Obituary: Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven - Class of 1949

 MADISON  - Blow, Gabriel Blow. Beloved father, musician, and teacher, Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven Jr. [age  85], passed to heaven on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. His rendition of "Basin Street Blues" accompanied him and his loving family on his final procession at Agrace HospiceCare in the early morning hours.  Doc was the first child of Edith Viola (Heath) and Doster Robert "Doc" De Haven Sr., born on June 20, 1931, in Madison, Wis. He attended Central High School, and graduated from the UW-Madison in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. He served as a first sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1953 in the 512th Air Force Band in Oklahoma. In August of 1955, Doc met the love of his life, Shirley "Lea" (Wesenberg). Their marriage of 60 years began only a few months after their first date.  Doc's passions were music and family, and he excelled at both. His career in music spanned more than four decades, beginning with the creation of the Doc De Haven Combo in 1955. Performing Dixieland and Jazz standards Doc and his band consistently filled venues with their great music and adoring jazz fans at the Pirate Ship, the Union South and Memorial Union of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Edgewater and Concourse Hotels, country clubs near and far, and countless Midwest area jazz festivals. They produced multiple albums, and played for generations of weddings and receptions. Doc actively participated in the Madison area music scene by performing with other musicians and mentoring up-and-coming artists. He created the Doc De Haven Booking Agency that Lea managed as secretary, accountant, and president. He was a member of the Madison Municipal City Band and the Madison Jazz Society. He was honored in 1990 as the Isthmus Jazz Personality of the Year, named in 2001 by Madison Magazine as one of the Legends of Madison, and given a lifetime achievement in 2014 by MAMA (the Madison Area Music Awards).  Doc extended his legacy as a music educator. Doc taught music and band at Monona Grove High School for 32 years. His mentorship continued beyond high school as he taught private lessons for students entering state and national competitions many years after he retired from the academic world. He inspired new generations to love and pursue music in their lives.  To continue to support new talent, in 1981 Doc worked with the Erle Smith family to establish the Erle Smith-Doc De Haven Music Clinic Scholarship Fund to support middle school and high school students attending this long-standing summer music camp at the UW-Madison, and to honor his dear friend and band mate, Erle Smith. In 2011, Doc and Lea established the 'Doc and Lea De Haven Music Excellence Award' at the UW-Madison School of Music, to support undergraduate music performance majors, with preference given to those studying trumpet and/or jazz.  The passion Doc had for music was matched only by the love and joy he shared with his family. Doc loved his wife and children, adored his grandchildren and cherished his great-grandchildren. He fostered, mentored and inspired his children, nephews and grandchildren to create bands of their own from The Third Generation to A Touch of Class. Daughter Kelly and son-in-law David (Cooper) developed successful careers in the music industry, and grandson John De Haven is pursuing his own music career. Doc eagerly gave his grandchildren and great-grandchildren piano lessons, and cheered on all of their interests and activities. Doc was the last one to go to bed and the first one to rise, waking his kids each morning with a song and demonstrating his "latest jig" (which annoyed them to no end). They also remember his favorite quote on their family trips across country in a station wagon - a few minutes into each destination stop; "OK, the bus is leaving" … Forever on the go, he would remind us that, "The Old Double D was the Coolest of the Cool." There was never a dull moment. Doc and Lea created a home filled with love, music, and mayhem.  Doc is survived by his wife; children, Brad (Julie), Kelly (David Cooper), Burt, Darcy (Rich Beld), Stacy (Rich Darrow), Nina (Jeff Gaby); grandchildren, Amber Ostrom, John De Haven, Spencer De Haven, Jacob De Haven, Kiley De Haven, Connor De Haven, Mattie De Haven, Skye Cooper, Austin Gaby, Zachary (Alyssa) Wallace, Justin Wallace, Rainey (Justin) Oliver, Bryan Wallace; great-grandchildren, Azure Shaw, Sienna Shaw, Jhett Jordan, Rylee Wallace, Madison Wallace, Missy Oliver; sisters, Joyce Pickarts and Ardith (John) Thomas; brother-in-law, Ken Wesenberg; sister-in-law, Joyce (Dale) Boness; Donna Lavick-Wesenberg; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stephen Craig Wallace from a previous marriage; brothers-in-law, Ray (Joyce) Pickarts and Gary (Jean) Smith; sisters-in-law Jean Smith, and Jan (Ken) Wesenberg; daughter-in-law, Norma De Haven; and nephews, Tony Wesenberg and Eric Thomas.  Visitation will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, Wis., from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, with a musical service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have your support of a donation to The Doc and Lea De Haven Music Excellence Award, through the UW Foundation, Fund No. 12617236; the Erle Smith-Doc De Haven Music Clinic Scholarship, Fund No. 1262798; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; or to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, Wis.

Doc De Haven's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn yearbook, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 13, 2016. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Kathryn L. (Carter) Kohl - Class of 1949

MADISON - Kathryn L. (Carter) Kohl, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare with her family by her side. She was born on March 23, 1931, in Madison, Wis. She was the daughter of Minnie E. Carter (Partridge) and Lewis H. Carter. Lewis H. Carter passed away on May 18, 1952, and Minnie E. (Partridge) Carter passed away on March 28, 1999. Kathryn "Kitty" graduated from Central High School in 1949. Kathryn married James R. Kohl on Jan. 19, 1951. She worked for Group Health Cooperative and Associated Physicians in Madison. Then she quit working to help take care of her two grandchildren. They were the love of her life. Kathryn volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital and Meriter Hospital ER. She also made baby blankets and lap covers for Meriter Hospital. She was a member of the Bethel Club. She is survived by James R. Kohl; daughter, Sue A. Kohl; daughter, Annette L. Kohl; son, Michael J. Kohl (Barb Anderson); and two granddaughters, Kristin L. Fraser and Kayla L. Kohl. Michael was very special to her. She will be missed by so many, including her dog, Sadie. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Meriter Hospital ER, UW Hospital, Agrace HospiceCare, and to our friend, Janice Rhodes. Kitty did not want a funeral. The family will gather privately at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 19, 2015. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Betty J. (Ehl) Lee - Class of 1949

MADISON  - Betty J. Lee, age 80, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2011, at her home peacefully following complications of dementia. She was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison on Dec. 18, 1930, the daughter of Melvin and Ora Mae (Siewert) Ehl. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949 and married Bob Lee on Sept. 29, 1951. Betty worked at Wisconsin Motor Vehicle and at the MG and E, Omeda and Post Office Credit Unions. She loved to golf, bowl, sew and took special pride in her gardening. Betty is survived by her husband; daughter, Debbie Lee; grandson, Shane (Sandy) Schuster; great-grandchildren, Austin and Alyssa Schuster; and four nephews, Dave, Dan, Dennis and Don DeSmidt. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert A. Lee; and her sister, Marion DeSmidt. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2011, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be made in Betty's name to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Betty's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare, especially Dawn Barrett and Melanie Brooks.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 11, 2011. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: John L. O'Malley - Class of 1949

MADISON - John L. O'Malley, passed away on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2010, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sept. 22, 1930, the son of John Joseph and Ida Ruth (Mawhinney) O'Malley. He married Barbara Gray on June 10, 1950. John graduated from Central High School in 1949. He worked for Motor Transport for 25 years and then worked for Care Cab before retiring. John enjoyed taking long drives, watching his grandchildren's activities, playing Bingo, parades and watching the eagles at Sauk Prairie.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; children, Patrick (Nancy) O'Malley, Daniel (Alvina) O'Malley, Ruthann (Steven) Drifke; John (Donna) O'Malley and Shane (JoAnn) O'Malley; 10 grandchildren, Casey, Brian and Emily O'Malley, Melanie (Joe) Squires, Caitlin and Holly Drifke, Brianna and Makayla O'Malley, and Jordan and Tamia O'Malley; sister, June (Sanford) Herrling; and brother-in-law, Frank (Eileen) Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael O'Malley; two brothers; and a sister.

Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, with the Rev. John Bergson presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. A special thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at Dean East and Oncology Clinics, St. Mary's Hospital, City of Madison Emergency Response Teams and HospiceCare. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive,(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 2, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Clayton Parman - Class of 1949

MADISON - Our family lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Dec. 14, 2010. Clayton Parman Jr. [age 79] passed away at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his family. Clayton was born on April 20, 1931, the son of Clayton and Janice (Jordan) Parman Sr. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949, where he met his wife. He faithfully served our country in the Korean War, and returned to Madison. In 1953 he began working full-time for his father at the family business on Monroe Street in Madison, Parman's Service Station. His commitment and loyalty to the family business continued for more than 55 years. He will be remembered for his ever-constant sense of humor which kept his friends and family in laughter. One of his greatest gifts was in creating smiles. "Junior" also had a special quality in putting others needs above his own. This quality affected friends, family and strangers in life-changing ways. We have truly all been blessed to have had him in our lives. Our prayer is that we may pass on to others all the love, kindness and generosity that he has shown us over the past 79 years. We love you Junior! Left to honor his memory and remember his love are his wife of 55 years, Kathryn; his children, Suzanne, Tina, Laura, Ken (Theresa) and Gary (Carrie); his grandchildren, Kathryn, Rachel and Bailey; and his treasured brother, Keith (Devey); along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant grandchild, Clayton William Parman. Thanks to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, and Christa Raymond from the heart failure clinic for making Clayton's recent stays more comfortable. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Thomas F. Baxter officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass. His family suggests that memorials in his honor include the American Heart Association. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 16, 2010

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Cooley - Class of 1949

MCFARLAND - Richard "Dick" Cooley, age 79, passed away at his home in Madison, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, May 14, 2010. He was born in Fennimore, on March 28, 1931, a son of the late Lewis and Alberta (Bowes) Cooley. Dick graduated from Central High School in 1949, and served his country in the Marine Corps from January 1951 to December 1952. On June 37, 1951, he was united in marriage to Patricia C. Bohne. Dick worked in the floor covering business all of his life, retiring from Serginians Floor Covering in Madison. He and his family were long time residents of McFarland. Dick spent his summers shooting trap with friends and family. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his ATV in the woods at Tomahawk, with his sister-in-law, and best friend, Jackie Bohne. Both avid Packers fans, they attended many Badgers football and hockey games. He had great times playing cards with family and friends. Dick was a hardworking self professed 'scullery maid' in the kitchen of the VFW Hall in Cottage Grove. He was a well loved grandpa to all of his grandchildren. According to his family and friends, he made the absolute best grilled garlic chicken. Dick was an honorary member of VFW Post 7591, a member of American Legion Post 0534 for 18 years, and a member of Hope Rod and Gun Club. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at noon at the OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in McFarland, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. The service will begin with a Pass and Review by American Legion and VFW members and auxiliaries. Following the service, Military Rites will be performed by the Madison Area Firing Squad at the McFarland American Legion Hall, followed by a luncheon. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon. Special thanks to the physicians and staff of HospiceCare Inc of Madison, and the Carbone Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of those organizations. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 17, 2020 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Lawrence G. "Larry" Kelliher - Class of 1949

MADISON - Lawrence G. "Larry" Kelliher, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. He was a lifelong resident of Madison. Larry was a 1949 graduate of Central High School, and received his bachelor of arts, and master's degrees on organ performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954. While attending UW-Madison, he was a TA for organ majors and an accompanist for many choral groups and eight voice studios. Larry served in the United States Army in Korea from 1953-1954. He was the organist and director of music at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1957-1960 and at Bethel Lutheran Church from 1960-1992. From 1994-1996, Larry was the organist and choir/handbell director at St. Luke's Church in Middleton. Larry served as the organist for the First Unitarian Society, Luther Memorial, Holy Cross, Grace Episcopal, First Congregational, St. John's, and Central Lutheran churches in Madison. Before retiring, he was the choir director/organist at Monona Lutheran Church. He also served as an organist for the Madison Symphony. Larry was a past president of the Breakfast Optimist Club, and was the dean of the Madison Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Lawrence was preceded in death by his father, Raymond in 1972; and his mother, Margaret in 2005. He is survived by his three brothers, Wayne (Mary), Ray (Patti Wheeler) and David (Rita); and his six children, Sally (Brian Huegel), Thomas (Gina), Mary, Nancy, Susan (Keith Kinion) and Robert (Teri). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Allison (Mary), Grant and Ryan (Robert), and Erin (Thomas). A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Pet Therapy Program at St. Mary's Hospital. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Care Center for their loving and compassionate care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 2009

Obituary: Norman D. Dawson - Class of 1949

WYOCENA - Norman D. Dawson, age 77, passed away on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008. Norman was born on June 18, 1931 in Madison, the son of Harry M. and Leone (Stargardt) Dawson. Norm graduated from Central High in Madison, He served his country in the Marine Corps from 1951 until 1954 in the Korean War receiving a purple heart. He was united in marriage to Marlene for 19 years.Norm worked for the U.S. Government as a Postal Carrier. He carried mail on rural routes in Madison then in Windsor. Norm was an avid outdoorsman. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. Norm was known for his kind spirit and helping others in their recovery process of alcoholism. He was a leader in the AA program, and spoke on many occasions at the prison about the 12 step program. He is survived by his son, Michael Dawson of DeForest; his daughter, Doris "De" (Clifford "Tipper") Otis; granddaughter, Tanya Meyers; grandson, Chad Teubert; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor and Amelia; other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Harry. Funeral services for Norman Dawson will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, at 11 a.m. at SMITH FUNERAL HOME in Pardeeville. Pastor Charles Case will officiate. Burial will follow in the Wyocena Cemetery. Full military rites will be presented by the Pardeeville American Legion Post 215 and the Pardeeville Veterans of Forein Wars Post. Visitation for Norm will be held on Monday evening from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Pardeeville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name. The Smith Funeral home in Pardeeville is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 19, 2008

Note: Norman Dawson's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where his photograph appears among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Joanne K. "Pinky" (Westbury) Crawmer - Class of 1949

MADISON - Joanne K. "Pinky" Crawmer, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, with her loving husband Bud at her side. Joanne was born Nov. 21, 1930, the daughter of John and Alice (Lobre) Westbury in Madison. She was a graduate of Central High School and excelled in softball. "Pinky" was a semi-pro softball player, and had the chance to move and join an advanced league, but chose to stay in Madison. Joanne was united in marriage to Lorin "Bud" Crawmer in Madison on June 20, 1953, and they shared nearly 55 years together. "Pinky" loved music, especially country music, and loved to sing and dance. She was employed as an account specialist with the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation for over 25 years until her retirement in 1986, and was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church. Joanne "Pinky" is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, "Bud"; her devoted sister, Jacqueline "Dolly" Mathews of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Donna Epler and Patricia Triplett. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank the staff of HospiceCare, especially Karen, for their loving and compassionate care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsni State Journal on May 18, 2008

Note: Joanne Westbury's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where here photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Gerald Frederick Kratochwill - Class of 1949

MADISON - Gerald Fredrick Kratochwill, age 78, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at University Hospital, surrounded by his family, due to complications from heart and kidney failure. He was born on July 22, 1929, in Patch Grove, to Albert and Ann (Wickendoll) Kratochwill. Gerald grew up in Muscoda. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He retired in 1992 from the city of Madison Streets East Division, as a public works foreman. Gerald was well known for attending numerous auctions. He enjoyed walking around and bidding on the items nobody wanted. It was always a surprise to see what Gerald would bring home each weekend. We would like to think he recycled Dane County through our home. Gerald also enjoyed gardening and there could never be too many tomato plants. He is survived by his wife of 45 years of marriage, Barbara (Kalbfell) Kratochwill; four children, Daniel Kratochwill of Madison, Wendy (Jeff) Diehlmann of Madison, Jerry (Kathy) Kratochwill of Madison, and Nancy (Steve) Warner of Verona; grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Derek and Drew Kratochwill, Trent Diehlmann, Bradly and Sydney Kratochwill, and Amanda and Jayme Warner; great-grandson, Kyan Kratochwill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Nordell (Vida) Kratochwill, Bertha (Thomas) Alderman, and Leona (Narvil) Lewis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at University Hospital.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Joural on April 6, 2008

Obituary: Dona J. (Strmiska) Sprecher - Class of 1949

LELAND - Dona J. Sprecher, age 74, died on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, unexpectedly at her home in Leland. She was born in Stanton, Neb. on Dec. 3, 1931, the daughter of the late Carl and Edna (Vollbrecht) Strmiska. The family moved to the Prairie du Sac area during her grade school years, moving to Madison in her high school years. She graduated in 1949 from Madison Central High School. She married the love of her life of 56 years, Edwin "Junior" Sprecher of Leland on Sept. 10, 1949. He swept her off her feet at a New Year's Eve dance in Prairie du Sac and they never stopped dancing. She and Junior have owned and operated Sprecher's Tavern in Leland since that time. Both she and Junior have become an institution in the area with many generations walking through the door of their establishment. She was known in the community as quite the feisty lady who would tell it like it is, always had a good joke to share, and loved to be a matchmaker during her years in the tavern. She loved her garden and flowers throughout the years. She enjoyed raising beagles and traveling to American Kennel Club dog shows with Junior throughout the Midwest; bringing home many trophies and ribbons. She had a zest for travel, visiting many states, Canada and England. Her most memorable experience was landing by helicopter on a glacier in Alaska. She was a loving and attentive mother to daughter, Ann (Kevin) Jensen of Windsor; son, Mark (Colleen) Sprecher of Stevens Point; and daughter, Amy Sprecher of Leland. She is survived by her loving husband, Junior; her children; grandchildren, Todd Wiatrok (Shelia Konichek) of Columbus, Becky Wiatrok of Madison, Cassandra Wiatrok of Baraboo and Lindsy Wiatrok of Windsor; great-grandchildren, Kyla and Nathan Wiatrok; a brother, Robert (Carol) Strmiska of Madison; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and uncle, and many treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister and brother; a grandson; a nephew, Thomas Strmiska; and several aunts and uncles. Family will be celebrating Dona's life on Sunday, July 2, 2006, at SPRECHER'S TAVERN in Leland beginning at 11 a.m. until the cows come home. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 100 Oak St., Prairie du Sac, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2006, with Pastor Fred Rilling officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Salvation Army or St. John's Lutheran Church. We weren't ready to have you leave us, there was still so much to say and do. Thank you for all of the love and lessons you have shared that have made us who we are. You sacrificed so much for us and for that we will always be grateful. You have left special memories that will forever be treasured in our hearts. Hooverson Funeral Home Sauk City (608) 643-6430

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 25, 2005

Obituary: Conway C. Curtin - Class of 1949

MADISON - Conway C. Curtin, age 71, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center due to complications with diabetes. He was born on Oct. 30, 1931, in Madison, the son of James and Beatrice (Christopherson) Curtin. On Nov. 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to the former Jean Campbell at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School in 1949, Connie worked for 30 years with MG&E until his early retirement in 1990 due to his diabetes. He is survived by five children, Pam (Jon) Grassiln, Cam (Jill) Curtin, Kim (Brian) Esser, Lisa (Al) Grazen, and Brad (Lisa) Curtin; and six grandchildren whom he loved and adored very much, Megan, Christopher, Matt, Kelly, Nick and Sara. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Jean. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2003, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5405 Flad Ave., with Monsignor William DeBock officiating. If tears could build a stairway,, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven, And bring you home again., Dad - We'll miss you - you did a good job! Love, Pam, Cam, Kim, Lisa, Brad Grandpa - We love you always and forever! Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 25, 2003

Obituary: Nicholas G. Galanos - Class of 1949

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Nicholas G. Galanos died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in Madison after a nine-month battle with lung cancer. He was born on Sept. 15, 1931. A resident of Madison his entire life, he attended Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin. After graduating from the UW, Nick went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant junior grade aboard the U.S.S. Worcester. Nick was best known locally as the owner of the Badger Candy Kitchen, a family business on the Capitol Square since 1924. Nick was active in many organizations. He served as president of the local Naval ROTC Alumni Association and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison. Nick enjoyed fishing, reading, telling stories, and studying history, especially Naval. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, Dean; daughter, Rea; and sister, Mary, all of Madison. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison, with Father Joseph Tzougros officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison or HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family extends its thanks to all of Nick's caregivers and the HospiceCare organization. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 13, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Nick Galanos' class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Robert Brustman - Class of 1949

MADISON - Robert Brustman, age 70, died peacefully at HospiceCare on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001. Bob was born in Oshkosh, Wis., on July 7, 1931, to Walter and Amelia (Christensen) Brustman. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. He served in the National Guard Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Germany. He was a former member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and an Eagle Scout. Bob married Lois A. Schmidmayr on July 31, 1954. He worked for the University of Wisconsin, retiring from the purchasing department after 35 years of service to the state. Bob enjoyed playing and umpiring slow pitch softball with the city of Madison Recreation Leagues. He was an avid square and round dancer, with his wife Lois, for 50 years. He sang in the Capitol City Chordsmen barbershop chorus and in the Saint Maria Goretti choirs. Bob was a member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church for 40 years. He and Lois enjoyed their summer home at Pioneer Park, Lake Delton. He also volunteered for the American Red Cross. As an organ transplant recipient, Bob and his family will be eternally grateful for the "gift of life" given to him 5 years ago by his donor Melanie and her family, as well as the transplant team at UW Hospital. Bob is survived by his wife, Lois; his daughter, Ann (Paul) Starkey of Ossian, Ind.; his son, David of Los Angeles, Calif.; his grandchildren, Jessica and Benjamin Starkey; his brother, Dick (Doris) of Richland Center; his sister, Lois (Ron) Heidner of Buena Park, Calif.; and nephews, grand-nephews, and a grand-niece. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Jim; and his parents. Friends may call at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2001, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church on Monday. A Mass in celebration of Bob's life will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, 2001, with Msgr. Michael Burke officiating. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Maria Goretti parish, the HospiceCare, Inc., or American Cancer Society. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Walter M. Lindauer - Class of 1949

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Walter M. Lindauer, age 69, died on Thursday, February 1, 2001 at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. He was born May 27, 1931 in Madison, the son of Walter C. and Mary (Kelliher) Lindauer. He was a graduate of Central High School in Madison where he resided his entire life. He married Elaine D. Kobriger on February 9, 1963. Walter was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Elaine; two sons, Robert (Jayne), of Verona, and John (Michelle), of Madison; a daughter, Susan, of Appleton; his grandchildren, Danielle, Tyler, and Carlie; his brother Richard (Donna), of Madison; his sister-in-law, Theresa Rudolph, of Whitefish Bay; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Bobby; his sister Mary Jean; and his niece Mary Jean Lindauer. Wally was employed by Schappe/Don Miller Dealerships until his retirement in 1996. Wally enjoyed pitching for many years in the Major League Softball division of the Madison Recreation Department. He was an avid Badger and Packer fan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and golfing on many of the area golf courses. The highlights of his mornings were having coffee with his friends and visiting with the gang at Parman's service station. Wally will be remembered for his sense of humor and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A memorial funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2131 Rowley Ave, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2001. The Reverend Roman Shemayev will officiate. Friends may call after 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2001 at the Church until the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare, or Blessed Sacrament Church Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 2, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of of 1968)

Note: Walter Lindauer's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.