Obituary: Gloria (Brockert) Vike

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Gloria Vike, age 70, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 20, 2000. Gloria was born on December 27, 1929, to Willis C. Brockert and Erna McDonald. She was a graduate of Central High School. Gloria was employed by Sutherland Lumber for many years. She will be remembered for her young-at-heart attitude and her ability to develop friendships from those that were fortunate to spend time with her. Gloria especially loved being with children and they enjoyed being with her in return. She also enjoyed dancing and listening to music at VFW Post 7591, and she particularly enjoyed listening to her son play his guitar and sing. Gloria was a member of the Monona Senior Band. Gloria is survived by her son, Marc L. (Kari) Vike, and a granddaughter, Nicole Vike, all of Lake Mills; sisters, Marjorie Johnson of Madison, and Darline (George) Bradley of Mazomanie; her close partner, Gus Olson; many nieces, nephews and friends; and her step-mother, Madeline Brockert. She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVerne Vike; and her parents. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2000, at OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road. The Rev. Brad Homan will preside. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 22, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Russell A. Schmitt - Class of 1929

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] - Russell A. Schmitt, age 90, died on Sunday, August 20, 2000, at Meriter Park Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born on August 16, 1910, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur P. and Elizabeth (Pleus) Schmitt. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1929, and served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor. Russell worked for Madison Gas and Electric as a troubleshooter for many years until his retirement. Mr. Schmitt was a standout baseball pitcher for various teams, the old industrial leagues, in Madison. He was married to Louella Kutz on December 12, 1932, in Madison, and she preceded him in death on October 20, 1981. He married Etta Myers in Middleton on June 4, 1984. Russ was a member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410, and Sonny Simon VFW Post No. 38616. Russ enjoyed entertaining his many friends at his home on Lake Mendota, and fishing. He had a quick wit and spoke what was on his mind. Survivors include his wife, Etta of Middleton; two brothers: Bill (Janet) of Black Earth, Wisconsin, and Jack of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; one nephew, Steve (Julie) Schmitt of Black Earth; two nieces: Carey (Gary) Vogt of Germantown, Wisconsin, and Marilee (Erik) Thoreson of McFarland, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; and his first wife, Louella Kutz. Funeral services will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. The Rev. Kendell Nordstrom will officiate, with burial in St. Luke's Cemetery, Middleton. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon until the service time on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journall on August 22, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Joseph L. McGraw - Class of 1930

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Joseph L. McGraw, age 88, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 19, 2000. He was born February 25, 1912, the son of J. Charles and M. Christine (Cordary) McGraw. Joe graduated from the former Central High School in 1930. He teas a musician playing saxophone, clarinet, and bassoon in band and in orchestras. Joe enjoyed traveling the country playing in theatres and concerts and dances. he was drafted into the Army during World War II On March 12, 1942. Joe participated in the battles in northern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. He received decorations and citations of the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with two battle stars, the Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal. Joe was wounded in action in Luxembourg on December 22, 1944. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant from Company C, 707th Tank Battalion on October 20, 1945. Joe was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He is survived by his niece, Mary E. McGraw of Madison: and two nephews, Clifton J. McGraw and William J. McGraw. Joe was preceded irk death by his parents; and a brother, John F. McGraw. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2000, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday.
Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in The Capital Times on August 21, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Jean M. (Joyce) Ferger - Class of 1947

MADISON/ST. GERMAIN - Jean M. Ferger, age 70, died at Howard Young Medical Center in Minocqua, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, August 9, 2000, from complications associated with diabetes. Jean was born on September 7, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin, to John and Lucile (Crumbecker) Joyce. She attended Holy Redeemer Grade School, Central High School and Edgewood College, where she earned a degree in elementary education. On June 28, 1952, she was united in marriage to William T. Ferger at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Jean began her teaching career in Stoughton. After taking time off to raise her five children, she began teaching kindergarten in 1967 at Edgewood Campus School, where she continued her labor of love until her retirement in 1992. She received a Recognition of Outstanding Service in the field of education from Congressman Scott Klug during National Education Week in 1992. During her retirement years, Jean enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, volunteer work and her home in northern Wisconsin. Jean volunteered at the Plum Lake Library and was honored as the volunteer of the year in 1999. Jean was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sayner, Wisconsin. Jean is survived by her husband, William; her son, Tim (Wendy) Ferger of Wauwatosa; her daughter, Cindy (Bill) Bedford of Fairview, Utah; her daughter, Amy (Gary) French of Madison; her son, Jay Ferger of Kirkland, Washington; her daughter, Liz Ferger of Sheboygan; 10 grandchildren, Tim, Samantha, Donovan and Jonathan Ferger of Wauwatosa, Hannah and Silvia Bedford of Fairview, Utah, and Ryan, Jeff, Kelley and Kari French of Madison; her aunt, Rachel Rice of Sextonville, Wisconsin; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Jean in death were her parents, John and Lucile Joyce. Funeral services will be held at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2000. Father Randy Timmerman will officiate. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Howard Young Medical Center for their help and support. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: The class year for Jean Marie Joyce is based on information in the 1947 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is among those of the graduating seniors.