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).

Mary Louise (Gabbei) Wohlferd - Class of 1932

MADISON - Mary Louise Wohlferd, born in Madison, on Sept. 9, 1917, departed this earth on Thursday, March 15, 2007, at age 89. The daughter of Paul and Mathilda (Schwingel) Gabbei, she graduated from Madison Central in 1932 and married Robert S. Wohlferd on April 20, 1940. During World War II they were stationed in San Francisco, where she worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Upon returning to Madison, she worked many years for S. A. Mahlkuch and Sherman Geib, Realtors. Mary was a life long member of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was very committed, singing in the choir, working many hours with her friends at Blanket Workshop and volunteering for numerous other duties. She was an honored volunteer for friends of WHA-TV and enjoyed gardening, cooking and her friends. She is survived by her children, Stephen of San Francisco, Calif., Monica (Wally Breitman) of Sonoma, Calif. and Mark of Middleton; granddaughters, Tiranie (Aaron) Teschner and Angela; great-granddaughters, Rhiannon and Cecilia Teschner; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; brothers, Harold and Roger; and her sister, Roselyn. A funeral service is set for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2007, at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison, with Pastor Ken Smith presiding. A luncheon will follow at the church. A private interment is planned for later. Memorials may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Life's Weaving My life is but a weaving Between my God and me; I may not choose the colors, He knows what they should be; For He can view the pattern Upon the upper side, While I can see it only On this, the under side. Sometimes He weaveth sorrow, Which seemeth strange to me; But I will trust His judgment, And work on faithfully: 'Tis He who fills the shuttle, He knows just what is best; So I shall weave in earnest And leave with Him the rest. At last, when life is ended, With Him I shall abide, Then I may view the pattern Upon the upper side; Then I shall know the reason Why pain with joy entwined, Was woven in the fabric Of life that God designed. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 18, 2006

Obituary: Kathryn T. (Hanson) Cowan - Class of 1932

MADISON - Kathryn T. Cowan, age 91, died on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006. She was born on Oct. 25, 1914, in Windsor, the daughter of Ole and Carrie (Hanson) Thorstad. Kathryn graduated from Madison Central High School, with the class of 1932. She married Don Cowan on Dec. 7, 1946. Kathryn was employed at Provident Savings and Loan for 20 years, retiring as treasurer. She was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Kathryn is survived by her two sons, Donald (Suzanne) Cowan Jr. of Oregon and Richard (Ellen Schwartz) Cowan, of Madison; two grandchildren, Benjamin Paul Cowan of Palm Desert, Calif., and Patrick William Cowan of Oregon; and her sister, Ruth Reiner of Madison. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents; sisters, Alice Hart, Margaret Wheeler and Mabel Fisk; and brothers, John, Henry, Obert and Arthur Thorstad. A time of prayers and sharing will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, with the Rev. Katherine Baardseth presiding. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday. A family burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital or Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison. Thank you to the staff at Sebring Assisted Living for their care of Kathryn. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Center 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 26, 2006

Obituary: Elva (Dunham) Buenzli - Class of 1932

MADISON - Elva M. Buenzli, age 90, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. Elva was born on Jan. 5, 1915, in Tomahawk to parents Anna and Alton Dunham. She graduated from Madison Central High School and also from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, earning a degree in political science. On Oct. 15, 1938, Elva married William L. Buenzli at St. Raphael's Cathedral, where she was a member until her death. Elva is survived by her three children, Suzanne (Ben) Hutchison, William D. (Denise) Buenzli and Edward (Judy) Buenzli; eight grandchildren, Heidi Meixner, Brett Buenzli, Heath Hutchison, Tyler Buenzli, Bryan Buenzli, Paige Hutchison, Haley Buenzli and Adrienne Buenzli; two great-grandsons, Zachary and Taryn Meixner; and brother-in-law, Howard Buenzli. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Judge William Buenzli. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, with a visitation at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Monsignor Michael E. Hippee and Monsignor Daniel Ganshert will be officiating. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HopiceCare, Inc., the American Red Cross or the Apostolate to the Handicapped. A special thanks to the caregivers and medical staff at Meriter Hospital and the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 9, 2005

Note: Elva Dunham's graduation date is based on information in the Madison Central High School yearbook for 1932.

Obituary: Dorothy (Henning) Wade - Class of 1932

MADISON/ OREGON - Dorothy Wade, age 91, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2005. She was born on Feb. 14, 1914, in Madison, to Otto and Ellen Henning. Dorothy attended Badger School, Madison Central High School, and took short courses at UW-Madison. She married Kenneth Jenkins in 1932, together they raised six children. Dorothy later married Jerry Wade in 1961. She was a former member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison and currently a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Oregon. Dorothy enjoyed singing, traveling and clowning. Survivors include her children, Linda (Sam) Musillami of Fallbrook, Calif., Nancy Wanless of Madison, Ken (Linda) Jenkins of Monona, Cleo (Carl) Smith of Waukesha, Bob (Norma) Jenkins, and Sheila Andersen, both of Oregon; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; two half-sisters, Diane (Bob) Gueldenzoph and Sarah Winch; three step-sons; and several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Sarah Henning; husbands; a sister, Ruth; a son-in-law, Dick Andersen; great-grandson, Nicholas Andersen; and two step-brothers, Bob and Earl Meyer. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, with the Rev. Steven Ristau Hanson presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. The family would like to thank the staff at Oregon Manor for the love and compassion given to our mom during her stay at the manor. "Love you mom, until we meet again." Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608) 835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 7, 2005

Note: Graduation year is based on information in the 1932 Orange & Black yearbook.

Obituary: Daniel C. Grady - Class of 1932

MADISON - Daniel C. Grady, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Middleton Village Nursing Home. He was born on Sept. 3, 1915, in Madison, the son of Daniel E. and Augusta (Herman) Grady. Daniel graduated from Central High School, class of 1932. He was a member of the National Honor Society. Daniel worked as a printer at Wells Printing Company in Madison for many years. He and his wife, Ruth, worked in the Western U.S. and settled in northern California where he owned and operated his own printing business. He was an active union member until his retirement when he returned to Madison. Daniel was a life member of Elks No. 410 and the Lions Club. He is survived by his son, Daniel H. Grady of East Troy; a daughter, Marie A. Fenske of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Alice Niebuhr of Waunakee; three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Ruth E. Grady. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, with Father Michael Moon officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Church. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2003

Helen M. (Meyers) Guzman - Class of 1932

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Helen M. Guzman died on Tuesday, July 24, 2001, at St. Marys Hospital after a brief illness. Helen was born Dec. 21, 1914, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Arthur and Ruth Meyers. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1932. She was united in marriage to Simeon Reyes Guzman on Feb. 8, 1946. She was employed for almost four decades by the University of Wisconsin. For much of her employment she was the personal secretary to Dr. Mark H. Ingrahm, who mentioned her in several of his book acknowledgements. In one he said, "Mrs. Guzman has again given me invaluable editorial advice." Helen is survived by her son, David Rey Guzman of California; and a grandson, Paul Murphy. Two brothers-in law survive her, Howard Wagner and Robert Wodke. She is survived by the many nieces and nephews who have enjoyed her company, Betty Custer, Virginia Martinson, Helen (Dolly) Emerson, Nancee Bauer, Jean Ebersohl, John Haight, Pat Madani, Steve Wagner, Frank Meyers, Barbara Wodke, Jean Geving, Bob Wodke, Burton Neesvig, Ruth Garner, Bob Harris, Dick Meyers, Doris Bayer, Earl Day Jr., Mary Ruth Burnes and James Day; and their children who have given her special moments. Several spouses of her nieces were particularly close to her in past years, Corkey Custer and Dick Bauer in particular. She was predeceased by her husband, Simeon; her parents; and her siblings, Robert Meyers, Dorothy Emerson, Margaret Neesvig, Vera Day, David Meyers, Ruth Harris, Mary Waterworth and Grace Wodke. She was also preceded in death by nieces, Betty Von Rutenberg, Ruth Olson and Peggy Neesvig. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2001, at 11 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with the Rev. Ute Molitor presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends and relatives may greet the family from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 27, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Claude A. Hungerford - Class of 1932

MADISON - Cluade A. Hungerford, age 83 and a lifelong resident of Madison, died on Thursday, April 24, 1997, at his home following a long illness. He was born on August 25, 1913 to the late Earl and Alice (Bailie) Hungerford. He graduated from Central High School in 1932 and the University of Wisconsin Madison with a B.S. and M.S. in Physical Education in 1940. On June 18, 1949, Claude married the former Marian Breeden in Madison. Mr. Hungerford taught physical education and science from 1940-1941, as well as coaching baseball and basketball at New Glarus High School. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1941-1945, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He taught in Rochester, Minnesota in 1946 and 1947, moving back to Madison, taking a postion with Madison East High School where he taught physical education and coached wrestling, track and football until his retirement in 1978. Claude was a charter member of the Exchange Club of Madison and a member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Marian; a daughter, Dr. Sue A. Hungerford (Robert Whelan) of Winnetka, Illinois; a son, Craig (Linda Olson) of Madison; two grandchildren, Jack and Anna Whelan; a sister, Joyce Holden of Paradise, California; three brothers, Stanley (Dorothy) Hungerford of Sun City West, Arizona, Lester Hungerford of West Lafayette, Indiana and Laverne (Leatrice) Hungerford of Madison. A memorial srvice will be held at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3810 Speedway Road, on Monday, April 28, 1997, at 1:oo p.m. The Reverend Mark Clinger will officiate. A memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or to the Madison Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 2120 Fordem Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53704.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 1997