Obituary: Kenneth G. Nachreiner - Class of 1944

MONONA - Kenneth G. Nachreiner, age 83, died on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, after a brief illness. He was born on Sept. 24, 1926, in Bear Valley, the tenth and youngest child of Herbert and Veronica (Volk) Nachreiner. The family moved to Madison in 1927, where Ken attended Holy Redeemer grade school and Central High School, graduating in June 1944. He was drafted into the U. S. Army in December 1944, and served 13 months in Manila, Philippines. On his separation from the armed forces in November 1946, Ken attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in June 1950. He married Elaine Pschorr on May 30, 1951, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. Together they raised five children. Ken began a career in Wisconsin state service in February 1951, and served 37 years, retiring from the Department of Health and Social Services. He was an avid reader and history buff, especially American history. Ken was most interested in the Civil War and World War II. He loved cars, enjoyed the happy times spent camping with family, and traveling throughout the United States. Ken is survived by his wife, Elaine; five children, Mark (Judy) of Madison, Paul (Deb), James "Butch" (Sally Jones) and Susan (John) Veserat, all of Monona, and Amy (Trace) Stovall of Colquitt, Ga.; grandchildren, Katie and Kyle Nachreiner, and Emily, Kelsey and Andrew Veserat; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Leonard, Walter, Louie, "Tom," Harold and Ralph; and three sisters, Irene, Frieda Dahlk and Marie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, with a Scripture service at 3 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m., until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, Wis., 53711 or Immaculate Heart of Mary Endowment Fund. Special thanks to Angie and her team at HospiceCare. "Dear husband, dad, grandpa, we will see you 'east of the sun and west of the moon.'" Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2010

Obituary: Norbert J. King - Class of 1945

MADISON - Norbert J. King, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Oakwood Village West. He was born on July 16, 1927, in Madison, to Norbert V. and Myrtle (Nolen) King. They preceded him in death. Norbert graduated from Central High School in 1945. Norbert served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he was a letter carrier for 30 years and then Dean Medical Center. Norbert was a member of the Moose Club. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Norbert loved his fishing trips to Canada where he went once a year with his buddies. Norbert is survived by his sister, Lucille Smith; children, Gregory (Cathy) Doudna, Jerry (Donna) King, Lee (Nancy) King, Vonda Shoemaker, Connie (Bob) Poster, Joel Shiver, Jeffrey King and Raymond King; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Leslie Smith. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Dane County. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2010

Obituary: Linda L. "Peachy" (Spatola) Godding - Class of 1968

CROSS PLAINS - Linda L. "Peachy" (Spatola) Godding, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. She was born on June 17, 1949, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph and Blondie (Christianson) Spatola. Peachy was united in marriage to Bill Godding on May 17, 1969, in Madison at St. Raphael's Cathedral. She had a variety of interests including fishing, playing cards and video games, but she truly treasured most the time she spent with her family, grandchildren and friends. Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Godding; their children, Tina (Brian) Meier and William (Becky) Godding; four grandchildren, Aaron, Patrick, Baylor and Lindsey; four brothers, Keith (Ramona) Spatola, Ken (Alaine) Spatola, Nick and Chris Spatola; and four sisters-in-law, Ruth (Don) Bongey, Donna (Don) Walter, Yvonne (Bob) Lake and Delores (Darrell) Reynolds. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, with Father Lavern Meier presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 7th floor staff of St. Mary's Hospital and to Jenny Drake for their loving care given to Peachy. Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral and Cremation Centers 2421 Church St. (608) 798-314

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 7, 2010 (submitted by Deborah Benell, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Steven George Masino - Class of 1966

MADISON/ PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. - Steven George Masino, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009. He had lived a remarkable 16 years after a heart transplant in 1993, and subsequently coped with various health issues. Steve was born in Madison, on Dec. 27, 1947, to George and Lou Ann Masino at Madison General Hospital. He attended Central High School and immediately after enlisted in the Navy. He was on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid and served in the Vietnam War. He returned to Madison, married Lori Piazza and had two children, Sam and Ashley; and another son, Michael. He loved the outdoors, hunting and boating, and he had an exceptional talent for building and redesigning houses, as well as landscaping. He later moved to Florida, with his loving wife, Gayle and enjoyed many sunny years. He is survived by his loving children, Sam Masino and Ashley Masino; his wife, Gayle Richardson; mother, Lou Ann (Al) Huttgren; father, George (Karen) Masino; brothers, John (Sue) Masino and Jeff Masino; sisters, Mary Ann Masino and Lisa Masino; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Masino and Thomas (Mary) Masino; and nephew, Aaron Masino. There will be a private family memorial to celebrate Steve's life. If interested contact the email: masino@wisc.edu.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 3, 2010

Steven George Masino's class year is based on information in the 1966 Tychoberahn where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Louise (Piper) Robertson -Class of 1936

WAUNAKEE - Louise Robertson, age 91, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on July 2, 1918, in Madison, the daughter of Alfred and Iva Piper. Louise graduated from Central High School, where she was active in the drama club and on the social committee. She attended college in New York and often enjoyed dining out at the Rainbow Room. Louise married her sweetheart, Glyne "Pat" Robertson, and they enjoyed their retirement years together fishing in Woodruff, during the summer, and then in Florida, during the winter, until Pat's death in 1985. Louise was loved for her quick wit and her devotion to her family. She is survived by her four children, Jerry (Mary) Robertson of Waunakee, Lynne (Steve) Robertson of Waunakee, Alfred (Virginia) Robertson of Little Rock, Ark., and Joseph (Susan) Robertson of Madison; her sister, Alice Hanson of Waukegan, Ill.; as well as many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Iva Piper; her beloved husband, Glyne "Pat" Robertson; and her brother, David Piper. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at WINN-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care. Winn-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee (608) 849-4513

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 29, 2009

Note: Louise (Piper) Robertson is listed as graduating in 1936; Wisconsin State Journal 6/7/1936, p. 10 (information submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Sharon A. (Forbes) Parkinson

MADISON - Sharon A. Parkinson, age 69, passed away at the HospiceCare center in Fitchburg on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, after a short, but courageous battle against gallbladder cancer. She was born on Dec. 14, 1940, in Madison, the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Hewitt) Forbes. Sharon grew up in Madison and graduated from Central High School. After many years working for AT and T, she retired in 1995 to care for her first grandchild. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved spending much time with them. She cooked for them, read to them, and even went to the park to shoot a few hoops with them. Sharon's family and friends were the center of her life and she was happiest when she was with them. Sharon was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and loved reading, especially Stephen King novels. She is survived by a son, Mike (Janis) Parkinson of Verona; a daughter, Lynn (Tim) Maglio of Madison; four grandchildren, Samantha and Ashley Maglio, and Nicole and Corey Parkinson; two brothers, Ed (Pat) Forbes of Madison, and John Forbes of Madison; and brother-in-law, Jerry Parkinson of Madison. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends; and special family friend, Sally Johnson of Madison. She was preceded in death by her son, Curt in 1992; former husband, Darrell "Obie" Parkinson in 2004; along with her parents and grandparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Ron Kreul officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Madison. A visitation will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and again at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. We would like to extend a special thank you to the HospiceCare staff for taking such good care of our Mom. "We will miss you Mom. You were our best friend and always there for us when we needed help. We will miss your home cooked meals and good advice. There is a huge hole in our hearts that will never be replaced. You would never say good-bye, instead it was 'toodles.' So toodles for now, until we see you again. We love you Mom." Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2009

Obituary: Marjorie R. (Mueller) Gilbertson

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN - Marjorie R. Gilbertson, age 86, of Prairie du Chien, died suddenly Sunday December 13, 2009, at Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien. Marjorie was born April 9, 1923, in Madison, to Arthur and Lillian (Walsh) Mueller. She graduated from Central High School in Madison. She married Thomas Gilbertson on June 23, 1944, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She worked as a secretary for Ellis-Arneson Insurance in Madison, and later in the claims department for American Family Insurance also in Madison. They moved to Prairie du Chien in 1988. Marjorie was active in Bible study, choir and taught Sunday school. She loved to work with her flowers and enjoyed eating out. She is survived by her husband, Thomas; a daughter, Patty (Rick) Hamann of Prairie du Chien; a son, Jim Gilbertson of Cottage Grove; a brother, William (Sylvia) Mueller of Madison; a nephew and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Coletta. Services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday December 17, 2009, at ST. PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in Prairie du Chien, with a burial at a later date in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 p.m . to 8 p.m. at THORNBURG-HANSON FUNERAL HOME in Prairie du Chien, and one hour prior to services at the church.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 15, 2009

Obituary: Cornelius "Connie" Eugene Cooke ("The Winnebago Man") - Class of 1950

MADISON - Connie Cooke died on Wednesday morning, December 9, 2009, at St. Mary's Care Center. Connie was a quiet person, known to many, as the man who parked his 1969 Winnebago Camper on Wingra Drive, near Vilas Park Zoo, in recent years. He spent the summer months in Madison and winters in Florida. His camper, arriving in April, was a sure sign of spring. Connie was born on October 30, 1931, and graduated from Madison Central High School, in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army, worked as a carpenter, and had been retired for many years. There will be a memorial service in the CHAPEL AT ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL on Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at 3 p.m. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 13, 2009

Obituary: William "Bill" Mischke - Class of 1950

FITCHBURG - William "Bill" Mischke, age 78, of Fitchburg, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, at home. He was born on Jan. 14, 1931, in East St. Louis, Ill., the son of William and Gladys (Rutledge) Mischke. Bill moved to Madison in 1945. He graduated from Madison Central High School, where he was involved in many sports. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 until 1955. He married Sandra Crosier on May 31, 1975, in Madison. Bill was a painter/ wallpaperer by trade in the Madison area for many years. He enjoyed working at Bill's Food in Oregon, in his retirement. Bill was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church. He volunteered delivering food to St. Mark's food pantry for several years. Bill was an avid Badgers fan and was a season ticket holder to football and basketball games, traveling to many away games. He also enjoyed bowling and vacationing in Florida. Bill is survived by his wife, Sandra of Fitchburg; niece, Diane (Larry) Jones; nephew, Ken (Vickie) Strand; great-nieces and great-nephew, Jocelyn and Joelle Strand, and Tony Jones; stepdaughters, Sheryl (Deb) McFerren and Julie (Dennis) Ahnen; grandchildren, Jennifer, Heather, Megan and Cailin Ahnen; and four children, Steve, Stan, Judy and Billy. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Claire "Elaine" (Bill) Strand. Funeral services will be held at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, with the Rev. Richard Johnson presiding. Visitation will be at the church from noon until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church or HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral and Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608) 442-5002

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 13, 2009

Note: William Mischke's class year is based on information in the 1950 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Alice B. (Michalson) Speth - Class of 1947

MADISON- Alice B. Speth passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in her sleep. She was born in Madison in 1929. Alice graduated from Madison Central High School in 1947. She was very proud of living here most of her life. Alice was active in the Madison Senior Center, RSVP, and in helping the mentally ill. She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Amine) Biwer Bekhechi of North Field, Minn.; grandchildren, Donna Tem-Lopez, Diana Brown, David Berg, and Malika and Samir Bekhechi; stepsons, Darrel (Faith) Yngsdahl, Jim Perry and Ron (Kathy) Biwer; stepdaughter, Marcia (Harold) Hunter; stepgranddaughter, Courtney Marty Sharp; stepgrandson, Andrew Chase (Robin) Yngsdahl; seven stepgrandchildren; daughter-in-law, Dorothy "Sam" Yngsdahl; two stepdaughters-in-law, Carol Yngsdahl and Ruth Speth; a very special great-granddaughter, Samantha Lopez; eight great-grandchildren; brother, George (Ann) Michalson of Fairfields Glads, Tenn.; niece, Pam (Curt) Vonder Reith; nephew, Rick (Cathy) Michalson; cousins, Barbara Haack and Nancy (Ron) Nimocks; and two special friends of more than 60 years, Doris Weinstein and Tom Brady of California. Alice was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald B. Yngsdahl, William J. Speth and James E. Biwer; mother, Juanita Michalson Steele; father, Edmund Michalson; sons, David B. Yngsdahl and Dale G. Yngsdahl; stepson, Donald A. Yngsdahl; sister, Marguerite Mauermann; and grandparents, Torger and Betsy Michalson, and George and Alice Falkner. A Memorial Service will be held at CAPITOL LAKES, 333 W. Main St., Madison, at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. A special thanks to Ric at Gunderson Funeral Home on Monona Drive.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 18, 2009