Obituary: Lela "Lee" (Ackley) Poster - Class of 1947

MADISON - Lela "Lee" (Ackley) Poster, age 74, of Madison, died on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2003, at home. She was born on Jan. 22, 1929, at St. Marys Hospital to Lyle and Ida Ackley. She graduated from Central High School in 1947, where her main interest was music, playing clarinet in the school band for six years. Lela married Melvin A. Poster in 1950. She was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and sang in the choir for 25 years. She worked out of her house as a seamstress, and made and sold many clothes for Barbie and Ken dolls in the 1960s, which she won many awards for. She babysat for most of her grandchildren and some of her children's friends' children, including Sara, Corey, Julian and Zuri, who all called her grandma. She is survived by her seven children,, Skip (Nance) Poster of Portage, Kitty (Tony) Mazzara of Madison, Susan (Chuck) Clover of Waupun, Terry (Sue) Poster of Sturgeon Bay, Mary Kaye Poster of Portage, John Poster of Madison, and Jayme (Dana) Poster of Madison; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents;, and granddaughter, Melody. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., with Monsignor Michael Hippee and Father Jay Poster officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her son-in-law, Tony Mazzara, for holding her hand many nights throughout her last days; to Peggy Weber for all of her support; to the wonderful staff at HospiceCare and to Father Jay Poster for giving Lela her last rights. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 27, 2003

Obituary: John I. "Sam" Montalto

MADISON - John I. "Sam" Montalto, age 81, passed away on Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, at Four Winds Nursing Home in Verona, with his children at his side. He was born on June 18, 1922, at Madison and he had been a Madison resident all his life. He attended Central High School and served in the Army during World War II. He was employed by Ohmeda for 40 years, retiring in 1986. John is survived by two sons, John Jr. and Jeff; six daughters, Kathryn Phillips, Veronica (Larry) Ostermeyer, Rita Cattell, Diana Carpenter-Krause, Jenifer (Jim) Parisi, and Juliene (Scott) Meeker; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joe and Paul; and four sisters, Frances, Mary, Rosie and Carm. He was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Steve Carpenter and Ron Krause. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2003, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, with Father Todd Van Natta officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A special thanks to cousin, Ernie Tusa, the staff at HospiceCare and Four Winds Nursing Home. Cress Funeral Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 20, 2003

Obituary: Florence (Cunningham) Kinney - Class of 1929

MADISON - Florence E. Kinney, age 92, died peacefully on Aug. 12, 2003, after patiently living with Alzheimer's disease for the past five years. She was born in Madison on July 16, 1911, to William and Mary Cunningham. She was married to William R. (Bill) Kinney on July 30, 1938, at St. Raphael's Cathedral, Madison. By her example, Florence taught her family and friends to be more caring people. She was a member of St. Bernard's Parish for 59 years, attended daily Mass, and was active in many activities: taking Eucharist to the homebound, working at the school hot lunch program, ladies bazaars, Halloween parties, the Over 50 Club, and card parties. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. She was always there for her friends who could no longer drive, taking them shopping and to their doctor appointments Over the years, Florence had many other interests: following her son's and grandchildren's sports, Braves games, Ho-Chunk, the theater, card playing, dancing, golf, bowling, garage sales, the Lawrence Welk Show, crocheting, cooking, and baking, especially birthday cakes. She was a great Mom to her three sons, David (Teri) and Fred (Marilyn), both of Madison, and Patrick (Mary) of Greendale. She was very devoted to her nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Steve (Anne) Kinney, Jill (Dave) Yanke, Tim (Bonnie) Kinney, Tom (Carla) Kinney, Sue (Jim) Ellestad, Sandi (John) Williams, Stacy Kinney, Cori (Steve) Bjorkland and Aric (Courtney) Kinney. Her great-grandchildren are Ben, Sam, Peter and Joey Yanke, Kyle and Kayla Kinney, Nathan Hocking, Cora and Elle Kinney, Shane and Josh Wilkinson, Brandon Ellestad, Cole Williams, Annika and Jack Bjorkland, and Hannah Kinney. She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law, Joe and Dorothy Kinney of San Antonio, Texas; and sisters-in-law, Hildegard Kinney of Madison, and Helen Kinney of Monona. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Helen, Aleatha and Jesse; and her brothers, Eugene, Jim and Fred. Funeral services will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003, at 10 a.m. Monsignor Michael Hippee will officiate. Friends may call at the church from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at the Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St Bernard's Parish, Madison. Special thanks to Dr. Bill Rock and Dr. Jeff Wood for their compassionate care over the years. Thanks also to the staff members at Evora Lodge, Homestead Living and Oakwood Village for the fine care that Florence received. The loving and caring staff at Oakwood Knoll have been a special source of support for our Mom and the rest of the family. We are grateful for the many ways you all added to her quality of life during the past few years. She lived according to this prayer she had on her wall: "Dear God, Thank you for what I have. Please help me to do the best that I can, and accept whatever happens as your will." Her life has been one of support and service to her family and friends. Now we rejoice that she is resting in the loving arms of our Lord, and reunited with Bill in Heaven., Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 15, 2003

Florence Cunningham's class year is based on information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where she is listed among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Robert G. Snell

MADISON - So many time we use and hear analogies comparing life to sports. Words like courage, strength, and loyalty are used many times in both sports and life. But Robert G. Snell - more affectionately known as Grandpa Bob, Bubba, Bobby and Mustang Snelly, took these words he heard during his career of football and actually lived them along the way. Born on March 4, 1949, in Madison, as the youngest of seven children, Bob spent the first quarter of his life playing football. Bob played football at Central High School in Madison, continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then played for the semi-professional team, the Madison Mustangs, and even continued his love by playing on a championship touch football team. It was during this time that Bob developed strong bonds with friends, bonds that would continue throughout his lifetime and beyond. During the second quarter of his life, Bob took all the values he had learned and applied them to his life while raising his sons, Jim, Chad and Bret, and eventually his grandchildren, Jessica, Parker and Tag. His relationship with his children, grandchildren, mates, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, friends, and coworkers was one of continual love, hard work, commitment, and loyalty. During the third quarter of Bob's life, he took everything he loved and learned from football and gave it back to his other love, children. Bob always felt the need to give something back, that was important in his life. Bob took his love for kids, football and socializing and put it all together in one program, and that was the St. Francis Youth Football Program. Through this program, Bob impacted the lives of many children and young adults as he coached them not only about football, but about life. Unfortunately, Bob's fourth quarter ended early when he died on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003, after battling a long illness. He will be joining his mom and dad, Irene and Maurice. Bob, however, lived his philosophy of life to the end - his strength, character, courage and loyalty to loved ones kept him in the game and always will. You can join Bob's family and friends in celebrating the memory of his life on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, in Madison. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service from noon until 1 p.m., and a luncheon will follow.

Bob Snell's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn, where he is listed among the members of the June graduating class.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 14, 2003

Obituary: Robert M. Scholl - Class of 1930

MADISON - Robert M. Scholl, age 90, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2003. He was born on August 31, 1912, to Otto and Mary (Hansen) Scholl. Robert graduated from Central High School. He then went to work at Cantwell Printing, Madison, until it closed. Robert had a lot of great life experiences. He went to the World's Fair in New York. Robert worked with Frank Lloyd Wright when working at Cantwell Printing. As a child, he got to see Charles Lindbergh when Charles came to Madison after his flight across the Atlantic ocean. Robert loved sports. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and in the bowling Hall of Fame. Robert loved the Wisconsin Badgers. Up until a few years ago he would go to Badger Football games and Butch's Bologna Bashes. Robert is survived by a niece, Marilyn (Donald) Hewitt; a nephew, Robert (Patty) Scholl; great-nephews, Tom (Carol Ann) Hewitt, and John (Tina) Hewitt; a great-niece, Jane Hewitt; great-great-nephews, Sean Scholl, Mike Hewitt, and Eric (Sarah) Hewitt; and great-great-nieces, Kristine Hewitt, and Nicole Hewitt. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Victor Scholl; two sisters, Mildred Hauden, and Dorothy Anderson; a great-niece, Christine Scholl; and a great-nephew, David Hauden. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2003. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until the time of services. Entombment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for youth sports. Robert was a kind man with a big heart and he will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank his friends and the people Robert came in contact with on a daily basis for their kindness and time. Robert was thankful for all of you. Gunderson East Funeral Home 608-221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 10, 2003

Note: Robert M. Scholl's class year is on based on a list of Central High School Class of 1930 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 6, 1930.

Obituary: Linda Suzanne (Crume) Howard - Class of 1958

Howard, Linda Suzanne (Nee Crume) Died at noon June 16, 2003, at Hospice of the Valley Sun City, Peoria, AZ. Born in Soldiers Grove, WI, on March 4, 1941, to Ellsworth and Elinor (nee Reese) Crume. She also lived and attended school in Baraboo and Madison, WI. Linda graduated Central High School in Madison on June 13, 1958 and later married Carl Hubbard and moved to Waukesha, WI. There she raised three children and worked in Challenging vocations as a secretary for SEWRPC, the Wisconsin DOT and Planner. Later she was Assistant Director for the South Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Wisconsin. She married James L. Howard in 1982 and their children blended together to make one family. They also welcomed to their home Rotary Exchange Students - Marie from France and Silvia from Brazil. Rotary GSE Team members from around the world also joined their family. Linda was active in the Waukesha County Republican Party in Wisconsin and the Campaign Manager for Tommy G. Thompson's first primary for Governor of Wisconsin. Mrs. Howard was appointed by Governor Thompson to the Board on Aging and Long Term Care when the appointment was approved by the State Senate. She served with distinction for two terms until she moved to Arizona in January of 2000. Mrs. Howard was also appointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to be a citizen panelist on the Medical Mediation Board. She was also a volunteer ombudsman helping residents in need at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from full-time employment she worked as a civil process server with Badger Process and investigations, as a census crew leader for the US Dept. of Commerce Bureau of Census and a registered IRS Tax Preparer. Prior to her death, Mrs. Howard was approved and was to be appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court to become a member of the Foster Care Review Board. Sadly enough she will not be able to assist children in Arizona. Her family and many friends from around the world dearly miss Linda. Her father Ellsworth preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband James Howard; mother Elinor Crume, Madison, WI; brother John Crume, Viroqua, WI; daughters Suzanne (nee Hubbard) (Joseph) Seinko, Waukesha, WI, Sandra "Cinder" (nee Hubbard) Crider, Atlanta, GA, Christine (nee Howard) Miller, Madison, WI; sons Carl (Julie) Hubbard, Wrigtstown, WI, David Howard, Waukesha, WI, Mark Howard (CW04, USMC), Camp LeJuene, NC, Thomas Howard, East Troy, WI, Robert (Elizabeth) Howard, San Francisco, WI; as well as grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her special cat Sammy. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service to celebrate her life. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, W250 S3635 Center Road, Waukesha, Monday, August 11, 2003. Visitation will begin at 5PM with a Service said by Pastor Engin at 6PM.

Originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on August 9, 2003

Obituary: Ronald H. "Count" Stormer - Class of 1955

MADISON - Ronald H. "Count" Stormer, age 66, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003. He was born on Feb. 25, 1937, in Madison, the son of Howard "Pete" and Frances (Frisch) Stormer. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. Ron joined the Madison Police Department on March 19, 1962, and served the city until his retirement on June 22, 1989. Ron was an avid Packers and Badgers fan, he also enjoyed spending time with his wife, Judy at their Crystal Lake retreat where he was among many friends. He worked part-time at the Caribou Tavern for many years following his retirement and he loved to travel and especially enjoyed cruises. He is survived by his wife, Judene "Judy" of Madison; his children, Rebecca (Paul) Gilles of Battle Creek, Mich., Jane (Casey) McGann of Baraboo, John (Sandy) Stormer of Waunakee, Roberta (Bill) Briggs of Prairie du Sac, Daniel (Cindy) Stormer of Verona, Arthur (Debra) Davenport of Wisconsin Dells, and Richard (Richie) Duncan of Dallas, Texas; and by Ron's beloved cat, Misty. He is also survived by his mother, Frances Stormer of Fitchburg; his sisters, Darlene (Paul) Lavoie of California, Marilyn (Marlin) Irvine of Fitchburg, and Janice "Sue" (James) Lange of Phoenix, Ariz.; and 12 grandchildren, Daniel, Aaron, Kevin, Sarah, Amy, Mara, Sean, Corey, Bryant, Christine, Emily and Jacob; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard; and his wife, Mary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at 11 a.m. in ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, in Madison. Monsignor Tom Baxter will officiate. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2003, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the SCHROEDER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., in Madison, and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Cress Funeral Service Schroeder-Cress 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 8, 2003