Obituary: Josephine Marie (DiLorenzo) Scheel - Class of 1942

MADISON - Josephine Marie (DiLorenzo) Scheel, age 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, having suffered from Alzheimer’s.

She was born on Oct. 8, 1923, in Madison, the daughter of Angelo and Anna (Trapino) DiLorenzo. Josephine graduated from Madison Central High School in 1942. She graduated from beauty school in 1944. Josephine married Floyd (Doc) Scheel on May 22, 1948. She opened Jo’s Beauty Salon on Sept. 9, 1958, and operated it until 2005. Josephine’s granddaughter, Reanna has recently reopened the salon renaming it Reanna’s Salona. Josephine was the president of the Wisconsin Hairdresser Association in 1960. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her husband, to Italy to visit family, and to the many hair shows all over the country. Josephine also enjoyed playing blackjack at Ho-Chunk Casino. Jo was a trend setter ahead of her time. Her family was always her number one priority from the beginning, raising her children while working from the Beauty Shop in her home, an accomplishment her children and grandchildren will forever be grateful for. Jo was a strong feisty wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and relative never to be forgotten. She carried herself with grace and charm quietly adding a loving touch to all she did. She made her mark in this world and is now continuing on in the next. We will miss her style and laughter. We Love You!

She is survived by her husband, Floyd (Doc) with whom she had a long love affair of 63 years; daughter, Sherry Nelson; son, Greg Scheel; grandchildren, Shawn (Kristi) Doyle, Shane (Lynne) Doyle, and Reanna Nelson; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Hannah, Jack and Simon Doyle; sister-in-law, Phyllis Coaty; and brother-in-law, Robert Scheel. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Rodney Scheel in 1990; grandson, Tyler Nelson in 2005; two brothers, Vincent (Jimmy) and Anthony (Tony); two sisters, Virginia Voigt and Rose Cardy; and brother-in-law, Ken Scheel.

A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a time to share memories at 5:45 p.m., on Saturday, March 24, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rodney Scheel House, 2815 Hauk Street, Madison, WI. 53704. A special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 21, 2012. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).