Obituary: Roland Zeke "Rollie" Johnson - Class of 1940

MADISON - Roland Zeke "Rollie" Johnson, age 91, a World War II hero, died on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at the VA Hospice.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1922, in Bristol, Wis. He grew up on a farm near De Forest and his family moved to Madison where he graduated from Central High School. Rollie enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. He piloted 27 bombing missions in a B-24 over Germany. On Nov. 10, 1945, he married Ruth, the love of his life. Rollie became a Master Plumber and had his own business for 37 years.

He was active in the Plumbing Association, being a skilled negotiator. Rollie was inducted into Madison's Softball Hall of Fame as a pitcher with his pitch being clocked once at 93 mph. He was a founding member of the Monona Fire Dept. and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and was a volunteer fireman for Blooming Grove. Rollie was President of the Eastside Businessmen's Club. He knew more people than you could count and vividly told funny stories and jokes. Rollie built their first house with his own two hands on Gordon Ave. in Monona. He and Ruth retired to Bradenton, Fla. where they loved having parties, especially their Super Bowl party. Rollie loved playing sports and being a sports spectator.

He is survived by his sister, June; children, Pam Hicks (Bill), Peg (Jim) Riesen, Bill (Lisa) Johnson and Julie (Chuck) Curran; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Rollie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; his brothers, Lyle and Everett; and a niece, Cheryl.

A Memorial service will take place in the Main Chapel at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 23, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)
 
Note: Roland Johnson's class year is based on information in the 1940 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included with the graduating seniors (his name is shown as Roland Randall Johnson).

Obituary: Mary Rose Gallagher-Arnold - Class of 1951

STOUGHTON- Mary Rose Gallagher-Arnold, age 80, died peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at Serenity Homes in Stoughton. Mary Rose was born April 3, 1933 to Charles and Ruth (Richards) Gallagher in Atchison, KS. Her family relocated to Madison where she attended Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin- Madison, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Medical Technology.

As a wonderful result of her marriage in 1956, she was blessed with four children: Don Arnold (Tamara Ehlert) of St. Louis, MO, Dave Arnold (Mary Beth Sweeney) of Madison, WI, Beth Arnold of Belfast, ME, and Sandy Arnold of Manitowish Waters, WI. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Bobby, Amanda, Jason, Alexandra, Nicholas and Nathan.

Mary Rose was a talented, warm, and generous person. She was a creative woman with a wonderful laugh and a strong sense of humor. Even with a diagnosis of schizophrenia as an adult she remained a devoted and caring mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the Arnold family requests donations be made to Dane County Mental Health or the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. Both organizations provide valuable services to those suffering with mental illness and their families.

The Arnolds also wish to extend deep gratitude to the professionals of Care Wisconsin, Serenity Home in Stoughton and Agrace Hospice of Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Avenue. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Saturday. May you rest in peace now, Mom/ Grandma.

Originally published on the Ryan & Joyce-Ryan website. Submitted by Imhoff.

Obituary: Brian John Conlon - Class of 1965

MADISON - Brian John Conlon [age 67] was born on July 9, 1946, to Lawrence and Elaine Conlon who together, with his brothers, Thomas, Christopher and Russell, raised Brian in a loving and caring family. He passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Brian was born with a birth defect that caused him to be mentally challenged his entire life. His parents and brothers were keenly aware of Brian's challenges and fought alongside Brian to be sure he had the same advantages in life that you and I do. Through the tenacious, loving work of his mother and father, Brian was taught how to be a productive individual. Brian graduated from Edgewood Campus School and Central High School in Madison. He graduated from Goodwill Technical School in Milwaukee, where he learned the craft of small appliance repair. When he completed his course, he started a small business in our parents' basement and called it "Brian's Lamp Repair Service". Brian canvased the neighborhood, distributing announcements of his business. His business was so successful that he affectionately "hired" his father to help him keep up with the demand. Further in life, Brian was employed by the United States Armed Forces Institute and the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the Postal Service, Brian worked with his brother, Chris, at Anteco Pharma. Brian was a great "tinkerer." He loved to take things apart just to see how they worked. Getting them back together was another story. He enjoyed woodworking, electronics and music. There was always a great Sinatra or Crosby song in the background at Brian's home. Lawrence Welk was Brian's favorite show when we were growing up, which is why we had to buy a Dodge.

Brian is survived by his two children that he dearly loved until the day of his death, John (Amy) Conlon and their two children, and Judy (Mike) Mueller and their two children. He is also survived by his three brothers, Thomas (Patricia), Christopher (Margaret) and Russell; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lawrence and Elaine Conlon. Brian had many great, supportive friends that his family would like to thank for being so special to Brian throughout his life.

Brian had many challenges in life, most were met and won, and some were not. He never gave up living life and meeting his challenges. Brian will be remembered by his family and friends as a hardworking, loving, generous and supportive friend. We all love you and miss you Brian. Say hello to Mom and Dad for all of us. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, with Father Steve Kuhlmann presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass on Thursday. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens following lunch.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Brian Conlon is listed in Madison Board of Education records as a member of the Class of 1965.

Obituary: Joseph J. Masino, Jr.

MADISON  - Joseph J. Masino Jr.  [age  99] passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. He was born in Madison on Aug. 4, 1914, to Joseph and Josephine Maisano. He grew up in the Greenbush and attended Central High School. He was a World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Air Force. On Aug. 16, 1941, he was united in marriage to Anna "Vi" Mueller of Darlington. Joe was proud to be 99 years old and the oldest member of the Italian Workman's Club. He worked for the City of Madison for 29 years and refereed and umpired for the Home Talent League. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Vi, of 73 years; daughters, Mary (Bill) Becker of Golden, Colo., Gina (Mike Halvorsen) of Madison, and Leslie (Scott) Steeno of Aruba; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; son-in-law, Dave Johnson of Madison; and brothers, Richard Masino of Prairie du Chien, and Sam Masino of Florida. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nikki Johnson; granddaughter, Michaelyn Meinholz; and sisters, Jenny Masino and Mary Parisi. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1204 St. James Court, Madison, with Monsignor Tom Baxter presiding. Family will greet friends one hour prior to Mass. A special thank you to Holly Hanson, the staff of Meriter, Heartland Hospice, and the caregivers of Heritage Assisted Living of Middleton for all their support.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen - Class of 1963

MIDDLETON-  Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen passed away on December 4, 2013 from complications of COPD at the age of 68. She was born in Madison on April 28, 1945 and was a lifelong resident of the city, raised by her mother, Eleanor and grandmother, Catherine.

Kay graduated from Central High School in 1963 and attended UW-Madison. She worked in office management for several law firms around the city. She was the co-owner of Morgan's Bar. She moved on to the Morris Heifitz Recycling Company which she managed for many years and then purchased and successfully operated until her retirement in 1996.

She met the great love of her life in 1991 and eventually married John Berthelsen in 1995. They enjoyed travel and wonderful times together, especially at their second home in Las Vegas where she spent winters for four of her last years. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother Mike. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Kim, step-daughter Angie, step-son Derek and grandchildren Merissa, Kelsy, Elias, Sawyer, Emmitt and Finnegan. Visitation will be held at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 from 9 to 11 on Saturday, December 7. A celebration of Kayʼs life will be held at 11:00, followed by a light lunch at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Meriter Foundation.

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

Obituary: JoAnn Shirley (Kinder) Gray - Class of 1967

MADISON - Joann Shirley Gray, age 64, passed away Nov. 30, 2013, after a very long struggle with temporal lobe dementia. She was born Feb. 9, 1949, in Stoughton, daughter of Clifford and Shirley (Stickle) Kinder. Joann married Terry Gray on July 28, 1984, in Madison. She graduated from Central High School in 1967. After high school, Joann worked at WPS for nearly 20 years. Later she worked for Oscar Mayer and then Kraft Foods. Joann enjoyed crafts, flower gardening and interior design.

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years Terry Gray; children, Troy Clifcorn and Melissa (Sean) Collins; grandchildren, Ashley (Cody) Welbig, Holley Schultz, Brok and Aspen Clifcorn, Kayley and Shelby Collins; sisters, Judy Schwoch and Janalyn Du Bois;and brothers, Jerry and Jim ( Deborah) Kinder. Joann was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington, Madison. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington, Madison.

Special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Karmenta for their compassionate care. 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 3, 2013

Obituary: Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews - Class of 1941

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. / MADISON - Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews was born on Aug. 14, 1923, in Memphis Tenn., to Mamie (Taylor) Matthews and Olige Matthews. He went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 22, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind., where he had lived for the past two years cared for by his daughter, Robin.

"E.B." retired from Oscar Mayer. He was an avid horseman and won many trophies and ribbons over the years at rodeos all over the country. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Badgers football and loved attending the games whenever possible. He was the first Black Drum Major of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps when they were founded in 1938.

Edward is survived by his sister, Addrena Matthews-Squires and his beloved children, Ollie Lamont Matthews, Marlieta Matthews-Beckman (David), Robin Matthews (Daniel Pepmeier) and Edwina Matthews; stepchildren, David Davenport, Chuck (Millie) Cramer and Karen (Andy) Cramer-Blackburn; grandchildren, Anthony, Brian, Jeffrey, Syreeta, Cameron, Danielle, Gabriel, Hunter, Bret, Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Kadence, Jordan, Amari, Ameira, Angelica, Annabella, Bryan, Taylor, Samara, Dominic, Thavyah; and special niece, "Mona Jean" and many other friends and relatives. E.B. Matthews was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edie Mae; sons, Edward (Buster) Matthews, and Charles Matthews; sisters, Willie Jo Withers Walker, Ollie Mae Matthews-Banks, Rose Lee Matthews-Abernathy, Beauty B. Boxley and brothers: F.C. Boxley, Walter Boxley, Charles Boxley; and granddaughter, Holly Cramer; and ex-wife, Mary E. Matthews.

His family is deeply appreciative of the care he received from the Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants of Allisonville Meadows Rehabilitation Facility. We would especially like to thank Tori Benson who cared for him so lovingly at home. Arrangements made by Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, Carmel, Indiana. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, 2019 Fisher St., Madison, WI 53713. Family visitation 11 a.m. to noon and service at noon, the Rev. David Smith, officiating.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2013.

Note: The class year for "E.B." Matthews was provided by his niece, Mona Winston (Class of 1969), who said, "He was very proud of the fact he went to CHS."

Obituary: Sophie N. (Fatsis) Karabis - Class of 1937

MADISON - Sophie N. Karabis, age 94, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at Waunakee Manor with St. Jude Hospice care. She was a first generation American, born on March 1, 1919, to Nicholas and Katina (Teroupoulos) Fatsis, and was the eldest of four children. She attended Doty Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1937. While at Madison Central, she met her future husband, George Karabis (also a first generation born), and they married on July 9, 1939. In June of 1944, twins, Peter and Nick, were born.

Sophie's husband, George, and brother-in-law, Jim Karabis, owned and operated the Karabis bar, now the Harmony bar. Sophie worked retail for many years at Baron Brothers, Manchester's, Karsten's Men's Store, H.C. Prange, Borman's, and finally retired from Walgreen's on State Street in her 80's. She completed the Helena Rubenstein and Revlon training courses and took much satisfaction as a beauty advisor. Sophie enjoyed watching the Badgers and Packers and taking care of "the twins". She often went dancing at Club Chanticleer with friends from the old Greenbush neighborhood, especially best friends, Tom and Mini DiSalvo. She was proud of her twins' service in the Wisconsin National Air Guard, and took great joy in her grandsons and cooking Greek dishes for holidays and family gatherings.

Sophie is survived by her sons, Peter Karabis and Nick Karabis; grandsons, Matthew Karabis and Barrett Karabis; her brother, Sam Fatsis; sister, Georgia Fatsis, all of Madison; daughter-in-law, Virginia Gully; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Gus; and daughter-in-law, Val Karabis. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. 7th St., Madison, with Father Michael Vanderhoef presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, please remember Waunakee Manor or St. Jude's Hospice. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to the many wonderful people who cared for Sophie during her stay there. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.  

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

Obituary: Lyle Crary - Class of 1964

WEST ALLIS - Lyle E. Crary, age 67, of West Allis, passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at his home. He was born on July 15, 1946, in Madison, the son of Wilson E. Crary and Camilla L. Olson. Lyle graduated from Central High School. He loved basketball, football, especially the Packers and NASCAR. Lyle enjoyed spending time with his family and trying his luck with the "claw machine" and winning stuffed animals. He had a great sense of humor, was known to be a practical joker, and enjoyed a good cup of coffee and anything sweet. He will be missed by his brother, Norris (Shirley) Crary; beloved nieces and nephews; and his roommate, Andy the cat. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Lyle's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Lyle will be laid to rest at Button Cemetery next to his parents at a later date. The family wishes to thank the Compassionate Care of Hospice of West Allis, and special thanks to Connie and his nurses, Kim and Julie. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2013

Obituary: Steven C. DiMaggio

MADISON - Stephen C. DiMaggio went to be with his Lord on Nov. 14, 2013. Steve was born on June 28, 1936, in Madison, to Charles and Mayme DiMaggio. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, Madison Central High School and St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minn. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958, where he served in Seoul Korea as his commander's driver and as chaplain's assistant. Steve was a caring, loving person dedicated to his Catholic faith. He frequently attended St. Paul's Chapel, where he was known to reach out and help those in need. He enjoyed playing the piano and singing for family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by three sisters, Rosalie (John Cannarella), Pauline of St. Paul, Minn., and Gerri (Bob Pesselman); two uncles, Al DiMaggio and Sam DiMaggio (Beverly); and aunt, Jenny (Pete Castagna). He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him; and his good friend, Tim Jennings, who was always concerned about his well being. A Mass will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, with Father Jim Uppena presiding. Burial with military rites accorded will be in Resurection Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Many thanks to the loyal and dedicated staff of St. Mary's Health Care, Badger Prairie Health Care Center and University Hospitals.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 24, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1967)