harrington of Madison. She loved all her grandchildren, Renee (Rich) Wilson, Danielle (Russel) Larson, Joshua and Frances Goglio, Nicholas and Jeff Harrington, Jenna and Jayci Harrington. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Annika and Ethan Larson. Grace is also survived by her brother, Ken (Nell) Batker and their children, David, John and Carol; her sister-in-law, Mary Loshek; and nieces, Janice, Sharon and Joan. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Robert Loshek; and in-laws, Leo and Frances Harrington. In keeping in with Grace's wishes, a private funeral and visitation will be held. Chaplain Stephen Zwettler will be officiating. Private entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Oak Park, Belmont and Home HospiceCare for all the care they have given to Grace. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 1, 2007

Obituary: Francis (Frank) James Duesler

STOUGHTON - Francis (Frank) James Duesler passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at Four Winds in Verona. He was born on Feb. 5, 1921, in Ridgeway, the son of James Roscoe and Ruth Almira (Severson) Duesler. He attended St. James Catholic Grade School and graduated from Central High School. When World War II started, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Assigned to the First Division, Frank volunteered to join a new group of elite combat fighters known as Carlson's Raiders. He was very proud of his association with the Corps and continued with membership in the Marine Corps League, and kept in close contact with his Raider friends. Returning to Madison after the war, he opened and operated Creative Woodcrafts, a custom cabinet shop, and later working for JH Findorff and Sons, a construction company, retiring there after 22 years. He lived in New Zealand for awhile after retiring, renewing some wartime friendships. He liked to do crossword puzzles and woodworking projects. He greatly enjoyed a spin on his motorcycle with his wife, Arlene, and poking around in antique shops. Frank (Jim to family) is survived by his wife, Arlene Duesler of Stoughton; a brother, Joseph R. (Charlene) Duesler of Portage; and 17 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Irene Piesens of Fox Lake, Ill.; a brother, Paul W. (Jean) Duesler of Madison; and Lilly Duesler, wife from his first marriage. The family would like to thank Four Winds Manor and the Hospice staff for their wonderful care and kind treatment. There is no service planned. Frank will be cremated and his ashes will be interred with honor at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery, Union Grove. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsn State Journal on January 21, 2007

Obituary: Phyllis Colletti

MADISON - Phyllis Colletti, age 94, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at Oak Park Nursing Home. Phyllis was born in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily, on Jan. 30, 1912, the daughter of Domenic and Louise (DiMaggio) Colletti. The Colletti's immigrated to America in 1918 and lived in the Greenbush neighborhood. Phyllis is a graduate of Central High School. When the "Bush" was redeveloped in the 60s, the Colletti's moved to 916 Vilas Ave. She worked for more than 30 years for the Wisconsin State Government in the Department of Workers Compensation and retired in 1984. In 2002, she moved to the Oak Park Nursing Home. Phyllis was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Phyllis is survived by her nephews, Bill Hutchins and Charles Churilla; niece, Marcia Nicholls; cousins, Vincent, Peter and Joseph Colletti and Mame Stafford; and her extended family of the staff and residents of Oak Park Home. Predeceasing Phyllis are her brother, Vincent Colletti; and sisters, Ann Kohr and Georgia Churilla. A memorial service will be held at the OAK PARK HOME, 718 Jupiter Drive, Madison, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Amanda Stein will officiate the service. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 21, 2007

Obituary: Helen Annette (Jensen) Badger - Class of 1940

STOUGHTON/ JANESVILLE - Helen Annette (Jensen) Badger, age 85, of Stoughton, a former Janesville resident, passed away Sunday evening, Jan. 7, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Madison. She was born June 19, 1921, in Verona, the only child of the late Hans and Annette (Tyvand) Jensen. Helen spent her early school years in Mount Horeb prior to moving to Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School in 1940, Helen worked for the State of Wisconsin before moving out West. There she worked in a Colorado orphanage, and later as a matron in a girls' school in Helena, Mont. In 1962, Helen returned to Wisconsin and began a long career as a sales consultant for Merle Norman Cosmetics in Janesville. She was very proud of her time spent with Merle Norman, and had developed many lifetime friendships with her clients and work mates. She will be remembered as a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She married lifelong Janesville resident Calvert E. Badger in Dubuque, Iowa on Nov. 20, 1963. He preceded her in death in 1992. Helen is survived by her son, Mark (Jennifer) Badger of Stoughton; her stepson, Dick (Carole) Badger of Madison; Dick's children, Jonathan Badger of Washington, D.C., and Rick (Gwen) Badger of Madison, and their children, Ryan and Sarah Badger. A Graveside service will be held on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2007, at OAK HILL CEMETERY, Janesville, with Father Robert Lebron officiating. Friends may call on Thursday morning from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, 15 N. Jackson St., Janesville. Helen's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staffs of Stoughton Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital and Medical Center for their care and support shown to Helen and her family during her time spent there.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 10, 2007

Obituary: Ruth Joan (Christianson) Marlett - Class of 1948

BEND, ORE. - Ruth Joan (Christianson) Marlett, age 76, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at the Summit Assisted Living Facility in Bend. Joan was born May 31, 1930, in Madison, the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Robinson) Christianson and spent her school years in Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1948. She married Paul Lee Marlett of Aberdeen, S.D. on Nov. 22, 1950. Joan and Paul lived in Madison and Middleton. Joan also lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Fincastle, Va. and Bloomington, Ind., before moving to Bend. Joan was an accomplished artist, having shown her art work in many fairs, exhibitions and public buildings. Her art is treasured in many homes across the country. She was an interior decorator and renovated several homes in Wisconsin and Virginia, and for many years, owned and operated a successful antique business in historic Fincastle, Va. Joan was preceded in death by her husband in 1972 and is survived by her four children, Kathryn of Bloomington, Ind., Deborah of Chicago, Ill., William (Bill) of Bend, Ore. and Kelly of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Emma Sorury-Hughes, Angela Sorury, Elizabeth Braun, Kelly Gene Johnson-Marlett, Edan Marlett, Jordan Marlett, Elon Marlett, Kelly Jordan Marlett and Allyah Marlett; and great-grandchildren, Destinee Marlett, Yariah Hudson-Marlett, Jacari Marlett and Ladraye Hudson-Marlett. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison. A family service will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 7, 2007

Obituary: Donald E. Westbury - Class of 1959

MCFARLAND - Donald E. Westbury, age 66, of McFarland, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at his home. He was born on July 7, 1940, in Madison, the son of Eugene and Nathiel (Hughes) Westbury. Don graduated from Madison Central High School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army at WestPoint. Don was a steam fitter for more than 40 years. He retired from Air Temperature in McFarland in April 2006. Don was the ultimate Papa for his grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family, especially fishing with his brother, Tim. Don was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. He is survived by his six children, Alicia (Chuck Knuteson) Westbury of McFarland, Rebecca (William) Leskinen of Madison, Todd (Shannon) Westbury of Pardeeville, Tracy (Kendall) Zander of Mount Horeb, Bridget Westbury and Patti (fiance, Kyle Jorgenson) Westbury of Madison; adopted daughter, Sherry (Chuck) Coens of Madison; a brother, Tim (Glenys) Westbury; 11 grandchildren, Debbie Westbury, Michelle Knuteson, Charlie Knuteson, Devyn Westbury, Wiley Leskinen, Ethan Leskinen, Tanner Westbury, Ty Westbury, Kiera Westbury, Emily Zander and Danielle Zander; and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Kaitlyn Knuteson. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Alice (Utter) Westbury; his parents; a sister, Darlene Ophiene; and a nephew, Roger Sisk. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, with the Rev. David Schlieter presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. Don will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends who knew him as "Dad." Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 1, 2007