Obituary: Marcella J. (Bartle) Halverson

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Marcella J. Halverson, age 95, died peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2002, at St. Marys Health Care Center. She was born on Aug. 10, 1906, in Dodgeville, Wis., the daughter of Charles and Catherine (O'Neill) Bartle. Marcella went to Dodgeville Elementary School in Dodgeville and St. Patrick's Grade School, Madison. She then attended Madison Central High School and was salutatorian of her class. After high school, she attended Madison Vocational School for two years to receive her degree to become a secretary for the Public Service Commission. On Feb. 2, 1924, Marcella was united in marriage to Herman Halverson at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Madison. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association and the Women's Auxillary of the Elks Club. Marcella was a very professional business woman who loved to sew. For 55 years she and her husband owned and operated Halverson Dry Cleaning. Marcella is survived by her three children, Leo (Ruth) Halverson of Madison, Marcia (Paul) duVair of Madison, and Robert Halverson of Florida; 10 grandchildren, LyAnn, Leslie, Leo III "Chip," John "Ole," Kaia, Suzanne, Elise, Robert Jr., David and Jon; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Charlotte Martin of Madison. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Marcella is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman Leo Sr.; and two sisters Kathryn Britt and Helen Fergen. Funeral services will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main St., Madison, on Thursday, May 2, 2002, at 10 a.m., with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Marys Health Care Center, 1347 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53715. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Alt, Dr. Pearson, Dr. DiMaggio, and the staff at St. Marys Hospital and Health Care Center for their very exceptional and wonderful care given. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 30, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)