Obituary: Robert "Spike" Doran - Class of 1954

MADISON - Robert "Spike" Doran, age 77, passed away on Oct. 3, 2013. Robert was born on Oct. 21, 1935, in Madison to the late James and Helen Anderson Doran. Bob grew up on the southwest side of Madison, and he was very proud to be a Central High graduate of 1954. Bob's passion was playing and coaching touch football and softball in the Madison league, where their team won the City Major League Championship for 12 years. Bob married Patti Thuesen on Oct. 21, 1971, and they took many road trips together but he especially loved going to Henry Vilas Zoo and the State Fair. Bob loved sports, kids, dogs, and helping others. Being a true friend was Bob's gift to so many. No task was too difficult or time consuming for him and his generosity was always from the heart. Bob worked for the Cassini and Son Tile Co., construction, Madison Metro School District from where he retired. Bob is survived by "His Bride" Patti of 42 years; his siblings; three sisters, Geraldine Quinto, Lois Helen Schaefer and Barbara Jean Paurroy; two brothers, Donald Doran and Richard Doran; also many nieces and nephews including great ones. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clayton Doran and James Doran. Patti would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Middleton Village, Tom and Aleene Kerwin, Louie and Shirley Cassini and Cynthia Schoettler for the many years of care and friendship, they gave Bob. A memorial service honoring Bob will be held, Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at AGRACE HOSPICECARE, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. with the service at 10:30 a.m. Chaplain Stephen Zwettler will be officiating.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Margaret Theresa (Fiscus) Moen

MONONA - Margaret Theresa Moen, age 66, of Monona, died on Sept. 30, 2013, at her home after a brief and dignified battle with brain cancer. She was born on Oct. 3, 1946, in Madison, to Mary and Leslie Fiscus.

Margaret was a life-long Madisonian. Although a mid-high school family move had her graduating high school from Monona Grove, her heart was always at Central High in the heart of the city. After a year at UW-Whitewater, she went on to spend her time raising her three children, working in many food service locales, and retiring from her work in food service at the Madison Metropolitan school district.

She married Henry B. Moen in June of 2001 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. At home, she enjoyed cooking, challenging crossword puzzles, and reading. Her family and friends were important to her, and spending time socializing was always at the top of her list. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends whom she could beat at Euchre.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Henry; her daughters, Laura (Michael) Saunders, and Sarah (Donovan) Johnson; five grandchildren, Sydney, Ashley, Mason, Donovan, and Anna; stepchildren, Scott (Denise) Moen and Kim (Ron) Weum, and their children, Ryan, Jack, Dalton, and Tyler; two sisters, Mary Ann Ahrensmeyer, and Angie Fiscus; brother, James Fiscus; three nephews; ten nieces; their spouses; and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Elizabeth Fiscus; and her beloved son, Matthew Thomas Rounds.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, with the Rev. John Silva presiding. Inurnment will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Sun Prairie. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, as well as from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.

The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care they provided for Margaret.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 5, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Ruth (Levin) Levey - Class of 1939

MADISON - Ruth Levey, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 22, 2013. She was born on March 21, 1922, in Madison, the daughter of Max and Clara Levin. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Negelow of Atlanta, Ga., Lenore Katz (Joel) of Athens, Ga.; and son, Dr. Allan Levey (Lori) of Atlanta, Ga.; and sister, Ada Mitchell. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew Edelstein (Lisa), Colin Edelstein (Ali), Emily Katz (Thurston Domina), Marisa Katz (Prentiss Cox), Natalie Levey, and Daniel Levey; and great-grandmother of Jaclyn, Lincoln, Maggie, Jake, Willa, and Hallie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Seymour Levey. She was married to Sy in 1943, and together they established Rock-A-Bye Youth Center, a children's department store, which became a Madison landmark for more than 40 years. A private funeral service was held with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Madison. The family would like to express special thanks to Chompel, the staff at Attic Angel Place and Janine Field for advocating for a dignified end to life at home, and for many years of care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719, or Jewish Social Services of Madison. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 25, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Ruth Levey's class year is based on a list of June 1939 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 1939.

Obituary: William A. Goeden - Class of 1942

MADISON - William A. Goeden, age 88, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. Bill was born on Oct. 15, 1924, in Madison to Andrew and Grace (McGowen). He served in the U.S. Army in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. Bill married Lorraine Palzkill on Sept. 11, 1948. He graduated from the UW-Madison with a degree in economics. Bill was a long time proprietor of Goeden's Seafood on University Ave. He was a member of the First Badger Honor Flight out of Madison, K-C 531, VFW, DAV and a VA Hospital volunteer for 17 years. Bill enjoyed camping and was a founding member of the QP Campers and loved to travel. Bill was loved and will be truly missed by all the lives he touched. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine; children, Christine (Jerry) Helding, Timothy, Mary (Randy Cameron) and Michael (Kerrie); grandchildren, Will (Sarah), Alissa (Adam), Sydney, Emery and Ellis; great-grandchildren, Aniyah and Armin. He is further survived by other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Robert and Marquerite; and daughter-in-law, Connie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, with Monsignor Kenneth Fiedler officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School Endowment Fund, or the VA Hospital's Food Program for Veterans. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 22, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

William Goeden's class year is based on a list of 1942 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 12, 1942.

Obituary: Gladys Helen (Harney) Lewis - Class of 1938

MIDDLETON / WAUNAKEE - Gladys Helen Lewis, age 92, died on June 24, 2013, at Waunakee Manor. Glad was born in Madison on Aug. 5, 1920, the daughter of Olaf and Sena (Langeteig) Harney. She graduated from Central High School in 1938, and embarked on a secretarial career that, with periodic vocational education, would span nearly fifty years. She worked for various employers including Oscar Mayer, Madison Public Schools, University of Wisconsin-Madison Residence Halls, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Frautschi Furniture, the UW-Extension International Cooperative Training Center, and the Wisconsin Geological and National History Survey. In July, 1940, Glad married her love, Hugh Lewis. When Hugh entered military service in 1942, she accompanied him while he underwent training at various army airfields in the southern U.S. prior to his departure overseas in December, 1943. During Hugh's absence she had her first son, Steven, in February, 1944, and raised him alone until Hugh's return in July, 1945. A second son, Robert, followed in 1948. Glad was a loving wife and mother who foremost was devoted to her husband and children. She was an excellent cook, home decorator, hostess, seamstress, and knitter, whose abilities in these areas greatly added to her family's joie de vivre. She was an avid bridge player with her circle of friends and enjoyed travel. While physically active she enjoyed time spent with her husband playing tennis and golf; the latter sport was her passion which she continued to enjoy on television after she could no longer play. The last two decades of her life were largely spent caring for her husband, ill with cancer, prior to his death in 2010. Hugh and Glad were married for 69 years. After Hugh died she enjoyed a brief respite until her own health deteriorated. Glad is survived by her two sons, Steven and his wife Ellen of Madison, and Robert and his wife Margy of Middleton; by grandchildren, Amy (Lewis) Levy of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Andrew Lewis of Madison; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh; her brother, Olaf of Calif.; and her sister, Inez of Texas. The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses, CNAs, and administrative staff at Waunakee Manor Health Center for their skilled, diligent, and kind care during Glad's stay there. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Memorials may be given to Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Inc. P.O. Box 628242 Middleton, WI 53562-8242, or to the UW American Family Children's Hospital, 1675 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53706.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 14, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Donald Ritchey Stroud, Sr. - Class of 1934

MADISON - Prominent attorney and lifelong Madison resident Donald Ritchey Stroud Sr., age 96, died June 12, 2013, at Attic Angel Place in Middleton, where he had been a resident for six years and at one time served as a member of its board. Over the years he also served on the board of Madison's first shopping center, Hilldale, as well as the boards of United Way, Madison General Hospital (now Meriter Hospital) and was council to the Henry Vilas Trust. He was an elder at Christ Presbyterian Church and a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Law School. In 1957, at age 40, he was elected president of Madison Downtown Rotary Club, at that time the youngest president the club had ever had. Born March 1, 1917, to Ray M. and Miriam Ritchey Stroud he attended Lincoln Elementary School and Central High School in Madison before enrolling in Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. After earning his law degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he worked for a short period with the Milwaukee law firm of Shea and Hoyt. On the eve of Pearl Harbor he joined the U.S. Army's Officer Cadet School, later working in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Chicago before being deployed to the European Theater. He was part of the invasion on Omaha Beach in France in 1944 and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945, First Lt. Stroud was cited by the Army for his work with the Army Counter Intelligence Corps. He left the Army as a Captain. Two days after joining the army he married Betty "Burky" Burghardt, whose family started Burghardt Sporting Goods of Milwaukee. He courted her in Three Lakes, Wis., where their respective families owned cottages on opposite shores of Big Fork Lake. The Stroud cottage was named Knokachoo because it served as a refuge from summer allergies. With no telephone service at the time, he would use a red or green lantern set on the pier to signal his arrival by boat or car. Their family cottages are still enjoyed by subsequent generations. In 1947, he joined the Madison law firm that included his father, Ray, and later his brother, Seward "Dick" Stroud. It is now Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC. Outside the firm, he loved woodworking and much of the furniture he crafted now resides with his children. Along with his wife, he also loved family snow skiing trips, sailing, water skiing and boating, sports his children still enjoy. Betty died in 1977 at age 57. He would later marry Nancy Stotzer of Milwaukee who died 10 years later. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Seward. Survivors include his sister, Claire Oetking, of Madison; five children, Susan Stroud (Gus Plumb) of Fort Collins, Colo., Steve Stroud (Carol Stogsdill) of Pasadena, Calif., Donald Stroud Jr. (Mardi Laudon) of Madison, Doug Stroud (Claudia Hall) of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Peter Stroud of Middleton; nine grandchildren, Heather, Wendy, Donald III (Tripp), Scott, Adam, Bradley, Hattie, Kaia and Steve; five great-grandchildren, Aidan, Ian, Myah, Quinn and Zoe. His family plans a private memorial.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Donald Stroud's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Ruth M. (Skelly) Trameri

FITCHBURG - -Ruth M. Trameri, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. Ruth was born to Hedwig (Loehrer) and Leo Skelly on November 8, 1921. She grew up on a farm in Fitchburg and graduated from Central High School. She retired from First Wisconsin Bank (U.S. Bank) after 36 years. Ruth married Deno Trameri on January 10, 1948. They had 54 wonderful years together. He passed away on June 18, 2002. Ruth has volunteered at St. James School and Church for many years. She enjoyed her 500 club and Bridge clubs. She was a long time member of St. James Catholic Church, Catholic Woman’s Club and also Woman’s Club of Madison. She was an active member of Foresters and Elks Auxiliary.

Ruth is survived by her brother John (Joyce) Skelly and sister-in-law Doris Trameri. She was very fond of her nieces and nephews, Kathi (Larry) Goodman, LuAnne (Lou) Jones, Sue Daniel, Tom (Diane) Skelly, Dan (Diane) Koellen, Michael (Patricia) Schott, Bill (Joni) Schott and Patrick Schott. Also dear friends, Mary Muldoon Gleason, Karen Reibetanz and Jerry Frerker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Deno, her parents, sister Bette, brothers-in-law Roland Koellen and Ed Trameri, and sisters-in-law Rita Sundstrom and Genevieve Schott.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH at the ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, with Msgr. Tom Baxter and Msgr. Douglas Dushack officiating. A Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.

A special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare and Attic Angels for helping Ruth with her journey during her last five weeks.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Parish, Apostolate to the Handicapped, St. James School Endowment or Agrace HospiceCare. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Rd 608-274-1000
  
Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 9, 2013.

Obituary: Alfonso "Al" Studesville - Class of 1964

MADISON - Alfonso "Al" Studesville Jr., 67, lifelong community activist and educator, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Texas along with his wife, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident, while traveling to see the Grand Canyon.

 He was best known for his gregarious personality, his deep rich voice and infectious laugh. He regularly used and lived by the phrase, "I will match energy with energy" and was driven in service to education and economic opportunities.

 He was born on Jan. 9, 1946, in St. Louis, Mo., son of Alfonso Sr. and Margaret (Hall) Studesville. Al was a life-long resident of Madison and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Masters in Counseling. He was married to Janet (Barry) Studesville for almost four decades. They had one son, Eric. He and his wife Staci have two children, Sydni Simone (eight) and Eric Alfonso Jr. (eight months) whom Al and Jan adored.

Al was a Student Services Career Counselor at Madison College (formerly MATC). He and Jan owned Just Nails Studios and Just Nails Training Center in Fitchburg. He also served as member of the South Central Work Force Development Board and Rapid Response Team, Back to School program, GALA Fund Raising Event, College Challenge Bowl and Mentoring Programs for 100 Black Men of Madison. He was a member of the Small Business Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Department of Licensing and Regulation, MATC Liaison to Corporation, Business, Industry and Trade, MATC Recruiter for adults, displaced workers and alternative programs, member of the Madison College Recruiter for Recruitment and Retention Committee, High School Counselor Relations, a liaison to School to Work Council and Programs and member of the Madison College Small Business Board.

 Prior to joining Madison College, Alfonso was employed by Wisconsin Power and Light (now known as Alliant Energy) as a Sales Manager. He was a teacher and counselor at Madison East High School for nine years and the program director for the South Madison Neighborhood Center (now known as the Boys and Girls Club).

Al began a life of community service at the age of 12 when he joined the Jr. NAACP. He belonged to numerous community groups and professional organizations including the NAACP Education Committee, Urban League and Charles Hamilton Houston Institute. Recently he was selected to serve as the Executive Vice President of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute to prepare youth for economic independence by focusing on self-esteem, health, academic achievement, study skills, work skills, service to others and citizenship. He received many awards including the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award.

Al is survived by his son, Eric (Staci) Studesville and grandchildren, Sydni and Eric Jr. of Lone Tree, Colo.; brothers, Larry (Jan Hamik) Studesville of Madison, Orlando Studesville of New York, N.Y. and Donald Studesville of Madison; father-in-law, Dr. George Barry of Madison; brothers-in-law, Richard (Trish) Barry of Middleton and Don Barry (Teiko Saito) of Alexandria, Va.; sister-in-law, Carol (Don) Bloom of LaCrosse; and his maternal uncle, John (Dorothy) Hall of St. Louis, Mo. Al and Jan also leave behind many friends and associates who will miss them dearly.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso Sr. and Margaret (Hall) Studesville; and mother-in-law, Kay Barry.

Visitation for both Al and Jan will be at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2013. A celebration service for both will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2013, in the MITBY THEATER at MATC, 1701 Wright Street, Madison, with Pastor Alex Gee officiating. The family suggests that visitors wear attire to reflect a colorful celebration of life in the true spirit of Al and Jan.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Al and Jan Studesville Memorial Fund that will continue support for educational opportunities and scholarships for students in Madison. Programs through Women in Focus and 100 Black Men of Madison will be targeted.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 8, 2013 

Alfonso Studesvile was a member of the Class of 1964. His photograph appears among those of the graduating seniors in the 1964 Tychoberahn.

Obituary: Joseph Justiliano - Class of 1935

MADISON - Joseph Justiliano, age 97, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on Aug. 29, 1915, in Madison, to Maria and Jacob Justiliano. He grew up in the Bush neighborhood in Madison and was always proud of his Sicilian heritage. He was active in sports, playing football, basketball, and ran the mile in track. Joe graduated from Madison Central High in 1935. After graduation, he started his career as a women’s shoe salesman. Joe later enjoyed retirement by traveling to Florida. Joe was a member of St. Peter Parish in Madison. Also, a member of the Elks Club, The East Side Club, Moose Club, and the Italian Workman’s Club. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene (Poloni) on June 22, 1940, who gave him three beautiful children, Veronica, Jo Ann, and Joe. He is survived by his children, Jo Ann Suchomel (Ron) of Sun Prairie, and Joe Justiliano (Pat) of Oconomowoc. His grandchildren, Brian Suchomel, Eric (Lisa) Suchomel, Brenda (Rick) Hansen, Mike Justiliano, and Julie Justiliano. And great-grandchildren, Dylan, Tyler, Zack, Caden, Maddie, and Halle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, in 1984; infant daughter, Veronica; mother and father, Maria and Jacob Justiliano; and siblings, Mary, Vito, Nick and Ann. Also, his Poloni family, who meant so much to him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 North Sherman Ave., with Msgr. Charles Schluter presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Saturday. Even into his 90s, Joe remained active, always finding time to take his hikes. We know he is at peace and is finally reunited with his love, Irene, after hiking the last 29 years without her. A special thanks to Roxy, Cheryl and the staff at Harmony Living Center in Sun Prairie for all their love and support, and to Agrace Hospice for making his last weeks so comfortable.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 13, 2013. Submitted by Sandra Sabroff Weber.

Obituary: Nicholas "Pops" Gandolph (Gandolpho) - Class of 1942

MADISON - Nicholas "Pops" Gandolph (Gandolfo), age 89. On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, Nick decided it was time to move on to a better place. Nick was going to do it his way. He was born on Aug. 16, 1923, to Sicilian immigrants Guiseppe and Giacoma (Greco) Gandolfo. Nick was one of eight siblings. After his mother died when he was three, he was raised and cared for by his devoted sisters who were dedicated to keeping the "famiglia" together and out of the orphanage. Nick grew up in the Greenbush, and as a young boy, he learned to collect coal along the railroad tracks that was used to warm the family's stove. Nick loved the "Bush." Brittingham Park was his favorite place, and he attended Doty School. A graduate of Central High School in 1942, Nick was a superior athlete. He lettered in football, basketball, and track. Right after high school, he answered the call of duty to serve his country. Being too young to enlist, his sister had to sign off for him. Nick fought in World War II in the Pacific Theatre. On Jan. 31, 1951 (the coldest day ever recorded in Madison), he married his sweetheart Dorothy Donna Klein. As a military wife, Dorothy enjoyed traveling from base to base with their young children. Nick went on to have a long, distinguished military and reserve career, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Nick was proud to serve his country. Following his service, he worked many years as a social worker for Dane County. Immediately after his retirement in 1989, Nick was off to the Peace Corps to volunteer in Jamaica. Nick was a life-long member of the Italian Workman's Club, where he devoted many years to bettering the Italian Community. Nick was also a member of the VFW, the DAV, and the American Legion. In the military, Nick was a paratroop diver. In real life, he was a passionate "Dumpster Diver" and curb hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending many social "appointments." Nick also enjoyed riding his bicycle all over the city. That man loved his bike! He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy of 62 years; children, Nick Greco, Tony Gandolfo (Jacalyn nee Piazza), his precious daughter Karen Lee Myers, Steve Leonardo, and Vince Vito; grandchildren, Jovita Gandolfo (David Brody), Gina Gandolfo, Joseph and Lucas Myers; great-grandchildren, Ayla and Eja Gandolfo-Brody; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Ma and Pa; his sisters, Elizabeth, Rose, Jeannine, and Victoria; his brothers, Joseph, Leonardo, and Phillip. At Nick's request, there will be no memorials or visitations; he wished for no cards or flowers. Over the years, people can become forgetful. Not Nick. He never forgot where he came from, or how he got there. And, he knows right where he's going. So, Nicolo-Sugar-Pops-Nono-Grandpa: "Arrivederci." Don't look back.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 3, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)