Obituary: Roberta "Amy" (Browning) Baker - Class of 1952

MADISON - Roberta "Amy" (Browning) Baker died on Wednesday, May 7, 201 4.

Roberta was born on Oct. 26, 1933, the youngest child of Charles Browning and Patricia Manion Browning's seven children. The young child, Roberta, was enamored by the radio show "Amos and Andy" and would stand in front of the radio asking for "Amy and Andy". From that childhood delight came her nickname, Amy. Amy and her siblings had the benefit of living in a single homestead throughout childhood. The house on Drake Street allowed her to have a predictable place to call home while also being strategically located to take advantage of all that Madison had to offer.

Shortly after graduation from Madison Central High School, Amy married William R. Baker in 1954. They had four children who survive her: Raymond Baker and Julie Baker (Robert Hull) of Madison, Charles Baker of Georgetown, Texas, and Mary (Brad) McWilliams of Bee Branch, Ark.

Amy was the quintessential Madisonian. Often people would remark, "Amy, you know everybody." She enjoyed many happy moments with longtime childhood friends as well as new acquaintances. Amy's sharp memory for names and faces was an asset to the riders of Madison Metro when she worked at the Transit window located at Main and Carroll from 1981 to 1990 and, later, when she transferred to answering Madison Metro's Infoline, where her geographical knowledge of "taverns and churches" helped to guide riders to their destination. She served the public well until her retirement in 1999.

While Amy occasionally enjoyed a self-imposed hibernation, she was never alone as long as she had a stack of books to feed her voracious appetite for reading. Amy knew a little bit about almost everything. She had a sharp wit that never was used to hurt another person. She enjoyed self-deprecation more than using her wit to assail others.

Amy was preceded in death by five of her six siblings, Mary Browning Fall, Charles Browning Jr., John Browning, Harry Browning, and Patricia Browning; and her grandson, Sean Raymond Redemann, whom she missed very much after his death in 2001.

In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister, Bernadette Stevens of Madison; and two granddaughters, Rachel Baker and Allison Baker, both of Madison. Amy has many nieces and nephews who also mourn the loss of their last Aunt.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the afternoon of June 14, 2014, at THE ECHO TAP, Madison, Wis.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2014. Submitted by Janet Stevens (Class of 1965) and Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Roberta (Browning) Baker's class year is based on a list of 1952 CHS graduates published in The Capital Times.

Obituary: Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara - Class of 1952

OREGON - Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. He was born on July 15, 1934, the son of Gaspare and Rose Novara. Ernie graduated from Central High School in 1952. He served in the Air National Guard at Truax Field from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Ernie married the love of his life, Mary Lou Kerwin in 1955. He was a volunteer for St. Mary's Hospital as a Eucharist Minister for 20 years. Ernie also served in all capacities at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church. He and Mary Lou enjoyed their get-togethers with "The Sweethearts Club" (a group of six couples from Truax) which had been established for 52 years. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou; was the proud father to four daughters, Sarita and Larry Neath of Fitchburg, Jo Jean Novara of Tucson, Ariz., Darcy and Edward Halloran of McFarland, and Julie Hagen and Michael Mahnke of New Glarus; honorary daughter, Jane Cords of Tucson, Ariz.; prouder grandfather to Tyler and Amanda Halloran and Bret and Kayla Hagen (the grandkids could do NO wrong in grandpa's eyes); brother to Leonard "Dino" and Gen Novara; and is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main Street, Oregon, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday. Ernie loved taking the entire family on Caribbean cruise vacations. "Thanks for all the memories; we know you were happiest when we were all together. We all love you, and will miss you." Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 29, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert "Bob" Carson - Class of 1952

MADISON - Robert "Bob" Carson, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 11, 1934, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1952, then joined the U.S. Army, serving in the military for two years. In 1959, he met his first wife, Beverly Gerber, and had two children, Dale and Leanne. Bob worked for Red Dot Potato Chip Co. (known as Frito Lay) until he found a job working for a University of Wisconsin extension running a printing press for 32 years, until retirement in 1997. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed basketball and coaching girls softball teams.

He married Joan Lueders on April 28, 1984. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife. He was a long-time member of Lakeview Moravian Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Dale (Tamra) Carson and Leanne (Jim) Stoker; step-children, Scott (Tracy) Carolan and Deb (Andy) Slawek; grandchildren, Kennan, Nicole, Ahna, Tyler, Megan, and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Modi and Vonn; brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) and John "Jack" (Alvina); many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sonny Carson; half-sisters, Dorothy Strait and Doris Davis; and half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lenke.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 31, 2011 (submitted by MIchael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Robert "Bob" Carson - Class of 1952

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Robert "Bob" Carson, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 11, 1934, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1952, then joined the U.S. Army, serving in the military for two years. In 1959, he met his first wife, Beverly Gerber, and had two children, Dale and Leanne. Bob worked for Red Dot Potato Chip Co. (known as Frito Lay) until he found a job working for a University of Wisconsin extension running a printing press for 32 years, until retirement in 1997. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed basketball and coaching girls softball teams.

He married Joan Lueders on April 28, 1984. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife. He was a long-time member of Lakeview Moravian Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Dale (Tamra) Carson and Leanne (Jim) Stoker; step-children, Scott (Tracy) Carolan and Deb (Andy) Slawek; grandchildren, Kennan, Nicole, Ahna, Tyler, Megan, and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Modi and Vonn; brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) and John "Jack" (Alvina); many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sonny Carson; half-sisters, Dorothy Strait and Doris Davis; and half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lenke.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 3, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Joan (Rogge) Ream - Class of 1952

MADISON - Joan R. Ream, age 76, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital.

She was born on April 25, 1934, in Madison, the daughter of Otto and Olivia Rogge. Joan was united in marriage to Willis Ream on Oct. 19, 1953, in Madison. She worked at University of Wisconsin - Pyle Center for 29 years. Joan loved spending time with her family and enjoyed traveling. She was an active member of St. James Catholic Church.

Joan is survived by her husband, Bill, of 57 years; daughter, Susan (David) Jensen; grandsons, Matthew and Joseph Jensen; sisters, Lucille Bailey, Caryl Townsend, Arlene Mauel and Judy Reis; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, 2010.

The family would like to give special thanks to St. Mary's Hospital 5 Southwest nursing staff and oncology Drs. Amit Sanyal and Roy Kim for the care they gave Joan.

Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 24, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Joan (Rogge) Ream's class year is based on information in the 1952 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Norbert G. Schachte - Class of 1952

MADISON -Norbert G. Schachte, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away at home on Thursday, July 8, 2010, from complications related to a 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Born in Madison on July 9, 1934, he was the second son of Norbert I. Schachte and Lillian M. (Kurt) Schachte. Norb attended St. James Grade School and Madison Central High School where he won six varsity letters playing football, basketball, and baseball. Upon graduating in 1952, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, earning three varsity baseball letters and playing varsity basketball for three semesters, before earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 1957. He also served eight years in the Naval Reserve, honorably discharged in 1962. Following college, Norb began his career as a life underwriter with Indianapolis Life, John Lyons Agency followed by many years with the Kenneth P. Urso Agency. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1966, and went on to serve as general agent with Northwestern National Life followed by many years with Lafayette Life. In 1986, he earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, and expanded his business in 1996 to include financial planning, serving as President of Diversified Insurance Associates. He served as the president of the Madison Association of Life Underwriters (1983-84) earning their Distinguished Service Award in 1992, was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and served on the Lafayette Life President's Advisory Council before cutting back in 2002.

Norb was also very active in his faith, serving as a Eucharistic minister as well as volunteering his time at St. Thomas Aquinas for many years. He also remained very active long beyond his high school and college athletic years, playing baseball with Caves Buick, Mallatt's, Millers, and the Madison Lakers, basketball with Tipler Transfer and Corcoran's, and fastpitch softball with city semifinalist Equitable Life. His greatest contribution, though, was to kids and youth sports programs throughout the Madison area. While in college, he spent his summers umpiring kid's rec baseball around the city, and as his own family grew, spent countless hours organizing and coaching. Norb worked for many years as a WIAA football official, was a co-founder of the Madison Ice Mice program, organized and coached Little League baseball in Monona and Middleton, was a founding member and coach at the Monona Hockey Association, coached West Flyers Hockey, helped to organize and coach Middleton Youth Soccer teams in the formative years, and was a past president of the Badger Dolphins Dive Team. He was also an avid fisherman in the years before his illness and his family looked forward to the fishing vacations at Coach Dynie Mansfield's cottages up north every summer.

Norb is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Charlotte (Coffey) Schachte; sons Dan (Kim) and Dave (Gina); daughters, Ann and Kay; as well as grandchildren, Danny, Ian, Lauren, Maddy, Sarah, Elizabeth, Matthew, Samuel, and David. He is also survived by a brother, John Schachte of Cinncinati, Ohio; and sisters, Mary Schachte and Geraldine (Ray) Denson, both of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Charles Weber and his colleagues, the nurses and respiratory therapists at Meriter Hospital, and the staff at Meriter Home Health for the kind, compassionate care given to Norb over the last few years of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Finally, the family would request in lieu of flowers, donations in Norb's memory to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers; 7435 University Ave.; (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 11, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: James Earl "Pa Mobes" Mobry, Jr. - Class of 1952

COLUMBUS - James Earl "Pa Mobes" Mobry Jr., age 75, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on Jan. 28, 1934, in Madison to James Earl and Lucille (Smith) Mobry Sr. He was a 1952 graduate of Madison Central High School, then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was married to Ellen Mershon on Feb. 25, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jim worked at several Madison businesses. First, at Borden's Dairy and then at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio, both in Madison and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He owned and operated a service station on W. Washington Avenue and then worked at the Weidenbeck and Doblin store. He was a die caster at Madison Kipp Corp and founder of ABC Shirt Lettering in Madison. Jim was a photographer for United Church Directories, and most recently was the "Good Will Ambassador" at Robbins Manufacturing in Fall River. He loved league bowling, softball, euchre and coaching. He was an avid Packers, Badgers and Columbus sports fan, and a devout Cubs fan. Jim enjoyed attending and supporting his children's and grandchildren's sports activities. Survivors include his wife, Ellen of Columbus; four daughters, Julie Ellen (Tim Geiger) Mobry, Joan Ellen (Juan Alberto) Loza Mobry and Jenny Ellen (Darrell) Augustine all of Columbus, and Jill Ellen (Mike Ring) Mobry of Cottage Grove; two sons, James Earl (Juli) Mobry III of Fall River, and Robert Anthony Lee Mobry of Columbus; 16 grandchildren, Bob, Jeffery, Suzi, Jessica, Amanda, Steven, Riley, Ryan, Courtney, Cullie, Ellie, Holly, Anton, James IV, Jefferson and Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Kallie and Carson; a sister, Shirley (Marvin) North of Fairchild; a brother, Don Mobry of Madison; many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives; and an infinite number of friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Robert and Stephen. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. A Celebration of Life and gathering will be from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at the COLUMBUS COUNTRY CLUB in Columbus with military rites at 2 p.m. "More than anything, Jim was thankful to everyone for being his friend." Jensen Funeral and Cremation Columbus (920) 623-5850

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 15, 2009

Obituary: Lavern Hans "Andy" Anderson - Class of 1952

MADISON - Lavern Hans "Andy" Anderson, age 75, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully surrounded by his family, on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at St. Mary's. He was born on February 3, 1934, in Madison, the son of Hans and Gertrude (Sorge) Anderson. Lavern attended schools in Madison, graduating from Central High in 1952. He married Kay Thomas on December 2, 1958, and to this union two daughters were born, Pamela Sue and Kathy Elizabeth. Lavern worked for the State of Wisconsin for a number of years, before moving to Denver, Colo., and living there for 11 years. Upon returning to Wisconsin he went to work for Marshall Erdman and Associates, where he retired after 30 years. Lavern and Kay loved to travel, especially in their travel trailer and followed Wisconsin sports and Packers football. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and camping. Lavern was a member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ, where he served on several committees, and worked with the youth, traveling with them on five work camps. "Papa" also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school functions and sporting events. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay; his daughters, Pam (Andy) Lewis of Middleton, and Kathy (Dan) McCartney of Waunakee; and his four grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Briana Lewis, Shawn Lewis, Kyle McCartney and Patrick McCartney; his 95 year old mother, Gertrude Harris of Madison; his sister, Doris (Ken) Urkoski of Columbus, Nebraska; brother, Eugene "Pete" (Joyce) Anderson of Madison; godmother/ aunt Jo Balser of Madison; a special cousin, Charlie Parks; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday,October 14, 2009, at MEMORIAL UNITED CHRIST OF CHURCH, 5705 W. Lacy Road, Fitchburg at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Lisa Schoenwetter presiding. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Food Pantry. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral and Cremation Centers 2950 Chapel Valley Road

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13, 2009

Obituary: Theresa A. (Coghlan) Acker - Class of 1952

MIDDLETON - Theresa A. Acker, age 73, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2007. She was born on Feb. 10, 1934, in Rochester, Minn., the daughter of William and Ada (Hunter) Coghlan. Theresa was a 1952 graduate of Madison Central High School. She had worked at a number of grocery stores in the Middleton area and later before retirement she worked for the State of Wisconsin, Department of Revenue. Theresa had a variety of interests which included sewing whenever she could, taking pictures whenever the opportunity came, and traveling, with a major highlight, their trip to Ireland. She loved her family dearly and treasured most watching her grandchildren in their activities with her husband. Theresa is survived by her husband, Linus, of 52 years; two sons, Patrick (Kathy) and Christopher (Ellen), all of Cross Plains; four grandchildren, Dustin (Carleen), Kaila, Zachary and Kaitlyn; a sister, Margaret Ballweg; and a brother, Jim Coghlan. She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel; her parents; and several brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 30, 2007, with Monsignor Joseph P. Higgins and Father Tom Kelley concelebrating. Burial will be in St. Peter?s Cemetery, Ashton. Family and friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2007, at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, and also on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Theresa's sister, Margaret Ballweg and her daughters, Kathleen and Georgette Ballweg, Monsignors Doug and Adrian, Father Tom, Sister John Rose, HospiceCare and Home Health United for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. or to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Endowment Fund in Cross Plains. Miss Me-But Let Me Go, When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a, gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set-free. Miss me a little-but not too long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me-but let me go. For this is a journey, that we all must take, And each must go alone, It's all a part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely, and sick to heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows, in doing good deeds. Miss me-but let me go. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave (608) 831-6761

Obituary: Gilbert Pond - Class of 1952

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Gilbert Pond, age 68, of Madison went home to the Lord on Nov. 8, 2002, after a long and courageous battle with severe emphysema and cancer. He was born on Sept. 10, 1934, in Madison, Wis., the son of Gilbert C. and Vera M. (Larson) Pond. Gib graduated from Central High School in 1952, and served his country honorably as a paratrooper in the U. S. Army Airborne. On May 31, 1958, he was united in marriage to Jane Runnoe, his wife of 44 loving years. He closed his work career working as the Senior Systems Consultant for OnCourse Information Services, Inc. (formerly Wisconsin Office & Data Systems, Inc.). He was one of the early participants in putting together the Wisconsin Harvest Food Recycling Program (now an integral part of the Second Harvest Program) and served on their Board of Directors for a number of years. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Golf Club, Inc. for over 21 years, providing support for the U.W. Men's and Women's golf programs. Gib loved the Lord and his family above all else. In 1957, he was in the original class of teachers for the Bethel Bible Series. Subsequently he served as one of the original representatives for the Adult Christian Education Foundation (ACEF) traveling the United States and Canada on behalf of the Bethel Bible Series program. Following this he continued to serve this ministry as a long-time member of the ACEF Board of Directors. Gib's life-long passion for Bible study and teaching were evident in his service to his own congregation. Lakeview Lutheran Church. He wrote and taught Lakeview's Adult Sunday School (Bible Study) Program for the past several years. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Jeffrey of Madison, Wis. and Keith (Tracy) of Burkburnett Texas; four grandsons, Jeremy, Andrew, Tyler and Austin; mother, Vera Pond; brother, Donald (JoEllen) Pond; a sister, Diane Smith (fiance, Tom Wilson) and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert C. Pond; Gib's first wife, Barbara (Howard) Pond; and father-in-law, Wilson "Cozy" Howard (Barbara's father) A celebration of life is scheduled at LAKEVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4001 Mandrake Road on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at 11 a.m. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Lakeview Lutheran Church or the church of you choice. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Kevin-McAllister and Dr. Bernard Micke for their medical expertise, tireless dedications and caring that they administered to Gib for many years. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)