Obituary: Frank E. Forster - Class of 1934

MADISON- Frank E. Forster, age 92, died on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Middleton Village Nursing Home. He was born on April 10, 1916, to Anton and Josephine Forster in Madison. Singing in the choir at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Frank met his future wife, Alyce Ripp. They were united in marriage on July 26, 1941. Frank attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years, before joining the police force for the City of Madison. After 31 years of service, Frank retired as captain of police for the city. Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He sang in the choir at church, and also in a barber shop quartet. Frank enjoyed golfing, was an avid bowler, went square dancing, and loved to play cards. He and Alyce loved going on bus tours to Milwaukee and Chicago, and wintered in Florida for a number of years. Frank was also an avid Badgers and Packers fan. He also had a passion for building and design, and spent 12 years building a beautiful home on the Wisconsin River. Frank is survived by his wife, Alyce; two daughters, Elizabeth (Richard) Ketterer and Mary Lynn Forster; a granddaughter, Amy (Clint) Le Grand; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Carsen. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann; a brother, George; and three sisters, Ann, Mary and Josephine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison with Monsignor Michael L. Burke officiating. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to St. Coletta of Wisconsin, Development Office, W4955 Highway 18, Jefferson, WI 53549, please indicate for the Madison location. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 26, 2009

Note: Frank E. Forster's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is pictured among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Ben Lowell

HOUSTON, TEXAS/ MADISON - Ben Lowell, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Madison, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his loving family and in the arms of his children. Ben was born and raised in Madison and was the youngest of a family of five children. He graduated from Madison Central High School and then the University of Wisconsin, where he received degrees in economics and law (J.D.). After practicing law in Madison, he went on to work in the building industry in Wisconsin. He later started the Ben Lowell Insurance Agency in Houston, Texas. The agency was a family business, one where he enjoyed working with his clients and family members on a daily basis. The business grew to become one of the largest agencies in Texas serving all types of clients from individuals to businesses and even foreign embassies. He received top agency honors year after year. Ben had a few hobbies besides picking out fabulous fruit from his favorite shopping places. He was an avid investor and loved researching his favorite companies and buying stocks and investments. Nothing brought him more joy however, than simply spending quality time visiting with family and friends. Also, on an annual basis, he would travel back to Madison to visit friends, family and former school mates. At the age of 75, Ben became a Reiki master utilizing his healing powers to help those in need. Ben was reunited with his parents, Max and Clara (nee Potkin) Levin; his brother, Norman; and sister, Portia, all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Maxine (nee Gellman) with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 7th of this year. Ben was the wonderful father of Deby (Brett) Dalrymple of Houston, Texas, Diane (Ramiz) Tafilaj of Houston, Texas, Scott Lowell of Houston, Texas, Jeff (Heather) Lowell of Minneapolis, Minn., Bill (Jan) Lowell of Eagle, and Doug (Laura) Lowell of Houston, Texas. Proud and loving grandfather of Besa (David) Pinchotti, Besim (Iliriana) Tafilaj, Durim (Yllka) Tafilaj, Jessica (Gene) Labrada, Derek Lowell, Jake (Katy) Lowell, Rachel Lowell, Alexandra Lowell, Maxwell Lowell, Ariana Lowell, Mason Lowell and Arabella Lowell. Great-grandpa to Lira Pinchotti, Drin Tafilaj, Dia Tafilaj and Daniel Lowell. Ben is also survived by two wonderful and loving sisters, Ada Mitchell and Ruth Levey of Madison; many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and his cherished and special friends. Ben had the uncanny knack to befriend individuals from every walk of life and offered everyone he knew his sweet and gentle manner, his optimistic hope and his caring friendship and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and all the lives he touched. Friends and relatives are welcome to visit with the family on Friday, March 20, 2009, at 1 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, which will be followed by a service at 2 p.m. Immediately following the service there will be a short graveside service at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials contributions are being accepted in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association, Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2009

Obituary: Ruth E. (Rasmussen) Helleckson - Class of 1943

MADISON - Ruth E. Helleckson, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, after a short battle with larynx cancer, at Sebring Assisted Living. She was born on Nov. 14, 1925, in Madison, the daughter of Henry and Fern (Ostrander) Rasmussen. Ruth graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943 and was a member of their a cappella choir. She married Dwain Helleckson on June 25, 1944. Ruth and Dwain co-owned Helleckson's Liquor and Helleckson's Service Station for many years. She was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. Ruth is survived by three children, Linda (Thomas) Junck, Cindy (Robert) Schumacher and Rick (Deborah) Helleckson; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Gordon Rasmussen; sister, Eileen (Phil) Falkenborg; sisters-in-law, Ruby Hubbard and Katie Helleckson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwain; her parents; and a granddaughter, Cami Lynn Junck. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2009, with the Rev. Mary Pharmer presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. or St. Marks Lutheran Church. A special thanks to the staff at Sebring Assisted Living and HospiceCare for all of their care and support of Ruth. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2009

Betty Jane (Philipp) Barringer - Class of 1947

MADISON - Betty Jane (Philipp) Barringer, age 79, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2009, at Oak Park Nursing Home, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born on Dec. 7, 1929, in Madison, the daughter of Hugo and Alma (Pieh) Philipp. Betty graduated from Madison Central High School in 1947. She married C. Roger Barringer on July 30, 1949, in Madison. Betty worked at Hoffman House Restaurant for 15 years and then Wisconsin State Employees Credit Union. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, playing bridge, traveling and following Badgers sports. Betty is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Lynn (Tony) Krebs of Marshall, Tim Barringer of Mazomanie, and Dan (Sherry) Barringer of Columbus, Ohio; granddaughters, Amy Barringer, Missy (Kevin) Minter, Keri Krebs and Sarah Barringer; grandsons, Shawn and Brandon Barringer, and Ben Krebs; great-grandchildren, Kyle, Gabby and Zachary; and daughter-in-law, Janet Barringer of Rosemount, Minn. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son, Bob; two brothers, George and Lloyd Philipp; and two sisters, Eleanor Langholff and Dorothy Kneebone. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME,5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Private burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. or Alzheimer's Association. A special thanks to the staffs at Oak Park and Hospice for their care and compassion. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 11, 2009

Kathryn (Sarenich) Giese - Class of 1935

MADISON - Kathryn (Sarenich) Geise, 92, passed away peacefully at HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg with loved ones by her side on March 8, 2009. She was born on March 25, 1916 in Madison to Joseph and Mary Sarenich. She graduated from Central High School in 1935. On June 29, 1958 she married Walter Geise. She was a life-long member of St. Patrick's Church. Katie was a kind, sweet woman who was loved by everyone and blessed to know her. She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Evelyn Sarenich of Green Bay; seven nieces and nephews, JoAnn Jankowski (Mark) of Abrams, Kathleen Bransted (Steve) of West Bend, James J Sarenich (Bobby Jo) of Pulaski, Patrick P. Sarenich of Wrightstown, Sharon Sarenich of Fond du Lac, Mary Bennett of Albany and James C. Sarenich; and numerous loving friends she also considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter; and brothers, Paul, James and Charles. Mass of Christian Burial will be held TODAY, March 10, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at SAINT PATRICK'S CHURCH, Madison with Monsignor Holmes officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. up until time of service. Burial will be held in Rose Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. The family wishes to thank her caretaker Noemi, the staffs at St. Mary's Hospital and the compassionate staff at HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. ( 608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 10, 2009

Obituary: Ronald William Harrington - Class of 1955

MADISON - Ronald William Harrington, age 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. Ronald was born on June 15, 1936, in Madison, the son of John and Harriet Harrington. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955 and later married Mariea Guzzetta on May 31, 1958, in Madison. Ronald was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Madison. He collected stamps and baseball cards, and loved playing fast pitch softball. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends, and attending his grandchildren's events or school activities. Ronald worked for more than 37 years for the University of Wisconsin Physics Department prior to his retirement in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Mariea (Guzzetta) Harrington; three sons, Bill (Lisa) Harrington, Dan (Kelli) Harrington and Mark (Kathy) Harrington; seven grandchildren, Michael, Mariel, Zachary, Jackie, Samantha, Kaitlyn and Danny; six siblings, Regina (James) Emerson of Oshkosh, James (Lu Ann) Harrington of Beloit, Barbara (William) Miller of DeForest, Richard Harrington of Wautoma, Susan (James) Clifcorn of Madison, and Julie Washa (Gary Morgan) of North Freedom; his friends, Jack (Carol) Marshall and Sam (Bev) DiMaggio; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Harriet) Harrington; his sister, Geraldine (David) Eagen; a brother, Jack Harrington; two nephews, Stephen Emerson and Timothy Harrington; a nephew-in-law, James Guzzetta; and special friends, Gordie (Bonnie) Hocking. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, on Friday, March 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. Monsignor Tom Baxter will celebrate. A visitation will also be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will conclude at the Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the St. James Catholic School, 1204 St. James Court, Madison. Dad will be missed by all of us. We love you Papa. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2009

Obituary: Ruth Emory Allin - Class of 1929

MADISON - Ruth Emory Allin, age 97, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in Roseville Minn., at the Presbyterian Homes of Roseville where she had been living for the past seven years. Ruth was born on April 16, 1911, in Maywood Ill., the daughter of the late Lyndon King Emory and Elizabeth Bishop Emory. She moved to Madison in the early 1920s where Mr. Emory owned and operated Brown's Book Store. After graduating from Central High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated in 1933 with a degree in art. In 1935, Ruth married Robin N. Allin, who became a prominent internist at the Dean Clinic in Madison. In addition to raising her three children, Ruth pursued her work as an artist as a member of the Madison Art Guild. Dr. and Mrs. Allin traveled widely throughout the world. Ruth instilled in her children and grandchildren curiosity about the world, appreciation for nature, and enthusiasm for learning. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of the many places she had been and people she had met that she retained until her death. For the past 12 years of her life she lived in Minnesota. Ruth is survived by her son, Robin Nail Allin Jr. (Sheila) of Port Barrington Ill.; daughter, Nancy Allin Nelson (Russell) of St. Paul Minn.; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Allin of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Stephanie Clemson (Peter) of Evanston Ill., Derek Allin of Palatine Ill., Matthew Nelson (Kelley) of St. Paul Minn.; Erica Nelson (Dylan Howitt) of London UK; Lyndon Allin II (Lorina) of London UK; Robin Allin III of Port Barrington Ill.; Marin Nelson of Minneapolis, Minn. and Christopher Allin of Glendale Heights, Ill. Ruth felt very blessed to have enjoyed her six great-grandchildren, Anna and Matthew Clemson, Tyler and Zachary Nelson, Bryce Allin and Alexander Allin. Ruth is also survived by her niece, Patricia Lang of St Paul, Minn. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband in 1994; and by her son, Lyndon King Allin in 2000. A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison, on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 3 p.m., with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials are preferred to the Robin N. Allin, M.D. Scholarship Fund of the University of Wisconsin Foundation or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 1, 2009

Ruth Emory Allin's class year is based in information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the February graduating class.