Obituary: William C. "Willy" Teasdale - Class of 1969

MADISON/ FITCHBURG - William C. "Willy" Teasdale, age 61, passed away on March 5, 2012, at his home in Fitchburg, with his beloved wife of 26 years by his side. He was born Dec. 20, 1950, in Madison, son of Charles and Virginia Teasdale. He graduated from Central High School in 1969 and proudly served in the U.S. Army before being honorably discharged in 1979. He was the 3rd generation owner/operator of the Silver Dollar Tavern for the past 38 years, member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410 for 26 years, and a life member of the VFW Post 1318. He took great pride in his home. He especially enjoyed landscaping and remodeling projects with the assistance of his friend, Tip. To make his home more joyous, he was extremely devoted to his two pets, Henri and Gracie. As he crosses over the rainbow bridge, he will whistle and Henri will be rejoined with his master. His favorite pastime was his passion for golf, which he enjoyed with his wife, friends, and his league play at Foxboro. There were many scores below 80. He also enjoyed professional sports and was known to make a wager from time to time. He is survived by his wife, Ellie Teasdale, of Fitchburg; sons, Charles Teasdale (Kris) and Brian Teasdale (Michelle) of Waunakee; daughter, Tanya Teasdale; grandchildren, Cierra, Ashley, Hannah, Parker, and Peyton Teasdale of Waunakee; and brother, John Teasdale of Madison. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan Shaw; and brother, James Teasdale. "He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature" (Socrates).  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 6, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Sidney Sweet

MADISON - Sidney Sweet, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

Sidney, the eldest child of Max and Libby Sweet was born in Duluth, Minn., on the original Armistice Day. Nov. 11, 1918, and as he came into the world, a world at war found peace. The Sweet family survived the Great Depression in Madison's beloved Greenbush section. Sidney would sell newspapers and began to learn the family trade from his father, the laundry and dry cleaning business. But, there was always some time if not money for his true passions - big band music and dancing. War came again to the world and Sidney answered the call serving four years as a medic with the Eighth Air Force in England.

After the war, Sidney set out to establish his own laundry and dry cleaning business in Beaver Dam with Eager Beaver Laundry and then in Madison with Bold Cleaners, NuLife-Spotless, Spic and Span and Quality Service Laundry and Cleaners. After closing the business, the hard work ethic learned at his parents' side during the Depression would continue. Sidney worked for both Dane County Public Works at the Verona landfill and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison. In addition, he started another business, Sweet Tees and Sportswear, teaching himself the screen printing business and selling collegiate souvenirs at Wisconsin and Iowa sporting events. He also operated two gift stores in Wisconsin Dells and one in Madison.

Sidney was a charter member of Beth Israel Center. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors and the Ritual Committee, he was a member of the Madison Jewish Burial Society for 25 years. Sidney organized and hosted seven free big band reunion dances in Madison. He also wrote a book, "Greenbush USA, I Lived There" covering his early experiences in the "Bush." After living in Madison nearly 70 years, Sidney moved to Las Vegas, Nev., where he spent his later years dancing and enjoying the big band music at the local casinos. He soaked in the Vegas scene as only he could.

Sidney is survived by his three children, Mark (Linda Eyers) Sweet of Wisconsin Dells, Larry (Sandra) Sweet of Northbrook, Ill., and Nori Nathanson of Chandler, Ariz. He is also survived by his sister, Betty of St. Paul, Minn.; and his sister-in-law, Connie Largent of Brownstown, Ill. Sidney's special partner Eda Bade provided him with so much love and compassion making his later years more comfortable. Sidney is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole, Joel and Bryan Nathanson, Bradley Sweet; and step-grandchildren, Brian (Angy) Lundeen and Aaron (Melissa) Lundeen; and several nieces and nephews.

Sidney was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Sophie; his parents, Max and Libby Sweet; his brother, Allan; his sister, Lillian; and sister, Bertha.

Sidney was born in peace and fittingly he is now at peace, again. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at 1 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 22, 2012 (submitted by his cousin, Gloria Frank, Class of 1955).

Obituary: Josephine (Giusti) Walsh - Class of 1937

 COLUMBUS/ FALL RIVER - Josephine Walsh, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at the Columbus Community Hospital. She was born in Madison, on Sept. 18, 1919, to George and Jenny (Metranga) Giusti. She grew up in the Italian Greenbush neighborhood, and was proud to be the daughter of one of the founders of the Italian Workmen's Club. She graduated from Central High School in 1937. On July 4, 1952, she married Clarence Walsh and they settled in Madison. In 1957, they moved to rural Columbus, where they raised four children. Josephine was a patient, loving and devoted mother, always seen in the audience offering encouragement during her children's many athletic or musical events. She was a long-time member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in the Town of Elba, where she taught Catechism and served on the Altar Society. She had worked at both Stokely Van Camp in Columbus, as a first-aid technician, and the Wisconsin Cheeseman in Sun Prairie. She enjoyed reading, especially biographies. She had a life-long love of the movies - as a young girl, shows at the downtown Madison theaters were a favorite, inexpensive Depression-era escape. Those lucky enough to sit at her table were treated to sumptuous meals - she could make anything from wild game, to a perfect roast chicken, to the world's greatest lemon pie. She loved to travel, visiting Switzerland twice to see her dear friends, Mary and Martin Steiner. She also sat on the beach in the Bahamas and got a kiss from Wayne Newton in Las Vegas. She was a die-hard Packers and Badgers football fan, and spent the last Sunday of her life cheering on her Packers from a hospital bed. She is survived by her husband, Clarence, of Columbus; two sons, Greg (Tanna) of Sylvania, Ohio, and Tim (Agnes Chwae) of Madison; a daughter, Karen (James Berbee) Walsh of Madison; a sister, Rosella Sager of Sacramento, Calif.; her two beloved granddaughters, Caitlin (Sam) Evans of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Megan Walsh Rodgers (Joe) of Fairview Park, Ohio; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan in 1973; granddaughter, Theresa Walsh in 1993; her parents; two brothers, Sam Giusti and Tony Justo; three sisters, Saveria Stassi, Jenny Giusti and Ann Spada; other relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at ST. COLUMBKILLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, W10802 County Highway TT, Columbus. The Rev. Rick Wendell will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at the funeral home. There will be no visitation at the church prior to Mass. Josephine's family would like to especially thank the staff of the Meadows Assisted Living Apartments, Dr. Sam Poser and the Columbus Community Hospital for their caring and support during her final months. Jensen Funeral & Cremation Columbus .

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 20, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert B. Skuldt - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert B. Skuldt passed away Monday, Dec.19, 2011, at age 93.

Robert was born in Monticello on Aug. 18, 1918, and moved to Madison in 1925. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He married the former Viletta J. Spencer of Madison in 1940. He was Director of the Dane County Regional Airport from 1946 until his retirement in 1981. In this position, he was deeply involved in the operation, maintenance and development of the Madison Municipal Airport, later named the Dane County Regional Airport. Mr. Skuldt actively promoted, developed statistics and presented supporting oral and written testimony before the Civil Air Board in Washington D.C. many times in establishing most of the Major Airline Routes serving Madison and the surrounding counties. He was also a civilian flying instructor for several years at the old Madison Royal Airport and at the Morey Airport in Middleton.

Mr. Skuldt entered the military service in 1943 with a direct commission. He served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corp Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater; flying four engined C54's over the Himalayan Mountains "The Hump," and flew many of the world air routes during World War II. He received an Air Medal and five battle stars plus numerous other military citations. After World War II, he helped organize the Madison unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and served as Commanding Officer, Utility Flight 176 Fighter Squadron, Inspector General 128th Air Defense wing and several other high level positions. In 1964, he was promoted to full colonel. He was recalled to active duty with the United States Air Force in 1951, during the Korean conflict, and after 21 months of active duty, he returned to his position of Airport Director and re-entered The Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Mr. Skuldt was a command pilot with 7300 hours of flying time, of which 5600 hours are military. He held Federal Aviation pilot ratings as follows: Commercial License, Flying Instructors Rating, Instrument Flying Rating, Multi-engine Rating, DC-3, DC-4 and Seaplane Rating. After serving 28 years of active duty and reserve time (U.S. Air Force and WI Air National Guard), Colonel Skuldt retired from the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1971. He was very active in the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, particularly related to aviation and military affairs. He was a member of: Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, an "Inducted Member" on Oct.10, 2006, American Association of Airport Executives, Wisconsin Airports Association-Past President, Military Order of World Wars, Wisconsin National Guard Association, Retired Officers Association and Quiet Birdmen-Past Key Man-Governor.

Shortly after he retired as Director of the Dane County Regional Airport in April 1981, Mr. Skuldt became an Airport Consultant to Mr. Hal Carr, President of Republic Airlines until November, 1984. He served on the Dane County Board of Supervisors from 1985 until 1992 and was Chairman of the Dane County Regional Airport Commission for several years. In 1964 he was inducted into the Wisconsin State Journal "Know Your Madisonian." Included in the 2004 major expansion of the Dane County Regional Airport Terminal Building is a large state-of-the-art conference room located in the Airline Ticket-Counter area. On June 16, 2004, this conference room was dedicated and named the Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room in tribute to his 35 years as Manager/Director of the Madison Municipal Airport/Dane County Regional Airport. Above the conference doors, in large block letters, is "Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room." Located on the wall by the entrance doors is a metal plaque with an image of Robert B. Skuldt and a resume of his military and civilian aviation career.

Robert is survived by his wife, Viletta J. "Letty" Skuldt; son, Gregory R. (Marlene) Skuldt of Verona; two granddaughters, M. Kristin (James) Skuldt Niederberger of Kansas City, Mo. and Lesa H. (Keith) Kardash of Mercer; great-granddaughter, Erin E. Niederberger; great-grandson, Alex Niederberger; great-great-granddaughter, Isabelle G. Kardash; and many friends.

There will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held for immediate family. Interment will be in Mount Horeb Union Cemetery, Mount Horeb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.

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

Obituary: Francis "Fritz" Conway - Class of 1957

CHICAGO - Francis "Fritz" Conway, age 72, died Oct. 17, 2011, at Alden Nursing Home, Chicago, Ill. He was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Westport to Frank and Lucy (Walker) Conway. He was a 1957 graduate of Madison Central High School and served in the U.S. Marines.

Fritz is survived by brothers, Joseph (Bobbi), Patrick (Barbara) and Robert (Mary Boyd) Conway; sisters, Margaret (Carl) Bongard, Dorothy Reichling, Mary Harrington and Delores Conway; sister-in-law, Carol Conway; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Conway; and brother-in-law, Tim Harrington.

Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., at JOE'S FIRE STATION, 900 E. Broadway, Monona. "Rest in peace, Fritz."

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

Obituary: Mark H. LaFlash

MADISON - Mark H. LaFlash, age 60, died of heart failure on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at University Hospital in Madison.

He was born Jan. 9, 1951, the son of Walter Jr. and Bernice (Birrenkott) LaFlash in Madison. Mark attended Central High School, and graduated from West High School. He loved and was very dedicated to his family, his friends, and his job at Meriter Hospital where he was employed in Environmental Services for more than 30 years. Mark was a true survivor overcoming cancer, and leukemia in his younger years. He was a very devoted son to his mother Bernice, and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. His interests included sports, cars and politics. Mark was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

He is survived by nephews, Jason LaFlash, Chad LaFlash, Andrew LaFlash and Philp Gold; nieces, Caitlin LaFlash, Emily LaFlash and Marissa Gold; aunt, Rosie Werren; sisters-in-law, Susan LaFlash and Sharolyn LaFlash; and a brother-in-law, Auric Gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jr. and Bernice LaFlash; brothers, John, Steve and Jim; and a sister, Mary.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH / ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made in Mark's name to The American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718; or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 27, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Mark H. LaFlash is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West because Central closed in 1969.

Obituary: Albert L. Hall - Class of 1951

MADISON - Albert L. Hall, age 78, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at his home.

He was born on March 14, 1933, in Madison, the son of Alan and Helen (Anderson) Hall. Albert graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, serving during the Korean War, and was discharged in 1955. Albert married Beverly Schlimgen on Nov. 26, 1955. He attended Madison Business College for a year, then worked as a truck driver for many years, retiring at Foreway. Albert was a member of Teamsters Local No. 695, VFW Post No. 7591, American Legion Post No. 501, Korean War Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed camping with the St. Dennis Campers, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Albert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; seven children, Sharon (Michael) MacDonald, Brian Hall, Alan (Cindy) Hall, Susan Hansen, Marilyn (Ronald) Ary, Carolyn (John) Adametz, and Jacquelyn Johnson; grandchildren, Susan, James Jennifer (Jimmy), Troy, Stacy (Tim), Joseph, Anne and Caitlyn; a great-granddaughter, Taylor; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Violet (Carmen) Tortorici, Barbara "Pat" (Rod) Bailey, Sylvia (Dean) Argall, and Margaret "Peg" (Peter) Gennrich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Ronald "RJ'; and sister-in-law, Evelyn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, with Father Roger Nilles presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. A special thank you to all of the ladies at Heartland Hospice, Tara, Megan, Abby, Penny, Jenny and Colleen.

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

Obituary: Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr. - Class of 1967

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA - Mr. Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr., died on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, in his home in Hampton, Va., with his loving wife at his side.

A Memorial Service will be held at MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (2019 Fisher St., Madison) on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at 2 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13, 2011 (submitted by Sidney Iwanter, Class of 1967)  

Note: Danny Henderson's class year is based on a list of 1967 Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 9, 1967.

Obituary: Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche - Class of 1935

MADISON  - Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche, age 94, died on Oct. 9, 2011, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center in Fitchburg.  Rosie was born Sept. 11, 1917, the 12th of 15 children born to Joseph and Anna Marx Geier. She attended Holy Redeemer School and was a 1935 graduate of Madison Central High. Rosie could easily have been lost in the crowd but her piano playing talent (playing anything by ear by the age of 4), established her as the Geier family "musician in residence." She began her formal piano training at the old Wisconsin School of Music under the tutelage of Olive Endres. Rosie became a very accomplished classically trained pianist winning the Wisconsin State Piano solo championship in 1935. She continued playing memorable recitals and was the accompanist for many soloists and orchestral groups. She won the hearts of the soldiers of World War II, traveling by train to entertain them at the various army posts where her husband Hal was assigned before his deployment to the South Pacific.  Rosie began her working career with the State Bureau of Personnel in 1935 and was one of the first four women to be employed by the Wisconsin Legislature as a committee clerk during World War II. Rosie caught the eye of a young Capital Times reporter named Hal Roche while he walked through the Madison State Capital building. He only saw her as she walked up the stairs and asked a friend, "Who is the girl with the beautiful legs?" The rest is history. Rosie and Hal were married on Valentine's Day 1942. Rosie's working career was put on hold after the war with the arrival of William (Billy) Roche. The addition of Patty and Theresa in the next five years extended her leave. Rose always said that the time spent with her children was the happiest time of her life. The addition of her two grandsons Andy and James added more joy and love.  Rosie resumed working when her "fledglings left the nest." She worked in the purchasing and payroll department of the Madison Board of Education until her retirement in 1982. After her retirement Rosie became an active volunteer with her church, St. Raphael Cathedral and Meriter Retirement Center where she helped with residents and played the piano for Mass every Tuesday until age 93. She volunteered at the information desk at the Madison City County building and helped at St. Vincent de Paul on Willy Street.  One of Rosie's greatest pleasures was sitting on her porch overlooking Monona Bay. She invited neighbors who were passing by to come in for a visit. Her little four legged neighbors Zoe, Cinder, Sam and Foxtrot were always welcome on Rosie's porch for a little treat.  Rosie was a loving wife, mother and grandma. We will remember her for her classic Rose Conclusions or "RC's." The "RC's" were Rosie's opinions on every subject in life, backed by no scientific or established evidence. "RC's" were never to be questioned - just enjoyed. Rose is survived by her children, Bill (Ellen) Roche, Patty (Ron) Wood of Madison, Theresa Roche (Betsy Schulz) of Bronx, N.Y.; and her grandson, James Wood of Madison. In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold (Hal); beloved grandson, Andrew (Andy); eight brothers and four sisters, Norbert, Sylvester, Joseph, Peter, Linus, Roman, Alois and Vincent; Sister Joanice (Armella), Laura (James) Reis, Marie (James) Shipley and Irene (John) McDermott. Our family wishes to thank all the caring neighbors who helped our mother and father over the years, especially Robin Douthitt and Brian Gould - the "angels" next door. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth George, Gail Gaustad and Ann Knudson for the kindness and loving care they always showed our mother. Pader Yang of Senior Helpers was Rose's wonderful caregiver and friend for two years. The Oregon Manor and HospiceCare treated our mother with warmth, compassion and dignity during her final months. Thank you all. A visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum.  Final thoughts: Dear Mom, you taught us to love, to laugh, to be strong and as Frank sang. "I did it my way." We love you, we will miss you but you will live forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Meriter Foundation, the Oregon Manor or HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave., Middleton,

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

Obituary: Marilyn Friske - Class of 1968

MADISON - Marilyn Friske, age 61, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at the HospiceCare Center.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1950, in Madison, the daughter of Russell Kenneth and Elizabeth (Hammersley) Friske. Marilyn graduated from Central High School in 1968, then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for six years during the Vietnam war era. She was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was a great mentor to those in need. Marilyn was a drug and alcohol counselor at Rebos House and then the Detox Center. Her most recent job was at Tobacco Outlet in Monona. Marilyn loved softball and was a huge Packers fan.

She is survived by her siblings, Barbara (Bill) Crawford, Sandra Friske, Thomas Friske and Janice Friske; nieces and nephews, Jason, Justin, Chad, Carrie, Nicole and Thomas Jr.; four great-nieces; adopted grandchildren, Lydia and Amelia; and best friend and greatest supporter, Maureen Drunasky. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Patricia Dobie.

On behalf of Marilyn's wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2011 (submitted by Michale Vahldieck, Class of 1968)