Obituary: Joyce (Deering) Wall - Class of 1955

POYNETTE Joyce A. Wall, age 68, of Poynette, died on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 at the Portage Assembly of God, 2727 County Rd. CX, with Rev. Victor Hillestad officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Poynette. Friends may call on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. at the church. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home of Poynette is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on Feb. 14, 1937 in Madison, the daughter of Fred and Minnie (Haskins) Deering. She graduated in 1955 from Central High School in Madison. Joyce married Theodore James Wall in 1957. She retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections in Madison. She was a member of the Portage Assembly of God Church. Joyce had a great love for her family, especially for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Theodore James "Jim" Wall, Poynette; her children, Kevin (Jane) Wall, Arlington, Keith Wall, Pardeeville, Kimberly Ann (Dale) Howell, Madison, Kelly Jean Pierce, Pardeeville; 10 grandchildren, Joshua and Katie Wall, Shawndell, Christine and Isaiah Wall, Jasson and Sarah Howell, Megan, David and Bridget Pierce; three great-grandchildren, Marcus and Jasson Howell, Jr., Jonathan David Krynicki; also one great-grandchild expected in June; a very special friend Ruth Sadler; two very special pets, Muffin and Pumkin and is further survived by many other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Melissa Ann, two grandsons, Nathaniel Luke Wall and Aaron Wall, and a sister, Joanne Deering.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Downing, Dr. McCallister of the Pulmonary Dept., Dr. David Hei of Oncology and Dr. Frank Kilpatrick, Dr. Adib, Dr. Dianna Kruse and the staff of Meriter Hospital. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Walgreen's 24 Hr. Drug Store in Madison, especially Joel, Cris, Pete and Scott.

Originally published in the Portage (Wisconsin) Register on October 24, 2005

Obituary: Phyllis (Bowes) Mekkelson

Phyllis Mekkelson, age 91 of Baraboo, passed away on Oct. 20, 2005 at the St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo. Phyllis was born on Feb. 19, 1914 in Madison, the daughter of Ruben and Anna (Moe) Bowes. She was a graduate of Central High School in Madison and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, completing a course in medical laboratory technology. On Oct. 10, 1937, she was united in marriage to Wayne Mekkelson in Madison. Phyllis was a medical technician for over 30 years working at St. Mary's Ringling Hospital and later at St. Clare Hospital. During these years, she served many in the community and had a positive impact on their lives. After retirement, Phyllis continued to contribute to the community through her volunteer activities which included Circus World Museum for over 18 years, food pantry, meals on wheels, library book program, and volunteering at the election polls. She was an outdoor enthusiast who loved all aspects of nature which included fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Mekkelson of Baraboo; son, Peter (Sue) Mekkelson of Sierrra Vista, Ariz.; daughter, Andrea (Bruce) Hanson of La Crosse; grandchildren, Paul (Karen) Mekkelson of Las Cruces, N.M., Scott (Stephanie) Mekkelson of Middletown, Md., Jeffrey( Jolene) Neis of DeForest, Heidi (Chris) Colbert of West Salem, Tammi (Steve) Hofford of Cincinnati, Ohio; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Kruse of Cornelius, Ore.; niece, Claudia (Ken) Weber of Portland, Ore.; nephew, Steve (Kathy) Kruse of Gaston, Ore.; and other relatives and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Anna Bowes.A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Baraboo, on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 at 1 p.m. Pastor Wendy Boden will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo or the Sauk County Humane Society. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Originally published in the Baraboo (Wisconsin) News Republic on October 21, 2005

Obituary: Joseph Lieberman - Class of 1934

MADISON - Joseph Lieberman, age 89, passed away on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, at St. Marys Care Center. Joe was born on Sept. 21, 1916, the son of Solomon and Freda (Wolmensky) Lieberman. He grew up in Madison's old Greenbush neighborhood and was a lifelong resident of Madison. As a child, Joe loved to play softball, first at Longfellow and then at Barry Park in the summertime. Joe graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. Joe played for Zirkel's Grocery softball team. In 1939, he played for Wisconsin Foundry. Then he joined Security State Bank and they won the city championship and a State championship. Joe was a left-handed catcher and a leader of the team. In 1941, they won the State Championship, at least six city titles and major league pennants. Most of the time the Bankers have been looked upon by rival Major league clubs as the hated Yankees of the league; the outfit everybody tried to beat hardest of all, but always a tougher-than-nails clutch team that played its best when the blue chips were down. In 1974, Joe was named to Madison's all-time men's softball team. During World War II, Joe volunteered to serve in the Army and was stationed in India, where they won the Allied League's Calcutta Cup in 1945. Joe was a member of the 1786th Engineers Unit called "the Cobras." Joe married Ruth Erickson Toebaas in 1967. They enjoyed traveling, going to most states in the U.S. on one trip or another, a trip to Germany and Austria and a trip to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. They have had season tickets to football games at Camp Randall since about 1967 and went to a couple of Rose Bowl games and other Bowl games. Joe was a member of the Madison Elk's Lodge 410 for many years and they enjoyed having dinner there. In 1981, Joe retired from the Wisconsin Dept. of Human Relations, Department of Unemployment Compensation. One gift to enjoy in his retirement was a membership in the Pen and Mike Club, later called Madison Sports Hall of Fame Club. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; four stepchildren, Dianna (Anton) Dammer of McLean, Va., James Toebaas of Sandpoint, Idaho, William Toebaas and Anita Toebaas of Madison; three step-grandchildren, Robin, Christen and John Dammer; three nieces, Margaret (Marc) Tanenberg of Northbrook, Ill., Debbie (Pierce) McNally of Wayzata, Minn., and Diane Zack of Ocala, Fla.; and brother-in-law, Helmut Zack of Ocala, Fla. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Bessie (Sidney) Perlstadt and Celia (Helmut) Zack, both of Chicago. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with Pastor George Bauman officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elks Club, Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice. The family wants to thank the wonderful staff of St. Mary's Care Center for the loving care they gave Joe for the last 11 months, and for their many kindnesses. We will always remember Joe's fellow residents of "Monona Road" at the Care Center who have become like family to us. Joe will always be remembered by those who knew him as a gentleman a gentle man, and for his wonderful smile, which never left him. God Bless and Shalom, Joe. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 12, 2005

Obituary: Kent Kruger

MADISON - Kent A. Kruger, age 53, passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005. He was born on Jan. 5, 1952, in Madison, the son of Walter and Cora (Kelly) Kruger. Kent attended Central High School, and graduated from Madison West High School. He was united in marriage to Karen Trapp, on Sept. 8, 1973, in East Bristol. Kent was a supervisor for the Dane County Public Safety Communications for 25 years. He was a Captain of the Town of Madison Volunteer Fire Department, for more than 35 years. Kent was an executive council person for APCO International, and a fire instructor at Madison Area Technical Colleg for many years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and he was a racing fan. Kent is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Karen of Madison; daughter, Katie of Monona; and his son, Ben of Madison. He is further survived by his sisters, Lavonne (Bill) Borchardt of Madison and Jan (Andy) Knapton of Oregon; brothers and best friends, Walter "Pat" Kruger of Madison and Dennis (Evelyn) Kruger of Oregon; and nieces, nephews and many friends. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joan Herrick and Vivian Edwards; and a brother, James Kruger. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Kent was a big guy with a big heart. We love you and miss you. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers (608) 221-5420.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2005

Note: Based on his age and the fact that he attended Central High School but graduated from West, Kent Kruger was probably a Junior when Central closed in 1969.

Obituary: William Mullarkey - Class of 1937

MADISON - William Allert Mullarkey Jr., age 86, passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 7, 1918, in Charles City, Iowa, the son of William and Aneita (Allert) Mullarkey Sr. In 1937, Bill graduated from Central High School. Bill was enlisted in the U.S. Army from Oct. 26, 1944 until Aug. 5, 1946, serving in World War II, as a combat infantry man and a demolition specialist. On April 3, 1950, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Jane Weeks at University Methodist Church in Madison. She preceded him in death in 1990. Bill was a member of the Elks Club and the Steam Fitters Local No. 161. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing. Bill is survived by his son, Michael (Deborah) Mullarkey of Madison; two grandsons, Patrick and Sean Mullarkey, both of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and most recently his longtime companion, Eleanore Flagstad. Private inurnment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2005

Note: William Mullarkey's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange and Black yearbook, where his senior picture is included with the June graduates.

Obituary: Robert Shunk

VERONA - Robert T. "Bob" T. Shunk, age 71, died on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Bob was born and raised in the "Bush", on the south side of Madison. He attended St. Raphael's Grade School and graduated from Central High School. Bob went into the Marines while a senior in high school, and after boot camp, went to Korea, where he spent two tours of duty. After Korea, he was a drill instructor at San Diego, and a criminal investigator in the Philippines. Bob graduated with an Associate Degree in Police Science from MATC, and attended Milton College, in the Criminal Justice Degree Program, until they closed down. He taught law enforcement officers in the Police Science Program for 14 years and at the Police Academy for 20 years. Bob went on to graduate from the Secret Service School, the FBI Academy and a Forensic Document Examiners Course at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He retired from the Dane County Sheriff Department after 25 years as a detective and the detective sergeant and was promoted to the first, and only, Forensic Document Examiner, before retiring. While in the Sheriffs Department, he was assigned to the Major Crime Unit, and investigated some big cases. After his retirement, he was a Private Forensic Document Examiner for 12 years and testified all over the United States and in foreign countries. He was hired to examine fingerprints and handwriting in a bombing case in London, England. While there, he worked at the New Scotland Yard; examine evidence and testifying at the Old Bailey Court. He has also worked cases in Ireland and Japan. He has lectured to law schools, court systems, law firms, and Forensic Document Examiners Conferences all over the United States and Canada. He wrote and taught a 40-hour course on Forensic Documents for Police Investigators. He also taught Golden Gloves Boxing and Womens Self Defense Courses. Bob retired from all of this and started as the custodial engineer for St. Andrew's Parish, Verona. He was the Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus for two terms. He was on the Parish Council and ushered for the church. He moved up to stewardship where he truly showed his love for "God." Bob was preceded in death, by his father, Lavern Shunk; his father-in-law, Lawrence Normington; mother-in-law; Helen Normington; a brother-in-law, Harold Heidi; and two nephews, Mike and Danny Heidi. He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Jean (Normington); his mother, Lorraine of Verona; brothers, James (Carol) of Madison, Ray (Fran) of Madison; sister, Sharon of New Mexico; five loving children, Robert Jr. (Maureen) of Verona, Rick (Rita) of Indiana, Larry of Verona, Jamie (Bill) of Indiana, and David (Mary) of Albany; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Bob fought a long battle with cancer but thru it all he was strong and brave. He was truly a miracle. His strength, determination and character made many admire him. His love for family and friends and his church will be remembered forever. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANDREW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main St., Verona, on Monday, October 10, 2005 at 11 a.m. The Rev. David Timmerman will officiate with burial in St. Andrews Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2005 at the Church, and then again on Monday, October 10, 2005 at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the service time. In Lieu of flowers, we ask all Donations be given to St. Andrews Parish for the new building fund, Hospice Care Center, (Madison) and the Stewardship Community-St. Andrews Parish. A special thanks to Father David Timmerman and the St. Andrews Parish and Staff, and also St. Marys Hospital, Dr. Araliaji and the Hospice Center. Joyce-Ryan Verona Funeral Home & Cremation Services 118 N. Franklin St. (608) 845-6625.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 8, 2005

Obituary: Marvel Charles Viney - Class of 1930

PORTAGE/SAUK CITY -- Marvel Charles Viney, age 94, of Sauk City and formerly of the Portage area, died on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City.

Marv was born on Jan. 10, 1911, in the town of Montrose, Dane County, near Belleville, to Albert and Louise (Frelin) Viney. He lived there until 1926, when the family moved to Madison. He graduated from Central High School in 1930. He worked at Kinney's Shoe Store during high school. He was a clerk at Arenz Shoe Store after graduation and then was manager for 35 years. After his retirement he moved to Pardeeville and worked at a sign company in Pardeeville for a few years. During WW II, he served as an army corporal in Sicily, Italy and Africa. He was united in marriage with Cora Halsten in 1944. She preceded him in death in 1982. He then married Ethelyn Mellentine in 1983, and she preceded him in death in 1996. He enjoyed playing golf, gardening, hunting, camping and fishing. He was a longtime member of Elks Lodge #410 in Madison.

Survivors include his sister, Regina (Robert) Feller of Merrimac, and several nieces and nephews. Marv was also preceded in death by his parents, and five sisters, Eleanor Warner, Della O'Neill, Eileen Viney, Marceline Deering and Mary Elizabeth Hogan.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005, at 2 p.m., from Port-Axtell Community Funeral Home in Portage. Fr. Jim Murphy will preside with burial to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

Originally published in the Portage (Wisconsin) Daily Register on October 5, 2005

Obituary: Damian "Boozie" Schiro

Schiro, Damian MADISON - Damian "Boozie" Schiro passed away, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at St. Marys Care Center. A lifelong resident of Madison, Damian, age 78, was raised in the fabled "Greenbush" and spent much of his early years tending bar at his father's popular tavern. He attended Madison Central High School, lettering in football and basketball, and graduating as Class President and Valedictorian. Damian led an active and interesting life. As a young father, he enjoyed City League baseball and basketball, and relished playing tennis, skiing and swimming with his children and friends. Later, his fondest moments were spent attending the farmer's market, Monona Terrace concerts, and Festa Italia. Damian's vast work experience included ownership of the Midvale Hobby Shop and Monroe Street Family Fun Shop. A talented marketer, he was the author of the famous "Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving - a Female Kitten," featured on the Monroe Street Pet Shop marquee. He is survived by his children, Jan (Dr. David), Jill (Scott), Paul (Kara), Brian (Jodi) and Carrie; 10 grandchildren; a brother, George; and a sister, Mary. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph; mother, Catherine Wrend Schiro; and brother, Frank. Memorial services are pending at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH in Madison with time and date to follow.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 2, 2005

Schiro, Damian MADISON - Damian "Boozie" Schiro passed away, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at St. Marys Care Center. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with Msgr. Thomas F. Baxter officiating. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 3, 2005