Obituary: Dorothy M (Pertzborn) Jafferis - Class of 1943

MIDDLETON - Dorothy M. (Pertzborn) Jafferis died on April 23, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, following a long illness. She was born at home on July 17, 1925, to Adolph M. and Hedwig (Koch) Pertzborn. Dorothy attended St. James Grade School and Madison Central High School, graduating in 1943. It was while at Madison Central High School that she met her husband and life partner, Tom. They were married on May 17, 1947, at St. James Church. Upon high school graduation, Dorothy was employed for five years at the old Industrial Commission (Unemployment and Workman's Compensation Department). After the birth of her first child, she was a stay-at-home mother until her last child started school. During that time she worked at home, typing many theses for UW students. Dorothy re-entered the workforce, working for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union for 20 years. After retirement from the union, she worked in the office of then Gov. Anthony Earl. Her last employment was at American Girl. A life-long democrat and staunch union advocate, she volunteered for many democratic political candidates at all levels of government. Dorothy also served the City of Madison on the Human Services Board for nine years, Madison Youth Commission for two years, Personnel Board for four years and Hope Haven for two years. Being very active in the labor movement, she served both as vice president and president of the Office Employees Union. She was a board member and secretary of the Labor Temple Association, a delegate to Madison Federation of Labor (South Central Federation) and the Committee on Political Education Steering Committee. Dorothy was an avid UW Badgers fan. She and her family traveled to many Badgers away and Bowl games. Dorothy and Tom were Badgers ticket holders for 50 years. Baking, bingo, crossword puzzles and visiting with her grandchildren were her favorite past times. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret and Esther; grandson, Patrick Costello; two brothers-in-law, John Caruso and Jim Waters; a niece, Susan Wilcox; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Dorothy's generous spirit, devotion to her family, and her work ethic were inspirational to all those whose lives she touched. In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by her five children, Christine/Tina (David) Lund, Kathy (Kevin) Costello, JoAnne (Bob) Bradley, John (Kim) Jafferis, and Bob (Marsha) Jafferis; sisters, Rachel Caruso, Alice (Jim) Wilcox, Cathy Waters, and Barbara (Bill) Bougher; grandchildren, Mandy (Erik) Monson, David J. Lund, Chris Larson, Jenni (Chad) Anderson, Justin (fiancé, Lindsey) Jafferis, Jeremy Jafferis, Max Costello, and Antonia "Annie" Costello; great-grandchildren, Michael and Ella Monson, Alexis Jafferis, and Sylvia Anderson; step-grandchildren, Jennifer Tredinnick and Erik Bradley; step-great-grandchildren, Savana Halverson and Grace and Riley Bradley; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 1126 S. 70th St., Suite S423, Milwaukee, WI, 53214 (www.ccfa.org), or the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 28, 2014, at 11 a.m., at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison WI 53715, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Terrance B. Hartfelder - Class of 1962

MADISON - Terrance B. Hartfelder, age 70, of Madison, passed away on March 15, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, following a long battle with cancer. Terry was born on July 20, 1943, in Madison, and lived in the downtown area for his entire life. He walked State Street everyday where he frequented the many restaurants and shops. Terry made pizzas at Paisan's Restaurant for 50 years until he retired because of his illness. He considered his family to be his co-workers at Paisan's, and he is greatly missed by them. We would like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at UW Health and Hospital for their wonderful help and compassion over the last couple of years, and also Agrace HospiceCare for taking care of Terry and making him comfortable during his last few days. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at PAISAN'S RESTAURANT on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 16, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Terrance B. Hartfelder's class year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Gerhard A. "Gary" Swenson Sr. - Class of 1947

MADISON - Gerhard A. "Gary" Swenson Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, April 11, 2014. He was born on Dec. 16, 1928, in Madison, the son of Arthur and Lucille (McCann) Swenson. Gary graduated from Central High School in 1947. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 12, 1950, he was united in marriage to his beloved Donna J. Soden in Dubuque, Iowa. He held a variety of jobs throughout his life, including, produce manager at Kroger's, Jewel-T sales, Montgomery Ward and driving for Badger Cab Co. He went on to work for 35 years with the City of Madison, ending his career as a supervisor of the Eastside Streets Department. Gary loved garage sales, going to thrift stores and auctions. He also enjoyed playing softball, watching his grandchildren's sporting events and doing crossword puzzles. He was known for his great sense of humor and quick wit. Gary loved his family, meeting new people and having good conversation, but most of all he cherished his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Rhonda (Ed) Skolaski, Gary (Mary Larson) Swenson, Jay (Laura Shirley) Swenson and Andrea (Timm) Bailey; grandchildren, Carrie (Jake) Puls, Caitlin, Kiley and Grace Swenson and Warren and Sydney Bailey; great-granddaughter, Alex Puls; sisters, Virginia O'Brien and Arline Mickelson; brother, Paul Swenson; two half-siblings, Christine Marking and Lee Swenson; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; and sisters, Phyllis Gillett and Grace Long. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Ann Fischer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Misty Melchert, the staff of Home Health United Hospice, Jenni, Melissa, Dawn, Rachel and Sr. Georgianne and also to the Cardiac Unit at St. Mary's Hospital. Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the MS Society of Wisconsin.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 13, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Caryl (Young) Willan - Class of 1932

MADISON - Caryl Willan, "Mom, Ma, Gram," lived an amazing 100+ years. She passed away at Oakwood Village East on April 11, 2014. Caryl lived a good, full life for a 100+ years, a century, entirely in Madison. She was born to George and Sydonia Young on July 16, 1913, in the 1200 block of East Dayton Street in the Tenney/Lapham neighborhood. Caryl was the youngest of five siblings, Gertrude, Edith, Ruth and George Jr., all deceased. Caryl's entire childhood and many years of her young adult and married life were spent in the 1200 block of E. Dayton Street. Madison Central, now MATC, was Caryl's high school. She graduated from Central in June, 1932. She met her husband-to-be, Russell Willan, near her childhood home on Dayton Street. They were married on Oct. 29, 1932. Caryl and Russell had two sons and a daughter, Lyle (Judy), Rollie (Ginny) and Marilyn Greve. All three children have remained in the Madison area. Caryl's husband, Russell passed away in 1982. Caryl was affectionally know as "Gram" to 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Caryl Willan, during her century of life, demonstrated and lived an array of positive qualities. She was always there. A - rock" for her kids, a good listener and was not judgmental. Caryl always respected a person's privacy. Gossip or speaking with ill will was foreign to her. She was kind. She was a great mother-in-law, supportive, encouraging and didn't meddle. Caryl was a calm, even keeled woman. Anger was incredibly rare and always controlled. She lived a number of old adages: "Change what you can change, accept what you can't." "If you can't say something nice about someone, say nothing at all." She never complained and asked for little. Intellectually, Caryl remained sharp as a tack. Even in to her late 90's, Caryl paid her own bills, handled her own banking, read the newspaper regularly and always voted. In her later years, thanks to Terry (granddaughter) and Carl Dvorak, Caryl Willan became a "cruiser," going on a number of Caribbean Cruises. A death, after a century of life, is worth celebrating. We admire and celebrate Caryl Willan's meaningful, well-lived life. In her 100 years, Caryl witnessed and adapted to a myriad of changes: 18 presidents, beginning with Woodrow Wilson, too may wars (World War I, World War II, Korean, Viet Nam, Iraq I and Iraq II), the Depression and multiple recessions, horses to Ford Model T to Hybrid/Electric cars, air travel, space exploration, TV, computers, the internet, solar power and cell phones. Caryl Willan experienced so much change and yet remained vibrant, active and forever independent. Upon her passing, there is ample reason to celebrate. Thanks to Carl and Terry Dvorak for letting Mom experience life well beyond Dayton Street. Thanks to the folks at Oakwood Village East for making Mom's last two decades, safe, active and comfortable. Thanks to Dick Christofferson for the many red lobster lunches and staying in touch. Thanks to Agrace HospiceCare for making Mom's last days easier and more comfortable. Thanks to the Frautschi Family and Webcrafters for underwriting her health insurance so many years after retirement. Any Memorial Offerings could be made to Oakwood Village East c/o Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705; Plymouth Congregational Church, 2410 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin, 53704; or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the OAKWOOD VILLAGE EAST CHAPEL.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 13, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Richard Neal Sweet - Class of 1967

MADISON - Richard Neal Sweet died of melanoma in Madison, on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Dick was born in Madison to Ben Sweet and Miriam (Gast) Sweet on Jan. 10, 1949, and was a lifelong Madison resident. He graduated from Lincoln grade school, Central High, UW-Madison, and UW Law School. Dick worked as an attorney for 36 years for the Wisconsin Legislative Council, a job that he enjoyed involving a mix of law and public policy. He specialized in health law, veterans issues, and administrative rules, and was widely respected for his work with the Wisconsin Legislature as well as the National Conference of State Legislatures. He retired in 2011 and enjoyed time reading, cooking, doing volunteer work, auditing UW classes, taking his collie, Riley, to dog parks, and spending time with family and friends. He was an ardent fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and UW sports.

While they were both working in the Legislature, Dick and Judy Zvara began dating and were married on a beautiful fall day in 1982 at the University Club on State Street. That day, October 3, was also the day the Milwaukee Brewers sealed their inclusion in the 1982 playoffs. Dick and Judy spent part of their honeymoon cheering for the Brewers at the World Series in Milwaukee.

Dick and Judy loved camping, cross-country skiing, and traveling; their pre-child adventures included a month-long trip to the British Isles. They enjoyed vacationing with their children at Disney World, Longboat Key, Fla., and many road trips in between. The family favorite was the annual trip "Up North" to northern Wisconsin with friends. Dick was known for his kindness, his humility, his even-handed and analytical approach to issues great and small, his dry wit, and his legendary knowledge of 50s and 60s rock music.

Dick is survived by his wife, Judy Zvara; children, Kathryn and David Sweet; and grandson, Oliver Sweet. Riley the collie already misses Dick's loving companionship. Dick is further survived by his sister, Linda Sweet; uncle, Morris Sweet (Helen); cousins, Pauline Sinnamon (Jim), Mark Sweet (Lynn), Nan Roytberg (Dimitry), and Mona Carver (David); sister-in-law, Carol Gobel; niece, Kristina Gobel (Steve Burgun) and their children, Matthew and Michael; and nephew, Gregory Gobel.

The family thanks the many friends with whom we have spent wonderful times through the years and who provided so much support during Dick's illness.

 Memorials may be made to RSVP of Dane County, The Road Home, or a charity of your choice.

A gathering to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the UNIVERSITY CLUB, 803 State St., in Madison.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 9, 2014. Submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967) and Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1969).

Obituary: Maurice "Maurie" Ellis - Class of 1953

WAUNAKEE - Maurice "Maurie" Ellis, age 79, died at home on Monday, April 7, 2014, after a courageous, two year battle with colon cancer.

Born on April 4, 1935, to Wayne and Eunice (Rasmussen) Ellis, Maurie spent his early years in the Brooklyn, Wis., area, moving to Madison in 1949. Maurie attended Central High School and graduated from UW-Stout in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. On Dec. 28, 1957, Maurie married his college sweetheart, Mary Katherine "Kay" Kennedy, at St. Aloysius Church in Sauk City. Maurie and Kay started Ellis True Value Hardware Store, in the Westmoreland area of Madison, in 1961 and operated the business until 1990. Maurie then worked at Ace Hardware on Willie Street until retirement.

Maurie's retirement years were just as active as his career days until his illness forced him to slow down. He was always looking for a way to be of service to others and to help those around him. Maurie volunteered at Habitat for Humanity's Restore and with the Red Cross for 15 years, delivering donated blood and helping with disaster relief during hurricanes in Florida and Mississippi and tornados in Wisconsin. He was a member of the Devil's Head Ski Patrol for over 30 years, where he recently received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Ski Patrol for his many hours of community involvement. This award meant the world to Maurie and the timing of its presentation on Jan. 26, 2014, could not have been better.

Many people may know Maurie as the "Tool Man" as he was both a trader and restorer of fine hand tools. Every spring, collectors would follow the signs to Maurie's annual tool sale in Waunakee for tool bargains and tool-talk. Maurie could talk tools or skiing all day and made wonderful friends through his many interests. Maurie and Kay enjoyed years of camping, travel, and celebrations with their family of close friends, Fred and Marge, Pat and George, Ted and Sande, Dick and Shirley, Marty and Larry, and Joanne and Charlie. This close-knit group has dropped a stitch and will forever feel the hole left by Maurie's smile and quick wit.

Maurie is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Patti Ellis (Hugh Miller); son, Tim (Lynne); granddaughters, Kristi (Travis) Brown and Abby Ellis; sister, Betty Cerniglia; and sister-in-law, Jackie Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and brother-in-law, Matt Murphy.

Maurie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and a joy to his many friends and colleagues. He will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Dean Oncology and Agrace HospiceCare for their excellent care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South St., Waunakee. A visitation will be held at church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, or Agrace HospiceCare.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 9, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) and Martha Soules Rortvedt (Class of 1965).

The class year for Maurie Ellis is based on information from a 1953 list of Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Obituary: Carroll (Waddell). Accola - Class of 1934

PRAIRIE DU SAC - Carroll W. Accola, age 96, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City. She was born in Madison on April 17, 1917, to the late Charles and Hulda (Koerth) Waddell. She graduated from Central High School in Madison, class of 1934. Carroll married Harlow P. Accola on Sept. 28, 1940. He preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1992. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Prairie du Sac, and enjoyed being active in the church, volunteering in the community, golfing, and playing bridge.

She is survived by her six children, Marilyn (Glenn) Herschleb of Sauk City, James (Sue) Accola of Fond du Lac, Jack (Judy) Accola of Prairie du Sac, Janice (Skip) Stephenson of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Susan (Tom) Schermerhorn of Portage, and Tom Accola of Key West, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Kay Accola; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in by two brothers, Harvey and Clinton Waddell; a sister, Lorraine Osterfund; and grandson-in-law, Les Helms.

A funeral service will be held at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 435 Fifth St., Prairie du Sac, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Burial will follow in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, and one hour prior to her service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or the Ruth Culver Memorial Library.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 6, 2014. Submitted by Miochael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Paul E. Wichmann - Class of 1961

MADISON - Paul E. Wichmann, age 70, of Madison, passed away on March 5, 2014. He was born on Jan. 24, 1944, in Stevens Point, the son of William "Bud" and Myrna June (Edwards) Wichmann. Paul graduated Madison Central High School in 1961. He was employed at Madison Opportunity Center and Ray O Vac. Paul was an usher at University of Wisconsin football games in Camp Randall and basketball games held in the Fieldhouse. He lived in Madison for more than fifty years and was a resident of the Romnes Apartments for over twenty years. Paul was an avid sports fan. He closely followed the Badgers, Brewers and Packers. He loved bingo and his bowling league. Paul was a member various Presbyterian churches in Madison and of the Eagles Club.

Even though he had challenges in life, he was very generous of his time and talents to the residents of his apartment complex. Paul was often able to help the residents with their needs, driving them to appointments and shopping trips. He will be fondly remembered for his unique sense of humor, kindness to many, and great attention to detail. Surviving are his cousins, Louis (Nancy), Phillip (Pauline), William (Pat), and Barrett Jung, Gaye (Jack) Scheidegger, Charles (Karol), Scott (Carol) Wichmann and Brenda (Fred) Caruso, and their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Bud, in 1954; and later his mother, Myrna June Duranti, in 1998.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside funeral services on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 2 p.m., at the BELMONT CEMETERY in Belmont, Wis., with the Rev. Chris Davis officiating. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Platteville is assisting the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 6, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).