Obituary: Alice Siggelko Better - Class of 1928

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Alice Siggelko Better, age 91, a fourth generation lifelong resident of Madison, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, at the Meriter Health Center. She was born in Madison on Aug. 10, 1910, the daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Perkins Siggelko. Mr. Siggelko was a prominent Madison attorney. She was the granddaughter of John and Alice McFarland Siggelko. One of Madison's pioneer families, the Siggelkos arrived from Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1851 and originally settled in the town of Blooming Grove. Alice graduated from Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in history. During World War II, she worked as an air traffic controller at Truax Field in Madison. After the war, she worked in the University of Wisconsin Extension Division until her retirement. An enthusiastic Democrat her entire life, Alice read widely in English history and literature. She was an accomplished model railroader, wood carver and model furniture maker who leaves countless handmade creations that are treasured by her family and friends. A gifted athlete from girlhood, she maintained a lifelong love of golfing and bowling, winning numerous trophies and awards. Coming from a family of serious bridge players, she had achieved the level of life master in the ACBL. Her keen intellect, her ironic humor and her independent spirit will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. "Her mind was her kingdom, her will was her law." Mrs. Better is survived by two brothers, Scott Siggelkow of Lake Tomahawk, and Dr. Richard Siggelkow and his wife, Lois, of Ellicottville, N.Y.; two nephews, Rick Siggelkow of South Nyack, N.Y., and Jim Siggelkow of Buffalo, N.Y.; a grand-nephew and two grand-nieces. Burial was in the family plot in Forrest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.

Originally published in The Capital Times on March 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Alice Siggilkow [sic] is pictured among the members of of the February graduating class in the 1928 Tychoberahn.

Note: The Siggelko and Siggelkow spelling differences may be explained by her grandfather's decision to drop the "w" from the end of his surname. Click HERE for additional information about this spelling change.