Obituary: Kenneth Raymond Sticha - Class of 1948

APPLETON - Kenneth Raymond Sticha, age 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

 Ken was born July 14, 1930, in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Anthony and Margaret (Kraus) Sticha. Ken was a 1948 Madison Central High School graduate and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1953. Ken was united in marriage on Feb. 2, 1952, to Lenore DeWaide, his high school sweetheart at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Madison. They shared 52 wonderful years together. He served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955 as a Stevedore Officer with the transportation corps during the Korean conflict.

Following his military service, Ken moved back to Wisconsin with his family and was employed with the Kroger Company and later on at the Nash Finch Company (S.C. Shannon Co.) for several years as a buyer merchandiser. He retired from Nash Finch in 1994. Ken also was employed after retirement with Fox Valley Auto Auction for 15 years. He was a faithful member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Appleton. Most important to Ken was spending time with his family and many friends, but he also enjoyed going fishing.

He is lovingly survived by his three children, Tony (Celeste) Sticha of Green Bay, Paul (Jean) Sticha of Stevens Point, and Sue (Jim) Gault of Wilmette, Ill.; three grandchildren, Sarah and Ryan Sticha, and Jennie Gault; three great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Sticha of Madison.

 Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Lenore, on Sept. 15, 2004; two brothers, Edward and James; and his parents.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the STAR OF HOPE MAUSOLEUM, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton with Pastor Dennis Ellison officiating. Inurnment will be in the mausoleum. Ken’s family will receive relatives and friends at the mausoleum on Saturday from noon until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Appleton or a charity of your choice.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 23, 2012. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Adella T. Kohl - Class of 1948

MADISON - Adella T. Kohl, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at UW Hospital.

She was born on May 10, 1930, the daughter of Karl and Theresa (Reinhardt) Popp. Adella graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. She married Jerome Kohl on Oct. 21, 1950. Adella loved to sew, and was a fantastic cook. She will always be remembered for her pies and dynamite pie crust. While raising her family, she was active with Brownies and Cub Scouts and was a room mother at their schools. Adella enjoyed taking day trips with Jerry and sharing the simple joys of seeing new sights. But her true joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Adella gave all her attention and love to her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years and best friend, Jerry; daughter, Kathy Edwards of Monona; sons, Mike Kohl of Baraboo, and Dave (Christine) Kohl of Wautoma; two grandchildren, Stacy (Michael) Rich and Kristine (Chris) Wright; and five great-grandchildren. Adella was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Private services were held. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Rest Haven for all their loving care.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 7, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marion A. (Patzer) Bran - Class of 1948

MADISON - Marion A. Bran, age 81, died on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at University Hospital.

She was born on Feb. 22, 1930, in Elroy. She was the daughter of Walter and Frieda (Thompson) Patzer. Marion grew up in the Green Bush neighborhood in Madison. She worked at Bricker's Bakery, spent summers on the farm in Elroy, and graduated from Central High School in 1948. She attended the University of Wisconsin until meeting and falling for a handsome lifeguard at BB Clark Beach. She married Stanley C. Bran on May 8, 1951. Marion retired from Sears Roebuck in 1992. She enjoyed her flower garden, flower arrangements, card club, most of all helping daughter, Jenny sell trout at the Dane County Farmer's Market for the past nine years, and the many friendships that she formed there.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan in 1982 and by her parents.

Marion in survived by daughters, Julie (Ray Williams) Bran of Madison, Janet (Hunter) Bohne of Avoca, Jill Bran of Lodi, and Jenny (Chuck) Anderson of Wesfield; brothers, Charles (Gladys) Patzer of Alberta, Canada, Robert Patzer and Jack (Arlene) Patzer of Madison; grandchildren, Lucas Bohne, Casey (Tim) Arendt, Ben Anderson, Spencer Williams and Carlie Anderson. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2011, at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave.

The family wishes to thank the Madison Fire and Rescue Paramedics and the UW Hospital ER Staff.

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

Obituary: Lenore R. (Alagna) Brown - Class of 1948

OCEANSIDE, CALIF./ MADISON, WIS. - Leonore R. Brown, age 77, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary(Justiliano) Alagna of Madison, Wis. Lee graduated from Central High School in 1948 in Madison. She married Edward T. Brown and from 1954 until 1965, Lee gave birth to nine children and raised them on her own after the death of her husband in 1969. She is survived by her nine children; 21 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is further survived by an uncle, Joseph Justiliano; her cousins, Rita and Paula Rinelli, Joey(Mary Ln) Justiliano, Maria Justiliano, and Joanne Suchamel (Ron), all in the Madison/Milwaukee area; and her cousins, Linda Rinelli of Denver Colo. and Jim Justiliano of Florida. Funeral services and internment took place on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at ETERNAL HILLS MORTUARY in Oceanside, Calif. Sign the Oceanside CA Guest Book online at www.obits.nctimes.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 22, 2008

Obituary: Peggy Joyce (Bender) Olday - Class of 1948

MADISON - Peggy Joyce Olday is continuing the journey of life with her Lord and Savior. Peggy, age 77, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008, with her family by her side, at HospiceCare in Madison, after a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Peggy was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in Madison, the daughter of the late Emanuel and Thelma Bender. Peggy was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donovan L. Olday Sr. on May 6, 1949, on a beautiful day at First Christian Church, Madison. Peggy graduated from Central High School in 1948 and went on to work for UW-Madison. She was a member of the American Legion Post 57, Ladies Auxiliary. Upon starting a family Peggy was a stay-at-home mom devoting herself solely to her family and church. Peggy was a very active member of Community Christian Church in Monona. For the past 35 years Peggy has worked for Avon, excelling in Avon sales, recruiting, training, and earning awards for her dedication and numerous accomplishments. She has made many wonderful friends with her Avon career who loved her dearly. Peggy is survived by Donovan, her husband of nearly 59 years; three daughters, Penny Jastal-Hagar and Patti Lambert of Wisconsin, and Pamela Zoutendyk of Michigan; two sons, Donovan Jr. and David of Wisconsin; 11 beautiful grandchildren and 10 wonderful great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly; two very loving and giving sisters, Beverly Hebl and Judy Veloff of Wisconsin; a loving brother, Emanuel P. Bender Jr. of Arizona; and a very special sister-in-law, Sandy Kaiser of California. Peggy is further survived by loving aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and very, very special friends. Peggy was preceded in death by two grandsons, infant Jerrod K. Olday of Arizona, and 15-month-old Alec J. Lambert; and her parents. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road with the Rev. Bob Lawrence officiating. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Madison. A very special thanks to Dr. LoConte and her staff with the Paul P. Carbone Cancer Center, and Pastor Bob Lawrence and members of the Community Christian Church. Also, thanks to the HospiceCare staff who provided compassionate care and comfort.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2008

Obituary: Robert E. Schaefer - Class of 1948

MONONA - Robert E. Schaefer, age 77, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at Angelus Assisted Living of Cottage Grove. He was born on Dec. 22, 1930, in Madison, the son of Joseph and Edna (Rauner) Schaefer. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. Robert served his country in the United States Army, serving as a M.P., stationed in Germany with the 1st Armored Division, during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Oren, who preceded him in death in August 2006. Robert was a partner at Hagen Advertising. He was a great asset to his community. Robert was involved and very active with numerous organizations and served on several boards and committees in the Monona area: serving as a coach and taking two teams to the state tournament for Monona Little League; a founder and past president of Monona Youth Hockey Association; a founder and member of Monona Grove Football Athletic Boosters; served on the Streets and Transportation Commission for six years; served on the committee responsible for the design, approval and partial funding of Monona High School Athletic Communications Center at the football field; an active member of Monona Grove Business Men's Association; a founder, member of the board of directors and president of the association from 1982-1997, he was instrumental in the planning, design, approval and partial funding for the two diamond softball complexes and the Schaefer Shelter in Winnequah Park, with all costs covered by the Softball Association; served as chairman and co-chair of the MGBMA Chili Cook-Off; served on the committee for many years at the Monona Community Festival Committee; and many others too numerous to mention. He also received many awards: the Distinguished Service Award in 1983, for his exemplary service to the community; the Mayoral Award in 1997, for his many years of dedicated service to the City of Monona; and he received the Keys to the City of Monona in 1997, for his outstanding service to the City of Monona. Robert is survived by a son, Scott Schaefer of Monona and his four children, Jamie, Dana, Paulina and Bobby; daughter-in-law, DeAnn Schaefer of McFarland and her two children, Garrett and Madeline; two sisters-in-law, Lucy Schaefer of Madison and Shirley Bessel of Monona. Bob also leaves behind many relatives and special friends including the "Dirty Eight Club." In addition to his wife, Elizabeth he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Steven R. Schaefer; and a brother, Donald Joseph Schaefer. A Memorial visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, followed by a remembrance service. A celebration of life will continue at the Bourbon Street Grille, 6312 Metropolitan Lane, Monona, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Schaefer Education Scholarship Fund, for a Monona Grove High School graduate, c/o Bruce Iverson, 7854 West Oakbrook Circle, Madison, WI 53717.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2008

Leader Leaves His Mark On Monona
Wisconsin State Journal :: Daybreak :: 2G
Sunday, March 23, 1997
Phil McDade Wisconsin State Journal

Many volunteers leave their mark in almost intangibleways, serving as the behind-the-scenes backbones of civic groups and activities.

Not Monona's Bob Schaefer. His civic contributions can be seen virtually every day.

There's the Schaefer Shelter in Winnequah Park in Monona, which sits in the middle of the softball complex that Schaefer helped design and build.

There's the Winnequah Park Gazebo, which overlooks a lagoon and several willow trees in the park. Proceeds from the city's annual summer community festival, which Schaefer has helped run since its inception in 1985, built the gazebo two years ago.

And that's not to mention the city's annual charity chili cookoff, the Monona Grove football field, or the city's Fourth of July fireworks display. Schaefer has had his hand in all of those, as well.

Lately, the 66-year-old Schaefer has slowed down a bit. But his legacy of civic activism lives on. And it's a legacy of someone who produced visible results.

"I'm not a great one to go out and ask for donations, but we got some things done," he said.

Schaefer is an old Madison hand, old enough to have graduated in 1948 from the city's now-defunct Central High School. He was a big athlete, lettering in football and serving as co-captain of the basketball team.

After a stint in the Army, he held jobs in advertising at Madison Newspapers Inc., Sears Roebuck & Co., and CUNA Mutual Insurance Group. He then landed a job in 1964 at Hagen Marketing & Advertising, an advertising agency in Fitchburg. A two-person agency when he started, it's now grown to nearly 20 employees. He's semi-retired now, although he still keeps up with some clients and stops in the office frequently.

Much of Schaefer's civic work has focused on his adopted hometown of Monona. He's served as a Little League coach, helped found the Monona Youth Hockey Association, and was active in the Monona Grove Football Athletic Boosters. The last group helped build the press box at the school's football field in the mid-1970s, which was considered the best in the area at the time.

"I'm a big sports enthusiast," he said. Perhaps his biggest contribution toward sporting life in Monona grew out of his involvement in starting the city's softball leagues. Schaefer and some friends founded the Monona Softball Association in 1982 as an alternative to Madison's softball program. Now some 40 teams compete in Monona's softball leagues in Winnequah Park, where the Schaefer Shelter provides a place for fans to cheer.

"It's really turned out to be quite a program," he said. Schaefer has even dabbled in public policy, serving on the city's industrial development committee that helped bring commercial properties into Monona. He also served for several years on the city's streets and transportation committee, which dealt with the controversial construction of the South Beltline -- the stretch from Fish Hatchery Road to Interstate 90, which opened in 1989 and diverted traffic from West Broadway in Monona.

Schaefer's volunteer work in Monona won him the city's distinguished service award in 1983. He remarked how he felt nervous about accepting the award.

"I said, `Geez, that's a bad sign,' " he said. "They usually do that for people who croak."

It's been 14 years since Schaefer won that award, but his work in the community has never really stopped. Just ask the people who attend the city's summer festival around the Fourth of July, or the kids who ooh and aah over the holiday fireworks, or the couples who take their wedding photos at the city's new gazebo.

"At first you think, no, I don't want to get involved," he said. "It's a lot of work and sometimes frustrating. But I think through the years, it's been more fun than work."

Profile: Bob Schaefer Position: Secretary-treasurer and account executive at Hagen Marketing and Communications, an advertising agency.

Education: Graduate of Madison Central High School in 1948. Family: Wife, Elizabeth, sons Steve (deceased) and Scott, grandson Garrett, and granddaughters Madeline, Jamie, and Dana.

Hobbies: Taking his grandson Garrett on trips to youth hockey games.

Quote: "It's been a lot of work at times, but it's been a lot of fun."

Obituary: Leo Otto Kleiner - Class of 1948

MADISON - Leo Otto Kleiner, age 77, died on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at his home. He was born on Aug. 28, 1930, in Madison, son of George and Frances (Scheurell) Kleiner. He graduated from Central High School in 1948. He began his work career at Berg Typewriter Co. and won a trip to Scotland and Ireland, while working for the company, for 32 years. He had bartended part-time at the Elks Club, and Blackhawk Country Club. He later worked for the Department of Revenue in the 1960s and retired in the 1980s, working in the Homestead Credit Section. Leo enjoyed fishing and traveling. Survivors include his long time friend, Forrest Seward, of Madison and various cousins in Sun Prairie. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gregg. A funeral service will be held at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Roger Nilles will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday, at the funeral home. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 22, 2008

Obituary: Rosemarie (Haesler) Segerson - Class of 1948

MADISON - Rosemarie Segerson, age 77, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2007, at home, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 12, 1930, in Waterloo, the daughter of Peter and Bertha (Muehlemann) Haesler, both of whom immigrated from Switzerland. Rosemarie experienced a wonderful childhood, growing up on a cheese factory, with a stone quarry for a playground. Her father died when she was 12 years old and then she, her mother and two sisters, moved to Madison. Rosemarie graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. Following graduation, she worked as a decorator at Ceramic Arts Studio from 1948 until 1953. Rosemarie married Robert Segerson on June 28, 1952, in Madison. She was a homemaker until her children were in high school. Rosemarie worked as an elevator operator at 1 West Main St., at Madison Newspapers and then at Mand I Bank for 21 years, retiring in 1994. Retirement didn't set well with her, so she took a position with Anchor Bank. Rosemarie served many years an election official. She was a longtime member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. Rosemarie was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and in her early life, she sang with the Madison Philharmonic Chorus and the Carolettes. She was extremely friendly and social, always thinking of others, making friends wherever she went. Rosemarie was rich in long term friendships and had many lifelong friends, two of which were her beloved sisters. She deeply loved her family, her children and grandchildren were her joy. Rosemarie enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and 500 and was a member of many card clubs. She was involved in Bible Study Fellowship, Red Hat Society and Cinema Club. Rosemarie loved to travel and was very proud of her Swiss heritage. Her trip to Switzerland to meet her relatives was one of the highlights of her life. Rosemarie's family and friends were blessed to enjoy the warmth of her love and she will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children, Peter (Rosemary) Segerson of Antigo and Kathryn (Chess) Adams of Madison; grandchildren, Abbey (Paul) Burton, Katie and Heidi Gruber, Chelsey Adams and Robin and Erika Segerson; sister, Alice (Harlan) Maiden; nephew, Andrew (Carolyn) Martin; nieces, Carla (John) Rand, Margaret Martin, Rebecca Martin and Anne Marie Martin; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and godchild, Nancy Pschorr. Rosemarie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; sisters, Hedy Haesler and Helen Martin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maurice and Kathryn Segerson; and brothers-in-law, Father Tom Segerson and Carl Martin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2007, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations to Worldhelp, through which Rosemarie fostered two children, would be appreciated. Your love is like a beacon, Burning bright with faith and prayer And through the changing scenes of life, We can find a haven there. Helen Steiner Rice Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 26, 2007

Obituary: Ruth Joan (Christianson) Marlett - Class of 1948

BEND, ORE. - Ruth Joan (Christianson) Marlett, age 76, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at the Summit Assisted Living Facility in Bend. Joan was born May 31, 1930, in Madison, the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Robinson) Christianson and spent her school years in Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School in 1948. She married Paul Lee Marlett of Aberdeen, S.D. on Nov. 22, 1950. Joan and Paul lived in Madison and Middleton. Joan also lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Fincastle, Va. and Bloomington, Ind., before moving to Bend. Joan was an accomplished artist, having shown her art work in many fairs, exhibitions and public buildings. Her art is treasured in many homes across the country. She was an interior decorator and renovated several homes in Wisconsin and Virginia, and for many years, owned and operated a successful antique business in historic Fincastle, Va. Joan was preceded in death by her husband in 1972 and is survived by her four children, Kathryn of Bloomington, Ind., Deborah of Chicago, Ill., William (Bill) of Bend, Ore. and Kelly of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Emma Sorury-Hughes, Angela Sorury, Elizabeth Braun, Kelly Gene Johnson-Marlett, Edan Marlett, Jordan Marlett, Elon Marlett, Kelly Jordan Marlett and Allyah Marlett; and great-grandchildren, Destinee Marlett, Yariah Hudson-Marlett, Jacari Marlett and Ladraye Hudson-Marlett. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison. A family service will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 7, 2007

Vietta K. (Mullen) Einerson - Class of 1948

STEVENS POINT - Vietta K. Einerson, age 76, of Stevens Point, died on Feb. 9, 2006, at St Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. Vietta suffered complications following cancer surgery. Vietta was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Madison, the daughter of George "Max" and Clara (Bossart) Mullen. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. She then worked at Borden's Dairy and various laundry and dry cleaning businesses in Madison. She married Malcolm H. Einerson on March 22, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa. After marriage the couple settled in Madison, where she became an excellent homemaker and mother. They moved to Stevens Point in 1964, and have lived at their present address since 1966. Vietta was very active as a fundraiser for Stevens Point Area Senior High School in the SPASH Booster Club in the 70's and 80's. She and Malcolm were great horse racing fans and enjoyed going to different horse racing venues throughout the country. She is survived by her husband, Malcolm; their two children, Dale (Michele) Einerson, Lodi and Karen Einerson, Verona; six grandsons, Justin, Logan, Kasey, Keegan, Peyton, and Bryson; and a brother, Douglas (Shirley) Mullen, Madison. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation for Vietta Einerson will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 12, 2006, at the SHUDA FUNERAL CHAPEL. There will be no funeral service. Burial at a later date will be at the Veterans Cemetery in King. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in her name at a later date. Online condolances can be sent to: einersonservices@shudafuneral.com. Shuda Funeral Chapel 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 11, 2006

Obituary: Herbert Gill, Jr. - Class of 1948

WESTPORT/ WAUNAKEE - Herbert Gill Jr., age 75, died at his home, surrounded by his family, after a long, hard-fought battle with a blood disease on Sunday, May 8, 2005. He was born on Dec. 13, 1929. A longtime Madison resident, Herb graduated Central High in 1948. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1948, where he was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla., for two years. A believer of hard work, he started working at the Memorial Union as a cafeteria server at age 16. He continued to work for the University of Wisconsin until he retired in 1990. He ended his career there after managing the property management department, where he worked for 15 years. On May 16, 1959, he married Dolores Holmes. Herb was a devoted Badgers and Packers football fan. Together, Herb and Dolores enjoyed watching football and traveling to the out of town Badgers games. He was an avid bowler for many years in two leagues at Dream Lanes and Waun-A-Bowl. In 1976, the family moved to Westport. He was a member of the American Legion, Post No. 360 of Waunakee, the Knights of Columbus, Post No. 6460 of DeForest, where he participated in many fundraising activities. Herb is survived by his caring wife, Dolores; and their four children, Kathy (Rick) Herbrand, of Onalaska, Chris (Bob) Bischel of DeForest, Pat (Kelly), of Madison, and Lisa (fiance, Chad Pierick), DeForest; and eight grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, and Amanda Herbrand, Adam and Anna Bischel, and Keaton, Presley, and Kallen Gill. He is also survived by his three siblings, Dorothy (Arnie) Miller, of Madison, Donna (Jim) Grahn, of Madison, and Bob (Mary Lou) Gill of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Gill Sr. and Lucille (Schmitz) Gill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY'S OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5460 Mary Lake Road, Westport/ Waunakee, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2005, with Father Daniel Finnane officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 Sherman Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and then again at church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Hospice staff, Dr. Prendergast and his staff at the Dean Clinic, the nurses at St. Marys Hospital and the many people who have donated blood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests making donations to preferred charities in his memory. Herb will be greatly missed by his family and his many kind and caring friends. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 10, 2005

Obituary: Donald Gasser - Class of 1948

WESTPORT [Wisconsin] - Donald Gasser died unexpectedly on Friday, June 15, 2001, at his home. He was 71 years old. Don was born on May 24, 1930, to Rufus and Jeanette Gasser in Prairie du Sac. A 1948 graduate of Madison Central High School, Don served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married Jessie Lou Freiling on October 24, 1953. Don worked a number of years for Texaco and the State of Wisconsin's DILHR Petroleum Inspection Division, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Madison Elks Lodge 410. Until recently, Don lived on Madison's beautiful east side, where he hosted many swimming pool parties and gatherings during the past 28 years. He enjoyed going out for breakfast, with friends at the Cottage Cafe and Coffee Clutch. Since retiring, he and Jessie Lou enjoyed spending their winters in Nevada. Don is survived by his wife, Jessie Lou; three sons, Donald (Nancy) Gasser of Oregon, Stephen (Ann Schroeder) Gasser of Monona, and Kevin (Lisa) Gasser of Cottage Grove; six grandchildren, Logan and Nathan Gasser, Kelsey and Graham Schroeder-Gasser, and Kyle and Luke Gasser; two sisters, Rosemary Cunningham and Carol Wigdal; and five nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death, as did his brother, Laverne "Bud" Gasser; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jessie and Louis Freiling. Don, a man of quiet dignity, loved sports and attending UW football and high school athletic events. A history and History Channel buff, he recently immersed himself in reading all he could about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Don volunteered to coach youth sports teams in the 1960s and 1970s, and helped in the formation of the Lancer League youth baseball program. Don loved attending his children's and grandchildren's school and athletic programs and events, and was a longtime member of the Plaza Whippets Fan Club. Don's funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Monona, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Bruce Burnside officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites conducted by the Madison Area Veteran's Firing S quad. Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation on Monday, June 18, 2001, at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Don's family thanks Waunakee EMS, specifically Mark Bennett, Julie Hellenbrand, Barb Kalscheur and Martha Stewart and members of the Dane Waunakee EMS, specifically Mark Bennett, Julie Hellenbrand, Barb Kalscheur and Martha Stewart and members of the Dane County Sheriffs Department, who responded to our call for help. We appreciate your efforts, compassion and respect, during that extremely difficult time. Thanks also to Dr. Lawrence Ozers of Dean Clinic, Fish Hatchery for his special care. Instead of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church or the YMCA of Dane County Strong Kids' Campaign. Thanks for being such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We will miss you. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 17, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Hawley LaVerne Butler - Class of 1948

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Hawley LaVerne Butler, age 70, died on Sunday, October 22, 2000. He was born on January 7, 1930, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to LaVerne and Margaret (Kreisch) Butler. Hawley graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. He enlisted in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Hawley married Josephine Stankiewicz on January 23, 1954, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He worked for Dairy Equipment for 31 years and Alkar for 10 years. Hawley is survived by his wife, Josephine of Madison; his son, Mark Butler of Madison; two daughters, Susan (Eric) Tenjum of DeForest, and Holly (Henry) Busch of Madison; four grandchildren, Amanda and Kimberly Tenjum, and Kyle and Amy Busch; five brothers and sisters, and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2000, with Father Jason Hesseling presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from noon until the time of the service on Wednesday. Hawley was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 24, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)