Obituary: Phyllis M. (Natvig) Tiedt

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Phyllis M. Tiedt, age 79, of Madison, died on Friday, June 28, 2002. She was born on September 16, 1922, the daughter of Selmer and Mae (Erickson) Natvig. Phyllis graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Paul G. Tiedt in 1945. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Paul and her daughter, Margo Tiedt of Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Richard P. Tiedt; brothers, Selmer Jr., Duane and Wendell; and a sister, Audrey. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME 5203 Monona Dr., at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2002. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Gunderson East Funeral Home 608-221-5420


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

Obituary: Michael A. "Pee Wee" Caruso - Class of 1951

FITCHBURG [Wisconsin] - Michael A. "Pee Wee" Caruso, age 69, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2002, at St. Marys Hospital. Michael was born in Madison on June 17, 1933, to Jim and Caroline (Messina) Caruso. He was raised in the "Bush" where he worked in his parents White Front Grocery Store. He was a member of the 1948 junior touch football league city championship team and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951, where he was a standout athlete and an all-city baseball player. In 1952, Michael was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Quartermaster Companies, 43rd Infantry Division, in Augsburg, Germany. Upon his return to Madison from Germany, Michael worked various jobs and assisted his parents at the grocery store. He finally accepted a position with the Madison School District at LaFollette High School, where he worked until his retirement. He was an avid golfer, loved jazz music and was an accomplished saxophone player. He will be deeply missed and is lovingly survived by his son, Vincent (Nancy) Caruso; a daughter, Maria (Tim) Cooper; a brother, Al (Carrie) Caruso of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Annette "Toots" Caruso; his former wife, Francesca; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Carly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2002, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court. The Rev. Douglas Dushack will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations in Michael's name may be made to St. James Catholic School. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, clergy and other caregivers at Dean Clinic, St. Marys Hospital, Sylvan Crossing and Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their love, support, comfort, prayers and excellent professional care of Michael. "He had a unique way of loving his family and friends." Cress Funeral Service Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

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

Obituary: Judy Marie Adams

LAFARGE [Wisconsin] - Judy Marie Adams, age 55, died on Sunday morning, June 16, 2002, in her home surrounded by family. God saw you were getting tired, And a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you, And whispered, "Come to Me." -Author Unknown She is survived by her husband, Don; three daughters, Mary Sue (Eric) Slifer of St. Louis, Mo., Rebecca (Ryan) Poquette of Eau Claire, and Alison Adams of LaFarge; her mother, Irma Borge; two sisters, Susan (Ron) Wirth and Delores Greene; numerous sisters/brothers-in-law, and grand nieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, James Borge; two infant sons; and an infant daughter. She was born Sept. 26, 1946, in Madison. She was an active member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church. She graduated from Central High School of Madison and Madison Area Technical College. She married Don on Dec. 10, 1966, and worked at Jackson Clinic as a Medical Assistant in Madison for 27 years. She was dedicated to the children of her church through Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and numerous other activities. Her dedication continued at the LaFarge United Methodist Church when she and her family retired to LaFarge in 1990. Funeral services will be held at the LAFARGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on Wednesday, June 19, 2002, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Jean Waldron officiating. Burial will be in the Bear Creek Cemetery. Friends may call at the SELAND-HUSTON FUNERAL HOME in LaFarge from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2002, and at the church from noon until the time of service Wednesday. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother When I think of you, I die, too, In my throat, bereft Like yours, of air, No sound is left, Nothing is there To make a word of grief. - Edna St. Vincent Millay Special thanks to the unending support, love, and dedication of our unending family; Our angel network that surrounded us with sisterly love and guidance; Bonita Dorschied; the LaFarge United Methodist Church and auxiliary; Joyce Steinmetz; the hospice workers of Home Health United; Dr. Christine Richards for her enormous heart; Phil and Deb Campbell; the staff of Richland Hospital in Richland Center and St. Mary's Hospital in Madison; and the teachers at LaFarge School for providing food and comfort. A memorial to the children of LaFarge United Methodist Church will be established.

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

Obituary: Bettie A. Ford - Class of 1934

Bettie A. Ford traveled home on Mon., June 10, 2002 at 88. Loving mother of Jane Ford. Will be missed by many friends. She loved to travel, stopping along the way for cocktails at sunset. Bettie volunteered for several years on the Parents Help Line and Laubach Literacy Center. Visitation at the Funeral Home Sat., June 15, 10-11 AM. Funeral Service at 11 AM. Burial to follow Service. "SWEET THING" WAS A FUN ONE condolences to www.krausefuneralhome.com KRAUSE FUNERAL HOME and Cremation Services 9000 W. CAPITOL DR. 414-464-4640

Originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on June 13, 2002

Note: Bettie A. Ford's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange and Black yearbook, includes her photograph among the June graduates.

Obituary: Joe S. Bonino

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Joe S. Bonino, age 80, died Sunday, June 2, 2002, at St. Marys Care Center. Joe was born March 30, 1922, in Madison, the son of Carlo and Mary (DeStefano) Bonino. He was a graduate of Central High School. He lived and grew up in the Old Greenbush. Joe worked as a bartender at many local bars and clubs. He retired working for the University of Wisconsin as a custodian. Joe entered the service in January 1943, and was honorably discharged December 13, 1945. He was an airplane and engine mechanic in the AAF Transport Command base in Australia and New Guinea. He supervised the work of seven men. Joe was an avid fisherman, fishing Madison's lakes in the summer daily. His trophy was a 44" lake trout caught on Great Slave Lake, N.W. Territories. He was preceded in death by his father, Carlo; his mother, Mary; a daughter, Karla; sisters, Mary Koehler and Francis Fumusa; and a brother, John. He is survived by a son, Joe Jr., a brother, Sam of California; a sister, Rose of Madison. We thank the staff at St. Marys Care Center for the loving care he received in his last days. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at the FITCH-LAWRENCE-SANFILLIPPO FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. Memorials may be made to St. Marys Care Center.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 9, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Lee (Buck) Phillips - Class of 1955

FROMBERG, MONTANA - Lee Phillips of Fromberg lost her battle with cancer on the evening of June 2, 2002, surrounded by her family and friends, at her home in Fromberg.

Lee was born Sept. 4, 1937, one of six children to Ronald and Cecelia Buck. Lee graduated from Madison Central High School in Madison, Wis., in 1955; also in 1955, she married Robert Phillips. Lee received a degree in commercial art from the University of Madison.

Lee enjoyed many talents and had a passion for gardening and crossword puzzles. Lee moved to Fromberg in 1969, and worked various jobs, from the furniture factory in Bridger to tending bar at Miller's, Aldo's and the Little Cowboy in Fromberg. Lee always had a pot of coffee on and a conversation for anyone.

 Lee is survived by her sister Sally (John) McSherry of Ridgeway, Wis., Kay Jacobs of Key West, Fla., Janice (Phil) Lindemann, Madison; brother Daniel (Ruth) Buck of Madison; three sons, David (Sheryl) Phillips, Laurel, Robert A. Phillips, Billings, and Rodger E. Phillips, Fromberg; two daughters, Linda (Carl) Bridges, Casa Grande, Ariz., and Sheri (Tony) Spahr, Battle Creek Mich.; eight grandchildren, Jamie and Jodi Newsome, Casey Phillips, Andrew and Samuel Phillips, Anthony and Daniel Spahr, and Tucker Phillips.

 Lee was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Mary Lou Cooney; one daughter, Lisa Newsome; and one grandson, Daniel Robert Phillips. The life of Lee Phillips will be celebrated June 8, with a graveside service at one of Lee's favorite times of the day, 4 p.m., at Gebo Cemetery north of Fromberg. Cremation has already taken place. A reception will follow in the back yard of Lee's place in Fromberg.

Originally published in The Billings Gazette on June 5, 2002. Submitted by Jan Lindemann (Class of 1969).

Obituary: Alice D. (Dousman) Rogeberg

MADISON [Wisconsin] - While surrounded by her family, Alice D. Rogeberg died on Thursday, May 30, 2002, from complications from a recent fall. She was born April 20, 1913, during a big snowstorm in Milwaukee, the daughter of Loleta and Edward Dousman. After moving to Madison as a young girl, she attended Randall School. While a student at Central High School, she met her future husband, Thor Rogeberg. After high school she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, earning her degree in Art Education in 1934. Alice and Thor were married in Madison on Aug. 1, 1936, and had fifty-four years together before his death in 1990. She was a 75 year member of Grace Episcopal Church where she was a long-time Sunday school teacher and also was involved in Mary & Martha Guild, the Altar Guild, Heritage Club, and estate sales. She was also a member of the Madison Quester's Club. Alice loved her family and her many friends. She loved to travel, to attend band concerts at Rennebohm Park, to collect antiques, and to visit her friends who were sick. She remained a totally classy lady to the end of her life. She is survived by her two sons, Thomas (Karen) Rogeberg of Coral Springs, Fla., and James (Patricia) Rogeberg of Madison; five grandchildren, Tim Rogeberg of Topanga, Calif., John (Karen) Rogeberg of Anchorage, Alaska, and Aimee Brountie, Laura Rogeberg (fiance Adam Grunenwald) and Will Rogeberg, all of Madison; two great-grandchildren, Kyla and Henry Brountie; and nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother William in 1992. Funeral services will be held at GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 116 W. Washington Avenue at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2002, with Fr. John Fetterman officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd. from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2002. Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or to favorite charities. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life." John 3:36a. Vi Elsker Deg, G.G. Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 3, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)