Obituary: Eugene C. Osborn - Class of 1945

MADISON - Eugene C. Osborn, age 79, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at his home. A successful local businessman, he was born the son of Eugene E. and Dorthy (Cnare) Osborn on Nov. 28, 1926, in a house located at 245 Langdon St. He was a resident of either 245 or 241 Langdon St. for more than 79 years. Eugene graduated from Central High School in 1945. There he met the love of his life, Jannette Lindauer, whom he wed on Sept. 8, 1948. Together they had two sons, E. Kurt and Mark A. Osborn. Eugene also attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he became a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Eugene started his business career by purchasing a gas station located at the corner of Park and Lakeside streets from his father. After a short stint, Eugene became a successful realtor, spending 20 plus happy years. Once he retired from realty, Eugene, along with his brother, Duane, owned and operated rental property on Langdon and State streets until the time of his passing. The two brothers also developed a family farm in McFarland. Eugene's favorite hobbies were mostly outdoors related, including: fishing, long rides in the country with friends and family, and especially hunting. He will always be missed by those who walked the woods and fields with him. Eugene could also play a mean game of cards of all varieties (poker, pinchole, sheephead, euchre, cribbage, gin and many more). Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jannette; her two sons, E. Kurt Osborn and Mark A. Osborn; four grandchildren, Adam (Jeanette) Osborn, Kristin (Mark) Krueger, Ryan Osborn and Marissa Osborn; a great-granddaughter, Emma Krueger; his brother, Duane Osborn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Glen Reichelderfer officiating. Friends may greet the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison WI 53717; HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; or Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, WI 53703. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road Madison (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 28, 2006

Obituary: Kathryn T. (Hanson) Cowan - Class of 1932

MADISON - Kathryn T. Cowan, age 91, died on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006. She was born on Oct. 25, 1914, in Windsor, the daughter of Ole and Carrie (Hanson) Thorstad. Kathryn graduated from Madison Central High School, with the class of 1932. She married Don Cowan on Dec. 7, 1946. Kathryn was employed at Provident Savings and Loan for 20 years, retiring as treasurer. She was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Kathryn is survived by her two sons, Donald (Suzanne) Cowan Jr. of Oregon and Richard (Ellen Schwartz) Cowan, of Madison; two grandchildren, Benjamin Paul Cowan of Palm Desert, Calif., and Patrick William Cowan of Oregon; and her sister, Ruth Reiner of Madison. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents; sisters, Alice Hart, Margaret Wheeler and Mabel Fisk; and brothers, John, Henry, Obert and Arthur Thorstad. A time of prayers and sharing will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, with the Rev. Katherine Baardseth presiding. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday. A family burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital or Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison. Thank you to the staff at Sebring Assisted Living for their care of Kathryn. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Center 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 26, 2006

Obituary: Sonja A. White - Class of 1967

MADISON - Sonja A. White, age 57, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at the University Hospital Burn Unit from injuries sustained in a fire at her apartment on Feb. 2, 2006. She was raised by her mother, Erna White and her stepfather, John Giblin. She spent the years of her youth in both California and Wisconsin. She graduated from Central High School. For several years, she worked at the 511 Club House in downtown Madison. She loved gardening, baking and her cats. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and stepfather, and by her always supportive friend, Lynn Pilla. She is survived by her son, Shayne White of Madison; her partner of 14 years, Larry Loofboro of Madison; her best friend, Debbie (Kelly) Knutson; and her neighbors, Sandy and Dave Pishion. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the chapel of the DON AND MARILYN ANDERSON HOSPICECARE CENTER, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison. A special thanks to the Madison Fire Department and the University Hospital Burn Unit, especially nurses, Amy, Jim and Kathy; palliative care nurse, Kathleen; and social worker, Susan.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 16, 2006

Note: Sonja White's class year was provided by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967)

Obituary: John David "Dave" Thurman

CHIPPEWA FALLS - John David "Dave" Thurman, died on Feb. 9, 2006, in Chippewa Falls. He was born on Oct. 27, 1934, in Monroe, to John E. and Esther Thurman. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School and UW-Madison in 1956. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, his beloved children, Gregg and Brad, both of Chippewa Falls, and Alissa of Wasilla, Alaska. He was also the proud grandfather of Kirsten, Logan, and Connor Thurman. A celebration of his life will be held at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. before the service. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin, Wis. at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2006. Memorials may be directed to Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance to purchase wetlands in his name; to Ducks Unlimited; to Chippewa Valley YMCA; or to Community Foundation of Chippewa County, which will direct memorials to your choice of Family Support Center, Cook-Rutledge Mansion, Senior Center, or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family. Friends may sign the guest book online at www.pedersonvolker.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 15, 2006

Obituary: Anthony Scalissi, Sr.

MADISON - Anthony Scalissi Sr., age 88, of Madison passed away on Friday, Feb. 10, 2006, at the Harmony House of Madison assisted living center. He was born on Feb. 3, 1918, in Madison. Tony was the son of Joseph and Anna (DeGregorio) Scalissi. He was married on Nov. 22, 1941, to Francis Bosben of Madison. Tony graduated from Central High School and went to technical college in Platteville. He served in the Navy during World War II from 1943 until 1945. He worked at University Hospital and retired after 27 years of service in maintenance and housekeeping. Tony also managed the Cellar Bar downstairs in the Italian Workman's Club on Regent Street for 17 years, which he retired from in 1984. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. He liked fishing, auto and kart racing, and loved those sports immensely. He continually traveled to kart tracks in Wisconsin, attending his grandson, Aron's, races up until his health declined. He also attended many Bass Tournaments and events throughout Wisconsin. He was a member of V.F.W. post 1318, the Italian Workman's Club, the B.A.S.S. State Federation and the BASS National Organization, Capitol City Bassmasters, and was an honorary Life member of C & R Bass Anglers of Watertown. He is survived by three sons, Anthony Jr. (Phyllis) Scalissi of Waunakee, Ronald (Julie) Scalissi and Gregory (Mary), both of Cottage Grove; his grandson, Aron Scalissi of Waukesha; his brother, Ben (Donna) Scalissi; a sister, Josephene Edison; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joe and Anna (DeGregorio) Scalissi; three brothers, Pete, Joe and John; a sister, Mary Gerry; and his longtime good friend, Bunky Capadona. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Avenue (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2006

Vietta K. (Mullen) Einerson - Class of 1948

STEVENS POINT - Vietta K. Einerson, age 76, of Stevens Point, died on Feb. 9, 2006, at St Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. Vietta suffered complications following cancer surgery. Vietta was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Madison, the daughter of George "Max" and Clara (Bossart) Mullen. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. She then worked at Borden's Dairy and various laundry and dry cleaning businesses in Madison. She married Malcolm H. Einerson on March 22, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa. After marriage the couple settled in Madison, where she became an excellent homemaker and mother. They moved to Stevens Point in 1964, and have lived at their present address since 1966. Vietta was very active as a fundraiser for Stevens Point Area Senior High School in the SPASH Booster Club in the 70's and 80's. She and Malcolm were great horse racing fans and enjoyed going to different horse racing venues throughout the country. She is survived by her husband, Malcolm; their two children, Dale (Michele) Einerson, Lodi and Karen Einerson, Verona; six grandsons, Justin, Logan, Kasey, Keegan, Peyton, and Bryson; and a brother, Douglas (Shirley) Mullen, Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation for Vietta Einerson will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 12, 2006, at the SHUDA FUNERAL CHAPEL. There will be no funeral service. Burial at a later date will be at the Veterans Cemetery in King. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in her name at a later date. Online condolances can be sent to: einersonservices@shudafuneral.com. Shuda Funeral Chapel 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 11, 2006

Obituary: Ruth "Anita (Conlin) Saeman - Class of 1938

CROSS PLAINS - Ruth "Anita" Saeman, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at the Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb. Anita was born in Madison, on Oct. 5, 1920, to John F. and Mary (Stoppleworth) Conlin. She graduated from Madison's St. Raphael's School in 1934 and from Central High School in 1938. Following graduation, Anita worked for the Milwaukee Road as a freight clerk and attended night classes at Madison Vocational School. On Sept. 13, 1947, Anita married Robert G. Saeman of Cross Plains. She moved from the city to the small town of Cross Plains, where Bob was a partner in Saeman Lumber. Anita continued working until the arrival of the first of their four children. Together, Bob and Anita raised, Robert F. of Cross Plains, Richard (Peggy) of Mazomanie, Rita (John) Librera of Brookfield and Raymond (Barbara) of Cross Plains. Anita was an active member of the following community organizations; St. Francis Xavier Christian Mothers, 4-H Club, Friends of the Cross Plains Public Library and the American Legion Post 245 Auxiliary. Anita's pastime was writing, including notes to people in hospitals and nursing homes. She also wrote letters to her children's friends who were in the armed services during the Vietnam War. For more than 30 years, on behalf of the Legion Auxiliary, she continued writing to the Cross Plains men and women who were serving our country. In addition to her children, Anita is survived by her grandchildren, Chad (Kim) Saeman of Cross Plains, Fred (Stacy) Saeman of Randolph, Jamie (Will) Sindberg of Cross Plains, J.P. Librera of Hartland; two great-granddaughters, Ciera and Kylie Saeman and another great-grandchild on the way; her brother, Fred (Rita) Conlin, of Durand; a sister-in-law, Dottie Conlin, of Renton, Wash.; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Saeman, on Jan. 25, 2006; a grandson, Bradford Saeman, on Feb. 18, 2003; her beloved brothers, John, Vernon, Charles and Thomas P. Conlin; her beloved sister, Mary "Alice" Hochstetter; and her nephews Bill and J.C. Conlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at 11 a.m.with Father Tom Kelley presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The Saeman family would like to thank the caregivers at Ingle Living Communities in Mount Horeb, where Mom and Dad lived since Sept. 2001. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cross Plains American Legion Post 245 Maintenance Endowment Fund or to HOPES (Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide). Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral & Cremation Centers 2421 Church Street 608-798-3141

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 9, 2006

Another Progress Report

There are now more than 150 obituaries in this archive. Thus far, I have only posted obituaries that specifically state someone attended Central High School (or, in a few instances, Madison High School, the school's name prior the opening of a second high school in the city). If you have information about a Central alumnus who died between January 2003 and December 2005, but whose obituary is not included in this archive, please send me an email, so I may include them.

If you have obituaries for people who attended Madison Central High School (or Madison High School) and who died before 2003, please contact me by email, so I may make arrangements to post this information.

Although I haven't been able to solve the problem of how to create links to all the obituaries in this archive, it should be fully searchable by name, and, in some instances, by class. While many obituaries do indicate a graduation year, some do not. If you are able to provide that information for anyone in this archive, again, please contact me by email.

For additional information about how to search this blog, please read the previous post titled "Searching for Someone?"

Obituary: Ellen L. (Eggenberger) Beaulleau

BROOKLYN PARK, MINN. - Ellen L. Beaulleu (Eggenberger), age 81, our beautiful mother, started her new journey on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006. She went peacefully, at home, surrounded by loved ones. We will miss her generous spirit. She was born in Madison and had many interests such as dance and playing the clarinet. She graduated from Madison Central High School and went to work at the Madison Telephone Co. She then began working at Robertson Transportation, where she met and married her husband, Clifford. They moved to Minnesota together, only to have it cut short by the death of our beloved father, Clifford, in 1967. She did a fabulous job of becoming a mother and father to her adoring children. We were blessed to have such a dedicated, loving mother. Her passions in life were her grandchildren, NASCAR racing, and Bruce Springsteen. She felt blessed to be able to work full time for Medical Arts Press until fall 2005. We feel such a loss in our lives, for our mother is part of our souls. We feel comforted knowing we will be eternally connected. We love you, Mom. She is survived by sons, Rick (Deborah) and Allen; daughter, Sherri (Gene); grandson, Alec; granddaughter, Shaina; and niece, Marsha (Jim) Arr. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, at 7 p.m., with a visitation one hour prior at CREMATION SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA, Brooklyn Park Chapel, 7835 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, Minn. (763) 560-3100

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 7, 2006

Obituary: Wayne E. Leland - Class of 1955

MADISON - Wayne E. Leland passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center surrounded by his family. He was born in Madison on May 6, 1937, the son of Earl M. and Helen V. Leland. Wayne graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. After two years in the Army he worked for the state highway department. Wayne was a member of the Middleton-Ionic Lodge No. 180. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and going to casinos. Wayne also cared deeply for all his great nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Rose (Robert) Call; his nephew, Robert (Marybeth Heitland) Call Jr.; nieces, Bobbie Lou (Jim) Doyle and Kathleen (Mark) Robinson; and great nieces and nephews, Daniel, Samantha, Melissa, Amanda and Joanna Robinson, Trenton Miller, Bryce Doyle, Robert Call III, and Jake and Brooke Heitland. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., with the Rev. John Ruppenthal officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. Come To Me God saw you were getting tired, And a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you And whispered, "Come to Me." With tearful eyes We watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 5, 2006

Obituary: Shirley A. (Wells) Gleichauf - Class of 1955

MONONA - Shirley A. Gleichauf, age 68, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, after a courageous three and a half years battle with cancer. She was born on May 27, 1937, in Highland, to Lyborn and Greta Wells. Shirley graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. She married Francis Gleichauf on Oct. 17, 1958. Shirley worked for the University of Wisconsin Extension for 35 years. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and St. Ann's Society. Shirley was a very special lady with many talents, sewing, quilting, and crafts. She loved her garden and flowers. Shirley was always positive and concentrated on helping others. She never complained. Shirley enjoyed the senior fun and fitness classes at Monona and McFarland. The true joy of her life was her children and grandchildren. Shirley was blessed with many loving and supportive friends and neighbors, too numerous to mention by name. She is survived by her children, Denise (Tim) Jackson of Sun Prairie, David of Monona, Debra (Bruce) Way of Stoughton, and Dan of Janesville; grandchildren, Anna and Jason Gleichauf, Rachel Jackson, and Brody and Brooke Way; a sister, Jackie Cairns of Monona; brother, Alan (Loral) Wells of Madison; many loving nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, "adopted sister," Bonnie Sundal. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Fran; her parents; infant brother; and a sister, Donna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, and at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. The family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Shirley did it her way. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 5, 2006

Obituary: Jean Ann (Mohrhauser) VanderMeulen - Class of 1960

SUGAR GROVE, ILL. - Jean Ann (nee Mohrhauser) VanderMeulen, age 64, of Sugar Grove, Ill., (formerly of Madison), passed away on Jan 31, 2006, at her home. She is the beloved wife of Thomas; dear mother of Kathleen (Rich) Presbert, David Thomas (Cheryl) and Matthew A. (Kristin) VanderMeulen; devoted grandmother of Quincy and Shelby VanderMeulen and Erin, Chris, Katie, Lauren, and Claire Presberg; fond sister of Carol (Ed) Wisener and Joanne (Bill) Brown; dear sister-in-law of Judy (John) Crain and David Martin (Bonnie) VanderMeulen. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at ST. ELIZABETH SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1370 E. 87th St., in Naperville, Ill. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PADS Homeless Shelter, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL, Edward Cancer Center, 120 Spaulding Drive, Suite 111, Naperville, IL, or the Naperville Humane Society, 1620 W. Diehl Road, Naperville, IL. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois. (800) 622-8358

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 3, 2006

Note: Jean Morhauser's class year is base on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn, which includes her senior photo.