Obituary: Sylvan Sweet

MADISON - Sylvan Sweet, age 93, died peacefully on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Sylvan was born March 26, 1918, in Madison to Harry Rueven Sweet and Anna Perlstein Sweet. Sylvan attended Longfellow Elementary School, Madison Central Junior High School and graduated from Madison West H.S. in 1936. He attended University of Wisconsin briefly and then went to work for the AJ Sweet Company, which was founded by his father and uncles. He began his career selling cars with Ray L. Schappe on April 15, 1951, and worked there for many years. Sylvan sold used cars for 47 years in Wisconsin and California. Sylvan's greatest love was his singing. He sang with trios and local groups his entire life. He was a guest artist at many local clubs and venues but more importantly, he was the most beloved guest singer at every family wedding, bar mitzvah and family gathering. Sylvan was known for his fun loving, colorful personality and wonderful story telling of Madison history and personalities. He also loved animals, particularly dogs. Sylvan was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Anna; father, Harry; stepfather, Meyer Prosansky; brothers, Milton and Sidney Prosansky; brother, Leonard Sweet; and longtime companion, Edith McConley. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Lefcowitz; sister-in-law, Clara Sweet; daughter, Susan (Michael) Perston; close friends, Marion Trachte and Sam Stassi; grandchildren, Amy Lisa Rosen and Matthew Rosen; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Sylvan was a lifelong member of the Madison Jewish Community and Beth Israel Center. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hospice Residences for their loving and attentive care during Sylvan's stay there as well as Jewish Social Services of Madison. Those wishing to make contributions can make them to Beth Israel Center, Jewish Social Services of Madison or HospiceCare Inc. Funeral services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 10 a.m. "A Day without Music is a Day without Sunshine." He did it his way... Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 1, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Sylvan Sweet is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West.

Obituary: Paul Timothy "Tim" Cuccia - Class of 1963

MADISON - Paul Timothy "Tim" Cuccia, age 65, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, April 22, 2011. He was born in Madison, to Paul and Vera (Fillner) Cuccia. Tim grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood and was very proud of his Italian heritage. He graduated from Madison Central High School, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, took his basic training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon completion of his enlistment and deciding to remain in California, Tim worked in radio advertising for many years, while taking several college courses to further his education. He was recently the proud owner of his own home. Tim is survived by his sister, Barbara Cuccia (Wayne) Chase; nephew, Randy Chase; niece, Sandra Chase (Chris Klinger); and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and other family members. He was especially close with his Aunt Jen and Uncle Tony Salerno, who served as his second family in Madison and California. Funeral services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at noon on Saturday, April 30, 2011, with the Rev. David Byers-Dent presiding. Visitation will be at the chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Gunderson East Funeral  and  Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 28, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Tim Cuccia's class is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Leada (Hoecherl) Pawlowski

FOND DU LAC/MADISON - Leada's parents emigrated from Germany to Alberta, Canada where she was born Jan. 27, 1913. She died Monday, April 18, 2011, at the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home.

Her family moved from Canada to Spooner in 1919 where they farmed for many years. She left home at 13 to work as a nanny in Madison while attending Central High School. After graduation she left for Milwaukee where she received her RN degree after training at St. Mary's Hospital. She met and married Clarence Pawlowski and they celebrated 66 years of marriage before he died in 2001.

She worked for more than 25 years at Johnston Emergency Hospital in Milwaukee and after retiring they moved back to Spooner, bought a motor home and traveled all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Her husband's failing health brought them to Madison in 1990 so her Madison area family could help them in their remaining years.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Socha of Murrells Inlet, S.C., and Judith (Albert) Jaloviar of Madison. She is also survived by five grandsons, Jeff (Sally) Jaloviar of Draper, Utah, John (Sunny) Jaloviar of Tampa, Fla., and Steven (Amy) Jaloviar of Portland, Ore., Steve (Virginia) Socha of Conway, S.C., and Tim Socha of Lexington, N.C.; as well as 14 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister, Bertha Hansen of Spooner; sister-in-law, Marie Hoecherl of Shell Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son-in-law, Jerome Socha; brothers, John, Louis, William and August Hoecherl; and her sisters, Francis Smith and Anne Draeger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Charles Schluter officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be held in the Spooner Cemetery on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 10 a.m.

The family would like to especially thank the staff of the Pathways Unit at the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home for the loving care they gave her for the past four years.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Parkinson's Research or the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, 244 N. Macy St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

"God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be; so He put His arms around her and whispered 'Come with me;' with tearful eyes we watched her suffer and saw her fade away; although we loved her dearly we could not make her stay; a golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 24, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert A. Gruber - Class of 1955

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Robert A. Gruber, age 74, of Madison passed away on Monday, April 18, 2011. He was born on Jan. 25, 1937, the son of Richard and Dorothy (Rowe) Gruber. He married Sharon Herschleb on Dec. 28, 1961. Bob graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army. Bob was a 32nd Mason, and a member of Masonic Lodges Commonwealth #325 and Daylight #362. He was a member of the Zor Shrine, Starlight Chapter #283 OES, and a life member of Scottish Rite. Bob was also a member of the VFW #1318 and the Luther Memorial Church where he taught Sunday school and served on many committees. He received honors from the three Masonic youth groups (Legion of Honor for DeMolay, Member of Honor of Job's Daughters, and the Grand Cross for Rainbow for Girls). Bob was a Wisconsin PGA official, and loved spending time on the golf course. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and was a lifelong Badgers fan. Bob is survived by his wife, Sharon; four children, Bob Jr. (Cindy), Tom (friend, Debbie Benicek), Kris (Doug) Engbring, and Kevin; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Lee Gloe. Funeral services will be held at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021 University Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011, with the Rev. Brad Pohlman presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park with a Masonic service at the gravesite at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Wertsch, Dr. Ed Pendergast, and Dawn from HospiceCare, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church or HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive.

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

Obituary: Suzanne Bible Waters - Class of 1965

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.- Suzanne Bible Waters died on March 25, 2011, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in peace.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Waters; mother, Betty Bible; Nancy Bible and James Bible. Her ashes will be spread in their garden in Rockland, Maine. She would love to have you plant something in your garden in her memory.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 11, 2011

Obituary: LaRhee (Wrend) Esse - Class of 1962

MADIOSN -LaRhee (Wrend) Esse died peacefully at home on Monday, March 28, 2011.
She was born in Madison on March 3, 1944. LaRhee is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gary Esse of Madison; sons, Paul (Tami) and his children, Sydney and Garrett Esse of Deforest, Erick Esse of Madison, and David Esse of Burlington; brothers, George Wrend of Florida, John (Donna) Wrend of Monona and Ben (Joyce) Wrend of Adams, Mass. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Bernadette Wrend.

LaRhee graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1962. After high school, she went to M.A.T.C. and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, practicing at Madison General Hospital. After her career in nursing, LaRhee became a dedicated mother to her three boys and provided support to her husband's business. Being from Sicilian descent, she always said "once you are a friend, you are a friend for life." This statement was evident from the many friendships she had that lasted over 50 years with friends from elementary school. She was always there to support friends or provide a quick laugh when needed. Many people often joked about LaRhee's relationship with friend, Charlene. After years of having to explain to people their relationship, they finally gave in and declared themselves as "sisters."

LaRhee had a strong passion for traveling and visited many places throughout Europe and the U.S. with friends and family. Some of her favorite places to reminisce about were Italy, France, Ireland and Sicily. She also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin watching loons swim and the hummingbirds fly.

With support of Dr. Huie and Nurse Sandy at UW Hospital, numerous friends and close family, LaRhee remained positive during her fight with cancer and was truly a role model for those that knew her. She was always known for her generosity and willingness to give rather than receive.

Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011, with the Rev. William White presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011. LaRhee was a wife, mother, friend and mentor to many. She will be dearly missed.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 3, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: John T. Geiger - Class of 1965

SPRING GREEN/MADISON - John T. Geiger, age 64, of Spring Green, passed away at home on Saturday, March 12, 2011, after a long illness.

John was born on Feb. 12, 1947, in Clearwater, Fla. He was united in marriage to Janet Wilke on Aug. 18, 1973. He was a graduate of Central High School in 1965; he also served in the U.S. Army. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1974, John had a career with American Family Insurance for 37 years.

He was a mentor to many, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. His life revolved around his family and best friends. He had a passion for the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Physical fitness was very important to him. He exercised routinely and encouraged others to do the same.

Survivors are his loving wife, Janet; daughter, Julie (David) Marrou of Livermore, Colo.; son, Jordon Geiger (Stacy) of McFarland; five granddaughters, Taylor, Brooke, Ashlee, Sydney and Taylor; along with several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins; and very special friends, Bill Bissett, Rich DiSalvo, Tim Healy, Jan Hogan, Bruce Meier, David Earll and Cheri Connell, who showed love and support along the way.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; son, Justin; and mother, Alberta Sue Geiger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Madison and to Susan, Sue, YeVonne and all the caring people at Home Health United Hospice. Your kind and caring ways will always be remembered.

"John, Dad, Papa, Chief, Chico... we will miss you always. As you told us, we'll talk to you down the road."

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., with the Rev. Dean Kirst officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of service.

Memorials may be directed to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Attn. Kelly Sitkin, 600 Highland Ave. K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164; or Home Health United Hospice, 1111 8th St., Baraboo, WI 53913. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 15, 2011

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)