Obituary: Charlotte I. (Spader) Niehus - Class of 1934

MADISON - Charlotte I. Niehus, age 87, died on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Meriter Health Care Center after an extended illness., She was born on Dec. 24, 1915, to Charles and Andrina Spader in Stoughton, Wis. Charlotte attended Doty School in her early years and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. On June 30, 1937, she married Henry Carl Niehus who died in an automobile accident on May 13, 1949. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison. She worked for 29 years for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, formerly the Wisconsin Department of Public Welfare, in the Division of Children and Youth Services retiring in December 1978. She is survived by two daughters, Shirley (Charles) Carlson, McFarland, and Nancy (Harry) Barker, Madison. She is further survived by two grandsons, James (Heather) Barker, Prior Lake, Minn., and Douglas (Cindy) Carlson, Mount Horeb; a granddaughter, Jennifer (Jack) VanKauwenbergh, Madison; a great-granddaughter, Ainsley Bryn Barker, Prior Lake, Minn.; a great-grandson, Jake Carlson, Mount Horeb; two step-great-grandsons, Mike and Matt Whitmore, Wausau; two sisters, Margaret Bass and Dorothy Smail, both of Madison; a sister-in-law, Pauline (Romie) Blankenheim, Portage; and a number of nieces and nephews. Besides her husband she was also predeceased by an infant son, Rodger, in 1946; her parents, Charles and Andrina Spader; three brothers, Edward, Donald and Charles (Buddy) Spader; and a sister Marion Smail. A special thanks to the staff at the Meriter Health Care Center for their loving care and support of our mother for the last seven and a half years. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Ken Smith at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. Friends may call on the family from on Monday, April 21, 2003, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service., Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Jouranl on April 19, 2003

Obituary: Chris Michie - Class of 1966

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. - Chris Michie, Bay Area musician and producer, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 27, 2003, after living for six years with melanoma. Deborah, his wife of 35 years, and his daughter, Claire, were at his side. Chris was the son of Mary and the late Norman Michie of Madison, Wis., where Chris grew up and attended the University of Wisconsin. He and Deborah moved to San Francisco in 1969 with The Mendelbaum Blues Band. Over the years he played, recorded and toured the world with Van Morrison, The Pointer Sisters, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and many other San Francisco and Bay Area bands. During his 25-year partnership with the late Andy Kulberg Chris logged many hours in the studio creating music for TV, film and commercials as well as recording his own music and producing and playing on other musicians' tracks. He was a mentor to many musicians, young and old, and played in the Fete de la Musique in Paris with friends in 2001. He wrote and published a memoir of his music career entitled "Name Droppings or It's All About Me Isn't It?" and released several CDs of his own music. Chris' last project was the score for Judy Irving's film "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill," of which he was extremely proud. In addition to his wife, Deborah Brown Michie, and their daughter, Claire, Chris is survived by his mother, Mary; brothers, Peter and Adam of Madison; a sister, Sarah Pressler of Colfax, Calif.; and was known and loved by hundreds of friends throughout the country and world. A Scottish wake will be held in his memory on Sunday, April 6, 2003. Check this website for more information: www.cmichie.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2003

Obituary: Harold Eugene Kundert - Class of 1929

MADISON - Harold Eugene Kundert, age 91, died on March 20, 2003, at Meriter Hospital. He was born May 12, 1911, in New Glarus, Wis. the third child of Rudolph J. Kundert and Alma S. Kundert (yes, Alma's maiden name was also Kundert, but not related!) He attended school in New Glarus until age 16. The family then moved to Madison and he graduated from Madison Central High School. Harold worked for several banks until 1942, when he joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). He retired from FDIC 32 years later. On February 20, 1944, he married Helen J. Hogan of Waunakee and in the next three years they had three sons, Rudy, Michael and Paul. They first lived in Indianapolis, and then Wausau, Wis., Appleton, Wis. and finally Madison, Wis. After Helen died on August 31, 1980, Harold moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz. where Rudy, a Catholic Priest, was pastor of a parish. As he got older he decided that he wanted to be closer to his brother and sisters and moved back to Madison in 1991. He lived in the Meriter Towers and after suffering a heart attack and two strokes in 1998 he moved to the Meriter Health Care Center. He is survived by sons, Paul and his wife Kathy Kundert of Green Bay, Wis., and Michael, and his wife Julie of Evanston, Ill. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Josh, Mark and Casey. Finally he is survived by his extended family, and all of the staff and neighbors at the Meriter Health Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Palmer; his sisters Mariam (Arthur) Hannum, Pauline (Frank) Bergman and Viola (Edward) Hansen. Also his wife Helen died in 1980 and a son, Rudy, in 1998. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL, 222 W. Main St., Madison, on Monday, March 24, 2003, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Stan Drongowski, O.P. will officiate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Sunday, March 23, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation or the V Foundation., Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road 608-274 1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 23, 2003

Harold Kundert's class year is based in information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: George Arthur Barry

WHITEWATER - George Arthur Barry, age 72, a longtime resident of Lake Bluff, Ill., and more recently Whitewater, died in Naples, Fla., Wednesday, March 5, 2003., Mr. Barry was born in Madison, Wis., Nov. 12, 1930., He attended St. Raphael Grade School and Central High School. He was a member of the armed forces and served in Japan and Korea. He graduated from Whitewater State College, in 1956. After coaching and teaching at Durand (Illinois) High School, for three years he came to Lake Forest (Illinois) High School in 1959, where he taught biology and coached freshman football. In fall 1966 he became head varsity football coach and coached for 21 years. During this time the team won nine conference championships and reached the Illinois state playoffs six times. The team overall record was 127 wins, 61 losses, and four ties. He also coached the swim and the lacrosse teams. He retired in 1987 after 31 years of continuous service. He was also a member of the Hall Of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Coaches Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois. After retirement he attended and participated in the senior games, gaining recognition and honors in track and field, biking, and swim events. A longtime friend and colleague, James Benton, had this to say: "I remember George Barry as a very moral man, a good Catholic, and a fine husband and father. He was soft-spoken and a true 'gentleman' whom I shall always remember that way." He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan LaPlant Barry; son, John (Sheila) of Naples, Fla.; daughters, Jill (Tom) Jensen of Green Bay, and Molly of Seattle, Wash.; four, grandchildren, Jessica and Austin Barry, and Thomas and, George Jensen; brother, Richard (Sharon) of Madison; and sister, June (Gil) Smith of Tonawanda, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his parents, H James and Theresa Barry; brothers, Thomas, Edward, Henry and Carl; and sisters, Marion, Gertrude and Evelyn. A funeral Mass for Mr. Barry will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Marinette. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The W Club at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 8, 2003

Obituary: Kay (Benseman) Gotzion - Class of 1958

MADISON - Kay Gotzion, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2003, after a brief illness. She was born on Dec. 4, 1939, to Mary Fox Benseman and George Benseman of Madison. Kay attended Lapham Elementary, graduated from Madison Central High School in 1958, and earned a B.S. in home economics and art from UW-Stout in Menomonie. While at Stout she belonged to Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, and continued her friendships at semi-annual gatherings. After college Kay became the first art teacher in the Poynette school system where she remained for five years. On Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966, she married David Gotzion at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison, and together they had two children, Gregg (Denise) and Amy (Jason) Gotzion-Peterson; and a grandchild, Nicholas Peterson. For the last 26 years, Kay has enjoyed working with all types of children in the Madison Metropolitan School System, 23 of those years at Schenk Elementary. Kay's wit, great sense of humor, and smile were enjoyed by all who knew her and she tried to always find the humorous side of things. Kay loved to cook and entertain and her artistic talents were enjoyed by all who knew her as well as making a warm and comfortable home. Kay is further survived by brother-in-law, Dean (Marion) Gotzion; sister-in-law, Doris (Ted) Payne; several nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Evelyn Gotzion; and a cousin, Pastor George (Elaine) Qualley of Colorado Springs, Colo. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; and her father-in-law, Steve Gotzion. Memorial services for Kay will be held at ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2165 Linden Ave., Madison, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, with the Rev. Pat Siegler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Kay would like to thank her many friends and relatives who through their kindness and helpfulness made her last few weeks better. Many thanks to HospiceCare, and to Beth and Linda for their help and the staff at Meriter Hospital. Friends are what makes a life and are always there when needed But if I didn't have any, I would have never succeeded. - Amy, 1986 Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsn State Journal on February 27, 2004

Obituary: Conway C. Curtin - Class of 1949

MADISON - Conway C. Curtin, age 71, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center due to complications with diabetes. He was born on Oct. 30, 1931, in Madison, the son of James and Beatrice (Christopherson) Curtin. On Nov. 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to the former Jean Campbell at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School in 1949, Connie worked for 30 years with MG&E until his early retirement in 1990 due to his diabetes. He is survived by five children, Pam (Jon) Grassiln, Cam (Jill) Curtin, Kim (Brian) Esser, Lisa (Al) Grazen, and Brad (Lisa) Curtin; and six grandchildren whom he loved and adored very much, Megan, Christopher, Matt, Kelly, Nick and Sara. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Jean. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2003, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5405 Flad Ave., with Monsignor William DeBock officiating. If tears could build a stairway,, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven, And bring you home again., Dad - We'll miss you - you did a good job! Love, Pam, Cam, Kim, Lisa, Brad Grandpa - We love you always and forever! Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 25, 2003

Obituary: Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss

CAMBRIDGE/MADISON - Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss, age 53, of Cambridge, formerly of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at home. She was born on Oct. 27, 1949, in Madison, to William and Elizabeth (Byrne) Warnecke. She married the love of her life, Roger Boss on April 12, 1969, at St. James Catholic Church, Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School, Jo Ann went to work as a nursing assistant at St. Marys Hospital for over 25 years. She was famous for her cooking, whether it be for her family, friends, or for the neighborhood. Jo Ann had a passion for helping the sick or those in need. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Roger; her children, Shannon (Henry) Furseth, Robert, Brittny and Jordan Boss all of Cambridge; her loving grandsons, Noah and Bailey Furseth; and siblings, Theresa Trachte of Lake Mills, Fred (Nancy) Warnecke of Lake Mills, James (Beth) Warnecke of Merrimac, and Jean Warnecke of Madison. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers, Billy and Bobby Warnecke. Funeral services will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, with Father Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Dr. from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2003. The love Jo Ann carried in her heart was always shared with those who came in contact with her. Her bright smile and her caring, loving ways will be missed by all who knew her. Mom, We'll always carry a part of you in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for the love you gave us. You are our Guardian Angel. We miss and love you Mama Jo. Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home 608-835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 23, 2003

Obituary: Richard D. McVicar, Sr. - Class of 1944

WAUNAKEE - Richard D. McVicar Sr., age 76, died peacefully at home under hospice care on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003. He was born on Oct. 28, 1926, in Madison, to Angus and Genevieve (Milward) McVicar. He graduated from Central High School in 1944, attended Ripon College and entered the Army. He served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and the Korean conflict, and was a member of the Waunakee V.F.W. Post. He became a Boy Scout in 1938, earned the rank of eagle, and served the scouting program for decades. He was scoutmaster of four different troops, a Vigil Honor member of Tichora Lodge, and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Dick retired from Central Wisconsin Center, where he worked as a media specialist for 30 years. At age 60, he became an Emergency Medical Technician. He served with Waunakee Area EMS, later becoming a skill instructor for Madison Area Technical College and CPR instructor trainer for the American Heart Association. He received numerous community service awards. Dick was never far from his camera, and his dozens of photo albums of pictures of family, his beloved dogs and grand-dogs, scouting and church events, and of course of his travels to many lands. His Scottish heritage took him to Scotland many times. This love of photography was inherited from his father, Angus McVicar, and Dick was so very proud of the book "Double Take," by Zane Williams, which was recently published, and is a rephotographic survey of Madison of pictures taken by his father and Zane Williams. His family was his life. He is survived by Helen (Poulik), the woman who fell in love at first sight and became his wife and best friend of 38 years; daughter, Anne (George) Acker of Mazomanie; sons, Richard Jr. (Laurel Losenegger) of Middleton, and Stuart of Deerfield; granddaughters, Amanda and Danielle Acker, who were Papa's little princesses; sister, Charlotte (John) Larsen; several nieces and nephews; Sam and Diane Robinson, his adopted kids next door, and his faithful companion, Coney Girl. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Malcolm. He enjoyed a very active life, thanks to wonderful medical care by Dr. Ken Devries and the Waunakee clinic staff. Dr. Gene Musser, the other cardiologists, surgeons and staff of Meriter Hospital also made great contributions to Dick's many happy years., A visitation will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Waunakee, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A celebration of life and luncheon will occur at the church on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Waunakee; the Four Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America; Waunakee Area Emergency Medical Service; or HospiceCare. Winn Funeral Home 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 20, 2003

Obituary: Mary "Mena" (Clementi) Gassen - Class of 1943

MADISON - Mary "Mema" Gassen, age 78, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born in Madison on Sept. 11, 1924, the daughter of John and Frances Clementi. She graduated from Central High School. She was married to Gilbert Gassen from November 1951 to November 1967. Mary was a very active throughout her entire life and was still employed up to the time of her cancer diagnosis in October 2002. Mary started her career with Oscar Mayer and after retiring worked at Bob White Candy Company, Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, and for the past 12 years she has worked at Cub Foods West. Mary provided foster care in her home during the early years of her marriage. During her lifetime she was involved in many sports activities and received many awards for baseball and bowling. Mary loved her job at Cub Foods and the many friends she had as co-workers and customers. She also enjoyed Sunday football games, bingo every Thursday, and trips to Ho-Chunk. Mary's greatest source of joy and happiness came from her family; her daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and the family schnauzer, Maxx. She was so proud of them. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Wes) Coppersmith; a granddaughter, Angie (Dewaine) McFadin; her most precious great-granddaughter, Kaylee McFadin; two sisters; a brother; and relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant grandson, Christopher; three sisters; and two brothers. A three-hour memorial visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., (608) 238-8406, with Chaplain Pamela Moering presiding. Burial at Highland Memory Gardens will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or the Dane County Humane Society, 2250 Pennsylvania Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Mom ... No more pain, no more suffering. We will remember your smile, your caring, your support, and your love ... Forever. Mema ... It takes someone special to be a "Mema" and we were so lucky to have you. We will miss you everyday and love you forever.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2003

Note: Mary Clementi Gassen's class year was provided by the Class of 1943 Reunion Committee

Obituary: Elizabeth H. "Betty" (Schweinem) Ernser - Class of 1931

MONROE - Elizabeth H. "Betty" Ernser, age 89, of Monroe, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at the New Glarus Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1913, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Henry and Sena (Knudtson) Schweinem. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School and a 1936 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Betty and Mathew F. Ernser were married on Feb. 14, 1944, in Riverside, Calif. Betty taught high school in Horicon and Wisconsin Rapids. She was a member of St. Victor Catholic Church, and former member of Monroe Country Club. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen M. (Philip) Norton of Argyle; son, Thomas W. (Sue) Ernser of Madison; granddaughter, Megan Ernser of Madison; and brother, William J. Schweinem, of Madison. She was predeceased by her parents; and husband, Mathew, in, 1986. A Mass of, Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at noon at ST. VICTOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, Monroe. Officiating will be Father Michael E. Klarer, with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, 1455 Mansion Drive, Monroe. A memorial fund has been established in Betty's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2003

Note: Elizabeth H. (Schweinem) Emser's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. She is listed as Elizabeth Henrietta Schweinem.