Obituary: James F. Dalbec - Class of 1966

MADISON - James F. Dalbec, age 60 of Madison, passed away at UW Hospital, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, as a result of a tragic car/pedestrian accident. Jim was born Aug. 1, 1948 in Superior, the son of Walter and Marie (Starkey) Dalbec. He graduated from Central High School in 1966, and pursued a career in the local bar and restaurant scene. At the time of his death he was employed at UW Provisions managing the retail store. Besides his family and close friends, his greatest passions were golf, pool, dancing and Las Vegas. Jim was a very fun loving, big hearted, gentle man. He would do anything for anyone. He is survived by his daughter, Danyelle Dalbec; son, Tony (Sara McAllister) Dalbec; aunt, Shirley Starkey of Superior; several cousins and a special friend, Kathy Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Dalbec; and a sister, Arlene Dalbec. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 3 p.m. until the time of service. His family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Dempsey and his staff at UW Hospital for their caring efforts. We are really going to miss you Iceman. We love you dad!! Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Center 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2008

Obituary: John L. Longfield

MCFARLAND - John L. Longfield, age 74 of McFarland, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born in Madison on March 21, 1934, a son of Leo and Ruth (Genske) Longfield. John graduated from Central High School, and served his country in the U.S. Army. On April 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Barbara Tortorici at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Madison. John worked at Oscar Mayer for many years, retiring in 1995. Surviving are John's wife, Barbara; and their three children, daughter, Joanne (Steve) Erickson; whose son, is Luke (Michelle) Erickson; John and Barbara's daughter, Laura Johannes; whose children are Justin and Krista Lessner; and John and Barbara's son, John (Jennie) Longfield, Jr. of Illinois; whose children are Nicholas and Samantha Longfield. John is further survived by a brother, James. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a brother, Larry. Private services will be held at a later date. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Hwy 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2008

Obituary: Charlotte I. (Kalbacken) Emery - Class of 1939

MADISON - Charlotte I. Emery, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Dec. 24, 1921, in Madison, the daughter of Peter and Thea (Tollund) Kalbacken. Charlotte graduated from Central High School. She married Wilbur H. Emery on May 13, 1944, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Charlotte was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a former member of the church choir, and a former member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and was a sports fan. Charlotte is survived by two daughters, Sharon J. (Theo) Mavridoglou of Jackson, Miss. and Patricia I. (Paul) Nehm of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Kristine I. (Allen) McDermott, Aris E. (Alicia) Mavridoglou, Kari L. (Troy) Gunderman, and Petros E. (April) Mavridoglou; seven great-grandchildren, Kadin, Helena, Ayden, Cole, Luke, Paul and Ava; and a sister-in-law, Joan Kalbacken of Bloomington, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur H. Emery (a former City of Madison Police Chief); and a brother, Norman Kalbacken. Funeral services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Visitation will be at Roselawn Chapel from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospital. A special thanks to the nursing staff at 4 East, Cardiac Care Unit, St. Mary's Hospital. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 2, 2008

Note: Charlott Kalbacken Emery's class year is based on information in the June 16, 1939 edition of The Capital Times, which features a list of Madison Central High School's graduating seniors.

Obituary: Joy M. (Lichtenberg) Kracht - Class of 1938

LAKE MILLS - Joy M. Kracht, age 88, of Lake Mills, died on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008. She was born on May 5, 1920, in Madison, the daughter of the late Henry and Emma (Woodke) Lichtenberg. She married Earl Kracht of Aztalan in 1940. He died in 1994. Joy was a member of the last mid-term graduates from Central High School in Madison in January 1938. She later attended UW-Madison. Joy was an active member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church and the community. Survivors include her children, Richard (Kathleen) of Bozeman, Mont., Janet (John) Bade of Lake Mills and Deborah (Mark) Weissbrodt of Muskego; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; a brother, Gary (Rebecca) Lichtenberg of Madison; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Weakley of Monona and Sharon Kracht of Colorado Springs, Colo.; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Also preceding in death was a brother, Orville. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the LAKE MILLS MORAVIAN CHURCH. Burial will be in the Rock Lake Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the church until the time of services. Memorials would be appreciated to the church or Lake Mills Food Pantry. The Claussen Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 29, 2008

Obituary: Roberta "Bobbi" A. Marcus

TUCSON, ARIZ - Roberta "Bobbi" A. Marcus passed away on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, in Tucson, Arizona at the age of 81. She will be remembered by all that knew her for her enthusiasm for life, sense of humor and commitment to her family, as well as many professional accomplishments. Born Jan 19, 1927 in Winnipeg, Canada, Bobbi was raised and lived in Madison for most of her life. She graduated from Central High School in Madison and earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1948. She was married to Herbert "Herb" D. Marcus for 58 years until his death in 2006. Bobbi worked first at Madison Bank and Trust Co., raised her two children, and then embarked upon a long career as a senior administrative assistant at UW-Madison, first in the Department of Economics and then in the Law School. In 2004, Bobbi and Herb moved to Tucson, Arizona. Bobbi is survived by her daughter, Sue (Tom) Lowry of Tucson, Ariz.; and son, Craig Marcus of Corvallis, Ore. A private family service will be held in Tucson. The family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 23, 2008.

Note: In addition to class year (probably about 1944), I would appreciate it if someone would provide Bobbi's last name at the time she graduated.

Obituary: Betty Lavering Melum

MADISON - Betty Lavering Melum, age 88, passed away at UW Hospital with family and friends by her side on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. Betty was born on Dec. 6, 1919, in Appleton. She graduated from Madison Central High School and enjoyed four years at UW-Platteville and graduated with her teaching certification. Betty met the love of her life, Lester "Ketch" Melum while he was stationed at Truax Field, they were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1943. Ketch and Betty both taught school in South Dakota prior to moving to Madison in the late 1940's. Betty retired from the State of Wisconsin after working at the capital for many years. Betty was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers and Milwaukee Braves/Chicago Cubs and enjoyed following her son and grandson's athletic careers at UW-Oshkosh. Ketch and Betty loved to spend time with friends while enjoying a bottle of Blatz beer. Betty is survived by her son, David of Madison; twin granddaughters, Monique Melum (Ola) Stromberg of Shanghai, China, Nicole (Derek) Phillips of Breckenridge, Colo.; grandson, David (Jennifer) Melum of Sun Prairie; six great-grandchildren, Joey, Jakob and Clara Stromberg, Warren Phillips, Riley and Brady Melum. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ketch. There will be a Memorial Visitation on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 16, 2008

Obituary: Eugene "Gene" Sheldon

MADISON - Eugene "Gene" Sheldon, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 21, 1930, in Madison, to Christopher and Marie (Rigert) Sheldon. Gene attended elementary school at St. Raphael Cathedral Catholic School in Madison and graduated from Central High School. He was united in marriage to Theresa Dahmen on Nov. 21, 1959, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton. Gene was employed by Madison Newspapers for 43 years, retiring in April 1995. He then worked part time for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, retiring in 2007. Gene was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish and the Knights of Columbus No. 4527. Gene is survived by his wife, Theresa; sons, William (friend, Lynnell Kaat), of Madison and Daniel, of Arena; his cousins, Dean (Anna) Sheldon of Mazomanie, Betty Coyle, of Cross Plains, Don (Rona) Sheldon, of Janesville and Arlene (Farrell) Bob Winner of Madison. He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Chris Dahmen, of Janesville, Fidalia (Dale) Breunig, of Sauk City, Greg Dahmen, of Middleton, Florian (Charlene) Dahmen, of Waunakee, Donald (Gerry) Dahmen, of Westport, Neddy (Leon) Juris, of Middleton and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas; father and mother-in-law, Anton and Elizabeth (Schoepp) Dahmen; niece, Amy Juris; nephew, Vernon Dahmen; sisters-in-law, Emma (Hruby) Dahmen, Mary Ann (Simon) Dahmen and a brother-in-law, Leo Breunig. A Memorial service will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison at noon on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, with Monsignor Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Family and friends may call on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Our Lady Queen of Peace School Endowment. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses at 6B at the UW Hospital and also to the nurses and staff of HospiceCare for their loving and compassionate care. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 16, 2008.

Obituary: Alice Martha (Kaiser) Thaden

LODI - Alice Martha (Kaiser) Thaden passed away on Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at the age of 85. She was born on Dec. 22, 1922, in Switzerland and emigrated to Oklahoma as a young child with her family. Her singing talents were well known in Oklahoma, as she and her sister, Clara, sang for a local radio station. After moving to Wisconsin, Alice met Elmer W. Thaden at Central High School in Madison and they were later married on Oct. 17, 1942. They spent most of their married life on a horse farm in Cottage Grove, and were well known for their horse boarding facility. Alice loved and was a strong advocate for all her animals. Alice's beautiful soprano voice was shared with many at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, where she directed the choir for many years. She was also a past member of the Madison Philharmonic Choir. Her many jobs included working at Sears, for the Boy Scouts of America, and as a cook for Gaston School and the UW Sorority and Fraternity Houses. Her lemon meringue pie could never be beat and will be greatly missed. Alice is survived by her husband, Elmer of Lodi; daughter, Penny (Jerry) Takier of California; son, Michael (Tracy) Thaden of Lodi; grandchildren, Chris Takier of California, and Tony and Ricky Thaden of Lodi; great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Ryan Takier of California; a sister, Clara (Spencer) Erickson of Pardeeville; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Ricky Takier; sister, Ruth Norwood; nephew, Tom Young; and all of her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at 2 p.m. A private burial has already taken place at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family requests no flowers. Donations in her memory can be made to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove. Condolences may be sent to Elmer Thaden, 600 Clark St., Lodi, WI 53555. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 9, 2008

Obituary: Dorothy R. Gaukel - Class of 1931

MADISON - Dorothy R. Gaukel, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. Dorothy was born on Aug. 6, 1913, in Madison, the daughter of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. She attended Holy Redeemer grade school and graduated from Central High School. Following high school, Dorothy went on to work for the federal government, where she held several different positions, including working as a secretary to the commanding general at Truax Field during World War II. After retiring from the federal government Dorothy was employed as a secretary by the University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering. She was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Dorothy is survived by her brother, William Gaukel; sister; Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork, six great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel and Lindsay Davenport and Jordan Mork; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and sister; Marian Davenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, 11 a.m. at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison. Monsignor Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the CHURCH on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Dorothy will be dearly missed as she was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and especially her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 6, 2008

Note: Dorothy Gaukel's class year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, where she is listed among the Madison Central High School seniors who will receive their degrees on Friday, June 12, 1931.

Obituary: Harry Schackter - Class of 1930

MADISON - Harry Schackter, age, 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2008, at his home in Comforts of Home, Menominee, where he was cared for by many loving people. He was born Dec. 19, 1912, in Russia to Morris and Augusta Schackter. He graduated from Madison's Central High School in 1930. Mr. Schackter served in the Glider Division, U.S. Army in World War II. He was married to Sadye Greenwald on Nov. 13, 1941. Following World War II, his brother-in-law, Joseph Greenwald and he opened the G and S Supermarket in Madison's Greenbush neighborhood. In l962, after closing G and S, Mr. Greenwald and he opened the Avon Liquor Shop in Madison, retiring in l979. He had been living at Madison's Coventry Village until May, when he moved to assisted living in Menominee closer to his daughter and the Ashmore family. He loved to play golf at Odana Hills Golf Course and was passionate about the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Mr. Schackter also was a member of Beth Israel Synagogue. Harry will be missed by people; everyone who knew him loved him. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Nathaniel Lucas; his wife, Sadye; and his three sisters. Harry is survived by three children, Denny Schackter (Patti) of Palatine,Ill., Marlene Ashmore (Steven) of Colfax, and Marilyn Rattmann (fiance Jeffrey Strosberg); and four grandchildren, Rebecca and Jay Rattmann, and Ande and Abby Ashmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzhiemers Association or one's charity of choice. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 3, 2008