Obituary: A.J. "Tony" Rane - Class of 1935

ABBEVILLE, ALABAMA - A. J. "Tony" Rane, a resident of Abbeville, died Tuesday morning, July 12, 2011, at his home. He would have been 95 on July 24th.

Mr. Rane was born and reared in Madison, Wis., son of the late Joseph Rane and Concetta Bongiovanni Rane. He was a 1935 graduate of Central High School in Madison. Mr. Rane served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He lived in Hollywood, Calif. and New York City, New York before moving to Abbeville in 1946.

Mr. Rane was instrumental in organizing the Abbeville Improvement Association and met with Bill Sims of the Alabama Chamber of Commerce to help convert this organization into the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce in 1953. He then served as the First President of the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce from 1953 until 1954. Mr. Rane was a member and past President of the Abbeville Lions Club and a former President of the Alabama Travel Council. He was selected "Mr. Alabama Travel" in 1978 and was inducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame in 2009. Mr. Rane owned and operated the Village Inn Restaurant and Rane Furniture and co-owned Henry County Livestock and Lentone Jewelry, all in Abbeville. He owned the Embers Restaurant in Eufaula and was a co-owner of Holiday Inns in Eufaula, Ala., Evergreen, Ala., Greenville, Ala., and Crestview, Fla., Mr. Rane was instrumental in recruiting Pepperell Manufacturing Company to locate in Abbeville in 1953. He helped the Alabama Bureau of Publicity and Information in the establishment of Welcome Centers across the State of Alabama.

Mr. Rane was a long-time member of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. Board of Directors, and the example he set of helping those in need was the inspiration behind the establishment of the Jimmy Rane Foundation. In 2005, Mr. Rane was the subject of a book, Mr. Tony's Lessons of La Famiglia, and his many achievements were the centerpiece of an article in the February 2010 issue of Great Southern's newsletter. Mr. Rane was a member of the St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mamie Rane Fuss and also four brothers, Sam Rane, James A. Rane, John Rane and Frank Rane.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Elizabeth "Libba" Mills Rane, Abbeville; two sons, Jimmy Rane and wife, Angela, Abbeville; and Greg Rane and wife, Kathleen, Dothan; nine grandchildren, Ashleigh Rane Savoy and husband, Kevin; James W. Rane Jr. and wife, Mandy; Lindsay Rane, Jason Hudspeth and wife, Leslie; Chris Hudspeth and wife, Mallory; Keith Rane, Kylie Rane Marburger and husband, Rob; G.G. Holley Daly and husband, Pat; and Tom Holley and wife, Liz; numerous great-grandchildren.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Mr. Mitchell Weaver, Mr. Gene Woodham, Mr. Robert Edward Phillips, Mr. Lester Killebrew, Dr. Kirby Bland, Mr. Buddy Riley, Mr. Chad Jones and Mr. Johnny Lindsey. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Gene Stallings, Mr. Pat Dye, Mr. Ray Goff, Mr. Larry Blakeney, Mr. Wimp Sanderson and Mr. Cliff Ellis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, in the ABBEVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH with Father Patrick Gallagher, Mr. John Riley, Reverend Michael Whitt, Reverend Robert C. Yawn and Coach Gene Stallings officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the Rane-Mills Mausoleum in the Abbeville Memorial Cemetery. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday in the Abbeville United Methodist Church Family Life Center. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Columba Catholic Church, 2700 W. Main Street, Dothan, AL 36301 or to the Jimmy Rane Foundation, P.O. Box 40, Abbeville, AL 36310.

Holman-Abbeville Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. 334-585-5261.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 13, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert "Bob" Carson - Class of 1952

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Robert "Bob" Carson, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 11, 1934, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1952, then joined the U.S. Army, serving in the military for two years. In 1959, he met his first wife, Beverly Gerber, and had two children, Dale and Leanne. Bob worked for Red Dot Potato Chip Co. (known as Frito Lay) until he found a job working for a University of Wisconsin extension running a printing press for 32 years, until retirement in 1997. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed basketball and coaching girls softball teams.

He married Joan Lueders on April 28, 1984. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife. He was a long-time member of Lakeview Moravian Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Dale (Tamra) Carson and Leanne (Jim) Stoker; step-children, Scott (Tracy) Carolan and Deb (Andy) Slawek; grandchildren, Kennan, Nicole, Ahna, Tyler, Megan, and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Modi and Vonn; brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) and John "Jack" (Alvina); many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sonny Carson; half-sisters, Dorothy Strait and Doris Davis; and half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lenke.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 3, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Joseph Colletti - Class of 1941

MADISON - Joseph Colletti, age 88, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at HospiceCare.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1922, in Madison. Joseph graduated from Madison Central High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Marines in January 1942, and served his country with the 4th Marine Division until September 1945. Joseph was united in marriage to Blanch Lorraine Stevens on Sept. 14, 1946.

He received a bachelor's degree at UW-Whitewater and a master's degree at Pasadena College in California. Joseph was a school administrator at Lancaster, Calif., for 20 years. He started the first Head Start program there, set up the first Girl and Boy Scouts program and community summer recreation program. He moved to Wisconsin in 1972 and served as principal at both Weston High School for two years, and Spencer High School for 13 years.

Joseph retired in 1984 to Monona, where he substitute taught for Monona Grove School District for 12 years. Joseph loved working with children, golf and bowling.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Janie (Bob) Blackledge, Joe (Sharon), Gary, Holly (Jeff) Corning and Patty Jo (Marc) Cobbs; son-in-law, Randy Pruitt; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Peter (Rose); sister, Mamie (Lee) Stafford; and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Bonnie Pruitt; sisters, Annie and Mary; and brothers, Vito, George and Vincent.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011. Private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staffs at UW Hospital and HospiceCare Inc. for their care and compassion.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 30, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Barbara (Buppy) Lengyel - Class of 1969

PURVIS, MISSISSIPPI/VERONA, WISCONSIN - With sadness and heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our Beloved Barbara (Buppy) Jones, age 61, who passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2011, in Purvis, Miss.

She was born on Nov. 26, 1949, in Madison. She moved to Purvis, Miss., where she married Elgin Jones. Buppy was one "Heck" of a lady! Rarely would you see her sitting down (except for eating). She had a mouth like a "drunken sailor," that made us all laugh! If you needed help (or anything) she was the first one there! Buppy was one of the last graduates of Central High School in 1969. In 2005 she survived Hurricane Katrina!! She loved to fish on the Wisconsin River, attend Saturday night auctions, and take care of her pecan trees.

Buppy leaves behind her husband, Elgin Jones; sons, John "Johnny" (Terri) Lengyel and Jestin (Renee) Becker Lengyel; stepson, John; granddaughter, Jailin; and grandson, John Jr. and another grandchild on the way; brothers, Charles "Punky" Lengyel and Donny (Mildred) Lengyel; sisters, LaVonne "Suzy" (Jerry) Dunn, Margaret "Mikki" (Jim) Grant, MaryAnn "Modie" Schulenberg, Tinki Jensen, Linda "Linti" Wilson (Rod), Betty "Petey" Lengyel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Lengyel; brother, Jerry Gene Lengyel; nephew, Jerry Lengyel "Little Jerry"; and brothers-in-law, Mike "Mickey" Schulenberg and Thomas Jensen.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 26, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marion A. (Patzer) Bran - Class of 1948

MADISON - Marion A. Bran, age 81, died on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at University Hospital.

She was born on Feb. 22, 1930, in Elroy. She was the daughter of Walter and Frieda (Thompson) Patzer. Marion grew up in the Green Bush neighborhood in Madison. She worked at Bricker's Bakery, spent summers on the farm in Elroy, and graduated from Central High School in 1948. She attended the University of Wisconsin until meeting and falling for a handsome lifeguard at BB Clark Beach. She married Stanley C. Bran on May 8, 1951. Marion retired from Sears Roebuck in 1992. She enjoyed her flower garden, flower arrangements, card club, most of all helping daughter, Jenny sell trout at the Dane County Farmer's Market for the past nine years, and the many friendships that she formed there.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan in 1982 and by her parents.

Marion in survived by daughters, Julie (Ray Williams) Bran of Madison, Janet (Hunter) Bohne of Avoca, Jill Bran of Lodi, and Jenny (Chuck) Anderson of Wesfield; brothers, Charles (Gladys) Patzer of Alberta, Canada, Robert Patzer and Jack (Arlene) Patzer of Madison; grandchildren, Lucas Bohne, Casey (Tim) Arendt, Ben Anderson, Spencer Williams and Carlie Anderson. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2011, at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave.

The family wishes to thank the Madison Fire and Rescue Paramedics and the UW Hospital ER Staff.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 23, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Toni R. (Pankow) Mills

OREGON - Toni R. (Pankow) Mills, age 68, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

She was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Madison, the daughter of Oscar and Genevieve Pankow. She grew up in Madison, raised by Oscar and Pat Pankow, surrounded by many brothers and sisters. Toni graduated from Madison Central High School. She worked many years as a waitress in and around Madison and Oregon, priding herself on remembering her customers. Toni later retired from University Hospital in 2010 after seven years of service. She enjoyed her times spent at Ho-Chunk and her recent trip to Las Vegas. She enjoyed fishing, reading, and had a fabulous recipe for creamed onions, and anyone that has had them will remember.

Toni is survived by two children, Brad ( Eda) Gronli, of Apopka, Fla., and Denise (Dana) Terrian, of McFarland; ex-husband and friend, Doug Gronli; grandchildren, Christopher (Hannah) Froeschle, Patrick (Jeanette) Froeschle, Derek Terrian; great-grandchildren, Cassandra (Scott), Skyler, Liam and Zoe; great-great granddaughter, Ayla; brothers, Richard, Robert (Helga), Ronald (Carol), Kenneth and Terry Pankow; sisters, Jan Ware, Sandra (Richard) Anderson, and Marlene Pankow; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Larry; sisters-in-law, Sally Gronli-Evans and Gay Anne Frappier; brothers-in-law, Richard Buss and Dennis Gronli; friend, Jeannie Gronli; and a son-in-law, Paul Putnam.

A memorial gathering will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Road, Madison on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 19, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Toni Pankow's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Sam O. Buscemi - Class of 1945

MADISON - Sam P. Buscemi, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.

He was born on April 30, 1928, in Madison, the son of Salvatore and Frances (Gandolfo) Buscemi. Sam was a lifelong Madison resident and graduated from Central High School in 1946. He served his country as a master sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Easy Company, in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Sam was united in marriage to Marilyn (Millar) Chittenden in December 1986. He was a ticket agent for Milwaukee Road for 20 years, had an industrial x-ray business for several years, and eventually retired from Gardner Bakery in 1990.

Sam was an avid fan of all sports, being particularly partial to the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. He also loved to dance, particularly to swing music. Above all, Sam enjoyed spending time in the company of his family and friends and playing cards with his buddies. He was a kind man and had a "soft spot" in his heart for babies and animals. Sam was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, was loved by many, and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Debra (Scott) Jonovic, Kathy (Peter) Liebl, Sam V. (Kris), Vicki (Dave) Bedell, Paul (Karen), Michael (Kristi) and Rob; stepson, Michael (Nicole) Chittenden; 11 grandchildren and a stepgrandson; mother of his children, Annette (Cardarella) Brown; sister, Sister Rose Marie Buscemi of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross; and two special aunts, Catherine Gianquinto and Vicki Pellitteri. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the dialysis staff at St. Mary's Renal Center and the staff at Oak Park Place for their care of Sam.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 12, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Betty J. (Ehl) Lee - Class of 1949

MADISON  - Betty J. Lee, age 80, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2011, at her home peacefully following complications of dementia. She was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison on Dec. 18, 1930, the daughter of Melvin and Ora Mae (Siewert) Ehl. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949 and married Bob Lee on Sept. 29, 1951. Betty worked at Wisconsin Motor Vehicle and at the MG and E, Omeda and Post Office Credit Unions. She loved to golf, bowl, sew and took special pride in her gardening. Betty is survived by her husband; daughter, Debbie Lee; grandson, Shane (Sandy) Schuster; great-grandchildren, Austin and Alyssa Schuster; and four nephews, Dave, Dan, Dennis and Don DeSmidt. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert A. Lee; and her sister, Marion DeSmidt. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2011, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be made in Betty's name to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Betty's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare, especially Dawn Barrett and Melanie Brooks.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 11, 2011. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Carolyn Rae Schultz - Class of 1950

MADISON - Carolyn Rae Schultz passed on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at the age of 78 in Madison.

She was born on July 23, 1932, to parents Benjamin and Katherine "Kessie" (Anderson) Schultz. Following the passing of her father, Carolyn was raised by Katherine and her husband, Escoe Kahne. She attended Central High School in Madison, graduating in 1950. She attended UW-Madison for two years and was active with the Chi Omega sorority before marriage and a long career as an office manager with several law firms. With first husband, George Samuel Zaferos she had their daughter, Kathryn Mary. With second husband, Stan Hershleder she had their son, Benjamin Louis.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Mary Riccio and her husband, Tom Riccio; her son, Benjamin Hershleder; two grandchildren, Leah Rae Riccio-Thomas and her husband, Todd Thomas and Samantha Dee Riccio; and her cousin, Jean Thorsen Haag. She is further survived by other relatives and many long time friends.

Funeral services will begin promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011, with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. at the ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 705 Femrite Drive, Monona, with HospiceCare Chaplain Steve Zwettler officiating.

Thanks so much to our family, friends and all the compassionate souls at HospiceCare.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 9, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Sylvan Sweet

MADISON - Sylvan Sweet, age 93, died peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Sylvan was born March 26, 1918, in Madison to Harry Rueven Sweet and Anna Perlstein Sweet. Sylvan attended Longfellow Elementary School, Madison Central Junior High School and graduated from Madison West H.S. in 1936. He attended University of Wisconsin briefly and then went to work for the AJ Sweet Company, which was founded by his father and uncles. He began his career selling cars with Ray L. Schappe on April 15, 1951, and worked there for many years. Sylvan sold used cars for 47 years in Wisconsin and California. Sylvan's greatest love was his singing. He sang with trios and local groups his entire life. He was a guest artist at many local clubs and venues but more importantly, he was the most beloved guest singer at every family wedding, bar mitzvah and family gathering. Sylvan was known for his fun loving, colorful personality and wonderful story telling of Madison history and personalities. He also loved animals, particularly dogs. Sylvan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Anna; father, Harry; stepfather, Meyer Prosansky; brothers, Milton and Sidney Prosansky; brother, Leonard Sweet; and longtime companion, Edith McConley. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Lefcowitz; sister-in-law, Clara Sweet; daughter, Susan (Michael) Perston; close friends, Marion Trachte and Sam Stassi; grandchildren, Amy Lisa Rosen and Matthew Rosen; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Sylvan was a lifelong member of the Madison Jewish Community and Beth Israel Center. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hospice Residences for their loving and attentive care during Sylvan's stay there as well as Jewish Social Services of Madison. Those wishing to make contributions can make them to Beth Israel Center, Jewish Social Services of Madison or HospiceCare Inc. Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 10 a.m. "A Day without Music is a Day without Sunshine." He did it his way... Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 1, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Sylvan Sweet is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West.