Obituary: Roland Zeke "Rollie" Johnson - Class of 1940

MADISON - Roland Zeke "Rollie" Johnson, age 91, a World War II hero, died on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, at the VA Hospice.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1922, in Bristol, Wis. He grew up on a farm near De Forest and his family moved to Madison where he graduated from Central High School. Rollie enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. He piloted 27 bombing missions in a B-24 over Germany. On Nov. 10, 1945, he married Ruth, the love of his life. Rollie became a Master Plumber and had his own business for 37 years.

He was active in the Plumbing Association, being a skilled negotiator. Rollie was inducted into Madison's Softball Hall of Fame as a pitcher with his pitch being clocked once at 93 mph. He was a founding member of the Monona Fire Dept. and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and was a volunteer fireman for Blooming Grove. Rollie was President of the Eastside Businessmen's Club. He knew more people than you could count and vividly told funny stories and jokes. Rollie built their first house with his own two hands on Gordon Ave. in Monona. He and Ruth retired to Bradenton, Fla. where they loved having parties, especially their Super Bowl party. Rollie loved playing sports and being a sports spectator.

He is survived by his sister, June; children, Pam Hicks (Bill), Peg (Jim) Riesen, Bill (Lisa) Johnson and Julie (Chuck) Curran; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Rollie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; his brothers, Lyle and Everett; and a niece, Cheryl.

A Memorial service will take place in the Main Chapel at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 23, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)
 
Note: Roland Johnson's class year is based on information in the 1940 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included with the graduating seniors (his name is shown as Roland Randall Johnson).

Obituary: Mary Rose Gallagher-Arnold - Class of 1951

STOUGHTON- Mary Rose Gallagher-Arnold, age 80, died peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at Serenity Homes in Stoughton. Mary Rose was born April 3, 1933 to Charles and Ruth (Richards) Gallagher in Atchison, KS. Her family relocated to Madison where she attended Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin- Madison, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Medical Technology.

As a wonderful result of her marriage in 1956, she was blessed with four children: Don Arnold (Tamara Ehlert) of St. Louis, MO, Dave Arnold (Mary Beth Sweeney) of Madison, WI, Beth Arnold of Belfast, ME, and Sandy Arnold of Manitowish Waters, WI. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Bobby, Amanda, Jason, Alexandra, Nicholas and Nathan.

Mary Rose was a talented, warm, and generous person. She was a creative woman with a wonderful laugh and a strong sense of humor. Even with a diagnosis of schizophrenia as an adult she remained a devoted and caring mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the Arnold family requests donations be made to Dane County Mental Health or the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill. Both organizations provide valuable services to those suffering with mental illness and their families.

The Arnolds also wish to extend deep gratitude to the professionals of Care Wisconsin, Serenity Home in Stoughton and Agrace Hospice of Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Avenue. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Saturday. May you rest in peace now, Mom/ Grandma.

Originally published on the Ryan & Joyce-Ryan website. Submitted by Imhoff.

Obituary: Brian John Conlon - Class of 1965

MADISON - Brian John Conlon [age 67] was born on July 9, 1946, to Lawrence and Elaine Conlon who together, with his brothers, Thomas, Christopher and Russell, raised Brian in a loving and caring family. He passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Brian was born with a birth defect that caused him to be mentally challenged his entire life. His parents and brothers were keenly aware of Brian's challenges and fought alongside Brian to be sure he had the same advantages in life that you and I do. Through the tenacious, loving work of his mother and father, Brian was taught how to be a productive individual. Brian graduated from Edgewood Campus School and Central High School in Madison. He graduated from Goodwill Technical School in Milwaukee, where he learned the craft of small appliance repair. When he completed his course, he started a small business in our parents' basement and called it "Brian's Lamp Repair Service". Brian canvased the neighborhood, distributing announcements of his business. His business was so successful that he affectionately "hired" his father to help him keep up with the demand. Further in life, Brian was employed by the United States Armed Forces Institute and the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the Postal Service, Brian worked with his brother, Chris, at Anteco Pharma. Brian was a great "tinkerer." He loved to take things apart just to see how they worked. Getting them back together was another story. He enjoyed woodworking, electronics and music. There was always a great Sinatra or Crosby song in the background at Brian's home. Lawrence Welk was Brian's favorite show when we were growing up, which is why we had to buy a Dodge.

Brian is survived by his two children that he dearly loved until the day of his death, John (Amy) Conlon and their two children, and Judy (Mike) Mueller and their two children. He is also survived by his three brothers, Thomas (Patricia), Christopher (Margaret) and Russell; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lawrence and Elaine Conlon. Brian had many great, supportive friends that his family would like to thank for being so special to Brian throughout his life.

Brian had many challenges in life, most were met and won, and some were not. He never gave up living life and meeting his challenges. Brian will be remembered by his family and friends as a hardworking, loving, generous and supportive friend. We all love you and miss you Brian. Say hello to Mom and Dad for all of us. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, with Father Steve Kuhlmann presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass on Thursday. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens following lunch.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Brian Conlon is listed in Madison Board of Education records as a member of the Class of 1965.