Obituary: Marian (Farr) Widmann - Class of 1933

PEORIA, ARIZ. - Marian Widmann, age 86, of Peoria, Ariz., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2001, at Sun-Health Hospice, Peoria. Marian was born April 19, 1915, in Black Earth, Wis., to George and Grace Farr. Marian graduated from Madison Central High School and married Raymond R. Widmann in 1936. Marian and her husband, Raymond, were lifetime Madison residents until their retirement, when they moved to Peoria, Ariz. Marian was administration assistant in the Monona Grove Public School District for 30 years. For 24 of these years, she served as personal secretary to Edmond Schwan. Her husband, Raymond, was retired from the city of Madison Police Department and continued serving as chief of Blooming Grove and McFarland. Marian was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed doing needlework and crossword puzzles. She is survived by a sister, Eunice (Ralph) Sumnicht of Portage; a brother, Russell (Marian) Farr of Madison; daughters, Anna (Gordon) Erickson of Tomahawk, Susan (Dan) Holcomb of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Carrie, Rebecka and Raechal. Surviving also are her beloved nieces, Karen (Jim) Crary, Peoria, Ariz., Julie (Will) Major, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; a nephew, Gary (Diane) Sumnicht, Madison; and several grand-nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Raymond; brothers, George Farr and Berton Farr; and her sister, Ruth Setunsky. Memorial services will be held in Peoria, Ariz., on Friday, June 22, 2001. Entombment will be in Madison with her husband, Raymond. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sun-Health Hospice - Peoria, 12740 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd., Peoria, AZ 85381. She is survived by many dear friends in Madison, Monona, and Peoria, Ariz. Her friends of the Monona Grove School District will miss her annual summer months stays while residing in Portage.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1965)

Note: Marion Farr Widman's class year is based on information in the 1933 issue of The Orange and Black yearbook, which includes her senior photograph

Obituary: Donald Gasser - Class of 1948

WESTPORT [Wisconsin] - Donald Gasser died unexpectedly on Friday, June 15, 2001, at his home. He was 71 years old. Don was born on May 24, 1930, to Rufus and Jeanette Gasser in Prairie du Sac. A 1948 graduate of Madison Central High School, Don served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married Jessie Lou Freiling on October 24, 1953. Don worked a number of years for Texaco and the State of Wisconsin's DILHR Petroleum Inspection Division, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Madison Elks Lodge 410. Until recently, Don lived on Madison's beautiful east side, where he hosted many swimming pool parties and gatherings during the past 28 years. He enjoyed going out for breakfast, with friends at the Cottage Cafe and Coffee Clutch. Since retiring, he and Jessie Lou enjoyed spending their winters in Nevada. Don is survived by his wife, Jessie Lou; three sons, Donald (Nancy) Gasser of Oregon, Stephen (Ann Schroeder) Gasser of Monona, and Kevin (Lisa) Gasser of Cottage Grove; six grandchildren, Logan and Nathan Gasser, Kelsey and Graham Schroeder-Gasser, and Kyle and Luke Gasser; two sisters, Rosemary Cunningham and Carol Wigdal; and five nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death, as did his brother, Laverne "Bud" Gasser; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jessie and Louis Freiling. Don, a man of quiet dignity, loved sports and attending UW football and high school athletic events. A history and History Channel buff, he recently immersed himself in reading all he could about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Don volunteered to coach youth sports teams in the 1960s and 1970s, and helped in the formation of the Lancer League youth baseball program. Don loved attending his children's and grandchildren's school and athletic programs and events, and was a longtime member of the Plaza Whippets Fan Club. Don's funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Monona, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Bruce Burnside officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites conducted by the Madison Area Veteran's Firing S quad. Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation on Monday, June 18, 2001, at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Don's family thanks Waunakee EMS, specifically Mark Bennett, Julie Hellenbrand, Barb Kalscheur and Martha Stewart and members of the Dane Waunakee EMS, specifically Mark Bennett, Julie Hellenbrand, Barb Kalscheur and Martha Stewart and members of the Dane County Sheriffs Department, who responded to our call for help. We appreciate your efforts, compassion and respect, during that extremely difficult time. Thanks also to Dr. Lawrence Ozers of Dean Clinic, Fish Hatchery for his special care. Instead of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church or the YMCA of Dane County Strong Kids' Campaign. Thanks for being such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We will miss you. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Dorothy A. (Feuling) Brunsell - Class of 1936

SPOONER [Wisconsin] - Dorothy A. Brunsell, age 82, a resident of Spooner, Wis., and Ocean Ridge, Fla., passed away Friday, June 8, 2001, at her Spooner home. She was born January 24, 1919, to Alvin and Catherine (Fruth) Feuling at Sun Prairie, where she was raised until the age of 12 when her family moved to Madison. She was a 1936 graduate of Madison Central High School. Following high school she was employed with Wisconsin Telephone. She was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Marine Corps. On November 3, 1945, she was united in marriage to Harold Brunsell at Long Beach, Calif. They resided at Evansville, Wis., where they farmed in the area for 10 years. In 1956 they moved to Janesville, where they owned and operated the Hitching Post tavern and dance hall. From 1958 until 1963 she was a counselor at the Wisconsin School for Girls. They moved to Sarona in 1963, where they owned and operated Marawaraden Resort and Grocery on Long Lake. They operated the resort until 1980, when they moved to Spooner and were proprietors of the Green Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast. They have spent the past 20 winters at Ocean Ridge, Fla. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner, and Ascension Lutheran Church of Boynton Beach, Fla., American Legion Post No. 164 of Boynton Beach and the VFW Auxiliary of Brill. She is survived by her husband, Harold; three daughters, Connie Halvorson of Spooner, Pam Shudlick of Ocean Ridge, Fla., and Becky (Bill) Cewe of Spooner; six grandchildren, Susan, Cindy, Sandy, Carla, Johann and Sarah; a great-grandson, Erik; her sister, Ethel Sutter of Portage; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Lucille. In accordance with her wishes, her body was donated to the UW Medical School. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2001, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Spooner, with Pastor Will Mowchan and the Rev. Leigh Waggoner officiating. Music will be provided by Barb Shudlick, accompanied by Bev Bohac. Honorary bearers will be James Esser, Sheldon Johnson, David Kleven, Dan Lubensky, Bob Ostenson, Dennis and Micheal Sutter, and Lowell VanGuilder. The family will greet friends for one hour prior to the services. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner, or Regional Hospice, Spooner, are preferred. Arrangements are being handled through Scalzo Funeral Home, Spooner.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 15, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Frank M. Dvorak - Class of 1937

WAUNAKEE/MADISON [Wisconsin] - Frank M. Dvorak, age 82, passed away on June 9, 2001 at the Meriter Park Hospital. Frank was born in Madison, Wisconsin on December 18, 1918 to Frank and Martha Dvorak. He attended Lincoln Primary School and graduated from Central High School in 1937. He married Clara Ruder on February 19, 1938 and together, they raised three daughters. Frank was employed at Simon Brothers Company from 1936 until 1941. He worked at Gisholt Machine Company from 1941 to 1943 as a production expeditor. Frank joined the US Navy from 1944 to 1945, serving on the USS Arenak and USS Tennessee. His duty was in the Pacific Theatre. After the service, he returned to Madison and worked 32 years for the Madison Water Utility until his retirement in 1979. While employed with the City of Madison, he became president of Union Local 60. He also was a representative of Madison unions on State Council 40 (AFSCME) for 11 years until 1971. In 1955, with the help of family and friends, he built their home where they lived until 1986. After retirement, Frank and Clara spent 19 wonderful winters in Harlingen, Texas. They also enjoyed many years of traveling, both in the US and abroad. In 1997, they moved to Westshire Village in Waunakee and have resided there since. Frank and Clara have been members of the Westport Squares since 1976. They have enjoyed attending many square dance conventions throughout the United States. Over the years, Frank was always active and enjoyed volunteering and helping when needed. He was Scout Master for Troop 26 at Sherman School, and a volunteer for RSVP. Hobbies he enjoyed were shellcraft, carving, watercolors, playing cards, and walking. They have really enjoyed all the friends they have met, both at Bashford Nutrition Center and at Meriter Pulmonary Rehab. Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clara; three daughters, Shirley (Gerald) Ewert, Karen (Curt) Shawkey, and Betty Albertson; six grandchildren, Jerry (Dee) Ewert, Kevin Ewert, Steve Ewert, Brad (JoEllen) Albertson, Kris (Jim) Dockter, and Kathy Shawkey; and four great grandchildren, Courtney and Samantha Ewert, Jacob Ewert, and Lauren Albertson; and two brothers, Ed (Florence) Dvorak and Bennie (Bernice) Dvorak. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Art, Al, and Walt; a sister, Margaret; a granddaughter, Shelley Lyn Ewert; and his son-in-law, Bob Albertson. Funeral services will be held at LAKEVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4001 Mandrake Road, on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. There will be a visitation at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the church. The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Meriter IMCU. Memorials may be made to Meriter Foundation Pulmonary Rehab Fund, 309 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 11, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mary Alberta (Long) Dean - Class of 1934

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Mary Alberta (Long) Dean, age 85, passed away quietly on Friday, June 8, 2001, at Karmenta Care Center. Born on February 8, 1916, in Prairie du Chien to Judge A.H. and Mary Pearl Long, she graduated from Madison Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. She met her husband, Donald Dohrmann Dean while employed at Crescent Electric. On November 26, 1939, they were married. While her husband was stationed overseas during World War II, she worked for O.T. Havey Electric during the construction of Truax Field. After the war she dedicated her life to her family. She has been an active member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ since 1956. She has been a member of Starlite Chapter 238 Order of the Eastern Star since 1948, and a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. She is survived by her sons, Donald (Laurie) of Cottage Grove, and Phil of Rio; her grandchildren, Brian and Melissa; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her sisters, Katherine and Francis; and her brother, Herndon. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2001. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11, at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive. Gunderson East Funeral Home 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 11, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Graduating class is based on information in the Class of 1934 - 35th reunion booklet

Obituary: Rolf Quisling - Class of 1929

Services today for last of the Quisling Brothers
Dr. Rolf Quisling, who died at age 91 in Florida, was one of the four who founded the clinic

By Valeria Davis-Humphrey
Suburban Reporter

Dr. Rolf A. Quisling, 91, the last survivor of the four brothers who founded Madison's Quisling Clinic, died May 20 at his Destin, Fla., residence.

Vibrant until his recent brief illness, Quisling retired in 1999 after 66 years of medical practice here. He was within days of celebrating his 92nd birthday.

"It's difficult to summon all the superlatives to describe Doctor Rolf,' who was a gentle, kind and soft-spoken, yet a humorous and congenial man," said Middleton Mayor Dan Ramsey.

"He was a very good doctor, as he doctored me occasionally," Ramsey said. "I've known him for 44 years. He used to be my doctor when I was a kid. I was saddened to see that he had passed away."

Quisling and his wife of 59 years, the former Marie Sweeney, had lived throughout Dane County and pursued his second business, the Evergreen Sod Farm, in the town of Middleton.

"He was a community resident and not just a city resident," Ramsey said. "He was a very, very nice person to have in the community."

Quisling, a physician and surgeon specializing in ear, nose, throat and plastic surgery of the head and neck, was born with his twin brother, Gunnar, in Madison on May 25, 1909.

Rolf Quisling graduated from UW-Madison and completed medical school at the age of 21 at the University of Illinois-Chicago. A life- long researcher, he also earned post-graduate specialty degrees at the University of Berlin and the University of Vienna and served in the Army from 1943 to 1946.

Sverre, Abe, Gunnar and Rolf Quisling founded the Quisling Clinic in 1933. An architectural landmark in the Art Moderne style, the former clinic at 2 W. Gorham St., is now condominiums. The Quisling brothers also built the Edgewater Hotel and the Quisling Towers. Quisling is survived by three children, Dr. John Quisling of Mazomanie, Attorney Rolf Quisling of Charlotte, N.C. and Tricia Rennicke of Destin, Fla., and six grandchildren. Services are scheduled for today at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 2, 2001 as a news story.

Last Dr. Quisling, Rolf, dies at at 91

Longtime Madison physician Rolf Quisling, the last of a prominent medical family, has died.

He died on May 20, just five days short of his 92nd birthday at his home in Destin, Fla., after a short illness.

Quisling and his brothers, Abraham, Gunnar and Sverre started the Quisling Clinic in 1933, and was Quisling was a practicing physician until shortly before his 90th birthday in 1999.

Although he moved his practice to offices on Mifflin Street in 1974, the clinic -- a Madison landmark with an art deco desgin and curved blond brick corners -- operated as a medical clinic until 1998 as part of the Physicians Plus system. It has since been remodeled into an apartment building.

Quisling, a plastic surgeon, was part of Madison's most prominent medical family. His father, Adnreas, started practicing in Madison in 1898.

Rolf Quisling graduated from UW-Madison, then went to the University of Illinois medical school.

He was preceded in death by his wide, Marie, who died in 1998, and his brothers. His last surviving brother, Sverre, died last January at age 102.

A Mass was scheduled for today at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., in Middleton, followed by entombment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Originally published as a news story in The Capital Times on June 2, 2001.

Note: Rolf Quisling's senior class photograph (below) appears next to that of his twin brother, Gunnar in the 1929 edition of the Tychoberahn, the yearbook of Madison High School (later renamed Central High School).