Obituary: Katherine (Morrissey) Lemmer

ORFORDVILLE/ MADISON - Katherine M. Lemmer, age 99, died on Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at the home of her daughter. She was born on Oct. 2, 1905, in Lodi, the daughter of William and Catherine (Burns) Morrissey. She married Kenneth E. Lemmer in Blessed Sacrament Church, Madison, on April 27, 1935. They were the first couple to be married in that church. Katherine grew up in Madison, attending St. Raphael's Grade School and graduating from Central High School. She graduated from UW-Madison in 1927. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and of the UW archery squad during her college years. She then taught art in the Madison School District until her marriage in 1935. During the war, while her husband was overseas, she volunteered to work with the troops at Truax Field in Madison. Her entire life she created beauty in art, specializing in watercolors. She was a member of the Madison Art Guild and especially enjoyed a Thursday morning paint-out group with her Madison artist friends. She was a 52 year member of the Attic Angel Association, donating untold volunteer hours. When asked in later years what she wanted to be remembered for, she answered, "I want to be remembered for my devotion to my children and grandchildren." Katherine is survived by her son, Kenneth G. Lemmer (Maureen O'Malley) of Waunakee; daughter, Ann Lemmer Moyer (Bill Redmer) of Orfordville; grandchildren, Kathleen Elizabeth Wren (Eric), Joanna Margaret Lemmer, and Mariana Elena Rodrigues (Jake Schmidt); great-grandchildren, Max Schmidt and Sydney Wren; and her nephew, William Morrissey, O. P. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth E. Lemmer, M.D.; her parents; a sister, Rose M. Kennedy; and a brother, Lewis Morrissey. A funeral mass will be held at ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH in Footville at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, with Father Kevin Dooley officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH in Footville on Thursday, prior to the Mass. A luncheon will be held at the church following Mass. Memorials may be made to Mercy Adult Day Center. Newcomer-Silverthorn Chapel on the Hill, Orfordville, is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 20, 2004

Obituary: Orville W. Geier - Class of 1934

MADSION - Orville W. Geier, age 88, died on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at Oakwood Village West. He was born on April 3, 1916, in Sauk City, the son of Edward Geier and Hannah Frey Geier. He married Lexa Sanders on June 17, 1939, in Madison. Orville graduated from Central High School in Madison. He ended a lifelong career in sales in 1978, retiring to Madison. He was a member of the Madison Chapter of the Elks Lodge. He loved every golf course in Madison, playing regularly and organizing seniors tournaments. He is survived by his loving wife, Lexa; daughter, Peggy Backstrom; son, Tim (Donna) Geier; granddaughters, Amy and Corinne Geier; two sisters, Edna and Carol; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Hannah Geier; and his four brothers, Milton, Nestor, Roland and Earl. All friends and relatives are cordially invited to a memorial service on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at 2 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Orvilles name may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Oakwood Lutheran Homes. Thank you especially to the staff of Hebron Oaks (3rd floor) for their kindness and compassion and to Gail Gaustad, CNP, for seeming to know Orville as well, or better, than he knew himself. Orville will continue to be loved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. Cress Funeral & Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 20, 2004

Obituary: Eileen Brumm Olson - Class of 1940

BERNARDO, CALIF. / MADISON - Eileen Brumm Olson passed away on Monday, Oct. 3, 2005. Eileen was born on Jan. 12, 1923, in Madison, to Gilbert and Marie (Weckesser) Brumm. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1940 and attended UW-Madison where she met her husband, LeRoy C. Olson of Westby. They married in Tampa, Fla., July 13, 1943, where LeRoy was stationed at MacDill AFB. Returning to Madison after the war, Eileen worked as a secretary for UW-Madison and Ray-O-Vac Corporation while LeRoy finished college and began his career with International Harvester. In 1951, the couple moved to the Chicago area where they raised three children, Gregory Olson of Arvada, Colo., Lynn Dowling of Greenbrae, Calif. and Gary Olson of Shanghai, China. The couple transferred to San Diego in 1962 and back to Chicago in 1968. Eileen resumed her career as a secretary for the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce and George Williams College. She and LeRoy retired in 1980, settling in Rancho Bernardo, a suburb of San Diego. They traveled extensively in retirement to Australia, Europe, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. Eileen loved to garden and was an avid reader. She is remembered by all for her outgoing, friendly demeanor. She is survived by her husband; her three children; her four grandchildren, Joseph, Ashlie, Sarah and Emma; and two great-grandchildren, Kylie and Conner. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Gilbert. A memorial service was held on Oct. 6, 2005, in Rancho Bernardo. Donations in Eileens memory can be made to Interfaith Community Services, 550 W. Washington Ave., Suite B, Escondido, Calif., Attn: Jeannie Winton

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 16, 2005

Obituary: Crescence Elizabeth "Cres" (Daniels) Caulum - Class of 1934

MADISON - Crescence Elizabeth "Cres" Caulum, age 87, died peacefully in the presence of her family at Alterra Clare Bridge Assisted Living Center of Middleton, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004. She was born in Madison on Jan. 11, 1917, to Elsie and Ray Daniels. Cres graduated from Madison's Central High School in 1935. She married Wayne R. Caulum, the love of her life, on July 29, 1939. They raised four children, Steven, David, Jane and Robert. Cres was a peaceful and loving presence in her family. She was loved by all who knew her for her quiet, gentle manner. Her grandchildren loved to visit her as Cres always took the time to play with or read to them. Cres worked during the 1960s in the business office at Edgewood College, an experience she found very rewarding. Cres is survived by her loving children, David Caulum and Robert (Judy Snell) Caulum of Madison, and Jane E. (Kean) Swank of Los Altos, Calif.; devoted daughter-in-law, Susan P. Caulum; and caring friend, Sharon Patrick of Madison; brother, John J. (Nancy) Daniels of Spokane, Wash.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Cres was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Alice; her husband; and her son, Steven. A memorial Mass will be held on at noon on Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 4001 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Friends may greet the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or to South Central Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 517 N. Segoe Road, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53705. Cres' family thanks the wonderful people of Alterra Clare Bridge and HospiceCare for their loving care and support. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 15, 2004


Note: Crescence Daniels Caulum's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange and Black yearbook, which features her senior photo in the June graduates section. She is also listed in the Class of 1934's 35th reunion booklet. Perhaps the date in the obituary is a typographical error.

Obituary: Julian Murray Kahl - Class of 1943

WAUNAKEE - Julian Murray Kahl, age 79, died on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center surrounded by his family. He was born on April 29, 1925, in Waukesha, to William and Erna (Scheele) Kahl. Julian graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 until 1946, in the Pacific Theater. Julian married Dorothea Birkeland on Oct. 28, 1950, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He retired from Oscar Mayer in January 1985, after 35 years. Julian also worked as a custodian for Peterbilt for approximately 10 years. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Julian enjoyed bowling, Saturday night euchre and his pets. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their ball games. Julian is survived by his wife, Dorothea of Waunakee; three children, William (Diane) Kahl of Cottage Grove, Julie (James) Kuhlow of Waterloo, and Pam (Ray) Phillips of Cottage Grove; grandchildren, David, Matt (Beth Kreger), Ryan and Jeff Schroud, Jamie Kuhlow, and Cory, Kevin and Kyle Phillips; a sister, Myrna Kahl; and his constant canine companion, Patches. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Arthur Kahl. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, with the Rev. Bernt Tweit presiding. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Monday. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

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

Obituary: Harriet (Kessenich) Mueller - Class of 1936

MADISON - Harriet J. (Kessenich) Mueller died on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, surrounded by her family, one day short of her 86th birthday. Harriet was born on Oct. 6, 1918, to Phil and Loretta (Dorsey) Kessenich. She graduated from Central High School in 1936. Harriet married her high school sweetheart, Donald Payton Mueller, on Dec. 31, 1941. Together they raised seven children until Don's early death on Sept. 27, 1968. Harriet was employed at University Hospitals and Clinics for 20 years, where she established the Word Processing Center. Upon retiring she then spent 20 years there as a volunteer in both the gift shop and front desk. Harriet loved God, her family and the Green Bay Packers! (She was probably their greatest coach.) Harriet was so very proud of her family and of her Irish heritage. She met life and her challenges head on. She faced breast cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer with courage and hope. She truly was quite a lady! Harriet is survived by the loves of her life, her seven children, Jim (Fran) Mueller of Greenville, S.C., Pat (Steve) Gilfoy of Madison, Jean (and the late Tom) Rauch of Madison, Kate (Bob) Watts of Madison, Mary (Steve) Stolen of Cottage Grove, Joanne (Charles) Turner of Madison, and Joe (Denise) Mueller of Madison. She had 13 grandchildren, Theresa and Mike Mueller, Tim, Ben and Sara Rauch, Kristen Lee, Molly Smith, Margaret and Melissa Watts, Jenny Stolen, and Jessica, Erika and Alexa Turner; step-grandsons, Jon, Chris and Ryan Bruns; and eight special great-grandchildren, Alex, Zach, Emily, Pendleton, Kaiden, Andrew, Christian and Liberty. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, MaryEllen Lathers of West Bend, and Joann Mueller of Rockville, Ind.; many cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as many dear neighbors and special friends. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her brothers and sisters; two brothers-in-law; and her son-in-law, Tom Rauch. Heartfelt thanks go to her caregivers and staff at University Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Nizar Jarjour and Dr. David Watts, Theresa and Judy. Harriet was always treat with honesty, dignity and grace. Through HospiceCare new friends were made who became special to all of her family, care coordinators, Cheryl and Virgil, volunteers, Doug and Connie. Special thanks to two dear friends, Karen Osipoff and Susan Schiller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Kolman Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Lung Association or HospiceCare. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 8, 2004

Obituary: Jackie Pharo Walrath

MADISON - Jackie Pharo Walrath, age 63, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, at St. Marys Hospital. Jackie was born in Beloit, on Nov. 12, 1940. She has lived in Madison the past 49 years. She attended Central High School. She was widowed in 1967, and never remarried. Jackie was a foster care provider for Dane County for 18 years and provided care for more than 200 children. Jackie passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Her last few years were difficult due to COPD, diabetes, and a failing heart. Through it all she maintained a strong will to live. Jackie was a very giving, unselfish person, always putting other's needs before her own. She was an avid reader and had a passion for Native American art. Jackie will be missed. Jackie is survived by her son, Jim Walrath of Madison; daughter, Dinyel Walrath of Oregon; and three grandsons, Branden Walrath, Dreyson Anderson and Dylan Anderson, all of Oregon. Also surviving are five brothers, David Pharo of Ocala, Fla., Denny (Lisa) Pharo of Westport, Dick (Elise) Pharo of Brooklyn, Bob (Candy) Pharo of Evansville, and a half brother, Gene Pharo of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a sister, Linda (Jerry) Dubois of Madison; her stepmother, Doris Pharo of Pinellas Park, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Tracy Pharo Fillback of Montfort, Eric Dubois of Madison, Robin Pharo of Barneveld, Marcel Dubois of Madison, Nicholas Pharo of Brooklyn, and Justin Pharo and Janelle Pharo of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and seven great nieces and great nephews. Additional survivors include Jackie's dear lifelong friend, Sue Ann (Skip) Geir of Oregon. Jon England and Dawn Mick, both of Madison were favorites of Jackie's. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Walrath; her parents, Douglas and Irene Pharo; her grandparents, Blanche and Henry Pharo of Madison; and Edna Pharo, the aunt who raised her. To all the kids and young adults Jackie cared for over the last 18 years, please join us in saying goodbye on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Jackie and her family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who provided care and compassion to Jackie over the past few years. Jackie's children would like to thank the aunts and uncles for assisting Jackie in her time of need and for being there for her when she needed them the most. Jackie will be missed. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 3, 2004