Obituary: David Gordon "Goose" Gildin

MADISON - David Gordon "Goose" Gildin, age 89, of Madison, died on Monday, July 28, 2003. He was born on Dec. 1, 1913, in Madison, the son of David and Mary (Landpop) Gildin. Dave graduated from Central High School. He married Jennie F. Bailey on June 14, 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Jennie preceded him in death on Nov. 1, 1997. Dave was a staff sergeant with the 381st Bomb Group, 535th Squadron, stationed in Ridgewell, England, where he was a tailgunner on a B-17. He flew 31 combat missions receiving many air medals, including three Oak Leaf Clusters and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Dave retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1975. He is survived by two daughters, Jolynn (Roger) Attoe and Barbara (Darryl) Sullivan, both of Poynette; five grandchildren, Bob (Ann) Halverson of Germantown, David (Cathy) Halverson of Verona, John (Stephanie) Halverson of Green Bay, Derek (Stephanie Lawrence) Sullivan of Madison, and Megan (Nathan Rucker) Sullivan of Minneapolis; six great-grandchildren, Jennie Lynn, Alek David, Alan John, Connor Daniel, Eric Robert and Olivia Kroll; and his special cat, Kaley. Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Mary, in 1999. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Thursday, July 31, 2003, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bill Berg presiding. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park where military graveside honors will be conducted. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Dad, we love you and will miss you but we know you are at peace now that you are together again with mom. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 30, 2003

Obituary: Lawrence "Larry" Shapiro - Class of 1965

MADISON - Lawrence "Larry" Shapiro, age 56, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at home of cancer on Monday July 21, 2003. Larry was born on Oct. 19, 1946, in Madison, the son of Herman and Ann (Robinson) Shapiro. He married Barbara Roth on May 26, 2002. Larry was a lifelong resident of Madison, as were his parents. He graduated from Central High School in 1965 and later obtained a master's of social work degree from the University of Wisconsin. Larry owned and operated Quality Collision Repair and Refinishing for more than 20 years. He was a vibrant and enthusiastic supporter of several community organizations, including the Madison Jewish Community Council, of which he had served as president. His activities reached beyond the Jewish community to organizations such as the Urban League of Madison and Madison AIDS Support Network. He took great pleasure in working to make Madison a better home for all its residents. Larry had boundless love for his family and is survived by his mother, Ann; wife, Barbara Roth; brother Dann (Georgette) of Greenland, N.H.; son, Gabriel (Emily) of St. Paul, Minn.; daughter, Dena of Cleveland, Ohio; nephew, Randy Boss, his wife, Janet, and their son, Luke, of Stevenson Ranch, Calif.; and niece, Danielle Caturano (Jason) of North Reading, Mass. Larry also leaves behind many dearly loved cousins, aunts and an uncle, as well as the many, many friends he so deeply cherished. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Herman. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 23, 2003, at 11 a.m. at TEMPLE BETH EL, 2702 Arbor Drive, Madison. Rabbi Jan Brahms will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the UW-Madison Comprehensive Cancer Center, K4/658 CSC, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792-0001; Urban League of Madison, 151 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703; Alzheimer's Association, 517 N. Segoe Road, Suite No. 301, Madison, WI 53705; or the Madison Jewish Community Council, 6434 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719-1117. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 22, 2003

Note: This alumni obituary is cross-listed. It was originally published as a post on the Class of 1965 blog. That post has several comments that cannot be transferred to here Click on this link if you wish to read them.

Obituary: Howard W. Meiller

MADISON - Howard W. Meiller, age 97, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2003. He was born July 21, 1905, the only child of Clarence and Elida (Morrick) Meiller. Howard was a member of the last class to graduate from the old Madison High School. He was employed for many years by the 3 F Laundry and was a housekeeper at the Edgewater Hotel. Howard was a big UW football, basketball, and boxing fan and was a W Club security guard for many years. Howard and his late wife, "Honey" traveled the US, Europe, Africa and Russia. He is survived by a daughter, Marilyn (Arley); a son, Thomas (Rene); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two nephews and a niece. Services will be private. The family wishes to thank HospiceCare and the staff at Wynwood East, for their care and support. Special thanks to the neighbors on East Dayton Street who performed many acts of kindness that enabled Howard to remain in his home well into his 90's., Cress Funeral &, Cremation Service, 6021 University Avenue, (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 21, 2003

Obituary: Dorothy "Marion" (Hansen) Hines

MADISON - Dorothy "Marion" Hines, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at St. Marys Hospital, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was born on June 17, 1925, in Racine, Wis., the youngest of eight children, a daughter of Alfred and Thora (Petersen) Hansen. Marion became a part of Madison when she moved in with her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Harold Gabbei. She graduated from Madison Central High School and has been an East Side Madison resident ever since. She enjoyed working for Allstate Insurance and the special friendships that developed there. Marion married George C. Hines and had four children, who she later raised as a single parent. She shared her values in raising her children to appreciate family and other social connections. We always said there was no such thing as a "dash" somewhere, because Mom knew everyone and had to stop to talk to each of them. Marion was a strong, independent woman of tradition and principle. As Frank Sinatra sang in the famous song, "My Way," Mom did it her way. It was always a joy to listen to her stories of her growing years and the life she dedicated to her children and grandchildren. Marion leaves behind many dear friends and family members. She is survived by four children, Charlene (Mike) Dolfen and children, Alyssa and Tyson, of Cottage Grove, Janet (Joseph) Orella and children, Bradley and Haley, of Marshfield, Roy (Joni) Hines and son, Lucas, of Marshall, and Christine (Craig) Pfister and daughter, Jennifer Hewuse, and stepchildren, Nick and Emily Pfister; a sister, Verna LaPlante; and nieces, nephews and cousins, including a special niece, Marlene (Gary) Markhardt and children, Paul and Karl. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at noon on Saturday, July 19, 2003, with the Rev. David Michael of Lake Edge United Church of Christ presiding. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2003. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704, or East Madison/Monona Coalition of Aging Senior Day Center, 4142 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716. A special thank you to all of Marion's caregivers at Dean Clinic and St. Marys Hospital over the years. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 17, 2003

Obituary: Lyell C. Tullis

SEATTLE, WASH./JANESVILLE Lyell C. Tullis, at age 89, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2003, and joined his beloved wife, Margaret, at a celebration of their 59th wedding anniversary at heaven's gate. At the celebration he was joined by his two, sisters, Alice and Helen; and his parents. Lyell was born on March 11, 1914, in Brooklyn, Wis., and attended Madison High School before pursuing his engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin. As a young mechanical engineer, he worked at Baker Manufacturing in Evansville, and then moved on to Gilman Engineering in Janesville. While there, in the early 1950s, he became chief engineer. In this position, he was instrumental in designing the "transfer assembly line," an automotive automatic assembly,, first in the auto industry. In the early 1960s, he became vice president and was very influential in many of Gilman's other engineering accomplishments. Under his authority he was able to expand the company's 25 engineers and draftsmen to around 100. To help give back to society, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club and an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church for over 30 years. As a beloved family member, he preceded his brother, Edgar; his nine children: Richard (Mary Kay) of San Francisco, twins, Jean and Judy, Mary, John (Kathy) of Seattle, Wash., Cathy (Tom) of Orlando, Fla., Michael (Nancy) of Houston, Texas, James and Allie; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren to heaven's gates. He will be greatly remembered as a loving father and grandfather and a friend with a wonderful sense of humor. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2003, at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, Janesville. Following the service all are invited to join the family at a luncheon at Alfresco Cafe in the Best Western Motel on Highway 26 North, from noon until 2 p.m.

Originally published in the Wisconsn State Journal on July 15, 2003

Obituary: Elaine May (Polkinghorn) Parker

MADISON - Elaine May Parker, age 71, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at Meriter Hospital, Madison, after a long illness of heart and respiratory failure. She was born on Nov. 13, 1931, the daughter of Elvie and Viola (Kahl) Polkinghorn. Elaine graduated from Madison Central High School. She married David Lowry Parker from Hillsboro, in 1950. Elaine devoted her life to caring for her family, singly raising five spirited children, working various part-time jobs, while working as an employee of the University of Wisconsin system. She held no secular view of religion, but guiding her children with the "golden rule" and the concept that "enlightenment will bring once closer to godliness;" the central concept of Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. After retiring, Elaine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, her beloved companion, "Snatcher," and gardening. She is survived by her five children, David (Susana), Sharon Parker Coenen, Danny (Kathy), Sharrie (Ray) and Dale (Lisa); 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Betty (George) Thomure. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; and parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2003, with the Rev. Julie Overman presiding. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, with her mother Viola Polkinghorn. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 19, 2003

Obituary: Doloroes Margaret (Buchanan) Whitmore - Class of 1934

MADISON - Dolores Margaret Whitmore, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Meriter Hospital. She was born Oct. 8, 1915, in Madison, the daughter of Archie and Maddie (Russell) Buchanan. Dolores was a graduate of Madison Central High School. After high school, she attended St. Marys School of Nursing in Milwaukee. In 1937, she married John Francis Whitmore. John and Dolores raised their family in Madison. She retired from the Veterans Hospital as a medical secretary. She was a volunteer at the Alzheimer's Association. She enjoyed gardening, antique collecting and needlepoint. Dolores belonged to the South Central Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, was an associate member of the National Association of Postmasters, belonged to the St. Mary's Guild, Grace Episcopal Church, Badger Chapter of the Ex-Prisoners of War, auxiliary member of Purple Heart, and Madison Civics Club. She is survived by her children, Tom (Dottie) of Oregon, Janet of Minneapolis, and Alan of Santa Cruz; a granddaughter, Annette (John) Smerlinski of Cottage Grove; her grandsons, David Stehr of Lake Mills, and Chris Whitmore of Madison; and her great-grandchildren, Ariana and Sam Smerlinski. She also leaves behind other loving family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her two brothers, Leo and Melvin; and her sister-in-law, Mary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2003, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with the Rev. Gary Lambert officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Madison Rotary Foundation John F. Whitmore Memorial Fund. "Peace be with you." Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 6, 2003

Note: Graduation year is based on information in the Class of 1934's - 35th reunion booklet

Obituary: Richard A. Launder - Class of 1947

MADISON - Richard A. Launder, age 73, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2003, at the VA Hospital, Madison. He was born on June 28, 1929, in Madison, Wis., the son of Arnold and Agnes (Dempsey) Launder. Richard graduated from Central High School in 1947, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy following graduation. He was a chief petty officer in the Medical Corps, on the USS Boxer during the Korean conflict, serving for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. Richard was a resident at City View Nursing Home and was active in nursing home activities, especially enjoying bingo. He is survived by his four children, Laurie Dickerson of Ruckersville, Va., Larry Launder of Laurel, Md., Lynda Booye of Laurel, Md., and Lance Launder of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and their mother, Arlene Launder of Port Charlotte, Fla.; four grandchildren, Christal, Angelic, Larry Jr. and Amber; four great-grandchildren, Earl, Braxton, Blayane and Cierra; and a brother, Robert (Pat) Launder of Madison. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Delores Starkey. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the City View Nursing Home staff for the kindness towards Richard during his residency at the nursing home, also thank you to the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital SIC Unit. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2003, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to City View Nursing Home Activity Unit, 3030 City View Drive, Madison, WI 53718. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

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

Obituary: Pauline Ann (Johnson) Paulson - Class of 1955

MADISON - Pauline Ann Paulson, age 65, died on Monday, May 12, 2003. She was born on July 8, 1937, in Madison, the daughter of Arthur and Lucy Johnson. Pauline graduated from Central High School in 1955. She married Donald Paulson on Sept. 7, 1957, in Madison. Pauline devoted her life to taking care of her family. She was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, Madison Elks and Four Lakes Yacht Club. Pauline enjoyed crafts, golf and shopping, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Pauline will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, including her husband, Donald of Madison; three children, Richard (Denice) Paulson of LaCrosse, Sandra (Thomas) Bennett of Madison, and Cynthia (Richard) Rothwell of Madison; grandchildren, Jena and Ashley Paulson, Lyndsay and Briana Meisel, Chase and Lance Ott, and Jessica Bennett; a brother, Brad (JoAnn) Johnson; a sister, Frances (Howard) Helgeson; and her mother, Lucy Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Art Johnson; and a brother, Nick Johnson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2003, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2003, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mother, you brought class and style to our lives but most of all love. We will remember and miss you forever. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 13, 2003

Obituary: Theodora H. (Herfurth) Kubly - Class of 1933

MADISON - Theodora H. Kubly, age 87, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 3, 2003, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. She was born in Madison on Nov. 20, 1915, to the late Genevieve Gorst Herfurth and Theodore Herfurth, Jr., whose family was among the early residents of the city. Christened Jean Theodora, she was known to all as Teddy. She attended the Lincoln Elementary School directly across from her family home on Gorham Street and in February 1933 she graduated from Central High School where she was salutatorian of her class. Teddy was active in the Girl Scout movement, which had been founded in 1912. She was a member of Troop #1 (Lincoln School) and at age 17 became the troops leader. Subsequently she helped form Troop #2 at Lakewood School and continued her involvement in scouting while her children were young. Teddy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1937 with a degree in Art Education. While at the university, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. On Feb. 3, 1938, Theodora married Harold Edward Kube Kubly, another Madison native. Other than during the war years when Kubes V-12 Naval duties took them to Louisville Ky., Plattsburgh NY, and South Bend Ind., and a sabbatical spent in Munich, Germany in 1954-55, Teddy and Harold lived in Madison, where Dr. Kubly was a professor at the university. Over the years Teddy was active in a variety of community organizations. She became a member of Attic Angels in 1954, where she was head of the Expansion Committee for the Segoe Road facility. She was on the Board of the UW-YWCA focusing on membership and finance. Teddy was membership chairman for the University League, significantly increasing affiliation during her tenure. Teddy also served as deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 75 years. Among the other philanthropic, civic, and cultural organizations with which she was worked were several centered on assisting international students with their stay in Madison: the American Field Service, the Experiment in International Living, the Madison Friends of International Students, and the Briuingham Viking Organization. Both Teddy and Kube delighted in entertaining foreign students in their home. Teddy had a profound love of the natural world and took great joy from working in her garden and in spending time at the family summer cottage on Lake Mendota. Another interest was Native Americans. She and Harold often vacationed in the Southwest and over the years Teddy became very knowledgeable about Native American arts and crafts. They also enjoyed traveling in Europe, where, whenever possible, they would renew friendships made over the years. Teddy was a gentle, genial, and generous soul. Her youthful, happy outlook on life made her a delight to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her sense of humor was keen and she kept it to the end. She will be missed by the many people whose life she touched. Teddy is lovingly survived by her daughter, Beth Margaret Kubly; and her son-in-law, Dr. James Weeks of Madison and State College, Pa. She is further survived by Jean McWilliams Peters (Mrs. Henry) and family of Madison, Jean Lucia Brechier of Los Angeles; Lucia DeGroot (David) Tyler of Trumansburg, NY, Daniel Kubly and family of Middleton, and Robert Kubly of Madison. Her parents; her sisters, Eleanor Herfurth and Virginia Marie Herfurth; her husband; and her beloved son, Vincent Frederick preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2003, at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham Street, followed by a celebration of her life with family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Madison Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5010, Madison WI 53705; the Library and Archives Endowment of the Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St., Madison WI 53706; or the organization of ones choice. Afterglow I'd like the memory of me To be a happy one. Id like to leave an afterglow 0f smiles when life is done. Id like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways 0f happy times, laughing times And bright, sunny days. Id like the tears of those who grieve To dry before the sun 0f happy memories that I leave When life is done. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road 608-238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2003