Obituary: Charline Bernadette Browning Stevens - Class of 1946

MADISON - Charline Bernadette Browning Stevens was in this life from Jan. 31, 1928, until April 27, 2016. Bernadette was born in Madison, the fifth and last surviving child of C. Bernard Browning and Patricia Bridget (Manion) Browning's seven children. Growing up on the edge of the Greenbush neighborhood, she was the quintessential "townie," even having graduated from Central High School, 1946. She was wont to find a way to figure out a Madison connection between herself and family and many of the people she met. This is a penchant she passed along to her children and grandchildren.

Bernadette was fond of saying she had had a good life. It also was punctuated with periods of great happiness, especially being a part of the daily life of many of her grandchildren to whom she was "Grams." She placed a high value on maintaining a sense of humor and not taking oneself too seriously.

Bernadette worked as a bartender, waitress, and for several state agencies. She retired nearly 25 years ago from the Wisc. Department of Veterans Affairs. She lived alone and independently until Jan., 2016, and, as if to have one last laugh, this feisty, strong-willed woman moved toward her final journey quietly.

Some of the rules for getting along with Bernadette were: always be courteous to the waitress, do not be a picky eater, back the car into the driveway, and vote Democrat.

Bernadette is survived by her children, Janet Stevens, Tom (Mimi) Stevens, Mike (Nancy) Stevens, Patty Stevens Blum, David Stevens (Wei Han), and Carol Stevens. Her daughter, Jean "Beanie" Stevens predeceased her in 1994. Also surviving her are 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; her former husband and his wife, Ray and Mary Stevens; and many nieces and nephews.

For many years Bernadette enjoyed hosting a gathering at her place on the Memorial Day weekend. Her family will celebrate her life in this traditional. Please join us on Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2545 Hoard St., Madison, Wis.

If you wish to make a memorial to Bernadette, please consider one of these organizations (which are special to a number of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren): Autumn Farm Sanctuary, P.O. Box 188, Cedarburg, WI 53012 or NESYB [North-East-Sherman Youth Basketball], P.O. Box 7751, Madison, WI 53707-7751.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 22, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Gordon Joseph Esser - Class of 1946

MADISON - Gordon Joseph Esser, age 85, died on March 3, 2014, surrounded by family, and good friend, Paulyn Ripp, at Waunakee Manor.

Gordon was born on March 6, 1928, the son of the late Joseph and Leona (La Crosse) Esser. He attended Holy Redeemer School and was a 1946 graduate of Central High School. Gordon was employed by the City of Madison (Purchasing Comptroller and Treasurer's Dept.) and retired in 1985, after 40 years of service. He was a longtime Badger football and basketball fan. He also enjoyed attending the theater here, as well as in Chicago. Gordon was a member of St. Mary's Auxiliary, the West Madison Optimist Club and Blessed Sacrament Church.

Gordon is survived by his sister, Joyce Faust; nieces, Kaye (Loran) Mezera, Susan Faust (John Evans), Mary Jane (Paul) Sams and JoAnne Nelson; great-nieces and nephews, Michael, Matthew, Michelle (Preston), Kristina, Samantha, and Shannen; and great-great-nephews, Preston and Joseph. He was preceded in death by a brother, Warren; and brother-in-law, Robert Faust.

A burial is to take place at St. John's Cemetery in Waunakee. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank St. Jude Hospice Care, and a special thanks to all of the wonderful, caring staff at Waunakee Manor for their support and friendship to Uncle Gordy since 2010.

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

Obituary: Leona "Jo" K (Josheff) Kinder - Class of 1946

MONONA - Leona "Jo" K. Kinder, age 85, of Monona, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2014, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. She was born on Aug. 24, 1928, in Madison, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Dimoff) Josheff. Jo married Chester Kinder, the love of her life, on May 23, 1948, in Madison. He preceded her in death in 1989. She was a lifelong resident of Madison, and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1946. Jo was a member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for 41 years, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and was a member of the Philoptochos. For the past 17 years, she was a member of St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, where her son is the priest. Jo was Baba to everyone. Her family was the most important part of her life. She is survived by her children, Mary (Wayne) Blue, John "Jake" (Sharleen) Kinder, Jody (Ed) Adam and Father Patrick (Vanessa) Kinder; grandchildren, Sam (Caitlin) Blue, Katie Blue (fiancé, Mark), Cassie (Bruce) Perkins, JP (Meg) Kinder, Saraina Adam, Chet Adam and Anthony Kinder; great-grandchildren, Ava Perkins, Andy Perkins, Summer Kinder and Jack Kinder; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Jo was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Boris and Chris; and a sister, Frances. Funeral services will be held at ST. IGNATIUS ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 2124 Shafer Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, March 6, 2014, with the Most Rev. Father Patrick Kinder and Bishop Anthony Michaels presiding. A burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a Triasagion Service at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church. The family would like to thank the staff of Mercy Hospital in Janesville for their expert and compassionate care of mom and us during her last days.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Roberta J. (Miller) Frei - Class of 1946

MADISON - Roberta J. Frei, age 83, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. She was born on Jan. 18, 1928, in Madison, the daughter of Albert and Loretta (Thurber) Miller. Roberta graduated from Central High School in 1946. She married her husband, Alois "Al" in a double wedding with her twin sister on June 4, 1949, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Roberta was a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She volunteered at Lake View School and enjoyed gardening, her roses and ceramics. Roberta was a breast cancer survivor. She is survived by her husband, Alois "Al" of Madison; children, Jeffrey (Wei) Frei of Hawthorne Woods, Ill. and Daniel (Kelly) Frei of Oregon; her twin sister, Alberta Fassbind of Verona; brothers, Allan Miller of Madison and Don (Clancy) Miller of Davis, Calif.; grandson, Carl Frei; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Beverly Durkin; brother-in-law, Carl; and sister-in-law, Carol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Charles Schluter officiating. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and then again at church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

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

Obituary: Delmar V. Strassman - Class of 1946

MONONA - Delmar V. Strassman, age 79, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008, at Oak Park Care Center. He was born on May 24, 1928, in Madison, the son of August and Rosie (Ramisch) Strassman. Delmar graduated from Madison Central High School. He married Jeanette Hauge on Oct. 11, 1966, in Madison. Delmar worked for more than 37 years at Oscar Mayer. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and East Side Business Men's Association. Delmar is survived by his wife, Jeanette; seven children, Selma (Dennis) Davis of Madison, Nancy (Mike) Johnson of Madison, Butch Hauge of McFarland, Duane (Cynde) Hauge of Madison, Kenneth Hauge of Monona, Richard (Joyce) Hauge of Menomonie, and Vickie (Bob) Peterson of Madison; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; brothers, August (Grace) Strassman and Jerry Strassman, both of Madison; and a sister, Delores Strassman of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ray. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2008

Note: Delmar Strassman's class year is based on information in the 1946 CHS yearbook, The Mirror, where his photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Muriel E. "Mur" (Soule) Snow - Class of 1946

COLUMBUS - Muriel E. "Mur" Snow, age 77, was born into eternal life on March 4, 2006, at Clearview Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Madison on Oct. 23, 1928, the daughter of Margaret and Ralph Soule. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1946. She played softball with the Madison City League. On Sept. 29, 1948, she married Wayne Snow, and since then, they made their home in Columbus. She was a member of the Columbus United Methodist Church and an active member of the United Methodist Women's group. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Mayflower. She worked as the school cook for St. Jerome's Catholic School in Columbus from 1963 until 1968. She then worked in the canteen at Stokely's Canning Company in Columbus during the summers, and started at J.C. Penny's in Columbus in 1969 and retired as the store supervisor in 1991. Muriel enjoyed the sport of bowling and was a member of couple's and women's leagues in Columbus and participated in many state bowling tournaments. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband Wayne and visiting distant friends and relatives. She spent time quilting with her daughters Lu Wayne and Sally and loved going to quilting shows. Mur also was a big Milwaukee Brewers fan and took in many games at County Stadium. She also loved sewing, baking, fishing with Wayne, spending time with her grandchildren, playing cards, the Fourth of July Drum and Bugle Corps competitions, bird watching and reading. Muriel was a compassionate woman who would take time to visit people in the hospital, nursing homes or recovering at home from whatever ailed them. She would either bake or make something for them and she would provide comfort and kind words. She was always there to help anyone needing help taking care of children or being there for them when times were hard. She made bibs for newborns at the local library and participated in mission trips for the church. Her mission in life was simple, she lead by quiet example and never expected any recognition for her deeds. Those that knew her will remember her for her quiet, compassionate nature and love for those near and dear to her. She was a firm but loving mother to her children and her legacy will live on in her children and grandchildren. We'll miss you very much but your memory will live on forever in our hearts. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 56 years, Wayne of Beaver Dam; her children, Lu Wayne (Edward) Snow of Racine, Larry Snow of Columbus, Sally (Jeffrey) Cupery of Beaver Dam, Margaret "Peggy" Snow of Gilbert, Ariz., and Joseph Snow of Mondovi; grandchildren, Cason (Jenni) Snow of DeKalb, Ill., Kyle (Fran) of Random Lake, Jessica Snow of Racine, Amie Jo (Cupery) Schneider of Waupun, and Emily Cupery of Beaver Dam; great-grandchildren, Haylie and McKennah Schneider and Lily Snow; a sister, Mary Jo (Werner) Mackler of Mount Horeb; and two brothers, Clair (JoAnne Peddler) Soule of Madison and Bob (Marilyn) Soule of Cassville. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Kathryn and Vivian. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Columbus with the Rev. Jim Cotter officiating. Burial will be in Grove Prairie Cemetery in the Town of Lowell. Friends may call at the ZEIDLER FUNERAL HOME, Columbus on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's research. Zeidler Funeral Home (920) 623-3150

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

Obituary: Valerie "Jean" (Morgan) Gugel - Class of 1946

MADISON - Valerie "Jean" Gugel, age 77, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005. She was born on July 19, 1928, to Bernard E. and Etta (Gage) Morgan of Madison. Jean attended Franklin School, graduated from Central High School in 1946 and attended Madison Area Technical College. On Jan. 21, 1950, she was united in marriage to Ralph W. Gugel at St. James Catholic Church, Madison. Jean was a homemaker, and also was employed by the Credit Union National Association. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, and Women of the Moose Lodge No. 1451. Jean enjoyed crochet, bingo, bowling, camping, and her vegetable garden. She is survived by her husband, Ralph; five children, Barbara Gugel, Tom (Kathy) Gugel, Richard (Karen) Gugel, Mary (Chris) Nielsen, and Bill Gugel; ten grandchildren, David (Cammi) Gericke, Andrea Gugel, Daniel "Boomer" Gugel, Jeremy Gugel, Luke Gugel, Sarah Gugel, Christopher Nielsen, Jacob (Anita) Nielsen, Susan (Paul) Post, and Valerie (Steve) Zindars; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda Gericke, Cody Gericke, Eva Nielsen, Dain Post, Ryley Post, Abigail Zindars, and Tyler Zindars; and Jean leaves behind her brother, Bernard "Junior" (Dorothy) Morgan of Baraboo. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Morgan and Ronald Morgan; and a daughter, Nancy Gericke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, 2005, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. The family thanks Karmenta Nursing Home for their loving care over the past year. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 18, 2005