Obituary: Madeline S. (Mergen) Haessig - Class of 1930

MADISON - Madeline S. Haessig, age 95, passed away on Feb. 10, 2007, at Oakwood Nursing Home. Madeline was born Aug. 31, 1911, in Madison to Michael and Anna (Mueller) Mergen. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1933, she taught home economics in Duluth, Minn., and at West High School in Madison. On Aug. 24, 1940, Madeline married Henry E. Haessig at St. James Church in Madison. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she assisted her husband in the operation of Deans' Poultry Farm and Hatchery on Madison's far Westside. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, gardening, reading, sewing, baking, and volunteering at her children's schools and at her church. Madeline and Henry were charter members of St. Maria Goretti Parish. Upon retirement, they spent many happy summers at their cottage on Long Lake in Washburn County, and enjoyed fishing and boating. Special times at the lake were visits from their children, grandchildren and friends. Madeline will be remembered by her family and friends for her positive attitude, and her care and concern for others. Madeline is survived by her daughter, Sue (Bob) Demrow of Sun Prairie; son, David (Jeneice) Haessig of Sarona; grandchildren, Ross (Josie) Demrow of Waterloo, Heather (Bart) Banks of Silverton, Ore., and Darran (Daryl) Haessig of Madison; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan and Joshua Demrow, Henry and Oscar Banks. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Alois and Phillip Mergen; and sisters, Rose Deans and Alvira Gilbert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, 11 a.m., at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti, the Long Lake Preservation Association, or charity of the donor's choice. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 13, 2007

Note: Madeline Mergen's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, which lists her as a member of the "Mid-Year Class of 1930."