Obituary: Robert Truk - Class of 1934

MCFARLAND/ OREGON - Robert J. Turk, age 88, died on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at Nazareth House, Stoughton. He was born on Sept. 2, 1916, in Madison, to Lester and Lillian (Keena) Turk. Bob graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. He attended the University of Alabama and UW Extension-Madison. Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II and attained the rank of sergeant major. He married Therese Pflieger on Feb. 22, 1943. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1994. Bob then married Dolores Moody on April 29, 1995. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Madison, retiring in 1973. Bob also worked for Madison Newspapers, delivering the Capital Times in Verona, until 1988. He was a member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon for more than 50 years. Bob was a member of V.F.W. Post No. 1318, the Retirees Postal Union, Holy Name Society, and a life member of the American Legion Post in Verona. He enjoyed fishing, writing, reading, singing and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed golf and being a caddy at Burr Oak Golf Course in Madison. He was a football fan and enjoyed ushering at Badgers games. Bob always knew someone, where ever he would go. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; children, Susan (Frank) Statz of Sauk City, Tim (Debbie) of Fitchburg, Terry (Ana) of Fort Atkinson, Mary (Curt) Ace of Hillpoint, and Jane (Duane) Freeman of Sarasota, Fla.; a step-son, Jeffrey (Rhonda) Krauss of Stoughton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Therese; his parents; two brothers, William and Harvey Turk; and two sisters, Virginia Fleming and Marion Nitka. Funeral services will be held at NAZARETH HOUSE CHAPEL, 814 Jackson St., Stoughton, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, with Father Gerard Healy presiding. Burial will be in St. Marys Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, and at Nazareth Chapel from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Nazareth House. A special thanks to Father Healy, the staff at Nazareth House, and Jim Fleming for their care and concern. Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home (608) 835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 30, 2004

Anna (DiMartino) Midstokke

MADISON/FITCHBURG - Anna M. Midstokke, age 84, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. She was born on May 23, 1920, in Madison, the daughter of Joe and Rose (Vitale) DiMartino. Anna graduated from Central High School. She worked for many years at Dane County Nursing Home until her retirement. Anna enjoyed birdwatching, by most of all spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, Kenneth Midstokke of Portage, Rosalie (Peter) Roy of Stoughton, Kathleen Bingham of McFarland, and Richard Midstokke of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Darren, Susie, Cheryl, Anna, Jeremiah, Kenny, Christopher, Joshua, Lorinda, Correna, Erin and Asher; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Jordyn, Brian, Stephan, Ronald, Justice, Kendra and Eric. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, in 1977; her grandson, Kenneth; her brothers, Joseph, Frank, Carl and Peter; and her sister, Virginia. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at 11 a.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME 5203 Monona Drive. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 29, 2004

Obituary: Donald "Gus" Burwell - Class of 1944

MADISON - Donald "Gus" Burwell, age 77, passed away at his home on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, after a courageous battle with asbestosis and cancer. He was born on Nov. 6, 1926, in Madison, the son of Earl and Ghea Burwell. Gus was a lifelong Madisonian and a 1944 graduate of Central High. He enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee in the South Pacific. Upon completion of military service he became a master electrician and was a part of the construction of many of Madison's well-known buildings. Gus married Nancy Davis in 1956. She passed away in 1973. Gus is most known for his contributions to local baseball, his passion. He was a longtime player, manager and commissioner in the Madison Recreation leagues, winning numerous city and state titles in both fastpitch softball and basketball. Gus was a longtime member of The Madison Dug-out Club, serving as banquet chairman for the annual Greater Madison Brewer Banquet for more than 20 years. He also served as general manager for the Avenue Bar semi-pro baseball teams for 12 years, winning the state title in 1993. For his accomplishments, Gus was enshrined in the Madison Sports Hall of Fame this past June, an honor he truly cherished. Gus was a great family man, always there when needed to offer support and praise. For that, we are truly grateful. He especially enjoyed spending time with his three grandsons watching them grow to become successful adults. Dad, you leave a void in our collective hearts but we know that you have gone on to a special place to be with Mom. Survivors include sons, Mark (Kathi) of Appleton, Steve (Paula) of Rockford, and Chris (Jackie) of Waunakee; grandsons, Shawn (Angie), Brett and Ryan; and sister, Dorothy (Don) Annen of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Nancy. The family would like to extend thanks to Sheryl and the staff at HospiceCare Inc. and to caregivers Nancy, Ally and Karin- "Gus' Angels." Visitation is from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, at ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 605 Spruce St., with Pastor Mary Pharmer officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 22, 2004

Baseball Booster Burwell Dies At 77

Gus Burwell, the driving force behind all matters baseball in thea rea for decades and a recent inductee to the Madison Sports Hall of Fame,died Monday after a fight with asbestosis and cancer. He was 77.

Burwell was best known in recent years as the chairman of the annual Greater Madison Brewer Banquet, a post he held for more than 20 years. As a key member of The Madison Dug-Out Club, he was also intensely involved with the defunct University of Wisconsin baseball program and promotion of the game at the grassroots level. A Madison native and graduate of Central High School, Burwell was a long time player, manager and commissioner on the city recreational leagues. For 12 years, he served as general manager of the Avenue Bar's semi-pro team, which was the summer home of many Badger players, including future major-leaguers Rodney Myers and Lance Painter. He guided Avenue Bar to the Wisconsin State League title in 1993.

In June, he became a member of the Hall of Fame, an honor he cherished."This is the pinnacle of everything I've done," he told The Capital Times then. "It makes me feel like I've done something for other people."

A visitation is scheduled today between 4 and 7 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home,6021 University Ave. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at St.Mark's Lutheran Church, 605 Spruce St.

Originally published as a news story in the sports section of The Capital Times on September 22, 2004

Obituary: Jospeh John Spatola

MADISON - Joseph John Spatola, age 79, of Madison, passed on Monday, Sep. 20, 2004. He was born on Dec. 3, 1924, son of John and Lesta Spatola. He married Claribel "Blondie" Christianson. Joseph attended Madison Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a professional truck driver for many years. After retirement Joseph and Claribel "Blondie" traveled in their motor home. He is survived by his children, Nick, Chris (Karen) Linda (Bill) Godding, Ken (Alane), and Keith; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Kay (Dean) Erickson; a brother, Tim (Margaret) Spatola; and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, "Blondie;" his daughter, Nina; his brother, Dan (Betty); and his sister, Jean (Bill) Slagg. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, at 6 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE, 6021 University Ave., Madison, with Father Heitke officiating. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. Madison, WI 53705 (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 22, 2004

Obituary: Robert G. Cords

MESA, ARIZ. /MADISON - Robert G. Cords, age 67, died unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at Banner Baywood Hospital, Mesa, Ariz. He was born on March 11, 1937, in Kankakee, Ill., the son of Albert and Eleanor Cords. Bob lived in Madison most of his life and attended Central High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954, and was honorably discharged in 1957. Bob married Nancy Schuh on Nov. 8, 1958. He worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and ITT Life Insurance until they moved to Mesa, Ariz. in 1980. Bob retired from Lab Corp in February 2001. Bob was a family man and was known for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh. Bob had a passion for researching and restoring old cars, especially 1956 Buicks. Bob will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Robert (Amiee) of Evergreen, Colo., Donald of San Diego, Calif., William (Cecilia) of Mililani, Hawaii, and Steven of San Diego, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Elinor, Angelina, Robert, Lue, Maia, Sarina and Steven; sisters, Evelyn Bingham, Marge Kerr and Marilyn Johnson; a brother, James; and many nieces; nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Albert. A chapel service will be held on Friday, Sept. 24, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the HART-VICK FUNERAL HOME, 107 S. Bebe St., Marshall. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 21, 2004

Obituary: Bette Mae (Kelley) Kraft

FITCHBURG - Bette Mae Kraft, age 77, died on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at Meriter Hospital. She was born on Feb. 27, 1927, to Leon and Dorothy (Keenan) Kelley, in Baraboo. John and Bette were married on July 30, 1949, at St. Raphael's Cathedral. She graduated from Central High School and went to work for the Armed Forces Institute for a few years. She later worked at Rayovac for 36 years and also worked at Borman's Family Apparel for a year. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, John of Fitchburg; a brother, Leon Kelley of San Jose, Calif.; an aunt, Marion Keenan of New York City, N.Y.; and numerous cousins, nephews and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, John. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, at 11:30 a.m. The Rev. John Meinholz and the Rev. Lawrence Kieffer will concelebrate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 19, 2004

Obituary: Kathleen Mary FitzGibbon - Class of 1960

MCFARLAND -Kathleen Mary FitzGibbon, age 62, died on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, at St. Marys Hospital in Madison. She was born on Jan. 16, 1942, in Madison, a daughter of the late James and Mabel (Helland) FitzGibbon. Kathy attended Central High School in Madison and worked for 25 years at WPS. After retiring she worked as a caregiver for the disabled. Kathleen married Ralph T. Olson on Feb. 27, 1988, in Madison. She is survived by her husband, Ralph; children, Theresa (Kevin) Jauron, Iowa, Dean (Anita) Carlson, North Carolina, Donna Carlson, McFarland, Curtis Carlson, McFarland, Rhonda Schultz, Monona, and Michael (Lisa) Carlson, Madison; three step-children,Turk Olson, Tracy Olson and Todd Olson; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sisters and brothers, Marion (Bud) Voss, Rosie (John) Slaight, George (Aileen) Reilly, Bernard (Phyllis) Reilly, Joanne (Don) Levinski and Janet Kleibore. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, James and Bob FitzGibbon. A memorial service celebrating Kathleen's life will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in McFarland, with the Rev. D. Stephen Smith officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Marys Hospital MICU for their loving care of our beloved mother. "We want to thank you for sacrificing so much for all of us and always giving your love so easily; you will be missed dearly." Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 10, 2004

Note: Kathleen Mary FitzGibbon's class year is based on information provided on the Class of 1960 web site.

Obituary - Mary Edith (Dahlik) Bond - Class of 1921

MADISON - Mary Edith (Dahlk) Bond died peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, at the Meriter Health Care Center. She was born on Oct. 12, 1903, to John B. and Edith (Bryan) Dahlk, on the family farm in Middleton Township. The family moved to Madison in 1920. Mary graduated from Madison High School in 1921. She then attended Madison Business College and UW-Madison where she studied nursing until 1928. Mary worked for the state as a stenographer and bookkeeper, but often shared her stories of visiting new mothers in the Madison community, on behalf of the Public Health Department, encouraging them to immunize their children and facilitating ways to get them into the health care system. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Madison, serving faithfully in the Women's Society and assumed numerous leadership responsibilities in the Sunday school programs. In 1997, Mary was happy to attend and participate in the church's sesquicentennial (150th) celebration as one of their oldest church members. She was also proud of her Dahlk family heritage and had a key interest in the Dahlk family history. The Dahlk descendents preserved their family unity by holding a family reunion picnic every summer, beginning in 1938, and in 1988, received a certificate of commendation from the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society on the occasion of this 50th year celebration. Mary married John C. Bond on June 24, 1930, in Madison, and they had a daughter, Mary Edith. Mary's family and friends had a wonderful time celebrating her 100th birthday, and at that time Mary commented on all she had experienced in those 100 years, the sinking of the Titanic, landing a man on the moon and the Internet. Survivors include her grandchildren, Debbie Johnson (Jeff Schwandt) of Madison, David (Lisa) Johnson and Erik Johnson (Rebecca Tyler), both of Massachusetts; a nephew and niece, Bill (Kathy) Dahlk and J. Elizabeth Dahlk, both of Milwaukee; and numerous other cousins; friends; and relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, John G. Dahlk; husband, John C. Bond; daughter, Mary Johnson; and son-in-law, David A. Johnson. Services will be held on Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 518 N. Franklin Ave., with the Rev. Mark Clinger presiding. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or to a charity of one's choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Davis and his nurse, Rhonda, Gail Gaustad, geriatric nurse practitioner, Lois Vanblaricom (Alterra Wynwood) and the entire staff at Meriter Terraces Assisted Living and the Meriter Health Care Center for all their kindnesses and care over these many years. Cress Funeral & Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 9, 2004