Obituary: MaryAnne (Dooley) Pressentin - Class of 1942

MONONA [Wisconsin] - MaryAnne Pressentin, affectionately known by many as "Mrs. Prez" or "Grandma Prez," died on Friday, Feb. 22, 2002, in Pompano Beach, Fla. She was born on July 27, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., to Francis Dowdle and Marvel (Ellickson) Dowdle Dooley. She moved to Madison as a child and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1942. She married Donald C. Pressentin on Aug. 25, 1945, in Madison at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. MaryAnne was a passionate lady who was dearly loved by everyone who met her. She was known for her engaging smile and the uncanny ability to make everyone she met feel good. She was kind, fun, gentle, and always found good in everyone. Her home was always open to her family and friends and was always a gathering place. She was an avid sports enthusiast always at her grandkid's activities, attending every Badgers home football game, watching all the Packers games, and never missing a professional golf match. In her cache of wonderful memories were the Rose Bowl, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Ryder Cup. She was a player, always saying, "Yes, let's go!" She loved the great outdoors. She had a passion for the Northwoods of Wisconsin, particularly her beloved Presque Isle Lake where she spent many years. MaryAnne could tell you about the habits of the wildlife, the flowers and plants and birds, and she shared that openly with everyone. She loved her home in Florida, and all the wonderful friends she had there, and all the parties and fun gatherings that were a daily event. She was a sun bunny, permanently tanned! She loved to dance, had a passion for arts, loved to read and her home was always filled with lots of books, especially the big dictionaries that always took Dad and she to the completion of their crossword puzzles. Her most fervent passion was her family. Her husband, "Duck," was her soulmate and love of her life, forever in her heart. Her nine kids to whom she gave unwavering love and acceptance, their spouses, and her 20 grandkids who she adored and celebrated every waking moment ... she made each feel they were the apple of her eye. Maryanne loved babies, children, people, animals, birds, travel, parties, rainbows, music, blue skies, rainy days, sunshine, books, flowers, parades, jokes, Christmas, holidays, and the USA She was a kind, gentle, fun loving, and generous woman who was always aware of the tiny miracles in life; a true testimony to her incredible spirit! She will be missed with heavy hearts but our lives will be filled with the memories of the passionate love Mom had for everyone and everything in her life. She is survived by her children, Cassie and son, Reid, Brad (Shari) and children, Brent, Bryce, and Bridget, Randy (Janie) and children, Christopher, Adam, Haley, and Kim, Becky (Bruce) Mueller and children, Shelby and Peyton, Gary (Michelle) and son, Jeffy, Joe (Kim) and children, Emily, Lauren, and Kevin, and Carrie (John) Murphy and children, Keenan, Bailey, Corban, and Cavanagh; her son-in-law, Terry Fisher and children, Brian and Amber; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Charlotte O'Brien; and a nephew, Tim (Mary Sue) Pressentin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald C. Pressentin; and her children, Suzi Pressentin Fisher, and Jeffrey Pressentin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ST. MARIA GORETTI CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2002, with a luncheon following. A private family burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002. A memorial fund will be established in her name. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Steven J. "Feeney" Caravello

FITCHBURG [Wisconsin] - Steve J. "Feeney" Caravello, age 78, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare inpatient unit. He was born on Feb. 3, 1924, the son of Joseph and Mamie (Chiovaro) Caravello. Steve attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving in WWII aboard the distinguished USS Cassin Young. In May of 1947 Steve married Betty Lincicum, who preceded him in death in Oct. of 1986. In September of 1989 he married Bernadette Hickman. Steve is survived by his loving wife, Bernie; three children, Joe (Patti) of Los Angeles, Calif., Michael of Sun Prairie and Diane (Lee) Larsen of Fitchburg; three step-sons, Dennis (Clara) Hickman of the United Arab Emirates, Michael (Janet) Hickman of Rochester, Minn., and Patrick (Linda) Hickman of Ashland; 18 grandchildren; a sister, Florence Hankel; and a brother, Joe Caravello both of Sacramento, Calif.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, John. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, at ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, Wis., 53711. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Helene Johanna Gutzman

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Helen Johanna Gutzman, age 97, died on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, at Waunakee Manor. She was born on Jan. 24, 1905, in Madison, Wis., to Otto and Mathilda (Gill) Gutzman. She was a lifelong resident of Madison. Helen graduated from Holy Redeemer Grade School and Central High School. In 1969, she retired from Madison Gas and Electric Co. as an assistant supervisor after 45 years of service. She was a member of the Catholic Womens Club, and a volunteer of the St. Marys Auxiliary. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Tomas) Thomas, Bob (Karen) Gutzman, Mary (Don) Janquart, Joan (John) Paitl, Shirley (Bill) Martinson, and Michelle Menigoz. She also has many great- nieces and nephews. She appreciated the many visits of Stephanie, Marietta, Jennifer, Becky, Denise, and Sharon. The true joy of her life the past six years, has been her great-great nieces and nephews, Courtney, Jared, Emma, Anna, Matt, and Colleen. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Edward; sister, Catherine Menigoz; and a nephew, Joe Menigoz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 E. Johnson St., Madison, with Father Lawrence Bakke officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Friday. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude for four years of loving care given by the dedicated staff of the Waunakee Manor. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally posted in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Lawrence "Larry" W. Post, Sr.

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Lawrence "Larry" W. Post, Sr., age 77, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002. He was born on May 8, 1924, in Madison, the son of Adolph and Alma Post. He married Virginia "Ginny" Hanley on Feb. 6, 1947, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Madison, where they are still members. Larry attended Madison Central High School and entered military service in 1943. He was a Heavy Weapons NCO with the 106th Infantry Division and fought in WWII at the Battle of the Bulge near Schonberg, Belgium where he was seriously wounded and captured on Dec. 16, 1944. He was a prisoner of war for four months until he was liberated on April 15, 1945. Larry was awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for courage in battle. He was a member of VFW Post #7591, American Legion Post #501, DAV Chapter 2, as well as the past local commander for the Badger Chapter - POW. Larry and Ginny attended numerous annual reunions of the 106th Division including Ariz., Fla., S.C., Va., Mo., Ill., and Ind., and the most recent reunion which was held in Washington, DC just days before the Sept. 11th "terrorist attack" on the Pentagon. Larry was employed at the University of Wisconsin-residence halls for 28 years. He and Virginia retired in 1986. Larry enjoyed woodworking projects in his workshop, creating beautiful furniture pieces for family and friends and enjoyed traveling, especially to Arizona and Alabama to see his wartime buddy, Calvin and his family. He was also an avid photographer. In addition to Virginia, his wife of 55 years, survivors include his sons, Larry Jr. (Betty) of Sun Prairie, Tom (Vicki) of Mt. Horeb, David of Madison; his daughters, Mary (Bob) Pankratz and Theresa of Madison; his grandsons, Paul (Sue) of Lodi, Todd (friend, Michelle) of Madison; his great-grandson, Ryley James Post; close friend, Joyce Gausmann, and her sons, John and Jaimie; his sisters, Dorothy (Bernard) Hahn, Evelyn (Stan) Gallagher, and Marie all of Madison; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Nelson, Rosemary Halzel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens cemetery. Friends may call from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive where a military pass and review will be conducted by the VFW Post #7591 at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be sent to Llew Bredeson, Treasurer, Ex-POW's, 406 Frost Woods, Monona, Wis., 53716. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Benny Kopelberg - Class of 1942

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Benny Kopelberg, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, Feb. 2, 2002, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. Benny was born June 5, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis. His family moved to Madison in 1939 where they owned and operated the Supreme Food Shop (later known as the Mifflin Street Co-Op) on Bassett & Mifflin Street. Ben graduated from Central High School (class of 1942) and shortly thereafter joined the Navy. He served as Yeomen on the USS Leonis in the South Pacific and at the end of his duty he served as an aid to Admiral Nimitz, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shortly before his discharge from the service, he met and married Roslyn Lassen and they were married for 56 years. Benny owned and operated the Leader Laundry and was later an independent insurance agent. He was a lifelong member of Temple Beth Israel, and a local and regional past president of the Bnai Brith Organization. Benny was also very active as an advisor to the AZA Youth Group. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lily and Harry Kopelberg; his brother, Phillip Kapell; and his son, Steven. Benny is survived by his wife Roslyn (Lassen); his son, Mark (Barbara); and daughter Lisa (Perry Hoffman). Benny had the joy of his wonderful grandchildren Emily and Michael Kopelberg and Steven Hoffman, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and loyal friends. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Beth Israel Center or a charity of choice. Services will be held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at 11:30 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Committal to be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Cress Funeral Home (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Ann K. (Cullinane) Pagel - Class of 1928

LODI [Wisconsin] - Mrs. Ann K. Pagel, age 92, died on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at Lodi Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Ann was born on Jan. 6, 1910, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of John R. and Mary (Link) Cullinane. She graduated from St. Raphael's in 1924 and Madison Central High School in 1928. She married Lawrence Pagel on Sept. 26, 1936, at St. Raphael's Cathedral. Ann was an entertainer and enjoyed making people laugh and feel better. As "Screwball Annie" she performed pantomime at county fairs and special occasions throughout Wisconsin. Even though she was confined to a wheelchair, she continued to perform at Good Samaritan to the delight of both the residents and staff. She also found time to comfort the residents in their time of need. Ann was a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary and organized a kitchen ban to entertain the membership at the Eagles Club. Ann was a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral. She is survived by her husband, Larry, to whom she has been married for 65 years; a son, Patrick (Joan) of Madison; three grandchildren, Debbie (Jon) Stolz of Wauwatosa, Scott (Patti) Pagel of Kimberly, Julie (John) Tomasen of Minneapolis, and Noel and Travis Pagel, both of Madison; a niece, Mary Cullinane of Oconomowoc; a nephew, Michael Cullinane of Madison; six great-grandchildren; numerous cousins; and a longtime friend, Judy Pagel of Madison She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mary; and a brother, John. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL, 222 W. Main St., on Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at 10 a.m. Monsignor Daniel Ganshert will officiate, with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the service time. Memorials may be made to Lodi Good Samaritan Home, 700 Clark St., Lodi, WI 53555. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 1, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)