Obituary: Bertha A. (Reynolds) Erickson - Class of 1945

MADISON - Bertha A. Erickson, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at her home. She was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Madison, the daughter of the late Roger and Olga (Werner) Reynolds. Bertha graduated from Central High School in 1945. She was united in marriage to Robert Erickson on Nov. 16, 1946, in Madison. Bertha worked for Research Products for 35 years. She was a big Packers fan. Bertha is survived by her two children, Pamela Dienberg and Roger Erickson, both of Madison; a granddaughter, Gina Graville; step-grandchildren, Kim, Keith, Kenny Jr., Gene (Denise), Michelle, and Carolyn (Johann); 19 step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Daisy Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Robert, in 1968; a brother, Roger; and a niece, Sheila. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, with the Rev. Glen Reichelderfer presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 30, 2008

Obituary: Leo Otto Kleiner - Class of 1948

MADISON - Leo Otto Kleiner, age 77, died on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at his home. He was born on Aug. 28, 1930, in Madison, son of George and Frances (Scheurell) Kleiner. He graduated from Central High School in 1948. He began his work career at Berg Typewriter Co. and won a trip to Scotland and Ireland, while working for the company, for 32 years. He had bartended part-time at the Elks Club, and Blackhawk Country Club. He later worked for the Department of Revenue in the 1960s and retired in the 1980s, working in the Homestead Credit Section. Leo enjoyed fishing and traveling. Survivors include his long time friend, Forrest Seward, of Madison and various cousins in Sun Prairie. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gregg. A funeral service will be held at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Roger Nilles will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday, at the funeral home. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 22, 2008

Obituary: John Robert Bieberstein - Class of 1951

MADISON - John Robert Bieberstein died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at the age of 74. John was born in Madison. He graduated from Central High School in Madison and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. in 1956. He served 10 years in the Air Force as a T-33 and T-38 instructor pilot, check pilot, and standardization evaluation officer until 1965 when he became a pilot with Eastern Airlines. During his 25 years with Eastern, he flew the Convair 440, the Boeing 727, the L-1011, and his favorite, the DC-9, as Captain and check airman. He also served in the Alabama Air National Guard flying F-84's. Througout his life, John was a dedicated volunteer developing and coaching a neighborhood swim program and holding leadership positions in his community civic association. He and his wife, Mary, were also active in the school community serving as presidents for the PTA. John's devotion for working with young people was most evident through his work with the Camp Fire organization where he volunteered both locally and nationally for more than 30 years. John took great pride in his marriage to his wife Mary (Casterton) Bieberstein, celebrating 50 years together in Sept. 8, 2007. He is survived by his wife; their two daughters, Janet Hutchins of Lawrenceville, and Jaci Sharitz and her husband, T.J. Sharitz of Duluth; his sister, JoAnn Lange and her husband, Robert Lange of Madison; and his four grandchildren, Christopher Hutchins, Jennifer Hutchins, Rachel Sharitz and Daniel Sharitz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Adolf Joseph Bieberstein and Amine Ella (Tanner) Kalhagen of Madison; and his half brother, Hans Bieberstein, also of Madison. John was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Greensboro where he taught the Men's Sunday School class, was a member of the church choir and served on the Administrative Council. In addition, he and Mary enjoyed singing with the Reynolds Chorus of which they were charter members. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend. He was an inspiration to many throughout his life and will be greatly missed. The family received visitors at McCommons Funeral Home in Greensboro, Ga. Services celebrating John's life were held at The First United Methodist Church of Greensboro on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Greensboro, P.O. Box 216, Greensboro, GA 30642 for the South Campus choir room.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 19, 2008

Note: John Bieberstein's class year is based on information in the 1951 Tychoberahn where his photograph is among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Daniel T. "Tim" Cotter - Class of 1955

WAUNAKEE - Daniel T. "Tim" Cotter, age 70, of Waunakee, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at the Waunakee Manor after a five-year battle with cutaneous t-cell lymphoma. He was born in Madison on Aug. 22, 1937, to Elmer and Helen (FitzGibbon) Cotter. Tim graduated with the Central High School class of 1955. He began working at Reynolds Transfer and Storage Co. as a truck driver where he worked for 42 years, retiring in 1996. Tim married Connie Ederer on Aug. 19, 1961, and they celebrated 46 years together. Tim's family and friends enjoyed his Irish wit and he especially enjoyed traveling to Ireland to meet his relatives in Dunmanway, County Cork. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his daughter, Ann (Dennis) Parker; his son, Daniel T. Jr. (Carrie) all of Waunakee; his four grandchildren, Ryan and Olivia Parker, and Emily and Daniel Cotter; a sister, Cynthia Cotter Arndt; two sisters-in-law, Valerie Gutberlet and Marian (Dwaine) Ohmen; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Ruth Cotter; and brothers-in-law, Richard Arndt, J. Charles Gutberlet Jr. and Raymond Marklein. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South St., Wauankee at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. Monsignor James Gunn will preside. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the WINN FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Waunakee Manor and the UW Oncology Dept. for the care given to Tim. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, P.O. Box 374, Birmingham, MI 48012 or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. "May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May the Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand." "An Old Gaelic Blessing" Winn Funeral Home Waunakee (608) 849-4513

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 18, 2008

Obituary: Robert Harry Goodrich - Class of 1937

MADISON - Robert Harry Goodrich died at St. Mary's Care Center, surrounded by his wife of 64 years and his children, on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. Bob was born in Richland Center on Oct. 24, 1919, but moved with his parents Benjamin F. and Dora (Schmelzer) Goodrich and five brothers to Madison in 1925. Bob attended Doty School, graduated from Madison Central High, and attended the University of Wisconsin and Syracuse University. He was a member of the Army Air Corps Band and was a Link simulation aeronautical trainer during World War II. On March 3, 1943, Bob married Mary Jane Westphale and they had four children, Lynn (Jack) Jenkins, Bill (Frances Ryan) Goodrich, Madeline (Paul) Sattler and Christopher (Valerie Thrush). Bob and his family lived in the Westmorland Neighborhood since 1950. Bob owned and operated Robert's Beauty Salon on the Square for many years. The family was active at the YMCA, and Bob was a highly sought-after handball, paddleball and racquetball partner. Bob was a member of the BPO Elks, and enjoyed the Cubs, the Packers, golf, bridge and spending time with his family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Frank, Rolland, Don, Leslie and Benjamin Junior. He is survived by his wife and children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A gathering to celebrate Bob's life will be held at NAKOMA GOLF CLUB, 4145 Country Club Road, Madison on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center for their wonderful attention, grace and humor. Memorials can be made payable to the YMCA of Dane County, 7617 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717; or St. Mary's Care Center Employee Appreciation Fund, 3401 Maple Grove Drive, Madison, WI 53719. Bob will be buried in the family plot at the Little Brown Church in Bear Valley, near Richland Center. He will be remembered for his humor, his zest, his love for Mary Jane, and his inimitable no-nonsense style.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 9, 2008

Note: Robert Goodrich's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Ralph J. Duncan - Class of 1950

MADISON - Ralph J. Duncan, age 77, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born on June 17, 1930, the son of Preston J. and Margaret (Quinn) Duncan. He moved to Madison at an early age and attended Madison schools, graduating from Central High School in 1950. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, he was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. Upon his return he married Beverly Huntington in Belmont. Ralph worked at REA Express in Madison for 22 years until the company closed. He then worked at Rennebom Distribution Center, which later became Walgreen Distribution Center, retiring in 1992. His interests were bowling, reading, travel and following sports. Survivors are his loving wife, Beverly; several cousins; other relatives and friends. Funeral Service will be held Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at 11 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, the Rev. G. Keith Schroelucke of First United Methodist Church officiating. There will be a visitation for family and friends prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials in Ralph's name may be gifted to American Diabetes Association, 8030 Excelsior Drive, Suite 304, Madison, WI 53717-1998.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 9, 2008

Obituary: Mary C. Larsen - Class of 1951

MADISON - Mary C. Larsen, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at HospiceCare. She was born on Jan. 24, 1933, in Madison, the daughter of Felice and Aranka (Samal) Martinelli. Mary graduated from Central High School in Madison. She worked for Bell Systems Phone Company and also owned the Bridge Lounge in Waterloo, for a short time. Mary is survived by her husband, Daniel Marx; two brothers, Jim and Paul Martinelli; five sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Florence, Pat and Wanda Martinelli and Winona (Kenneth) Glienke; two brothers-in-law, Fred Marx and William Marx; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers, Felix, Joseph, John, Frank, Peter, Emil, Edward and Dan; and a sister, Wilma. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, with Father Roger Nilles presiding. Private burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services on Saturday.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 3, 2008

Note: Mary Martinelli's class year is based on information in the 1951 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: James C. Ranzen - Class of 1968

MADISON - James C. Ranzen, age 57, of Madison, died on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, as a result of a house fire. He was born on Aug. 7, 1950, in Madison, the beloved son of Sven E. and Betty (Goodkind) Ranzen. Survivors include his mother, Betty; a brother, Sven Eric "Butch" (Jeanine) Ranzen Jr.; and nieces, Kelly, Brenna and Amy Ranzen. He was preceded in death by his father. A memorial service will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at noon. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. until time of the service. The Rev. Mary Pharmer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 3, 2008

Note: James Ranzen's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn, where he is listed as a junior.

Obituary: Yvonne Naset Karp - Class of 1937

MADISON - Yvonne Naset Karp, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. She was born on March 8, 1919 in Stoughton. She graduated from Doty School and Central High in Madison. While in high school she won a national music competition performing a saxophone duet with Stan Thompson. She received degrees in music and Italian from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Yvonne earned her way through the university by directing and performing with her all girl band, Yvonne Naset's Swingettes. Her band played throughout the Midwest and also had a weekly radio program. She was a driving force (one might say "instrumental") in changing the University of Wisconsin Concert Band from an all male organization into one that included women! After graduation, she taught music in the Milwaukee Public School system. In 1943, she married fellow saxophone player and noted Madison athlete and youth director Erin "Ace" Karp. Yvonne lived in Madison nearly all her life including 52 years on Cherokee Drive in the Nakoma neighborhood. During those years she served her community on the Board of Directors of the YWCA, as a deacon of Westminster Church, as Big Chief of the Nakoma League, and as president of the alumni chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority. She thoroughly enjoyed performing in a wide variety of musical settings and often "brought down the house" with her comedic acting with the Nakoma Players and Madison Theater-Go-Round. She also worked for the Madison Public Schools until her retirement in 1983. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bill and the staff at Wynwood West of Madison for providing a wonderfully caring, comfortable home for Yvonne. Yvonne was a devoted daughter, a cherished friend, and an adored mother and grandmother. She lived her life with an unparalleled sense of creativity, style and flourish! She will be dearly missed by her son, Gary (Michaela) Karp of Paris, France; daughter, Cynthy (Ken) Mandl of Richfield Minn.; grandchildren, Karen Mandl of St. Louis Park, Minn., Kelsey (Jeff) Keag of Bloomington, Ind. and Dave (Beth) Mandl of Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Erin "Ace" Karp; mother, Ella Samuelson; father, Clayton Naset; and step-father, Art Samuelson. A visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. The funeral service will be at 12:30 p.m. followed by refreshments and then burial at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association or UW-Madison School of Music. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434.
  
Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 2, 2008    

Yvonne Naset Karp's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange & Black yearbook, where she is pictured amongst the midyear (February) graduates.

Obituary: George Capaci - Class of 1937

MADISON - George Capaci, age 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, surrounded by loving family members. George was born Oct. 21, 1917, in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison to Giovanni (John) and Rose (DiGregorio) Capaci. He was a dedicated older brother to his nine sisters. George graduated Central High School in 1937 and worked for the City of Madison prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. George served from May 1941 until Oct. 1945. He was trained as a radio operator and assigned to the 296th AAA Searchlight Battalion which supported the Pacific Campaign as it moved westward through the South Pacific Islands. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal and seven Service Bars. Following his military service, George worked as a field technician for the City of Madison Health Department from 1946 to his retirement in 1980. George was a long-standing member of the Italian's Workman's Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. George will long be remembered for his love of music. A self-taught musician, George played rhythm guitar and harmonica and performed locally through the 1950s and 1960s. His bands, at various times, included his sisters and cousins. Many will fondly recall his last band the "Harmony Guys". George loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, and family camping, most times with a faithful black lab by his side. Survivors include his sisters, Nina (Donald) Soehnlein, Jenny (Gerald) McGuire, Delores (Robert) Annen; and his dog Princess. "Uncle Georgie" is also survived by countless nieces and nephews many of whom considered him their father or grandfather. George was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Capaci; a brother, Antonio; six sisters, Mary (George) Soehnlein, Josephine (Joseph) Lanman, Margaret (Lawrence) Borland, Victoria (Ronald) Esser, Ann (Richard) Sanderson, and Patricia "Rose" (Donald) Rolff; and his dogs, King I, King II and King III. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to all the caring staff at the St. Mary's Hospital and the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Jan 3, 2008, at 10 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. There will be a visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 7 p. m. at the funeral home and also on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Madison Coalition of the Elderly, 128 Olin Ave. Suite 110, Madison, WI 53715 or to Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 East Cheryl Pkwy. Madison, WI 53711.

Originally published in the Wisconsn State Journal on January 2, 2008