Obituary: Peggy Joyce (Bender) Olday - Class of 1948

MADISON - Peggy Joyce Olday is continuing the journey of life with her Lord and Savior. Peggy, age 77, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008, with her family by her side, at HospiceCare in Madison, after a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Peggy was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in Madison, the daughter of the late Emanuel and Thelma Bender. Peggy was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donovan L. Olday Sr. on May 6, 1949, on a beautiful day at First Christian Church, Madison. Peggy graduated from Central High School in 1948 and went on to work for UW-Madison. She was a member of the American Legion Post 57, Ladies Auxiliary. Upon starting a family Peggy was a stay-at-home mom devoting herself solely to her family and church. Peggy was a very active member of Community Christian Church in Monona. For the past 35 years Peggy has worked for Avon, excelling in Avon sales, recruiting, training, and earning awards for her dedication and numerous accomplishments. She has made many wonderful friends with her Avon career who loved her dearly. Peggy is survived by Donovan, her husband of nearly 59 years; three daughters, Penny Jastal-Hagar and Patti Lambert of Wisconsin, and Pamela Zoutendyk of Michigan; two sons, Donovan Jr. and David of Wisconsin; 11 beautiful grandchildren and 10 wonderful great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly; two very loving and giving sisters, Beverly Hebl and Judy Veloff of Wisconsin; a loving brother, Emanuel P. Bender Jr. of Arizona; and a very special sister-in-law, Sandy Kaiser of California. Peggy is further survived by loving aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and very, very special friends. Peggy was preceded in death by two grandsons, infant Jerrod K. Olday of Arizona, and 15-month-old Alec J. Lambert; and her parents. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road with the Rev. Bob Lawrence officiating. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Madison. A very special thanks to Dr. LoConte and her staff with the Paul P. Carbone Cancer Center, and Pastor Bob Lawrence and members of the Community Christian Church. Also, thanks to the HospiceCare staff who provided compassionate care and comfort.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2008

Obituary: William Dean Engler

CHILTON - William Dean Engler, age 96, of Chilton, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born on Feb. 14, 1912, in Madison. His mother was Theresa Krenz Engler and his father was William Martin Engler. Also preceding him in death were his sisters, Gerturde Schmitz (Edward) of Madison and Mildred Wirka (Herman) of Madison. After attending Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School and Edgewood and West High in Madison, he graduated from Madison Central High School and went on to school at Worcester Academy in Worcester, Mass. Returning to Madison, he worked as a car salesman for Pyramid Motors. On Sept. 1, 1934, he married Virginia Elizabeth Knauf of Chilton. He later owned and operated a Standard Oil gas and service station on University Avenue in Madison until World War II. During the war he worked at Badger Ordinance Powder Plant near Baraboo where he was supervisor in charge of storage and shipment of all black powder used in making war explosives. After the war, in 1945, he went to work for his father-in-law, William N. Knauf, at Knauf and Tesch Company in Chilton. In 1964 after both the former owners of Knauf and Tesch Company had died (William N. Knauf and Roland Tesch), he purchased the company and eventually renamed it Kaytee Products. Knauf and Tesch had been family-owned dating back to 1866 when Nicolas Knauf opened a grain and feed business in Sheboygan, eventually moving to Brillion and then Chilton. Knauf and Tesch operated a general store in Chilton, a grain elevator in Chilton with branch elevators at Mapleleaf, Kaukauna and Greenleaf as well as a dairy farm in the Chilton area. Upon purchasing the company, he discontinued the local feed business and focused on wild bird food and pet food for birds and small animals on a regional and eventual national basis. He was a pioneer in producing wild bird food for sale into the mass market and national chain grocery stores. Under his creative direction and determination, he laid the groundwork for Kaytee Products to become a national leader. In 1981 he sold the business to his three children and continued on as president until 1984. Thereafter he was a member of the Board of Directors until Kaytee was sold to Central Garden and Pet in 1997. He was an active supporter of the Chilton community. He was a charter member of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president twice; during which time he was instrumental in getting a hospital in Chilton and also assisted in several fund raising drives for the construction and expansion of the Calumet Memorial Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and former Grand Knight. He was a charter member of the Chilton AFS Chapter and was a former member of the Chilton Kiwanis Club and Chilton Rotary Club. As a member of Good Shepard Catholic Parish (formally St. Mary's), he served on several parish councils. In 1956 he and his wife, Virginia, built a house on a wooded lot where he enjoyed its natural surroundings until he died. His hobbies included golf, some fishing and daily walking. He became a familiar figure walking around Chilton or on the beach in Florida where he often stopped and talked with his many friends. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling. His favorite leisure time, however, was spent on his power boats in Florida which he operated with great pride. After his first wife, Virginia Knauf Engler, died in 1973, he married his wife's widowed sister, Charlotte Knauf Geary of Oshkosh, who also preceded him in death in 1998. He and Charlotte were married 24 years. They enjoyed extensive travel abroad and spent many enjoyable winters in Florida. He especially enjoyed his family. He was well known for giving advice and positive words of encouragement to family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, William Engler, Jr., (Gail) of Chilton, Michael Engler (Kathleen) of Crystal Lake; and a daughter, Virginia Gilmore (James) of Fond du Lac. Also surviving are four step-children, Robert Geary (Judy) of Waupaca, Lucy Casey Geary Ripp (Mickey) of Hales Corners, William Geary of Oshkosh and Victoria Geary Neelis (Kevin) of Manitowoc. Mr. Engler is survived by 13 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Alice Jackson of Madison; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Knauf of Grayslake, Ill. Mr. Engler was cared for in his last several years by a group of wonderful and dedicated caregivers. Special recognition should be given to Rachel Schroeder of the Affinity Visiting Nurses Program, for her loving care during his final days. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 54 E. Main St., in Chilton with the Rev. Bob Kollath officiating. Friends may call at the WIETING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 411 W. Main St., in Chilton from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday April 23, 2008, and again on Thursday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. when family prayers will be held. A parish vigil service will be held Wednesday evening at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Memorials are appreciated in the name of William Engler, Sr. to the Chilton Community Foundation, William Engler, Sr. Library Fund, 42 School St., Chilton, WI, 53014 or to the Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice Program, 618 Memorial Dr., Chilton, WI, 53014. Online condolences may be made at www.wietingfuneralhome.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 21, 2008

Obituary: Jennie Puccio Traino

MADISON - Jennie "Jeni" Puccio Traino passed away on Friday, April 18, 2008. Jeni was born on Dec. 24, 1922, to Joseph and Maria Puccio in the Greenbush neighborhood. She attended Central High School and Madison Business College and worked for the department of motor vehicles. Together with her husband Mike, they owned and operated Paul's Club on State Street for many years. Jeni was wonderful mother, aunt and cook. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie (Karl) Frickelton; grandchildren, Krista and Michael. She is further survived by a special niece, Kathy (Jim) Peterson and their children, Nikki and Christopher; and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Kindred Hearts Assisted Living in Cottage Grove and HospiceCare for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Madison, WI 53711. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH 1905 W. Beltline Hwy. with Msgr. Thomas Baxter presiding, burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Obituary: Joyce I (Hegg) Fisher

PRAIRIE DU SAC/ MAZOMANIE - Joyce I. Fisher, age 79, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb. She was born March 18, 1929, in Madison, to the late Russell and Marie (Devereaux) Hegg. She attended Central High School in Madison. Joyce married Donald B. Fisher, Aug. 16, 1947, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Madison. They were married for more than 50 years, before Donald passed away on Feb. 19, 1998. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed knitting and embroidery, and doing word circle puzzles. Joyce loved her family and cherished the time they spent together. She is survived by her children, Madonna (Richard) Larsen of Lodi, Catherine (Ernie) Earnshaw of Mesa, Ariz., and John (Gabriele) Fisher of Granite Falls, Wash.; five grandchildren, Jay (Judy) Root, Tina (Randy) Leigh, Stephanie Kobie, April (Trent) Taylor, and Donald J. Fisher; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; her brother-in-law, William (Bud) Clark; her sister-in-law, Virginia Hegg; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Janet Clark, Richard and Russell Hegg; a son, Donald; and a grandson, Roger Root. A memorial service will be held at ST. BARNABAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Mazomanie, on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Father Jason Hesseling officiating. Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden in Madison. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Joyce's family would like to thank HospiceCare, the staff at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb, and a very special granddaughter, Tina, for all their loving care of Joyce. Hooverson Funeral Home Mazomanie (608) 795-2344

Obituary: Mary T. (Galanos) Douros - Class of 1940

MADISON - Mary T. Douros, age 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg surrounded by her family. She was born on March 8, 1922, in Little Rock, Ark., to Louie and Evagelia Polychron. Louie died when Mary was two years old. Mary moved to Madison in 1926 when her mother married Gust Galanos. She graduated from Madison's Central High School in 1940, and went on to attend Madison Business College. In 1949, she married Theodosios Douros. From 1955 until 1985, Mary worked as a secretary at Forest Products Laboratory in Madison. She also worked part-time at her family's business, the Badger Candy Kitchen. Mary was a very spiritual person and a founding member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison. At church she sang in the choir for many years and was a long-time member of the church's Philoptochos Ladies Society. She was a very loving and generous soul who could warm a person's heart with just one smile. Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Katherine; nephew, Dean (Jayme); and niece, Rea (Yioryos). She was preceded in death by her brother, Nicholas Galanos. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison with Father Fred Janecek and Father Deacon Michael Vanderhoef officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison or HopsiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family extends its thanks to all of Mary's caregivers and volunteers from HospiceCare and the staff at Alterra Wynwood. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Rd. (608) 238-3434

Obituary: Gerald Frederick Kratochwill - Class of 1949

MADISON - Gerald Fredrick Kratochwill, age 78, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at University Hospital, surrounded by his family, due to complications from heart and kidney failure. He was born on July 22, 1929, in Patch Grove, to Albert and Ann (Wickendoll) Kratochwill. Gerald grew up in Muscoda. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He retired in 1992 from the city of Madison Streets East Division, as a public works foreman. Gerald was well known for attending numerous auctions. He enjoyed walking around and bidding on the items nobody wanted. It was always a surprise to see what Gerald would bring home each weekend. We would like to think he recycled Dane County through our home. Gerald also enjoyed gardening and there could never be too many tomato plants. He is survived by his wife of 45 years of marriage, Barbara (Kalbfell) Kratochwill; four children, Daniel Kratochwill of Madison, Wendy (Jeff) Diehlmann of Madison, Jerry (Kathy) Kratochwill of Madison, and Nancy (Steve) Warner of Verona; grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Derek and Drew Kratochwill, Trent Diehlmann, Bradly and Sydney Kratochwill, and Amanda and Jayme Warner; great-grandson, Kyan Kratochwill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Nordell (Vida) Kratochwill, Bertha (Thomas) Alderman, and Leona (Narvil) Lewis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at University Hospital.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Joural on April 6, 2008

Obituary: Vernon W. Clifcorn - Class of 1937

MADISON - Vernon W. Clifcorn, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born on July 30, 1918, in Madison, the son of Earl and Clara (Kneebone) Clifcorn. Vernon was united in marriage to Gudron "Goody" Opheim on June 29, 1939, in Madison, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage until her death on Nov. 9, 2002. Mr. Clifcorn was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated with high honors from Madison Central High School. He owned and operated Clifcorn Decorating for 30 years, then was employed with the Madison School District for 17 years as well as being a beekeeper for 10 years. Vernon was an avid sportsman and gardener. He loved to fish, hunt and go camping. He loved taking the family on various vacations or just getting together for family gatherings. Mr. Clifcorn is survived by his son, James "Sonny" (Sue) Clifcorn and daughter, Carolyn Clifcorn, both of Madison; his grandchildren, Stuart (Joan) Clifcorn of Madison, Denise (John) Higgins of Deerfield, Becky Seibt of Columbus, Joel Clifcorn of McFarland, Brett (Deanna) Clifcorn of McFarland, Troy (Staci) Clifcorn of McFarland, Melissa (Sean) Collins of Racine, and Gregg Cline of Madison; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, June Olrick of Rio; and nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. Besides his loving wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Lynn and Ralph; and brothers, Ralph and Earl. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison with Chaplain Annette Cleary leading worship. Burial will be held in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to thank HospiceCare for their wonderful care which helped Dad stay at home. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family, always putting them first before himself. He will be dearly missed. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. (608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2008

Note: Vernon Clifcorn's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange and Black yearbook, where his photograph appears with the February graduates.