Obituary: Richard L. Huff - Class of 1944

MADISON - Richard L. Huff passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

He was born on May 6, 1927 in Madison, to Forrest Gibbs Huff and Lucille Beimborn Huff. An only child, he graduated from Central High School in 1944, received his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin, graduating with honors in 1951. He was united in marriage to Harriet Willis on July 26, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa. Dick taught school in Georgia until a friend suggested he learn television directing, which took him to WKOW-TV where he worked in the earliest days of television. In 1957, he was hired as a producer for television syndication business, which he purchased several years later.

Dick was active in various community organizations. In 1968, he served as one of the Wisconsin delegates to the Republican National Convention. He also served as volunteer chairman of the Dane County Children's Service Society and chairman of the UW Medical School Ophthalmology Advisory Board.

Dick was a gifted artist, and prolific writer. He loved music, books and acquired a great passion for painting. He published several poems, wrote several novels and wrote and co-produced a science fiction motion picture titled, "The Giant Spider Invasion". Along with his work in syndicated television, Dick wrote a book for the National Association of Realtors, published a marketing magazine and taught screen writing at the UW Extension. Dick was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Harriet; three children, Mary Lee "Molly" (James) Miller of Brookfield, William Gibbs (Sue) Huff of Minneapolis and Peter Bashford Huff of Sun Prairie; and seven grandchildren, Daniel James Miller, Sarah Emily Miller, John Willis Miller of Brookfield, Joseph Hunter Huff, Samuel Gibbs Huff of Minneapolis and Elizabeth Frances Huff and Anna Grace Huff of Sun Prairie.

As a child and teenager, Dick loved fishing with his father and uncles and later with his sons, in Boscobel and Prairie du Chien and the rivers there inspired a life-long love for the Wisconsin landscape. A private burial will be at the Huff family lot in Boscobel, where five generations of his family are buried.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monana Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, with the Rev. John Swanson presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Media Ministry, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703 or HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 18, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Adella T. Kohl - Class of 1948

MADISON - Adella T. Kohl, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at UW Hospital.

She was born on May 10, 1930, the daughter of Karl and Theresa (Reinhardt) Popp. Adella graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. She married Jerome Kohl on Oct. 21, 1950. Adella loved to sew, and was a fantastic cook. She will always be remembered for her pies and dynamite pie crust. While raising her family, she was active with Brownies and Cub Scouts and was a room mother at their schools. Adella enjoyed taking day trips with Jerry and sharing the simple joys of seeing new sights. But her true joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Adella gave all her attention and love to her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years and best friend, Jerry; daughter, Kathy Edwards of Monona; sons, Mike Kohl of Baraboo, and Dave (Christine) Kohl of Wautoma; two grandchildren, Stacy (Michael) Rich and Kristine (Chris) Wright; and five great-grandchildren. Adella was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Private services were held. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Rest Haven for all their loving care.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 7, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mary Bernice (Crowley) Heidt - Class of 1931

MADISON/STURGEON BAY - Mary Bernice Heidt, age 97, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Legacy Gardens in Madison.

She was born Dec. 21, 1913, in Hillsboro, to John and Ella (Lloyd) Crowley. She graduated as valedictorian from Central High School in Madison in 1931, and the UW-Madison in 1935. She taught high school in Highland, and DePere before her marriage to Harold B. Heidt on June 17, 1944. In 1954 she moved to Sturgeon Bay. She taught Latin, French, English, and World History at Sturgeon Bay High School from 1954 until her retirement in 1975.

Mary enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, working crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters, and Hospital Auxillary for many years, and volunteered as a docent for the Miller Art Gallery and a "pink lady" for the Door County Memorial Hospital.

Mary is survived by daughter, Ellen (Martin) Vogel of Madison; and son, Robert (Jean) Heidt of Bloomington, Ind., and Jacksonport, Wis.; granddaughters, Lisa (Ed) Emmons of Sun Prairie, Becca (Joseph) Giebel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Lianna (Andrei) Marks of Philadelphia, Pa., and Holly Heidt of New York City; six great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John R. Crowley and Robert Crowley.

Funeral services will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, Sturgeon Bay, at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, with Father Robert Konkol officiating, followed by burial at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 29, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Margaret A. "Peggy" (Cardarella) Millette - Class of 1959

MADISON - Margaret A. "Peggy" Millette, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at home.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1941, in Madison, the daughter of Anthony and Marjorie (Ambrose) Cardarella. Peggy graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1959. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Millette on Sept. 28, 1963, at St. James Catholic Church in Madison.

Peggy was employed by St. Mary's Hospital for 53 years, where she retired from the Pastoral Care department. She loved garage and estate sales, and her flower gardens. Peggy enjoyed sitting on the deck of her home, overlooking the lake, feeding the birds and watching the flowers grow.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Susanne (Tom) McCarthy, Bradley Millette and Jennifer (Gary) Nichols; siblings, Anthony (Mary) Cardarella, Frances (Stephen) Stehling, James (Joy) Cardarella, Robert (Jane) Cardarella and John (Jean) Cardarella; and many nieces and nephews. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 3 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorials may be made in Peggy's name to the American Cancer Society. Peggy was tenderhearted and looked after everyone. She was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by all who knew her.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 25, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Jean A. (Conner) Carow - Class of 1942

MADISON - Jean A. Carow, age 87, of Madison, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at Meriter Hospital.

She was born April 24, 1924, in Madison, the daughter of the late Floyd and Sarah "Sally" (McNulty) Conner. She was married Sept. 6, 1945, to William A. Carow and they have enjoyed almost 66 years together. Jean was a sweet and gentle person who never had an unkind word for anyone. She was a wonderful friend and mother and will be deeply missed.

Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, William A. Carow; four children, Michael (Gloria) Carow, Linda (Bryan) Thompson, Thomas (Terri) Carow and Katie (Mark) Traver; 10 grandchildren, Christine, Tom, Lori, Melanie, Jill, Annie, Paul, Joey, Sarah and Heather; nine great-grandchildren; and her brother, Roger Conner.

We are grateful to the Verona Police and Fire Department first responders, who were so kind, Four Winds Lodge for their kind and compassionate care and Meriter ICU staff for their loving care of our mother in her last days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 Owen Drive with Monsignor Kenneth Fiedler presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road and again on Friday at church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be directed to Dane County Red Cross or Second Harvest Food Bank in Jean's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 24, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Jeanne (Conner) Carow's class year is based on a list of Central High School Class of 1942 graduates published on page 4 of the Wisconsin State Journal on June 12, 1942)

Obituary: Mary Ellen (Stone) Flatman - Class of 1942

MADISON - Mary Ellen Flatman, age 87, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, at Oak Park Place.

She was born on July 31, 1924, in Madison, the daughter of Evans and Bridget (McKinley) Stone. She graduated from Central High School in 1942. After graduation, she attended UW-Madison. She was united in marriage to George H. Flatman in 1948 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. She worked for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for many years in the sociology department and botony department at Birge Hall. After retirement, she volunteered at Meriter Hospital.

Mary Ellen enjoyed golfing with friends from the UW, gardening, cross country skiing, biking and camping. She was also a huge Badgers hockey fan and member of the Blue Line Club.
She is survived by her husband, George; children, George (Barbara) Flatman, Therese (Paul) Hesse and John (Kris) Flatman; six grandchildren, Gregory (Wendy Newby) and Brian (Norma Jean) Flatman, Eric and Kari Hesse and Sean and Cory Flatman; great-granddaughter, Madison Flatman; and brother, Patrick Kleinheinz.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings; and nine aunts and uncles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., with Monsignor Michael Hippee officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., and also from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs at Oak Park Place and HospiceCare, Inc.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 21, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: James Lewis "Jim" Holl - Class of 1947

VERONA - James Lewis "Jim" Holl died on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, after a series of illnesses. He was 81 years old.

Jim Holl was born on Friday, Sept. 13, 1929, in Richland Center, the son of William Guy and Almyra Bergh Holl. He lived in Richland Center until the age of 14, when his father died and he moved with his mother to Madison. There, he worked as a dishwasher at the YWCA Cafeteria after school and helped his mother manage Jimyra House, an independent residence hall for women students. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1947 and entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned an Army ROTC scholarship and graduated in 1953 with a degree in economics. While at the University he met Ruth Ann Beatty. They were married on Aug. 6, 1949, and had been married for 60 years at the time of her death in 2009.

After Jim received his commission he and Ruth lived for two years in Hanau, Germany, where he served as a combat engineer in the 4th Infantry Division. After returning to Wisconsin in 1955 they lived briefly in Richland Center and then moved back to Madison to raise their two sons in the Crestwood and Meadowood neighborhoods. Jim spent 35 years as a salesman for General Mills, Inc., and had many close friends in the grocery business. In his free time, he was a baseball coach in both the city recreation program and West Madison League. In retirement Jim and Ruth lived on the Westside of Madison and traveled frequently to visit family in Texas, Florida and California. In April 2009, they moved to Willow Pointe Assisted Living in Verona.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Kenneth Holl; his wife, Ruth Ann Beatty Holl; and his son, Steven James Holl. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Maria Holl of San Antonio, Texas; his beloved granddaughters, Anastasia and Sonia Holl of San Antonio; his niece, Karen Euston of Berkeley, Calif.; his nephew, Wendell Holl of Lodi; his niece, Nancy Lightfield of Burlington; as well as many other family members and close friends.

The Holl family would like to thank the staff at Willow Pointe Assisted Living for the care and comfort they provided to Jim, and the many residents there who became his good friends. We would also like to thank HospiceCare Inc., for taking wonderful care of Jim during his final days.

No memorial service is planned

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 21, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Karen Kowing - Class of 1965

MADISON - Karen L. Kowing passed away Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, following complications from a long illness.

She was born in Madison on June 26, 1947, the daughter of the late Richard and Mary (Miller) Kowing. Karen graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she enjoyed playing the clarinet with the University Band. Karen loved kids and was an excellent caregiver to her nieces and nephews.

Karen is survived by two sisters, Mary (Myrl) McCully of Mount Horeb and Jane Marquardt of Madison; two nephews, Chad (Jennifer) Minter of Mount Horeb and Jeffrey (Amanda) Minter of Belleville; three nieces, Karen Reece of Madison, Elizabeth (John) Lemke of Madison and Laura Marquardt of Madison; four great-nephews, Kevin and Zachary Minter of Mount Horeb, and Alexander and Maxwell Lemke of Madison; and two great-nieces, Savanah and Alysa Minter of Belleville.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary (2004); father, Richard (1996); and brother-in-law, Larry (2001).

A private graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Timothy M. Genin of Chapel Valley Community Church, Madison.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 10, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note : Karen Kowing's class year is based on information in the 1965 Tychoberan, where here photograph is included with the members of the senior class.

Obituary: Robert "Bob" Carson - Class of 1952

MADISON - 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 31, 2011 (submitted by MIchael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Sandra K. McCord - Class of 1961

STOUGHTON/MADISON - Sandra K. McCord, age 69, of Stoughton, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at the Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on April 9, 1942, in Madison, the daughter of Sidney and Vera (Minard) McCord. Sandra went to Badger School and graduated from Central High School. She worked for the State of Wisconsin for 30 years, retiring in 2001. Sandra loved animals, pomeranians and her cat. She was a very loving and caring person.

Sandra is survived by her siblings, Richard (Janice) McCord, William (Carol) McCord, Donald (Rita) McCord, Walter (Helen) McCord, Randolph (Lisa) McCord and Jeffery (Gloria) McCord; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gloria Jean "Jeannie" Wilfong McCord; and brothers, Robert Gary "Huckie" McCord and Steven K. McCord.

Memorial services will be held at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 3 p.m., on Friday, July 15, 2011, with the Rev. Rich Johnson presiding. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service on Friday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 14, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

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