Obituary: Steven William Zilley - Class of 1964

MADISON - Steven William Zilley, age 62, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI 53726. Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0536

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 31, 2008

Note: Steven Zilley's class year is based on information in the 1964 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Dorothy Schackter Miller - Class of 1935

MADISON - Dorothy Schackter Miller, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Sebring Assisted Living where she was cared for by loving staff and Hospice staff. She was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Belleville, to Morris and Augusta Schackter. She graduated from Central High School. She married Julius Miller on April 6, 1941. Dorothy and Julius lived in New York City until they retired to Madison. Dorothy and her family have a long history in the Madison Jewish community, and community at large. She was deeply involved with her siblings, nieces and nephews and their families. Dorothy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Julius; two children, Alan Miller (Karen Sinclair), of Grants Pass, Ore., and Phyllis (Ray) Davis of Vashon, Wash.; and five grandchildren; Laura Miller, Simon Miller, Felicia Davis, Jesse Davis, and Shane Davis. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI, 53711.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2008

Note: Dorothy Schackter's class year is based on information in the 1935 Orange & Black yearbook, where her photograph is included among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Curt Drogsvold

MADISON - Curt Drogsvold, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 2, 1919, in Stoughton. He resided there with his parents Orin and Clara and brother Douglas until the family moved to the east side of Madison in 1927. Curt graduated from Central High School and enlisted in the army during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his valiant conduct on the South Pacific Islands of Bouganville and Guadalcanal. His actions were credited with saving the lives of several platoon members. After the war Curt married Pat Flynn Kurowski in 1956 and helped raise her two sons Michael and Patrick. Curt was widowed in 1984. Curt worked in the accounting office at the Struck and Irwin Company for 34 years, retiring in 1981. An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Blackhawk Country Club and enjoyed the links wherever he traveled. In 1987 he married Patricia Howard. They celebrated their 21st anniversary last July. Curt is survived by his immediate family, his wife, Patricia; her two children, Bonnie Howard and Craig Howard; and also by his stepsons, Michael Kurowski and Patrick Kurowski. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation one hour prior to services. The family wishes to thank the VA and Hospice for the wonderful care Curt has received. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703; or a local food pantry. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 20, 2008

Obituary: Audrey M. (Wagner) Neerland - Class of 1947

MADISON - Audrey M. Neerland, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at her home, in the presence of her husband. She was born on Oct. 1, 1929, the daughter of Herbert C. and Ora (McCartie) Wagner. Audrey married Eugene "Ted" Neerland on Oct. 23, 1954, in Madison. A native of Madison, she graduated from Central High School in 1947. Audrey retired from Gilson Medical Electronics in Middleton, where she was a secretary. She was an avid baseball fan, and also enjoyed the Badgers and bowling. Audrey is survived by her husband, Eugene "Ted" Neerland; and her brother, Derry (Joan) Wagner. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved dog, Tina. A memorial visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from 11 a.m until 1 p.m Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

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

Obituary: Therese Ann (Accardo) Cuccia - Class of 1967

MADISON - Therese Anne (Accardo) Cuccia, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center, in Fitchburg after a battle with cancer. She was born on Oct. 8, 1949, in Madison. Therese was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. She was a devout Catholic who shared her beliefs with everyone. It was her strongest desire that we all join her in heaven someday. Therese is survived by two daughters, Nicolle (Don) Eyre and Lucy Cuccia; four grandchildren, Mark, Katlin and Kelsey Eyre, and Madilyn Cuccia; four sisters, Francis (David) Paltz, Nina (Chas) Coberly, Mary Brinsko and JoAnn (Lyle) Claussen; brother, Carl (Barb) Accardo; 16 nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Antoinette Accardo; and two infant siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main St., on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Monsignor Kevin Holmes officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A special thank you to her extended family who spent countless hours at her bedside, giving endlessly to ensure her comfort and peace. Also to the wonderful staff at University Hospital B6/6 and the amazing people at Hospice. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 17, 2008

Note: Therese Accardo's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn

Obituary: James F. Dalbec - Class of 1966

MADISON - James F. Dalbec, age 60 of Madison, passed away at UW Hospital, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, as a result of a tragic car/pedestrian accident. Jim was born Aug. 1, 1948 in Superior, the son of Walter and Marie (Starkey) Dalbec. He graduated from Central High School in 1966, and pursued a career in the local bar and restaurant scene. At the time of his death he was employed at UW Provisions managing the retail store. Besides his family and close friends, his greatest passions were golf, pool, dancing and Las Vegas. Jim was a very fun loving, big hearted, gentle man. He would do anything for anyone. He is survived by his daughter, Danyelle Dalbec; son, Tony (Sara McAllister) Dalbec; aunt, Shirley Starkey of Superior; several cousins and a special friend, Kathy Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Dalbec; and a sister, Arlene Dalbec. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 3 p.m. until the time of service. His family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Dempsey and his staff at UW Hospital for their caring efforts. We are really going to miss you Iceman. We love you dad!! Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Center 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2008

Obituary: John L. Longfield

MCFARLAND - John L. Longfield, age 74 of McFarland, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born in Madison on March 21, 1934, a son of Leo and Ruth (Genske) Longfield. John graduated from Central High School, and served his country in the U.S. Army. On April 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Barbara Tortorici at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Madison. John worked at Oscar Mayer for many years, retiring in 1995. Surviving are John's wife, Barbara; and their three children, daughter, Joanne (Steve) Erickson; whose son, is Luke (Michelle) Erickson; John and Barbara's daughter, Laura Johannes; whose children are Justin and Krista Lessner; and John and Barbara's son, John (Jennie) Longfield, Jr. of Illinois; whose children are Nicholas and Samantha Longfield. John is further survived by a brother, James. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a brother, Larry. Private services will be held at a later date. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Hwy 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2008

Obituary: Charlotte I. (Kalbacken) Emery - Class of 1939

MADISON - Charlotte I. Emery, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Dec. 24, 1921, in Madison, the daughter of Peter and Thea (Tollund) Kalbacken. Charlotte graduated from Central High School. She married Wilbur H. Emery on May 13, 1944, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Charlotte was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a former member of the church choir, and a former member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading mystery novels and was a sports fan. Charlotte is survived by two daughters, Sharon J. (Theo) Mavridoglou of Jackson, Miss. and Patricia I. (Paul) Nehm of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Kristine I. (Allen) McDermott, Aris E. (Alicia) Mavridoglou, Kari L. (Troy) Gunderman, and Petros E. (April) Mavridoglou; seven great-grandchildren, Kadin, Helena, Ayden, Cole, Luke, Paul and Ava; and a sister-in-law, Joan Kalbacken of Bloomington, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur H. Emery (a former City of Madison Police Chief); and a brother, Norman Kalbacken. Funeral services will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, with the Rev. Curt Everson presiding. Visitation will be at Roselawn Chapel from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospital. A special thanks to the nursing staff at 4 East, Cardiac Care Unit, St. Mary's Hospital. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

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

Note: Charlott Kalbacken Emery's class year is based on information in the June 16, 1939 edition of The Capital Times, which features a list of Madison Central High School's graduating seniors.