Obituary: Robert B. Skuldt - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert B. Skuldt passed away Monday, Dec.19, 2011, at age 93.

Robert was born in Monticello on Aug. 18, 1918, and moved to Madison in 1925. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He married the former Viletta J. Spencer of Madison in 1940. He was Director of the Dane County Regional Airport from 1946 until his retirement in 1981. In this position, he was deeply involved in the operation, maintenance and development of the Madison Municipal Airport, later named the Dane County Regional Airport. Mr. Skuldt actively promoted, developed statistics and presented supporting oral and written testimony before the Civil Air Board in Washington D.C. many times in establishing most of the Major Airline Routes serving Madison and the surrounding counties. He was also a civilian flying instructor for several years at the old Madison Royal Airport and at the Morey Airport in Middleton.

Mr. Skuldt entered the military service in 1943 with a direct commission. He served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corp Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater; flying four engined C54's over the Himalayan Mountains "The Hump," and flew many of the world air routes during World War II. He received an Air Medal and five battle stars plus numerous other military citations. After World War II, he helped organize the Madison unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and served as Commanding Officer, Utility Flight 176 Fighter Squadron, Inspector General 128th Air Defense wing and several other high level positions. In 1964, he was promoted to full colonel. He was recalled to active duty with the United States Air Force in 1951, during the Korean conflict, and after 21 months of active duty, he returned to his position of Airport Director and re-entered The Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Mr. Skuldt was a command pilot with 7300 hours of flying time, of which 5600 hours are military. He held Federal Aviation pilot ratings as follows: Commercial License, Flying Instructors Rating, Instrument Flying Rating, Multi-engine Rating, DC-3, DC-4 and Seaplane Rating. After serving 28 years of active duty and reserve time (U.S. Air Force and WI Air National Guard), Colonel Skuldt retired from the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1971. He was very active in the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, particularly related to aviation and military affairs. He was a member of: Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, an "Inducted Member" on Oct.10, 2006, American Association of Airport Executives, Wisconsin Airports Association-Past President, Military Order of World Wars, Wisconsin National Guard Association, Retired Officers Association and Quiet Birdmen-Past Key Man-Governor.

Shortly after he retired as Director of the Dane County Regional Airport in April 1981, Mr. Skuldt became an Airport Consultant to Mr. Hal Carr, President of Republic Airlines until November, 1984. He served on the Dane County Board of Supervisors from 1985 until 1992 and was Chairman of the Dane County Regional Airport Commission for several years. In 1964 he was inducted into the Wisconsin State Journal "Know Your Madisonian." Included in the 2004 major expansion of the Dane County Regional Airport Terminal Building is a large state-of-the-art conference room located in the Airline Ticket-Counter area. On June 16, 2004, this conference room was dedicated and named the Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room in tribute to his 35 years as Manager/Director of the Madison Municipal Airport/Dane County Regional Airport. Above the conference doors, in large block letters, is "Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room." Located on the wall by the entrance doors is a metal plaque with an image of Robert B. Skuldt and a resume of his military and civilian aviation career.

Robert is survived by his wife, Viletta J. "Letty" Skuldt; son, Gregory R. (Marlene) Skuldt of Verona; two granddaughters, M. Kristin (James) Skuldt Niederberger of Kansas City, Mo. and Lesa H. (Keith) Kardash of Mercer; great-granddaughter, Erin E. Niederberger; great-grandson, Alex Niederberger; great-great-granddaughter, Isabelle G. Kardash; and many friends.

There will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held for immediate family. Interment will be in Mount Horeb Union Cemetery, Mount Horeb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 23, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Loretta Blewett - Class of 1936

MADISON - Loretta passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. She was born December 12, 1918, at Delphi, Ind. She was a retired legal secretary. She moved to Madison, when she was three years old with her parents. She graduated from Central High School in 1936, and attended Edgewood Junior College for two years. In 1943, she moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, where she worked as a teller in a bank. She met her future husband there and they were married at Durham, N.C., on April 8, 1944. They moved to Japan where he was employed as a Civilian Personnel Officer with the U.S. Army. She enjoyed living in Japan, Honolulu, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and Santa Barbara, Calif. She belonged to the Santa Barbara Organ Society and Madison Organ Society. She liked sewing, rug hooking, reading and bridge. Preceding Loretta in death were her parents and her husband. Per her wishes, there will be no services. She donated her body to the U.W. Medical School.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 24, 2010.

NB: I believe Blewett was probably her married name. If you can provide her name at the time she graduated, please contact me.

Obituary: Louise (Piper) Robertson -Class of 1936

WAUNAKEE - Louise Robertson, age 91, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on July 2, 1918, in Madison, the daughter of Alfred and Iva Piper. Louise graduated from Central High School, where she was active in the drama club and on the social committee. She attended college in New York and often enjoyed dining out at the Rainbow Room. Louise married her sweetheart, Glyne "Pat" Robertson, and they enjoyed their retirement years together fishing in Woodruff, during the summer, and then in Florida, during the winter, until Pat's death in 1985. Louise was loved for her quick wit and her devotion to her family. She is survived by her four children, Jerry (Mary) Robertson of Waunakee, Lynne (Steve) Robertson of Waunakee, Alfred (Virginia) Robertson of Little Rock, Ark., and Joseph (Susan) Robertson of Madison; her sister, Alice Hanson of Waukegan, Ill.; as well as many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Iva Piper; her beloved husband, Glyne "Pat" Robertson; and her brother, David Piper. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at WINN-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care. Winn-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee (608) 849-4513

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 29, 2009

Note: Louise (Piper) Robertson is listed as graduating in 1936; Wisconsin State Journal 6/7/1936, p. 10 (information submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Ruben A. Faust - Class of 1936

MADISON/ VERONA - Ruben A. Faust, age 89, died on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at Four Winds Manor in Verona. He was born on Feb. 27, 1918, in Madison, to Arnold and Fanny (Petersile) Faust. Ruben graduated from Central High School in Madison, in 1936. He served as a medic in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and was stationed in Duxford, England. In January 1947, Ruben was united in marriage to Virginia Schmelzer. For 25 years, he worked for A and P Company and later retired from Sentry Foods. He was a member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410. Hobbies included, golf, woodworking, with which he had many creative projects and playing euchre with his friends. Ruben is survived by his son, Donald (Audrey) Faust; grandchildren, Lauren and Natalie Faust; sister, Anita Eley; sister-in-law, Audrey Johnson and brother-in-law, Scott Capener. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; son, Daniel Faust; daughter, Patricia Capener Faust; brother, Neil Faust; and dear friend, Orpha. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at the Madison Elks Club, 711 Jenifer St., from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Memorials are appreciated to American Diabetes Association. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 20, 2007

Obituary: Grace M. (Bonanno) Boland - Class of 1936

DEERFIELD - Our beloved mother, Grace M. Boland, age 90, joined our Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. She was born on Oct. 16, 1917, in Madison, the daughter of Antonio and Antonina Bonanno. She married George E. Boland on Nov. 30, 1948, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Madison. Grace graduated at Central High School in 1936, and continued her education for many years at MATC taking business courses. Grace had an exciting and satisfying career. She began her career at Red Dot Foods in the production department. In 1942, the government was conducting an experiment to train women to be Federal civil service aircraft mechanics. Passing the FBI background check, she was trained and worked as an aircraft mechanic at Truax Field until the war ended in 1945. She then took a position at Rayovac but had to leave to care for her sister Ann in California. Returning to Madison, she married, and once all of her children were in school full-time, she rejoined the work force at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in the dietary department. Later, she obtained a position with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, registration department, where she worked for 22 years, retiring in 1983. Grace was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Joseph Church. She enjoyed serving on the Religious Education Committee and the Women's Auxiliary Committee. Grace was very proud of her Italian heritage and she became a member of the Italian American Women's Club in 1942. She took great pleasure in being an active member, attending the meetings and participating in club activities. Most of all, Grace loved her family. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and they brought her great joy. She was a wonderful teacher of life's lessons and those values are embedded in every generation. She is survived by her children, Thomas of Brooklyn, Judith (Mike) Way of Deerfield and Sandra (John) Hunter of Madison; grandchildren, Travis Hunter (Tia Marshall) of Middleton and Andrea Hunter of Madison; three step-grandchildren, Vicki (Garett) Kipp of Madison, Randy Way of Oregon and Rick (Anne) Way of Evansville; three step-great-grandchildren, Tighearnan Way of Evansville, Griffin Kipp of Madison and Logan Marshall of Middleton; a brother, Tony (Tena) Bonano of Monona; a sister, Sophie (John) Healy of Madison; many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Her parents; her loving husband, George; her devoted daughter, Suzanne; her sisters, Mary and Ann; and her bother Sam, preceded Grace in death. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter officiating. Friends may call on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., rosary to follow at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A special thank you to the loving and caring staff and volunteers at the Hospice In-Home Care Unit. Words cannot express the difference each of you made in our mother's life! To Heather and Juanita, your devotion in providing quality care in a loving manner is so appreciated. To Dr. Albert Musa, thank you for the years of care, support and for the twinkle you could put in Mom's eyes. You treated her with the care of kindness of the heart in addition, to the care of medical knowledge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 18, 2007

Obituary: Vivian A. (Schmelzer) Dupuis - Class of 1936

NORTH ADAMS, MASS. - Vivian A. (Schmelzer) Dupuis, age 88, of North Adams, Mass., died Friday, Aug. 25, 2006. She was born in Madison, on June 11, 1918, she was the oldest of eight daughter of Frederick and Anna (Holzbauer) Schmelzer. She graduated from Central High School in 1936. She was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943-1945 as a pharmacist's mate. She met her future husband, who was also in the Coast Guard in New York City. They married Jan. 29, 1944, at St. Joseph's Church in New York. Following her honorable discharge they moved to North Adams, Mass., where her husband had grown up. Mrs. Dupuis graduated from the former North Adams State College in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught in local schools in North Adams and Adams, Mass., until retiring 20 years ago. She was a member and longtime choir director of Notre Dame Church in North Adams. She was a member of Court Margaret of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. In her retirement she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts and visiting with grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, P. Homer Dupuis in 1994; and brothers, Thomas Schmelzer (Virginia), Donald Schemlzer (M. J.), David Schmelzer (Mary) and Duane (Johanna Schmelzer). Also preceding her in death were sisters, Rosemary Dosher and Beatrice (Warren) Bull. Survivors include her brother, William (Nancy) Schmelzer; her children, Anne (Michael) Doran of Monona and their children Neal, Casey and Meghan (Mark) Gonzalez; her son, Peter Dupuis and his children, Danielle and Erin, and her son, Paul (Diane) Dupuis and their children Matt and Nicole. She is further survived by a great-granddaughter, Emma Nicole Dupuis. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many in the Madison area. Mrs. Dupuis' funeral was held Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, North Adams, Mass., all of her grandchildren served as pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to any Alzheimer's Association or particularly to the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk Team from Sweet Brook Care Center through the funeral home, Auge-San soucie-Simmons Funeral Home, 46 North Church St., North Adams, Ma. 01247.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 6, 2006

Obituary: Laurence Larry Doyle - Class of 1936

MADISON - Laurence Larry Doyle, age 86, of Madison passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg. Larry was born on June 25, 1918 in Madison, the son of Patrick H. Doyle and Mary Ellen Ryan Doyle. He married Lorraine C. Felsecker on May 13, 1944 at St. Augustans Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Larry graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He served in the Army Air Corp. He was a charter member of the St. Peters Catholic Church and also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 31. In his retirement years, he enjoyed driving for various rental agencies. He drove tens of thousands of miles each year until he was 82 and never had a traffic ticket in his life. Larry was a Ford Guy who followed Nascar racing. He was also a loyal Badger and Packer fan. Larry is survived by his wife of 60 years; 4 children, Patrick (Judy) Doyle, Michael (Lynn) Doyle, Ellen (Larry) Felsheim and Katie (Mark) Hilgers; eight grandchildren, Brian (Cathy) Doyle, Jackie (Adam) Smith, Michelle (Clay) Benish, Tracy (Troy) Hietpas, Bob Doyle, Jenny Doyle, Jill (Travis) Corning and Matt Hilgers; five great-grandchildren, Remy Smith, Cascidy Hilgers, Shea Doyle, Houston Corning and Katlyn Smith; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joe; one brother-in-law, Tony; and one nephew, James Kunath. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave. Madison, on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. A visitation will also take place one hour prior at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Father Roger Nilles will officiate. Burial will take place at the Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that all memorial donations be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg in his memory. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 12, 2004

Obituary: Harriet (Kessenich) Mueller - Class of 1936

MADISON - Harriet J. (Kessenich) Mueller died on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, surrounded by her family, one day short of her 86th birthday. Harriet was born on Oct. 6, 1918, to Phil and Loretta (Dorsey) Kessenich. She graduated from Central High School in 1936. Harriet married her high school sweetheart, Donald Payton Mueller, on Dec. 31, 1941. Together they raised seven children until Don's early death on Sept. 27, 1968. Harriet was employed at University Hospitals and Clinics for 20 years, where she established the Word Processing Center. Upon retiring she then spent 20 years there as a volunteer in both the gift shop and front desk. Harriet loved God, her family and the Green Bay Packers! (She was probably their greatest coach.) Harriet was so very proud of her family and of her Irish heritage. She met life and her challenges head on. She faced breast cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer with courage and hope. She truly was quite a lady! Harriet is survived by the loves of her life, her seven children, Jim (Fran) Mueller of Greenville, S.C., Pat (Steve) Gilfoy of Madison, Jean (and the late Tom) Rauch of Madison, Kate (Bob) Watts of Madison, Mary (Steve) Stolen of Cottage Grove, Joanne (Charles) Turner of Madison, and Joe (Denise) Mueller of Madison. She had 13 grandchildren, Theresa and Mike Mueller, Tim, Ben and Sara Rauch, Kristen Lee, Molly Smith, Margaret and Melissa Watts, Jenny Stolen, and Jessica, Erika and Alexa Turner; step-grandsons, Jon, Chris and Ryan Bruns; and eight special great-grandchildren, Alex, Zach, Emily, Pendleton, Kaiden, Andrew, Christian and Liberty. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, MaryEllen Lathers of West Bend, and Joann Mueller of Rockville, Ind.; many cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as many dear neighbors and special friends. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her brothers and sisters; two brothers-in-law; and her son-in-law, Tom Rauch. Heartfelt thanks go to her caregivers and staff at University Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Nizar Jarjour and Dr. David Watts, Theresa and Judy. Harriet was always treat with honesty, dignity and grace. Through HospiceCare new friends were made who became special to all of her family, care coordinators, Cheryl and Virgil, volunteers, Doug and Connie. Special thanks to two dear friends, Karen Osipoff and Susan Schiller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Kolman Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Lung Association or HospiceCare. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 8, 2004

Obituary: Charles "Chuck" Kowing - Class of 1936

ROCKFORD, ILL. - Charles "Chuck" Kowing, age 86, of Rockford, Ill., died on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was born on Sept. 8, 1917, in Madison, to his parents, Rose Esther (O'Brien) and Frank P. Kowing. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He began an apprenticeship in carpentry with J.H. Findorff and Company where he did millwork for Frank Lloyd Wright during the late 1930s and early 1940s. He was married on Nov. 20, 1940, to Shirley Oler Kowing, his wife of 54 years. He lived 46 years in Rockford, coming from Madison. He was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps. He received basic training in Missouri and flight training at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas. He served in World War II in Algeria, North Africa. He was a self employed carpenter and painter of Trussoni and Kowing Construction Company from 1960 until 1974. He was volunteer fireman of the North West Fire Protection from 1963 until 1997, during which time he became president of the board of trustees. After retiring, he worked with his late wife at the Loft Antique Shop. On Jan. 1, 1997, Charles remarried Mary (Rubey) Kowing in Chicago, Ill. He was also a member of Forest City Woodcrafters and for the last years of his life, he and Mary were a host family to foreign exchange students. He was a host father through the American Field Service to Kwabena "Murphy" Ofori of Ghana, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, Ryo Yasue of Japan, and Jose Zapata of Peru. He was also a member of St. Chad's Episcopal Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary Kowing; brothers, Gordon (Carol) Kowing of Madison, and Loren (Janet) Kowing of Madison; several nieces; nephews; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his former wife, Shirley Kowing; brothers, Dallas, Warren and Richard; and a sister, Lorraine. A funeral service for Charles will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2004, at EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 412 N. Church St., Rockford, Ill., with the Rev. KyungJa Oh officiating. Burial will be at Willwood Burial Park. A visitation will be held at the FITZGERALD FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Ill., on Friday, May 7, 2004, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. Chad's Episcopal Church, or Keith Country Day School in honor of the Kowings' children.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 7, 2004

Obituary: William H. Hughes - Class of 1936

MADISON/ RICHLAND CENTER - William H. Hughes, age 85, died peacefully on Friday, March 19, 2004. He was born on July 29, 1918, the younger of twin sons, to Raymond R. and Lillian (Ross) Hughes. He was united in marriage to Lorraine E. Finnegan, daughter of Dr. Bernard T. and Alma (Waldorf) Finnegan, on July 17, 1948. He was an employee of the state of Wisconsin, serving in various departments for 32 1/2 years. He was employed as a municipal accountant/auditor, an income tax auditor, supervisor of credit unions for the office of the Commissioner of Banking and was appointed by Governor Patrick Lucey for two terms as Wisconsin's first Commissioner of Credit Unions. He served in that capacity under Governors Lucey, Schreiber and Dreyfus. He was also manager of the Oscar Mayer Credit Union for 10 years and was active in the Credit Union Movement for 30 years. He received many honors and awards for his service to credit unions including election by his peers as president of the National Association of the State Credit Union Supervisors. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine; his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. William H. (Carol) Hughes of Greendale; his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen M. (Timothy) Keller of the town of Haney, Crawford County; grandchildren, Anne, Patrick and Maureen Hughes, and Elizabeth, Benjamin, Matthew and Sarah Keller; nephews, Robert L. (Judy) Hughes of Waunakee, Michael (Kathy) Hughes of Madison, and Kevin (Mary) Hughes of Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents; and twin brother, Robert L. (Lucille) Hughes, Brigader General, Retired. A memorial Mass will be held at noon on Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Monsignor Kenneth J. Fiedler officiating. Friends may greet the family from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the Richland Center Ambulance Service. The family wishes to acknowledge the special care provided by Schmitt Woodland Hills Retirement Community and to the Richland Hospital. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 22, 2004

Note: William H. Hughes' class year is based on information provided in an article published on June 12, 1936 in The Wisconsin State Journal:

Obituary: Doris K (Morrison) Lynch - Class of 1936

STOUGHTON - Doris K. Lynch, age 85, of Stoughton, formerly of Madison, died on Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at the Skaalen Sunset Home, Stoughton, following a long, debilitating struggle with osteoporosis. She was born on Nov. 11, 1917, in Verona, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Marking) Morrison. She graduated from Central High School and lettered in athletics in 1936. She was a long time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She had many hobbies and interests including playing cards, especially euchre and dirty clubs, camping, dancing, sewing, knitting, doll making and baking. She also was an avid Packers fan and loved following Tiger Woods. Friends and family eagerly waited every Christmas for nylon scrubbies that Doris made every year. The most important thing to her was her family, Family was her main priority and always came first. She married Edward Lynch on May 23, 1940 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. In addition to her husband, Ed, she is survived by six children, Pat (Jennifer) Lynch of Fairbanks, Alaska, Dan (Carla) Lynch of Madison, Tim Lynch of Anchorage, Alaska, Mick (Judy) Lynch of Fairbanks, Alaska, Peggy (Glenn) McCullough of Stoughton, and Larry (Lynn) Lynch of Madison; 12 grandchildren who she was very proud of and never missed an important day with them, Jason, Dinah, Dan, Beth, Jeff, Kelly, Ryan, Sean, Cory, Tony, Paul and Meghan; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a dear friend since the third grade, Ethel Hermanson. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Cyril and Roger Morrison; a sister, Bernice Heiman; and a dear friend, Helen Hermanson. Funeral services will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main St., on Friday, Sept. 5, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. Father William Seipp will officiate. Burial will be held at the Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edgewood High School or St. Jude's Children Hospital. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 3, 2003

Obituary: Harry E. Baumgartner - Class of 1936

MADISON - Harry E. Baumgartner, age 85, passed away at Oakwood Village West on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003. Harry was born in Madison on Oct. 7, 1917, to the late Mathew and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner. Harry attended Franklin School in South Madison and graduated from Central High School in 1936. He began a 42-year career in sales of floor covering products at Harry S. Manchester Department Store in Downtown Madison. Harry was a member of the National Guard's 135th Medical Regiment that was called to active duty to support the U.S. Army's 32nd Infantry Division in World War II. He spent seven years in military service as a motor mechanic, including more than 5 years in the Southwest Pacific where he was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Sgt. Harry E. Baumgartner was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation, three Battle Stars, and other military honors for his service in World War II. Upon his discharge, Harry was employed at Petterson's Carpetland, until 1958, when he joined F.E. Seybold's new floor covering business when it opened in Madison. Harry retired from Seybold's in 1982 after 24 years of service. Harry was a long-time resident of South Madison, residing at the family homestead on Gilson Street on the edge of Franklin Field until 1982. When prompted, Harry would recount stories of shopping at Freida's small grocery store on Gilson Street for penny candy, shopping at Koltes and Esser's hardware store on Lakeside Street, riding the electric trolley between Lakeside Street and Lake Street in downtown Madison, and walking the railroad tracks between Olin Avenue and downtown Madison with friends in search of new adventures. In South Madison he began a lifelong interest in the outdoors, fishing in the Madison lakes and hunting in the marshy area that is now the site of the Alliant Center and the Dane County Exposition Center. Harry also inherited a knack for fine woodworking from his father, a well-known old-world European craftsman and cabinet maker in Madison. Harry's carpentry and woodworking skills helped to build a log cabin in northern Wisconsin in the late 1940's, near the Town of Winter in Sawyer County. The "cottage" has provided countless days of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the northwoods for himself and three generations of his extended family. Harry enjoyed history, reading, and gardening and working in his yard. In 1982, Harry built a new house in Monona on Ridgewood Avenue, across from Frostwoods Park. He was especially proud of his yard, one of the first in Monona to replace a traditional grass lawn with habitat for birds and animals. "Hadi" as he was affectionately known to many friends and family had a special timeless ability to relate to children, young adults, and dogs. He was a favorite uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews from his large extended family. Harry is survived by two sisters, Anne (Henry) Behrnd and Gladys Stanley, both of Madison; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, Euphemia Lengacher, Bertha (Betty) Leverentz, Lillian Scheel, Leona Dale, Hildegarde Baumgartner, Gladys Stanley, and Frances (Franz) Bulovsky; as well as five brothers, John, Walter, Walter Jacob, Mathew, and John Henry. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, from 4pm, until 7pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St. or the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 10, 2003

Obituary: Vernon Nels Swenson - Class of 1936

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Vernon Nels Swenson, age 85, died on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. He was born on April 9, 1917, in Madison, the son of Nels and Catherine (Toellner) Swenson. Vernon is survived by his wife, Jean Carlson; children, Nels (Jill) Swenson of Oregon, and Mark Swenson and Karen (Lonny) Raymond, both of Madison; grandchildren, Ty, Kaylee and Statia Swenson, Travis, Jesse and Calvin Raymond, and Heather Swenson; Jean's children, Van (Julie) Carlson of Minnesota, Jan (Linda) Carlson of Washington, and Brian Carlson of Colorado; and Jean's grandchildren, Brent, Peter, Ryan, Heidi, Nick and Annette Carlson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ann Zuehlke; and sisters, Lillian (Otto) Paskey and Mildred (Wally) Kearnes. Vernon graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He received his bachelor's degree from UW-Whitewater and his master's degree from New York University. Vernon was employed as business education department head from 1946 until 1954 at Sheboygan Vocational and Adult Education School. From 1954 until 1983, he served as chief supervisor at the state Office of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education. In that capacity, Vernon worked closely with district vocational schools and other state educational agencies. He was an honorary member of the Delta Pi Upsilon. Vernon is known as the "father of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) in Wisconsin" and received many DECA awards. He was active in sports and later a spectator. During World War II, Vernon received the Purple Heart and was currently a member of VFW Post No. 7541. There are a number of educational organizations with which he was identified, such as Vocational and Adult Education Association, Wisconsin Business and Distributive Education, National Adult Education Association, and, in retirement, the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. Vernon served as deacon and elder at Christ Presbyterian Church and later became a 50-year member of the church. Funeral services will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, with the Rev. John Thomas officiating. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 2002. Memorials may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. Friends and family will remember Vern for his faith, his wisdom, his kindness, his joy of life, and his encouragement. Vern and his family are very grateful for the tender, compassionate, and thoughtful care provided by the entire staff at Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Dorothy A. (Feuling) Brunsell - Class of 1936

SPOONER [Wisconsin] - Dorothy A. Brunsell, age 82, a resident of Spooner, Wis., and Ocean Ridge, Fla., passed away Friday, June 8, 2001, at her Spooner home. She was born January 24, 1919, to Alvin and Catherine (Fruth) Feuling at Sun Prairie, where she was raised until the age of 12 when her family moved to Madison. She was a 1936 graduate of Madison Central High School. Following high school she was employed with Wisconsin Telephone. She was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Marine Corps. On November 3, 1945, she was united in marriage to Harold Brunsell at Long Beach, Calif. They resided at Evansville, Wis., where they farmed in the area for 10 years. In 1956 they moved to Janesville, where they owned and operated the Hitching Post tavern and dance hall. From 1958 until 1963 she was a counselor at the Wisconsin School for Girls. They moved to Sarona in 1963, where they owned and operated Marawaraden Resort and Grocery on Long Lake. They operated the resort until 1980, when they moved to Spooner and were proprietors of the Green Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast. They have spent the past 20 winters at Ocean Ridge, Fla. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner, and Ascension Lutheran Church of Boynton Beach, Fla., American Legion Post No. 164 of Boynton Beach and the VFW Auxiliary of Brill. She is survived by her husband, Harold; three daughters, Connie Halvorson of Spooner, Pam Shudlick of Ocean Ridge, Fla., and Becky (Bill) Cewe of Spooner; six grandchildren, Susan, Cindy, Sandy, Carla, Johann and Sarah; a great-grandson, Erik; her sister, Ethel Sutter of Portage; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Lucille. In accordance with her wishes, her body was donated to the UW Medical School. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2001, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Spooner, with Pastor Will Mowchan and the Rev. Leigh Waggoner officiating. Music will be provided by Barb Shudlick, accompanied by Bev Bohac. Honorary bearers will be James Esser, Sheldon Johnson, David Kleven, Dan Lubensky, Bob Ostenson, Dennis and Micheal Sutter, and Lowell VanGuilder. The family will greet friends for one hour prior to the services. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Spooner, or Regional Hospice, Spooner, are preferred. Arrangements are being handled through Scalzo Funeral Home, Spooner.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 15, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mary E. Godding - Class of 1936

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Mary E. Godding, age 83, died on Thursday, March 8, 2001, at Four Winds Lodge in Verona, Wisconsin, after a long illness. Mary was born on June 22, 1917, to Albert Lester and Elizabeth Johanna (O'Neill) Godding in Madison. She was a lifelong resident of Madison, and a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral parish. Mary attended Longfellow School and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. She worked for more than 40 years for the state of Wisconsin in the Bureau of Finance before retiring in 1979. For more than 30 years until February 27, 2001, she resided at Karen Arms Apartments in Madison. Mary is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Charles Lester Les and Ruth Godding; and a sister Anne Heath, both of Verona; a sister-in-law, Tirzah (Mrs. Albert) Godding of Madison; nieces and nephews, Ruth Bongey, Donna Walter, Yvonne Lake, Delores Reynolds, Bill Godding, June Sarbacker, Gary Godding, Lori Godding, Nancy Noel and Ken Heath; and many, many great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and also her good friend and neighbor, Janet Cramer. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Walter and Albert (Abbey) Godding; and a nephew, Gordon Godding. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2001, at JOYCE-RYAN VERONA FUNERAL HOME, 118 N. Franklin St., with Monsignor Daniel Ganshert officiating. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the services on Saturday. Mary deeply loved nature - anything to do with the outdoors, plants, birds, animals and the Wisconsin countryside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in her name to the Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin, Dane County Chapter, 633 W. Main St., Madison, WI 53703. Joyce-Ryan Verona Funeral Home 118 N. Franklin St. (608) 845-6625

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 9, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert G. Herreid - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert G. Herreid, age 75, of Madison, died on Sunday, April 25, 1993 at Elmwood, Wisconsin. He was born on November 18, 1917 at the Top of State Street in Madison. He graduated and completed a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in World War II as a Navy Corpsman in the Pacific Theater. He taught school in Beloit, Central High School in Madison, and at Laugh-A-Lot High School where he retired in 1979. He was remembered for "The Pussycat" Newspaper. Bob was an avid golfer and member of MARGA. He often scored 1 over pat at Glenway Golf Course. Survivors include his seven children, Joan, Tom, Barbara, Robert, Anne, Colin, James; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Cecelia; and his cousin, June Fiscus. He was a lover of Shakespeare and humor and truly believed that a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants, was the key to the good life. We miss you S.O.B. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 1993, at 11:00 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Entombment will be at FOREST HILL MAUSOLEUM. Visitation will be Friday, April 30, 1993, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 27, 1993

Note: Robert G. Herreid's class year is based on information about the Central High School Class of 1936 June graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 1936. Mr. Herried's obituary is also listed in teacher obituaries.