Obituary - Ronald H. Burrows

MADISON - Ronald H. Burrows, age 62, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital. Per Ron's wishes, services will be private.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 19, 2014. Submitted by Cathy Swanson-Hayes (Class of 1966), sister of Ron Burrows.

Per Cathy's request, reprinted below is the long version of her brother's obituary, which was published on the Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care website: 

Obituary for Ronald H. Burrows 

Early the morning of July 17, 2014, Ron joined an extended family of loved ones and friends. He had taken steps to avoid pancreatic cancer, and he fought with determination and grace.

There are many people who were involved in his care that the family would like to thank, but the names are endless. Please know how grateful he was for each of you, beginning with Dr. Cambray who got the ball rolling with his concern for Ron's health; Dr. Matzke and the entire staff of St. Mary's Outpatient Care as well as the St. Mary's hospital staff were beams of light in a tough journey; and Dr. O'Mahar who carried him through his cancer treatment journey. He was indeed blessed by the care, concern, and cheering on of everyone involved. Because of that, he was determined to get healthy again.

Ron is survived by his sister, Cathy (John) Swanson-Hayes, his daughter Emily, and life partner Laurie Peterson, along with his dear friends, nephews and nieces. He had most recently lost another sister-Terry Burrows Orvold-who resided in Seattle.

The family is planning a service that will be announced at a later date when the timing is more comfortable.

Ron, where you are now we know you are riding a bike, walking a dog, swinging a bat and running bases again, riding white caps on a lake, tending to your tomatoes and peppers, strolling through farm fields, or at a pool table showing someone how a table run is done. He is now surrounded by many friends, family members, and animals alike who have gone before him. With consistent and contagious compassion, Ron always cherished the simplicity of life, reminding us each day to "Live simply so others may simply live." 

Note: Ron Burrows attended Madison Central High School, and is therefore an alumnus. However, according to his sister, Cathy: "My brother Ron also attended Central, did not graduate from there, but got his GED after attending East, after Central closed. Just as Central was about to close, my father died after being critically ill for seven years, which was most difficult for my younger bother, and negatively impacted his switch to a different high school, as it did for Terry and I as we finished at Central."

Obituary: Charles D. Sprecher - Class of 1954

MADISON - Charles D. Sprecher, age 79, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Oak Park Place. He was born on April 11, 1935, in Madison, the son of John and Bertha Sprecher. He married his high school sweetheart, Leonette Nelson, on June 28, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison. Charlie graduated from Central High School, Madison, in 1954, and then went on to attend UW-Madison. He was a lifelong salesman in the Madison area, and then had his own business until his retirement. Charlie enjoyed playing cards and watching sports, especially his granchildren's sporting events. He enjoyed all animals, especially his best buddy, Bear. Charlie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leonette, of Madison; daughters, Julie Sprecher of Madison, and Janie Sprecher of Madison; a son, Dan (Paulette) Sprecher of Cross Plains; grandchildren, Blake and Miranda Sprecher; a sister, Alice Funk of Rhode Island; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Frederick Sprecher; and two sisters, Kathleen Lawler and Jeanne Faust. A Celebration of Charles' Life will be held at BABES GRILL AND BAR, 5614 Schroeder Road, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday, July 26, 2014. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Madison Area Special Olympics and Community Work Service. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at UW-Hospital, Oak Park Place and Agrace HospiceCare.  

Originally published on July 16, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Marie "Mary" (Smith) Burgess - Class of 1965

McFARLAND - Marie "Mary" Burgus, age 67, of McFarland, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at her home. Mary was born on Feb. 24, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of Lester A. and Eileen Smith. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1965. She married Albert Burgus Jr. on Aug. 28, 1965, in Madison. Mary worked at St. Mary's Hospital for many years, retiring in 2012. The most important things in Mary's life were her family and her pets. Mary is survived by her husband, Al; son, James (Jill); brothers, Michael (Carol) Smith and Frank (Lynne) Smith; sister, Patricia (Terry) Sellers; brother-in-law, Joe (Sandy) Burgus; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Virginia and Albert Burgus Sr.; a sister, Susan Smith; and sister-in-law, Mary Mazeika. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014, with Father D. Stephen Smith presiding. A private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established  

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 13, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Jacqueline "Dolly" (Westfield) Matthews - Class of 1947

MADISON - Jacqueline "Dolly" Matthews passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Dolly was born in Madison on May 10, 1929, to John (Boots) and Alice (Lobre) Westbury. She was a graduate of Central High, class of 1947. Dolly was a former employee of the Wisconsin Memorial Union, UW Field House, Dane County Coliseum, Kmart, and retired from Dean Clinic after 32 years of service. Dolly enjoyed spending time with her lifelong card club friends, her Wednesday coffee group, and her many friends from Dean Clinic. She delighted in sitting on her front porch on Lakeside Street, talking and waving to those passing by. One of her greatest joys was celebrating the Christmas season. She especially loved the gift of giving and watching the happiness it brought to those around her. Most of all, Dolly enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, hardy laugh, the way she made people happy, and how her door was always open to all. Dolly is survived by her husband, Jim Mayer; children, Cheri, John, Suzanne (James), Mark (Terri) and Todd (Jennifer); grandchildren, Jessica (Pete), Ryan, Erin, Kaely, Talia (Chris), Emily (Steve), CJ (Emily), Sadie, Remy, Clive and Emmit; and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sebastian, Nolan, Silas, Avilyn and Owen. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Matthews; daughter, Jackie Matthews; and sisters, Patricia Triplett, Donna Epler, and Joanne (Pinky) Crawmer. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wis., officiated by the Rev. Mary Pharmer. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army. The Matthews family would like to thank Home Health United, Dr. David Sorber and staff, and a special thanks to Jim Mayer for all his love and care.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 6, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Lee S. (Lewis) Baxter - Class of 1969

MADISON - Lee S. Baxter, age 62, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Lee was born in Madison on Oct. 21, 1951, to Elizabeth and Eugene Lewis. Lee graduated from Central High School in 1969 and MATC in 1971. On Aug. 12, 1972, she married Patrick J. Baxter. Lee worked as a legal secretary at the State Bar of Wisconsin until her first child was born. She began her second career in 1978 raising her four children. Lee was very active in her children's lives. She was their partner and advocate through their education, sports teams and all aspects of their lives. Lee's third career began two years ago with the birth of her first grandchild, Genevieve, followed by Patrick. She was thrilled to mentor and nurture her two beautiful grandkids. "Nana" created the perfect kids paradise at her home and always looked forward to entertaining them. Lee was president of P.E.O. chapter BY in Madison. She loved being part of this group of wonderful ladies and looked forward to the monthly meetings and projects. Lee and Pat travelled the world and enjoyed time spent with their kids on annual family vacations and "Up North" at their home in Three Lakes, Wis. Christmas and Halloween were her favorite holidays and she went all out for both. Lee is survived by her husband of 42 years, Patrick; children, Sean and wife, Amanda, Ryan, Brendan and wife, Kristin, all of Madison, and Bridget of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Genevieve and Patrick (Sean and Amanda); siblings, Gene Lewis and Ginny Clark; and in-laws, Monsignor Tom Baxter, Rick Baxter, Mary and George Meier, William and Therese Baxter and Erin Lewis. Lee was a beautiful woman who was kind, generous, caring, intelligent and humble. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Services will be private. Memorials in Lee's name can be made to P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Catherine (Pertzborn) Waters - Class of 1950

MADISON - Catherine (Pertzborn) Waters, age 82, died peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Monday, June 16, 2014, from a malignant brain tumor. She attended Central High School, graduating in 1950. Catherine met her future husband, H. James Waters, while in high school, and married him on June 16, 1951. In addition to raising a family of three, she was employed by Oscar Mayer and worked there as an administrative assistant for 31 years. After retirement, Cathy worked as parish secretary at St. Bernard Catholic Church, was a seasonal employee at American Girl and for the past ten years, job shared a secretarial position at Cherokee where she suddently had to retire because of her illness. Cathy belonged to Oscarettes and volunteered with the Oscar Mayer READI Group. She was also active in the church ministry. Cathy is survived by her three children, Mary Lou (John) Lottes, Mike (Barb) Waters and Bill (Sue) Waters; seven grandchildren, Kim (Pete) Lochner, Jenny (Aaron) Reason, Carrie (Eric )Schmidt, Amy Waters, Jim (Mallory) Waters, Stephanie Waters and Cody Bartow; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Rachel Caruso, Alice (Jim) Wilcox and Barbara (Bill) Bougher; brother-in-law, Tom Jafferis; many nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law, Pearl Frank and Marge Hoppman. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Hedwig (Koch) Pertzborn; her husband, Jim Waters; and sisters, Margaret and Esther Pertzborn and Dorothy Jafferis. She was also preceded in death by a niece; a great-nephew; her in-laws, Louise and Dan Waters; five sisters-in-law; and seven brothers-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 10 a.m., on Friday, June 20, 2014, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, June 19, 2014, and at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Cathy was loved dearly and we already miss her.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 17, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Jackie L. Matthews - Class of 1968

MADISON - Jackie L. Matthews, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May, 21, 2014. Jackie was born in Madison on March 18, 1950, the daughter of Jacqueline (Dolly) L. Matthews and John J. Matthews. Jackie will be remembered for her love of children, flower and vegetable gardening, cooking, photography, and her artistic talents. She had a heart for those who were less fortunate. She is survived by her son, Carl (CJ) R. Matthews-Barr (Emily); and grandson, Owen Robert; her mother, Jacqueline (Dolly) L. (Jim Mayer); her siblings, Cheri, John, Suzanne (Jim), Mark (Terri) and Todd (Jennifer); along with 10 nieces and nephews and five great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, John J. Matthews; and companion, Carl A. Barr. A private family service will be held to honor Jackie's life. Memorials may be made to The Arc Dane County, 6602 Grand Teton Plz, Madison, WI 53719.

Originally printed in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 28, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Roberta "Amy" (Browning) Baker - Class of 1952

MADISON - Roberta "Amy" (Browning) Baker died on Wednesday, May 7, 201 4.

Roberta was born on Oct. 26, 1933, the youngest child of Charles Browning and Patricia Manion Browning's seven children. The young child, Roberta, was enamored by the radio show "Amos and Andy" and would stand in front of the radio asking for "Amy and Andy". From that childhood delight came her nickname, Amy. Amy and her siblings had the benefit of living in a single homestead throughout childhood. The house on Drake Street allowed her to have a predictable place to call home while also being strategically located to take advantage of all that Madison had to offer.

Shortly after graduation from Madison Central High School, Amy married William R. Baker in 1954. They had four children who survive her: Raymond Baker and Julie Baker (Robert Hull) of Madison, Charles Baker of Georgetown, Texas, and Mary (Brad) McWilliams of Bee Branch, Ark.

Amy was the quintessential Madisonian. Often people would remark, "Amy, you know everybody." She enjoyed many happy moments with longtime childhood friends as well as new acquaintances. Amy's sharp memory for names and faces was an asset to the riders of Madison Metro when she worked at the Transit window located at Main and Carroll from 1981 to 1990 and, later, when she transferred to answering Madison Metro's Infoline, where her geographical knowledge of "taverns and churches" helped to guide riders to their destination. She served the public well until her retirement in 1999.

While Amy occasionally enjoyed a self-imposed hibernation, she was never alone as long as she had a stack of books to feed her voracious appetite for reading. Amy knew a little bit about almost everything. She had a sharp wit that never was used to hurt another person. She enjoyed self-deprecation more than using her wit to assail others.

Amy was preceded in death by five of her six siblings, Mary Browning Fall, Charles Browning Jr., John Browning, Harry Browning, and Patricia Browning; and her grandson, Sean Raymond Redemann, whom she missed very much after his death in 2001.

In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister, Bernadette Stevens of Madison; and two granddaughters, Rachel Baker and Allison Baker, both of Madison. Amy has many nieces and nephews who also mourn the loss of their last Aunt.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the afternoon of June 14, 2014, at THE ECHO TAP, Madison, Wis.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2014. Submitted by Janet Stevens (Class of 1965) and Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Roberta (Browning) Baker's class year is based on a list of 1952 CHS graduates published in The Capital Times.

Obituary: Dorothy M (Pertzborn) Jafferis - Class of 1943

MIDDLETON - Dorothy M. (Pertzborn) Jafferis died on April 23, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, following a long illness. She was born at home on July 17, 1925, to Adolph M. and Hedwig (Koch) Pertzborn. Dorothy attended St. James Grade School and Madison Central High School, graduating in 1943. It was while at Madison Central High School that she met her husband and life partner, Tom. They were married on May 17, 1947, at St. James Church. Upon high school graduation, Dorothy was employed for five years at the old Industrial Commission (Unemployment and Workman's Compensation Department). After the birth of her first child, she was a stay-at-home mother until her last child started school. During that time she worked at home, typing many theses for UW students. Dorothy re-entered the workforce, working for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union for 20 years. After retirement from the union, she worked in the office of then Gov. Anthony Earl. Her last employment was at American Girl. A life-long democrat and staunch union advocate, she volunteered for many democratic political candidates at all levels of government. Dorothy also served the City of Madison on the Human Services Board for nine years, Madison Youth Commission for two years, Personnel Board for four years and Hope Haven for two years. Being very active in the labor movement, she served both as vice president and president of the Office Employees Union. She was a board member and secretary of the Labor Temple Association, a delegate to Madison Federation of Labor (South Central Federation) and the Committee on Political Education Steering Committee. Dorothy was an avid UW Badgers fan. She and her family traveled to many Badgers away and Bowl games. Dorothy and Tom were Badgers ticket holders for 50 years. Baking, bingo, crossword puzzles and visiting with her grandchildren were her favorite past times. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret and Esther; grandson, Patrick Costello; two brothers-in-law, John Caruso and Jim Waters; a niece, Susan Wilcox; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Dorothy's generous spirit, devotion to her family, and her work ethic were inspirational to all those whose lives she touched. In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by her five children, Christine/Tina (David) Lund, Kathy (Kevin) Costello, JoAnne (Bob) Bradley, John (Kim) Jafferis, and Bob (Marsha) Jafferis; sisters, Rachel Caruso, Alice (Jim) Wilcox, Cathy Waters, and Barbara (Bill) Bougher; grandchildren, Mandy (Erik) Monson, David J. Lund, Chris Larson, Jenni (Chad) Anderson, Justin (fiancé, Lindsey) Jafferis, Jeremy Jafferis, Max Costello, and Antonia "Annie" Costello; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ella Monson, Alexis Jafferis, and Sylvia Anderson; step-grandchildren, Jennifer Tredinnick and Erik Bradley; step-great-grandchildren, Savana Halverson and Grace and Riley Bradley; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 1126 S. 70th St., Suite S423, Milwaukee, WI, 53214 (www.ccfa.org), or the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 28, 2014, at 11 a.m., at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison WI 53715, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Terrance B. Hartfelder - Class of 1962

MADISON - Terrance B. Hartfelder, age 70, of Madison, passed away on March 15, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, following a long battle with cancer. Terry was born on July 20, 1943, in Madison, and lived in the downtown area for his entire life. He walked State Street everyday where he frequented the many restaurants and shops. Terry made pizzas at Paisan's Restaurant for 50 years until he retired because of his illness. He considered his family to be his co-workers at Paisan's, and he is greatly missed by them. We would like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at UW Health and Hospital for their wonderful help and compassion over the last couple of years, and also Agrace HospiceCare for taking care of Terry and making him comfortable during his last few days. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at PAISAN'S RESTAURANT on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 16, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Terrance B. Hartfelder's class year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.