Obituary: John L. O'Malley - Class of 1949

MADISON - John L. O'Malley, passed away on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2010, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1930, the son of John Joseph and Ida Ruth (Mawhinney) O'Malley. He married Barbara Gray on June 10, 1950. John graduated from Central High School in 1949. He worked for Motor Transport for 25 years and then worked for Care Cab before retiring. John enjoyed taking long drives, watching his grandchildren's activities, playing Bingo, parades and watching the eagles at Sauk Prairie.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; children, Patrick (Nancy) O'Malley, Daniel (Alvina) O'Malley, Ruthann (Steven) Drifke; John (Donna) O'Malley and Shane (JoAnn) O'Malley; 10 grandchildren, Casey, Brian and Emily O'Malley, Melanie (Joe) Squires, Caitlin and Holly Drifke, Brianna and Makayla O'Malley, and Jordan and Tamia O'Malley; sister, June (Sanford) Herrling; and brother-in-law, Frank (Eileen) Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael O'Malley; two brothers; and a sister.

Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, with the Rev. John Bergson presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. A special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Dean East and Oncology Clinics, St. Mary's Hospital, City of Madison Emergency Response Teams and HospiceCare. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive,(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 2, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)