Obituary: Loretta (Straus) Blodau - Class of 1927

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Loretta (Straus) Blodau, age 92, died on Saturday, July 6, 2002, at Oak Park Nursing Home, with her family at her bedside. She was born in DeForest on July 25, 1909, the daughter of Joseph and Albie (Kovanda) Straus. Loretta graduated from Madison Central High School. On Dec. 6, 1929, she married Harry J. Blodau. Together they farmed briefly in Sauk County. Loretta and Harry operated a grocery store in Madison on the near West side for 25 years. She also worked for the State of Wisconsin at the Oregon School for Girls. After retirement, Loretta was involved in many volunteer activities. She took great pleasure in gardening and in her grandchildren. Loretta is survived by her husband of 73 years, Harry; two daughters, Nancy (Clare) Hutson and Jeanette (Harlan Marquess) Blodau, both of Madison; 5 grandchildren, Frederick (Gretchen) Hutson, Anne (Edwin) Sommers, Karen Hutson, Alan (Debra) Hutson and Annette Mann; 8 great grandchildren; a brother, Jerome (Ruth) Straus of Seattle, Wash; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Leona (Roy) Butler. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at MERITER HEALTH CARE CENTER CHAPEL, 334 W. Doty Street, Madison, with the Rev. Siggi Arnarson officiating. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 517 N. Segoe Road #301, Madison, WI, 53705. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 8, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Loretta Straus's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors