Obituary: Rosemary Troia-Baker

MADISON - "Rosie" Troia-Baker, age 72, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2005. She was born in Madison on Dec. 16, 1932, to Natale and Santina Troia, growing up in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison, graduating from Central High and receiving her elementary education degree from Juneau County Normal College. She was united in marriage in 1954 to Mitchell P Baker. Of that union, five children were born that were her pride and joy. Mitch and Rosie lived in Plattsburgh, N.Y., for a few years, returning to Madison where Rosie cooked at area restaurants, including Amato's. Rosie was a member of the Italian American Women's Club, joining at age 16, later to become president. She started working for Head Start in the 1960s as a cook, which led her to become a part of a group of concerned citizens for young children at St. Martin's House. Rosie became involved in the inception of a building dedicated solely to quality child care, working with the Attic Angels, to become known as Child Development Inc., which at her retirement became the "Rosie Troia-Baker Building." Rosie started with GDI as a nutritionist, eventually becoming executive director in 1983. Her primary goal throughout her professional career was to help families by providing affordable, high quality day care to children of all nationalities and income levels. Over the years, Rosie has been honored for numerous contributions to the Madison community - to name some - introduction into the Children's Advocacy Hall of Fame, YMCA Woman of the Year, Wisconsin Child Administrator of the Year, Wisconsin State Journal's Know Your Madisonian, J. Martin Wolman Youth Services Award, Outstanding Service Award from the Italian Workman's Club and the first Rotary South Madison Club woman to receive the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Rosie's community/ volunteer activities were varied and numerous ranging from chairperson of the fund drive for the South Madison Neighborhood Center to tending Rotary South's brat stand at the Wisconsin football games, the Mayor's Task Force on Human Service, Family Service Board Member, Dane County Task Force on Early Child Development, South Madison Boys and Girls Board Member, honorary member of the Board of Directors of Employment and Training Association, Wisconsin Child Care Admintrator Association, Oxford "Who's Who", and was presented the "Key to the City" by Mayor Paul Soglin in 1987. No one could meet Rosie without being affected in some way by her. Upon retirement, a scholarship for young children was set up in her name. Rosie is survived by five children, Judy (Joe) Lottes, Sandy (James) Baker-Banks, Mitchell P. (Debbie) Baker Jr., Joey (Anthony) Baker and Robbie Baker; six grandchildren, Michelle, Santina, Mitchell III, Tony, Jasmine and Niko; three great-grandchildren, Sunshine, John and Starr; two brothers, Mel (Judy) Troia and August (Edith) Troia; many other living relatives; and special friends, Betty Smith, Cybil Whitesel, Dr. Golden, Nicole and Vanessa. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband; and two brothers, Joe and Phil Troia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2005, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., and at the church one half hour before the time of service. MOM - Thank you for instilling in us the value and importance of family. You have helped us to become who we were born to be, in our own ways, as you have done. Thank you for your lessons in living and loving. You are now with Dad and Nana. We all love and miss you. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 27, 2005

Obituary: Charles L. "Chuck" Berigan - Class of 1943

Charles L. "Chuck" MONONA - Chuck Berigan, age 79, of Monona, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at St. Marys Hospital, after a brief illness. Chuck was born on April 21, 1925, in Madison, and graduated from Central High School in 1943. Chuck married his soulmate, Elaine Bergum, on Oct. 21, 1944. As he was unable to serve in the military, he was proud to have served his country as a civilian working at Truax Air Field during World War II, after which he worked his entire life in the service departments of auto dealerships, including Schappe's, Gillespie Blumer, Hult Chevrolet, Thorstad Chevrolet, and finally retired from Anderson-McGinley, Stoughton, in 1987. He was an early and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and was in charge of the ushers for many years, retiring in 1970. Chuck loved music, playing saxophone in dance bands and encouraging his daughter and grandchildren to learn the joy of music. He had a great love of animals, especially his cat, Dusty, and loved to watch birds and wildlife. Chuck was very proud to have been a member of the Monona Fire Department for 25 years, through which he made many lifetime friendships. He also worked for the Monona Police Department as a part-time officer and dispatcher for 15 years, and was a member of the Elks Club. Chuck is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Terrie and Gene Carlisle; his beloved grandchildren, Jason, Travis (Beth), April (Danny Marks), Joseph, Garrett and Morgan; and great-grandson, Maxson. Chuck deeply loved all of his family and is also survived by many nieces and nephews; cousins; the Carlisle family; his wife's cousins; and many friends, including those who considered him their second dad or grandpa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, in 2002; two children, who died at birth; his parents, Bob and Ruth Berigan; and a brother, Bob Berigan Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2005, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6 p.m., on Sunday, April 17, 2005, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. "Irish Blessing" May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Center (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 17, 2005

Obituary: Beverly Kay (Larson) Hook - Class of 1955

MADISON - Beverly Kay Hook, died on Thursday, April 7, 2005. She was born on November 21, 1936, to Laverne and Mathield (Gorder) Larson in Dodgeville. Beverly graduated from Central High School in 1955. In April 1956, she married Richard A. Hook whom she is survived by. She is further survived by two daughters, Kristi Hook-Brietzman and Karri (Dennis) Hook-Kelliher. Beverly is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas and Robyn Reed, Bradley Brietzman and Andrew Gadow. She was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Mathield (Gorder) Larson. A celebration of life will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. John Brandabur and the staff at Don & Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 10, 2005

Obituary: Agnes (Motelet) Nilles - Class of 1930

MADISON - Agnes M. Nilles, a talented and hardworking woman, died at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Center on April 6, 2005 at the age of 93. The middle of seven children, she was born on Jan. 27, 1912, to Paul and Ida Motelet in Avoca. After the untimely death of her father in 1928, the family moved to Madison where Agnes graduated from Central High School in 1930. She married Meinrad P. (Rod) Nilles on July 17, 1933. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, quilter, hostess, gardener, and card player. She was a member of St. James Parish for over 70 years and was very active in a variety of parish activities until just recently. Over those many years, she shared her skills and talents by working at the fall festival, sewing baptismal gowns, making quilts, creating table decorations, banners, and posters for various functions, working at funeral dinners, singing in the funeral choir, and being available whenever needed. St. James was a wonderful center for her spiritual and social life. She was also a long time member of the National Order of Foresters and served as secretary for nearly 50 years. In addition, she had been a volunteer at St. Marys Hospital and delivered communion to the homebound. Until 2004, Agnes hosted the family Christmas Eve celebration every year. Her legacy was her love of babies, focusing on her grandchildren and doting on her great-grandchildren. Survivors include her son-in-law, Clarence Ready, Madison; a daughter, Dorothy Skofronick (James), Tallahassee, Fla.; and a son, Rodney (Carol), Middleton. Grandchildren include Annemarie Ready, Maribeth Wendorf, Marcia Ready, Patricia (Scott) Zuberbier, Gregory Skofronick, Gail (David) Jackson, Gary (Anna) Skofronick, Gretchen (Paul) Desch, Peter (Mary Beth) Nilles, Teresa (Robert) Nicholas, and Mark Nilles. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Tyler Wendorf, Westin Waggoner, Amanda Zuberbier, Marina and Matthew Jackson, Christine and Dylan Skofronick, Jennifer and Steven Desch, Laura, David, Ian and Julia Nilles, and Alex and Finnegan Nicholas. She is further survived by her brother, Jerome (Betty) Motelet; a sister, Mildred Kassel; a sister-in-law, Ethel Motelet; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rod, in 1981; a daughter, Audrey Ready, in 2004; her parents; three sisters; and one brother. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 9, 2005, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter officiating. Friends may call on Saturday at church from 10 a.m. until time of mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery following the service. Friends may pay their respects at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Church or HospiceCare, Inc. The family wishes to thank all of those who gave Agnes such loving care during the final months of her illness. She will be missed. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 8, 2005

Obituary: Kathleen A. (Statz) Vaughn - Class of 1964

OREGON/ TOWN OF DUNN - Kathleen A. Vaughn, age 58, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2005, at St. Marys Hospital, Madison. She was born on her father's birthday, Aug. 21, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of John and Katie Statz. Kathy was a dedicated and devoted teacher in the Oregon School District for 31 years. Her teaching reflected her own passion for lifelong learning, stewardship of our precious planet and respect for all living things. She surrounded herself with all things purple. Everyone knew her as the "purple lady." Kathy read voraciously, swam at sunrise, shopped with abandon, wrote beautiful prose daily and loved to eat sumptuous meals with her loving husband, Ed. An integral part of her life for the last six years was her volunteering at Skaalen Sunset Home, Stoughton, where she made many friends and became an important part of her family. Kathy is survived by her devoted husband and soulmate of 36 years, Ed; loving brother, Paul (Diane) Statz; three nieces, Jill (Jerry) Stanuch, Heidi (Steve) Andersen and Lisa (Bart) Probst; great-nephew, Jacob; five sisters-in-law, Lavona Bice, Faye (Edd) Monhollen, Eliza Chen, Violet Blankenship and Lauretta (Russell) Warren; four brothers-in-law, John, David, William and James Vaughn; other relatives; her many friends; and her canine companion, Fredrich. She was preceded in death by her parents; and mother-in-law. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the SKAALEN CHAPEL, 400 N. Morris Street, Stoughton, with the Rev. Jim Koza officiating. Friends may greet the family from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the chapel. Memorials may be made to Skaalen in Kathleen's honor. Her inner spiritual beauty, strength, determination, selfless devotion to others and passion burned bright and inspired all who came in contact with her. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 5, 2005

Note: Kathleen Statz Vaughn's class year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the juniors, as well as a reunion list provided by the Class of 1964.

Obituary: Jerome A. "Jerry" Schwoegler

MADISON - Jerome A. "Jerry" Schwoegler, age 92, died on Monday, April 4, 2005, at Chamomile Assisted Living, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Madison on Oct. 25, 1912, the son of John and Mary (Rogge) Schwoegler. He graduated from Madison Central High School. On Aug. 8 1942, he married Antoinette (Ann) Zeman, with whom he had five children. Jerry and Ann owned and operated the Mifflin Street Beauty Salon in Madison in the early years of their marriage. Jerry was the controller for Farmco/ FS Services in Madison and Bloomington, Ill. He was active in sports, enjoying softball, bowling,, and golf, having accomplished a hole in one. Jerry was an avid Badgers, Cubs and Brewers fan. Jerry thoroughly enjoyed the numerous family gatherings. Jerry, a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 531, had been an active member of St. Peter's Catholic Church where he was honored to be a member of the choir. Survivors include five children, all from the Madison area, Nancy (Warren) Onken, Darcy (Mike) Hall, David (Antoinette) Schwoegler, Sharon (Jim) Schroeder and Steve; 10 grandchildren Ron Onken, Kathy (Dan) Gallagher, Laura (David) Johnson, Jennifer Baker, Theresa (Peter) Bernstein, and Ben, Brent (Tammi), Brad (Heather), Jesi and Brooke Schroeder; and 12 great-grandchildren Brandi, DJ and Nathaniel Johnson, Annika, Jakob and Kjersten Bernstein, and Jacob, Sara, Olivia, Chloe, Cooper and Macy Schroeder. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward; and sister, Dorothy Weber. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ST. PETERS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., on Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. with Father Roger Nilles officiating. Inurnment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Apostolate to the Handicapped, P.O. Box 443, Monroe, WI, 53566 or HospiceCare, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family wishes to thank the staff at Chamomile Assisted Living, HospiceCare, Father Roger Nilles, Judy Stolper, his nurse, Evan, from HospiceCare and Dr. Richard DeWitt for the respect, loving care and support they provided Jerry. He will be missed by all as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 5, 2005

Obituary: Carl H. Tiedeman

OREGON - Carl H. Tiedeman, age 97, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2005, at Oregon Manor. He was born in Madison on Sept. 12, 1907, the son of Henry and Ida Tiedeman. Carl graduated from Madison Central High School and attended UW-Madison for one year. He worked for Ohio Medical Products, now Datex-Ohmeda, retiring in 1972. Carl married Liz Tipple in 1971, who preceded him in death in 1999. He was a member of the People's United Methodist Church of Oregon, Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 50 F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite Bodies. Carl is survived by several cousins and a niece. He was preceded in death by two wives, Lucille Butler, in 1958, and Gwendolyn Hindricks, in 1968; his only child, Thomas C. Tiedeman; and a brother, Leonard Tiedeman. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Friends may greet the family from noon until the time of the service on Monday. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the People's United Methodist Church of Oregon or to Oregon Manor Ltd. Carl lived life to the fullest and he loved to sing. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2005

Obituary: Albert Smith

MONTREAL - Albert Smith, age 66, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2005, in Montreal, Canada. He was born on Jan. 20, 1939, in Madison, to Albert and Marion Smith. Albert was born and raised in Madison where he attended Longfellow Elementary and Madison Central High schools. He was an outstanding high school athlete where he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He was named to several All-City teams in these activities. He later attended UW-Madison. Mr. Smith worked in Manhattan for the city of New York City Human/Social Services Department as a social work supervisor. He later retired and moved to Montreal, Canada. Albert leaves to mourn his son, Albert Smith Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.; his first wife, Ethel Smith of New York City; his niece, Anita of Chicago, Ill.; nephew, Elgin Smith; cousins, Martha Scott Collins; and special friends, Katherine Simmons of Madison, Dr. Richard (Maxine) Harris of Madison, Wilfred (Beverly) Cunningham of Jackson, Miss., and Claire Poliquin of Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marion Smith; his brother, Floyd; and sister, Mabel. The funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave., Madison. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Gregory Armstrong, Pastor of S.S. Morris AME Church will officiate. Albert will be dearly missed by all. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 28, 2005

Obituary: Josephine (DeGregory) Elliott

MADISON - Josephine Jane Elliott, age 80, of Madison, lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, March 19, 2005. She was born in Madison on Feb. 20, 1925, the daughter of Bernard and Sarah (Brashi) DeGregory. She grew-up in the Greenbush Neighborhood and graduated from Madison Central High. She worked for AT&T as a telephone operator until she married. For many years she struggled with her husband's alcoholism and manic depression. After they divorced, she returned to the telephone company as an operator. Jo was always there for her children. She lost her younger brother, Anthony DeGregory, in a drowning accident at the Tenney Locks in 1950. She missed him very much. In the early 1970s she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. For years, Jo weekly sent letters to those who had lost loved ones in death to help console and encourage them. Although her life was difficult, she would always reach out to help others if they needed her. Her faith taught her the resurrection for most people would be an earthly resurrection and she looked forward to that. She is survived by a son, Larry Elliott, Madison; and a daughter, Toni Johnson. At her request, services will be private, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Madison. For those that would like to console the family, they can send cards to the family in care of Larry Elliott, 591 Toepfer Drive, Madison, WI 53711. "Losing a loved one" One thing is very clear. It's like my loved one just disappeared. There are no words to really explain. The loss, the grief, the overwhelming pain. You stand there saying your goodbyes and then, you wonder, "Will I ever see you again?" They say in time the grief will ease, and that youre left with memories. I may ease into this against my will, but what I really want is to hug you still. Then I recall what John 11:43 was about. When Jesus called to dead Lazarus, "Come out!" Out of the tomb he slowly came. His sisters joy they could hardly contain. Also Luke 8 says a couple lost their daughter. After Jesus raised her, she was given food and water. Jesus wants to resurrect all those who are dead. This is what John 5:28 truly says. He says all in the memorial tombs will come out. Just like Lazarus did, I don't doubt. So, if youve lost a brother, mother or friend. There is a good chance you'll see them again. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 22, 2005

Obituary: Hermina (Fritz) Brown

MADISON - Hermina Lea Brown, age 96, of Elgin, Ill., formerly of Madison, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2005, at ManorCare Health Services, Elgin. She was born June 8, 1908, in Joliet, the daughter of John and Julia Hartwig Fritz. She was a graduate of Central High School in Madison and upon graduation attended nursing school at Madison General Hospital. She served as a Red Cross nurse during World War II. She had been a resident of Madison for all of her life before moving to Elgin in 1990. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison and was active with the church Altar Guild. She gave instructions in knitting and crafts at Bethel XYZ Center in Madison. She attended St. James Episcopal Church, West Dundee, Ill. Surviving are her son, William (Donna) Lea of Elgin; four grandchildren, Barbara (Mark) Mugerditchian, Mark Lea, Robert Lea and Michael Lea; and three great-grandchildren, Megan and Kelly Mugerditchian and Jennifer Lea. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, William Lea; her second husband, Leslie Brown; a son, Robert Lea; grandson, William Lea; and a sister, Juliana Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, West Dundee. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Wis. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the American Red Cross. Laird Funeral Home, Elgin, is in charge of arrangements.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 21, 2005