Obituary: Gerard F. "Jerry" Carey - Class of 1954

MADISON - Gerard F. "Jerry" Carey, age 74, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at the Anderson HospiceCare Center after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Irene (Beyer) Carey.
Jerry was raised in Madison in a lakefront home, where he spent many hours fishing, sailing and iceboating. He graduated from Central High School in 1954 and went on to study pharmacy at UW-Madison, eventually receiving his master's degree in that field. While at the UW, Jerry played in the University Band program, demonstrating a love for music that he would carry with him the rest of his life.

A man tirelessly dedicated to his faith, family and friends, Jerry generously shared his time and many talents to improve the lives of those he encountered on life's journey. As a skilled handyman, he was always willing to help friends and neighbors with household projects, even after coming home from a long day working at the three apartment buildings he managed near the UW campus. As a steadfastly devoted husband, he supported his wife, Charlotte, in her involvement in many women's groups. As a loving father, Jerry volunteered countless hours for Cub Scout Pack 33 and Boy Scout Troop 29 when his son, Bill, was a member of each. Many more people undoubtedly benefited from his chosen occupation as a pharmacist, a job he thoroughly enjoyed even into his "golden years" -- especially the 14 years he worked at the Medicine Shoppe on Monona Drive.

Jerry was especially proud to have served his country as a member of the 32nd Division Army Band, which was called to active duty at Ft. Lewis, Wash., during the Berlin crisis in 1961. He formed close bonds with many of the band members and helped to organize reunions for the group in 2002 and 2007.

Hard as it may be to believe, Jerry did find time to relax. His favorite pastimes involved spending quality time with his family: going on camping trips with his wife and their son, touring Europe and Alaska, attending Madison Symphony concerts and, of course, watching the Badgers and Packers win! Earlier this month, he got his final wish: to cheer the Packers to victory in the Super Bowl.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 36 years, Charlotte; son and daughter-in-law, William Carey and Mary Myers-Carey of Powell, Ohio; brother, Art Carey of Madison; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts, uncles and first cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Michael Hippee officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. praying of the rosary. An additional visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Requiem Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses of the in-home HospiceCare team and the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 20, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Margaret (Hatch) Seymour - Class of 1933

WEST BEND - Margaret (Hatch) Seymour, of West Bend, age 94, passed away on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at West Bend.

She was born on Feb. 27, 1916, in Augusta to the late Carlisle (Lisie) C. And Winifred (nee Butler) Hatch. She spent her early childhood in Onalaska and moved to Madison in 1925. There, she graduated from Madison Central High in 1933, attended the UW of Wisconsin for three years and Groves Barnhardt Business School for six months. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Madison Gas and Electric Company for several years until 1942.

Margaret was united in marriage to Eugene (Gene) Seymour in 1940. After her marriage she devoted herself to her husband and to raising her two sons, Gary and Jon. As did many wives during World War II, she did this while her husband served overseas with the United States Navy Seabees. Margaret loved her family and was an active and guiding participant in their successes and adventures. She was the care giver for her parents until their deaths.

Margaret began to china paint later in life and belonged to several china painting organizations such as the World Organization of China Painters and China Painters of Jefferson County. She was active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Madison, demonstrating her china painting skills at school folk fairs in the Madison metropolitan area. In 1992, she moved to West Bend, to be closer to her family. There she continued her china painting and made many new friends at the Cedar Ridge Retirement Apartments.

All who knew her will remember her as a quiet, caring, loving, gentle, friendly, witty, and humorous woman whose generous heart belied her small stature. She will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

Margaret is survived by her two sons, Gary (Jane) of West Bend, and Jon (Jacqueline) of Cincinnati, Ohio; five grandchildren, Andrew of West Bend, Daniel (Gina) of Decatur, Ga., Jennifer of Waukegan, Ill., Cameron of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Amanda (Miles Spathelf) of Anchorage, Alaska; sister-in-law, Edith Hatch of Janesville; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene in 1990; and her two brothers, Seth and Carlisle.

In accordance with Margaret's wishes, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of her life will be held at a time and place convenient to her family and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Reedsburg Educational Foundation (designated for the Seymour Education Fund), 501 K St., Reedsburg, WI 53959; or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive,(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 30, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: David W. Bowers - Class of 1967

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - David W. Bowers 3/15/49-1/19/11 Sound engineer extraordinaire, fine friend, unique human being. We will miss his love, humor, physical energy and vibrant life force. In 1971, after combat service with the Marine Corps in Vietnam, Dave began his career as a sound engineer in Santa Cruz. His attention to detail and dedication to the highest standards of his craft led to tours with the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins and Toto, among others. Returning to the Bay area in 1984, he joined IATSE Local 134 and was hired by Promedia Ultrasound. His sensitive ear and impeccable work ethic led to gigs with Luciano Pavarotti, the Three Tenors, Andrea Bocelli, the Irish Tenors, the SF Opera and the SF Symphony. His last gig, before he succumbed to colon cancer, was the East Bay Symphony's November, 2010 concert with Carlos Santana and Narada Michael Walden. Dave is survived by his wife Carie May-Bowers, brother Jack Bowers and sister Dr. Genie Bowers. Please friend David W. Bowers on Facebook to share memories and learn about a celebration of his life.

Originally published in The San Francisco Chronicle on January 23, 2011 (submitted by Sidney Iwanter, Class of 1967, who confirmed that David Bowers was  member of that graduating class)

Obituary: Roberta J. (Miller) Frei - Class of 1946

MADISON - Roberta J. Frei, age 83, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. She was born on Jan. 18, 1928, in Madison, the daughter of Albert and Loretta (Thurber) Miller. Roberta graduated from Central High School in 1946. She married her husband, Alois "Al" in a double wedding with her twin sister on June 4, 1949, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Roberta was a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She volunteered at Lake View School and enjoyed gardening, her roses and ceramics. Roberta was a breast cancer survivor. She is survived by her husband, Alois "Al" of Madison; children, Jeffrey (Wei) Frei of Hawthorne Woods, Ill. and Daniel (Kelly) Frei of Oregon; her twin sister, Alberta Fassbind of Verona; brothers, Allan Miller of Madison and Don (Clancy) Miller of Davis, Calif.; grandson, Carl Frei; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Beverly Durkin; brother-in-law, Carl; and sister-in-law, Carol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Charles Schluter officiating. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and then again at church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marietta (Cassini) Peterson

FLORIDA/MADISON - Marietta Peterson, age 66, passed away peacefully with her husband at her side in their home in Florida on Dec. 30, 2010.

She was born on March 14, 1944. She was the daughter of Louis and Rose (Tortorici) Cassini. On April 20, 1963, she married her soul mate, Robert Peterson at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Madison. She attended St. Joseph's grade school and Central High School.

Marietta grew up in the Greenbush. She loved the neighborhood and her Italian heritage and always had stories about her childhood in "Bush". At age 13 she rescued a drowning man in Brittingham Bay, saving his life. She was later awarded a Certificate for Outstanding Courage by Alderman McCormick. Marietta was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for her art work from the Madison Art Association. She was always very artistic and enjoyed a wide variety of arts and crafts; she also loved music and gardening. She was always very proud of the home she made for her family. She and her husband owned a miniatures shop, which she loved and they handcrafted many intricate accessories, dollhouses and room boxes, some of which are on display at House on the Rock.

Marietta is survived by her husband, Bob; daughters, Rosalie Stankovich of Sun Prairie, Janice (Richard) Cheers of Kansas City, Missouri; sons, Rob (Theresa) Peterson of Evansville, and Todd (Heather) Peterson of Pardeeville; sister, Joan (Bill) Elmore; and brother, Louie (Shirley) Cassini, both of Madison; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and a lifelong friend, Eddie Abbott of Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

Marietta was a devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother. Family was always a priority for her. We love her dearly....Ya, Meeeeee...you'll be missed more than you could ever imagine!

There will be a memorial service set at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 9, 2011

Obituary: John L. O'Malley - Class of 1949

MADISON - John L. O'Malley, passed away on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2010, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1930, the son of John Joseph and Ida Ruth (Mawhinney) O'Malley. He married Barbara Gray on June 10, 1950. John graduated from Central High School in 1949. He worked for Motor Transport for 25 years and then worked for Care Cab before retiring. John enjoyed taking long drives, watching his grandchildren's activities, playing Bingo, parades and watching the eagles at Sauk Prairie.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; children, Patrick (Nancy) O'Malley, Daniel (Alvina) O'Malley, Ruthann (Steven) Drifke; John (Donna) O'Malley and Shane (JoAnn) O'Malley; 10 grandchildren, Casey, Brian and Emily O'Malley, Melanie (Joe) Squires, Caitlin and Holly Drifke, Brianna and Makayla O'Malley, and Jordan and Tamia O'Malley; sister, June (Sanford) Herrling; and brother-in-law, Frank (Eileen) Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael O'Malley; two brothers; and a sister.

Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, with the Rev. John Bergson presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. A special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Dean East and Oncology Clinics, St. Mary's Hospital, City of Madison Emergency Response Teams and HospiceCare. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive,(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 2, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Clayton Parman - Class of 1949

MADISON - Our family lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Dec. 14, 2010. Clayton Parman Jr. [age 79] passed away at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his family. Clayton was born on April 20, 1931, the son of Clayton and Janice (Jordan) Parman Sr. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949, where he met his wife. He faithfully served our country in the Korean War, and returned to Madison. In 1953 he began working full-time for his father at the family business on Monroe Street in Madison, Parman's Service Station. His commitment and loyalty to the family business continued for more than 55 years. He will be remembered for his ever-constant sense of humor which kept his friends and family in laughter. One of his greatest gifts was in creating smiles. "Junior" also had a special quality in putting others needs above his own. This quality affected friends, family and strangers in life-changing ways. We have truly all been blessed to have had him in our lives. Our prayer is that we may pass on to others all the love, kindness and generosity that he has shown us over the past 79 years. We love you Junior! Left to honor his memory and remember his love are his wife of 55 years, Kathryn; his children, Suzanne, Tina, Laura, Ken (Theresa) and Gary (Carrie); his grandchildren, Kathryn, Rachel and Bailey; and his treasured brother, Keith (Devey); along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant grandchild, Clayton William Parman. Thanks to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, and Christa Raymond from the heart failure clinic for making Clayton's recent stays more comfortable. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Thomas F. Baxter officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass. His family suggests that memorials in his honor include the American Heart Association. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 16, 2010

Obituary: Antoniette "Toni" M. (Rane) Smith

MADISON - Antoniette "Toni" M. Smith, age 66, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center.

She was born June 6, 1944, in Madison, the daughter of James and Mary Rane. She had been employed by the D S, State of Wisconsin for 20 years, retiring in 2000. Toni was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church (and was a volunteer assisting with funeral luncheons), the Italian Women's Club and had been a volunteer at Meriter Hospital in-patient registration. In her spare time, she loved gardening, fishing, playing cards and cooking. On April 27, 1963, Toni was united in marriage with Roger Smith in Madison.

In addition to her husband, Roger, survivors include a daughter, Sue (Roger) Standorf of Prairie du Chien; a son, Randy Smith (girlfriend Jenny Scheib) of Madison; a brother, Joe (Leona) Rane of Madison; two sisters, Connie Dollard of Oregon, Wis. and Maryann Bachman of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH 2450 Atwood Ave. with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Toni's name to Hospice Care, Cancer Research or to the family.

A special Thank You to all the staff at Meriter 8 Atrium and Hospice for all the compassionate and great care you provided to all of us. Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison (608) 249-6758

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 12, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Antoinette Smith's graduation year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn yearbook, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors. It appears that her forname was mis-spelled in the obituary.

Obituary: Thomas Ralph Fuller - Class of 1945

LOUISVILLE, KY - Thomas Ralph Fuller, age 83 of Destin, Fla., formerly of Louisville, Ky., died on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, in the presence of his family.

Tom was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 14, 1927, and was raised in Madison. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945, where he lettered in track, basketball, and football. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. He began a career with the former Thomas Industries Inc. as a sales trainee in Fort Atkinson, in 1945, and progressed to the position of president, chief executive officer and board member of Thomas Industries, from which he retired in 1991. During his career he served as an executive committee member of the National Association of Electrical Distributors, chaired the Economic and Air Services Committee of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, and was an executive committee member of Project 2000 for the City of Louisville. From 1988 to 1994, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the former National City Bank (First National Bank) during which time he served as a member of its executive committee and chaired its audit committee.

Tom married the former Jeannette Ellen Faust on June 24, 1948. She preceded him in death on October 31, 1999. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Christine Ellen Fuller, and his parents.

He is survived by three sons, Michael (Kathy), Daniel (Alishia) and Christopher (Christa); nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Joseph Herring), Caroline, Thomas, Amanda, Brittany, Erin, Michael, Danielle and Megan; and a great-grandchild, Avery. He is also survived by his second wife, Betty Jo Cofer; his brother, Richard D. Fuller (Jan); and two sisters-in-law, Caryl Bremer (Howard) and Ellen Faust.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at PEARSON FUNERAL HOME, 149 Breckenridge Lane, with a memorial service at Pearson Funeral Home immediately following the visitation. There will be a private family burial service on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at Cave Hill Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity High School, 4007 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 5, 2010

Obituary: Theresa A. (Gambino) Pfeiffer - Class of 1944

MADISON - Theresa A. (Gambino) Pfeiffer, age 85, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by loving family. She was born on Feb. 11, 1925, in Madison, to Peter and Madeline (Caruso) Gambino. Theresa graduated from Central High School in 1944. She worked as a bookkeeper at Madison Kipp and was proud to be a waitress at Josies for 50 years. Theresa married Ralph Pfeiffer on Sept. 28, 1946, and they were happily married for 64 years. Theresa always had a smile on her face, was always doing things for others, and was loved by many. She is survived by her husband, Ralph; son, Ralph Jr. (Renee); daughter, Annette (Ken); grandchildren, Max and Gina Pfeiffer; sisters, Mary Skaggs and Ann Cardin; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Sandy) Adams, Norma (John) Hanson, Esther Vergeront (Bill), Lauren (Jack) Pfeiffer and Marge Castillo; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Hospital. "God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put his arms around you and whispered, 'Come to Me.' With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best." Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 25, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)