Obituary: Albert Russell Duell

MADISON - Albert Russell Duell, age 83, passed away on March 26, 2008. He was born in Eagle Tip, Wis. on August 12, 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita and a son, Michael Joseph. Albert attended Central High School in Madison. Albert was a decorated World War II Naval veteran. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 1942, and served his country in the Naval Armed Guard from July 1942 until December 1943. He participated in the torch landings in North Africa. In 1944, he was transferred to the regular Navy and given the rank of Coxswain aboard the newly commissioned Destroyer Escort USS Kyne, assigned to Division 32 of the 3rd Fleet. He was awarded the Presidential Citation for the liberation of the Philippines and was involved in all major offensives on the road to Tokyo, where he remained until the signing of the surrender agreement. He was honorably discharged from the Navy, with the rank of Boatswains Mate Second class, in December of 1945. Albert returned to Madison and married Rita Marie Wachter on July 17, 1948. Albert worked for the Shappe Pontiac dealership from 1962 until it was purchased by Don Miller in 1981, and continued there until his retirement in 2002. Albert was a grand salesman and received Salesman of the Year awards year after year. He loved selling cars and met many of his friends that way. Albert was an avid golfer and spent his retirement golfing. When he wasn't on the course, he was watching it on television. He is survived by his five children, Carol Ann Manley of Madison, Thomas Albert of Madison, Kathryn Lynn Duell of Fitchburg, Jean Marie (Dennis) Fawcett of Madison and John (Amanda) Francis of Madison; nine grandchildren, Caroline, Brenda, Michael, Steven, Jackie, Julie, Anthony, Jennifer and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Dominick and Isabella. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will full military honors will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to HospiceCare Foundation, Inc.
Dad, we will miss you terribly. You certainly were part of the "Greatest Generation". Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 29, 2008

Obituary: Hubert "Bart" Martinelli

MADISON - Hubert "Bart" Martinelli passed away at home Friday, March 7, 2008,after a long illness. He was born on Dec. 5, 1924, the son of Massimo and Palmina (Viviani) Martinelli. A faithful Catholic, Bart attended old Saint Joseph's grade school. Following that, he graduated from Central High School. Here was a man who served his country proudly and honorably in World War II. Attached to the 365th Medical Battalion, 65th Infantry Division, he received a special diploma from the French government for his contributions to the country's liberation and for people everywhere. In addition, Bart received the Bronze Star for his service in the European theater from January to September, 1945 and the Combat Medical Badge. World War II profoundly affected this courageous man's life and health, as war often does to too many. Hubert was employed in the construction field his entire adult life. These construction projects included many of the major buildings in the city, including the Veterans' Hospital and the City County Building. Madison Labor Local 464 awarded him a 50 year gold card membership and another award for 37 years as an officer in the organization. On Labor Day, he could be found at The Labor Temple, cooking Italian sausage. There were many activities that Bart enjoyed. He was a devoted, longtime member of the Italian Workmen's Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Also, he loved sports and teams of every kind, including the Chicago Cubs. Every football Saturday found many of his nephews and friends at his Milton Street home for the pre-game cookout. His survivors include his fraternal twin, Lucy (Bill) Genin; his brother, Victor (Vincenza) Martinelli; as well as 21 loving nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Marcella Martinelli and Rose (Ted) Jafferis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison with Msgr. Thomas F. Baxter officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, and again from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice. A special thanks to Bart's good friend, Nick Gandolph, as well as the Madison Senior Center. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

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

Lettie Evelyn (Fisher) Dueppen - Class of 1933

CEDARBURG - Lettie Evelyn Dueppen, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Harrison Home, a Family Tree Residential Facility in Cedarburg. She was born in a log cabin on July 12, 1915, in Lynn, Mo., to Roger and Iva Mae Fisher. Her family moved to Madison when she was a young child. She grew up on Madison's south side, and attended Longfellow School. After graduation from Central High School in 1933, she worked at Madison General Hospital. She married James W. Dueppen at St. James Catholic Church on June 20, 1936. They were married for more than 59 years, until Jim passed away in January 1996. In their dating days, and early years of marriage, Lettie and Jim loved dancing, boating, and fishing. When Lettie's youngest started school, she worked part-time in the neighborhood at the Ice Cream Shoppe and Mack's Grocery Store. Thereafter, she worked for the state of Wisconsin Department of Revenue for more than 25 years. After her retirement, she and Jim enjoyed "wintering" in Florida in the Largo/St. Petersburg area. She was a long time member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. Her passion was helping others and caring for others. She will be remembered for the years she was involved in her mothers' care, and visits to the sick or "homebound," and her homemade sweet rolls and meals delivered to others. Her dinner table was always ready to receive guests. Lettie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Lillian Armstrong; and her brother, Chester Louis Fisher. She is survived by sons, James R. (Marilyn) of Largo, Fla. and Thomas L. (Joyce) of Menomonee Falls; a daughter, Betty-Jo (Jack) Dahlman of Cedarburg; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Bernice Myers; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Joan) Dueppen and Kenneth (Mary Ann) Dueppen; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Lettie's grandson, Father David Dueppen will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2008