Obituary: Mary A. (Schumann) DeCofano

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Mary A. (Schumann) DeCofano, age 78, succumbed to Alzheimers on Saturday, May 25, 2002, at Oak Park Nursing Home. She was born on Nov. 10, 1923, the daughter of Victor and Marion (Parrino) Schiro. Mary was born in Madison after her parents immigrated from Sicily to this country and settled in the Greenbush neighborhood. She graduated from Madison Central High School. On April 24, 1948, she married John R. Schumann, who preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 1992. On Feb. 14, 1994, she married Ross DeCofano. Marys life was devoted to her family. Her interests were her children, gardening, sewing, music and dancing. Mary is survived by her husband, Ross; eight children, Virginia "Ginny" (Vern) Everson, Jane (Don) Qualle, Mary (David) Marfilius, Paula Schumann, Kathryn "Kay" (Daniel) Watson, and Robert N., John (Ava), and Richard (Anne) Schumann; seven grandchildren, Lorna and Jennifer Everson, Christopher and Katie Qualle, Joseph and Julia Watson, and Melissa Schumann; a sister, Concetta Mandala; a brother, Joseph Schiro; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and brothers, George and John Schiro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2002, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, with Father Dan Volkert officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. Memorials may be made to South Madison Coalition of the Elderly. A very special thank you to the staff of Oak Park, especially the Autumn Lane unit. Mary was truly an angel on earth. Earths loss is Heaven's gain. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 26, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Alfred L. Slotten

MADISON [Wisconsin] - "Al" passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, and was born on Jan. 8, 1921, in Madison, to Edward and Caroline (Oppen) Slotten. His last name was originally spelled and pronounced Sloten. Al attended Draper Elementary and graduated from Madison Central High School. Al served in World War II in Europe as a replacement in the Texas Fighting 36th, Company C Division, of the Infantry. He received the Purple Heart for his wounds and was honorably discharged. After military service he worked for Union Transfer and Storage and then the city of Madison Street Department, retiring in 1983. Al married the former Betty Schlecht on Sept. 3, 1946, at Indianapolis, Ind. Al enjoyed his family, the Packers and golf. He was a member of the VFW Post 7591, Disabled American Veterans and formerly American Legion Post 501. Together Al and Betty were blessed with three daughters, Jeanne (Chuck) Miller, Nancy (Al) Rhode and Cheryl (Curtis Sr.) Nowlen. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his seven grandchildren, Paul, Andy and Emily Miller, Lisa and Amy McQueen, and Curtis Jr. and Nikia Nowlen; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his sister-in-law, Alice Slotten; and brothers-in-law, William (Gerry) Schlecht and Harry Schlecht. Thank you to Carol, Carol, Barb, RuthAnn, Ann, Lisa and Jennifer, Jan, Sue and all the others for all the TLC Al received. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2002, with the Rev. Robert W. Groth presiding. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the services on Saturday. The family suggests memorials be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center or the charity of one's choice.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 17, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marian A. Kennedy - Class of 1937

MADISON/ MAZOMANIE [Wisconsin] - Marian A. Kennedy, age 82, of Madison, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at a local care facility. She was born in Madison on July 3, 1919, the daughter of the late Martin F. and Grace (Koltes) Kennedy. She was a lifelong Madison resident and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1937. Marian was employed as a cashier at University Hospital for 42 years, retiring in 1981. She enjoyed doing crafts, making afghans and plastic canvas items. The money she took in was usually given to her two favorite charities, Thursday's Child and Lions Club Summer Camp, which was donated through her business women's sorority, Beta Sigma Phi-Laureate, Iota Chapter. Marian had enjoyed a longtime association with this group. Marian worked and lived in Wisconsin Dells during the summer months where she was in business. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church since 1921, and was a member of the National Catholic Order of Foresters. Marian will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, her love and her loyalty. Marian had a generous nature and a strong faith. She was enormously proud of her nieces and nephews, and derived great pleasure from the children, who made her smile, and from her friends and family, whom she loved to care for. Despite her long struggle with cancer, she still maintained a resolve that amazed us all. Your family and friends will miss you, "Nante." She is survived by sisters-in-law, Joan Kennedy, Mary Kennedy and Connie Kennedy; nephews and nieces, William Kennedy Jr. (Gale), Timothy Kennedy (Elizabeth), Patrick Kennedy Jr., Michael Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Shannon Kennedy (Gaven) and Kelly Kennedy; great-nephews, William Kennedy III, Sawyer Kennedy, Collin Kennedy, Galen Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy and Peter Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Joseph, William and Patrick Kennedy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2002, with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at GNEWIKOW - HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Highway 14 West, Mazomanie, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2002, with a rosary at 5 p.m., and also at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the Mass Monday. All friends and family are welcome to attend a luncheon at St. Patrick's social hall following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Thursday's Child or the Madison Lions Club for Summer Camp.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 17, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)