Obituary: Michael DuBois - Class of 1962

JANESVILLE - Michael DuBois, age 72, died on Sunday April 3, 2016 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on Aug. 19, 1944 to Errol “Joe” and Evelyn DuBois, and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1962.

Michael was passionate about music and was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and, the Wisconsin Marching Band. He and his first wife, Janalyn Kinder, were married in 1965. Together they raised miniature dachshunds, showing them at field trials throughout the country as members of the Badger Dachshund Club. Hockey was also an activity that Michael enjoyed, including being a referee for youth hockey games. Michael was employed at Oscar Mayer Foods for 30 years in the plant. He later worked for Mounds Pet Food Warehouse where he met his second wife Pamela whom he married in 2000. Other part time jobs included delivering papers for the Wisconsin State Journal, delivering parts for CARQUEST, and working at Blain’s Supply Warehouse. Favorite activities for Michael were fishing, golfing, travel, sports, and just spending time with his family, grandchildren and dogs. Michael had a keen eye and special knack for capturing special moments wherever he went; taking photos of everything he found beautiful or interesting.

Michael is survived by his wife Pamela and her four sons – Mike, Heath, Kyle, and Lucas; a daughter, Kim (Michael) of Monona; two sons, Scott of Phoenix and Randall of Seattle; two sisters, Trish (Tim) O’Neil of Madison, and Kathy (Jeff) Fujan of Poplar; a brother, Jerry (Linda) of Madison; 5 grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016, at 12 noon, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 1618 E. Racine St. in Janesville. A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel.

Originally published on the All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services website. Submitted by Jan Kinder DuBois.

Obituary: Terrance B. Hartfelder - Class of 1962

MADISON - Terrance B. Hartfelder, age 70, of Madison, passed away on March 15, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, following a long battle with cancer. Terry was born on July 20, 1943, in Madison, and lived in the downtown area for his entire life. He walked State Street everyday where he frequented the many restaurants and shops. Terry made pizzas at Paisan's Restaurant for 50 years until he retired because of his illness. He considered his family to be his co-workers at Paisan's, and he is greatly missed by them. We would like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at UW Health and Hospital for their wonderful help and compassion over the last couple of years, and also Agrace HospiceCare for taking care of Terry and making him comfortable during his last few days. A celebration of Terry's life will be held at PAISAN'S RESTAURANT on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 16, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Terrance B. Hartfelder's class year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Teresa Ann (Trotter) Brinker - Class of 1962

CONROE, TEXAS - Teresa Ann (Trotter) Brinker passed away of pancreatic cancer on March 27, 2014, in Conroe Texas. She was born Sept. 2, 1944, to Frank and Mabel (Jensen) Trotter at St. Mary's Hospital and grew up on the Isthmus at the corner of Dayton and Few St. She attended Lapham, St. Patrick's and Central High School. Tess had a big heart, impeccable handwriting and a beautiful voice. She sang in Triple Trio at Central with future recording artist Tracy Nelson. Tess was busy every fall canning tomatoes and vegetables for family and friends. Family was most important to her. Tess is survived by her children, Dale (Gail), Dee Ann, Denise (Roy), Derek, Dennis (Paula) and Damon; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Mavis, Chrissi, Sue (Scott); brothers, Norm, Curt (Sharon), Frank (Beth); Aunt Irene; 30 nephews and nieces and many, many more relatives. Tess was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Brinker (Nov. 2, 2013); son, David; and brother, Steve. Memorials can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to a charity of an individual's choosing in Teresa's name.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 30, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). 

Note: Teresa Ann Trotter's class year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is included amongst those of the graduating seniors.

Obiruary: James E. Lalley - Class of 1962

MAUSTON - James (Uncle Jimmy) E. Lalley, age 68, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his family at UW Hospital-Madison.

Jim was born on May 19, 1944, in Madison to the parents of Daniel and Elizabeth Lalley. Jim graduated from Central High School and retired from many years of service to the State of Wisconsin.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Elizabeth and brother John. Jim spent his entire life dedicated to helping others and was a great mentor to his special nephews and nieces.

Jim is survived by bothers, Daniel of Madison, David (Deborah) of Madison, Gerard and a sister, Sandra (Gary) McConochie of Madison. He is also survived by nephews, Ken (Jeanne) Lucht, Jason Lucht, Joe Lalley and Dan (Crystal) Lalley; and nieces, Jennifer Lucht, Dawn Lalley, Lisa Lalley and Jennifer Johnson; along with great-nephews, Jason Jr., Jacob, Dominic, Colin, Jaden, Irie, Zaiden, Joey and Gabe; and great-nieces, Jersie and Autumn.

 To honor Jim's wishes there will be no service or visitation. A small family gathering will take place in Mauston. The Crandall Funeral Home in Mauston is assisting the family. Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association. Special Thanks to the UW Hospital Cardiac Unit for their compassion and care of Jim and his family during this difficult time. "Jim, may you rest in PEACE."  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 22, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). 

 James Lalley's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included amongst those of the juniors.

Obituary: LaRhee (Wrend) Esse - Class of 1962

MADIOSN -LaRhee (Wrend) Esse died peacefully at home on Monday, March 28, 2011.
She was born in Madison on March 3, 1944. LaRhee is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gary Esse of Madison; sons, Paul (Tami) and his children, Sydney and Garrett Esse of Deforest, Erick Esse of Madison, and David Esse of Burlington; brothers, George Wrend of Florida, John (Donna) Wrend of Monona and Ben (Joyce) Wrend of Adams, Mass. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Bernadette Wrend.

LaRhee graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1962. After high school, she went to M.A.T.C. and became a Licensed Practical Nurse, practicing at Madison General Hospital. After her career in nursing, LaRhee became a dedicated mother to her three boys and provided support to her husband's business. Being from Sicilian descent, she always said "once you are a friend, you are a friend for life." This statement was evident from the many friendships she had that lasted over 50 years with friends from elementary school. She was always there to support friends or provide a quick laugh when needed. Many people often joked about LaRhee's relationship with friend, Charlene. After years of having to explain to people their relationship, they finally gave in and declared themselves as "sisters."

LaRhee had a strong passion for traveling and visited many places throughout Europe and the U.S. with friends and family. Some of her favorite places to reminisce about were Italy, France, Ireland and Sicily. She also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin watching loons swim and the hummingbirds fly.

With support of Dr. Huie and Nurse Sandy at UW Hospital, numerous friends and close family, LaRhee remained positive during her fight with cancer and was truly a role model for those that knew her. She was always known for her generosity and willingness to give rather than receive.

Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011, with the Rev. William White presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011. LaRhee was a wife, mother, friend and mentor to many. She will be dearly missed.

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

Obituary: Antoniette "Toni" M. (Rane) Smith

MADISON - Antoniette "Toni" M. Smith, age 66, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center.

She was born June 6, 1944, in Madison, the daughter of James and Mary Rane. She had been employed by the D S, State of Wisconsin for 20 years, retiring in 2000. Toni was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church (and was a volunteer assisting with funeral luncheons), the Italian Women's Club and had been a volunteer at Meriter Hospital in-patient registration. In her spare time, she loved gardening, fishing, playing cards and cooking. On April 27, 1963, Toni was united in marriage with Roger Smith in Madison.

In addition to her husband, Roger, survivors include a daughter, Sue (Roger) Standorf of Prairie du Chien; a son, Randy Smith (girlfriend Jenny Scheib) of Madison; a brother, Joe (Leona) Rane of Madison; two sisters, Connie Dollard of Oregon, Wis. and Maryann Bachman of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH 2450 Atwood Ave. with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Toni's name to Hospice Care, Cancer Research or to the family.

A special Thank You to all the staff at Meriter 8 Atrium and Hospice for all the compassionate and great care you provided to all of us. Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison (608) 249-6758

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 12, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Antoinette Smith's graduation year is based on information in the 1962 Tychoberahn yearbook, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors. It appears that her forname was mis-spelled in the obituary.

Obituary: Beth (Ulrich) Burack - Class of 1962

STOUGHTON - Beth (Ulrich) Burack [age 65] passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, after a long struggle with cancer. The help given her by her doctors and by HospiceCare in her last days was a true gift of love. Beth was the daughter of Ruth (Andersen) and Wilbert Ulrich. She was born on June 2, 1944, four days before D-Day, and was in the very best sense a warrior in all of her life as in her final 11-month battle with a deadly disease. She was a lady of courage who faced pain and adversity with a dignity and humor that gave care to her caregivers, even in her own hour of direst need. Beth was a native Madisonian from the days when the old downtown Madison Area Technical College was still her own Madison Central High. When cruising the square was the best form of mass transit going. When car clubs, Cary Grant, James Dean and Amelia Earhart all defined excellence for her in their various ways. She was a rebel who whipped into shape the newsboys and newsgirls of the Press Connection and organized a union at the Progressive Magazine. But she also proved she could change her mind and shift gears when her mind and the times told her it was time to move on. Beth's working life took many twists and turns. Among other things, she sold dolls for Pleasant Company, managed an insurance office, was a circulation director and a trade show consultant selling history materials for the schools. In her spare time, she was a sky diver, pilot, amateur geologist, bird watcher, hiker, photographer, and more. In the 1960s and '70s, she and David Dahlk, her husband at the time, raised sons, Eric and Stephen Dahlk. In 1980, she was married again, this time to Jonathan Burack. For the past 30 years, she and Jonathan remained devoted partners in every way, not just the usual ways. A faith united them as well, iron-clad and self-defined, based above all on the evening dinner-time prayer of thanks, they took turns inventing anew each night. For recreation and relaxation, the two traveled the back roads and byways of Wisconsin, driving, reading, reminiscing, listening to the Brewers, and following their instincts in searching out the unheralded wonders of the Wisconsin countryside. For Beth, her children, Eric and Stephen always came first. In them, she gave the world two remarkable men of real integrity. She treasured her six grandchildren, whose unique and well-defined characters are already developing in ways that made her proud. She cared deeply about all her family. The friends and acquaintances whose lives she blessed and altered are too many to be named here. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) could do no better. With Terry and, especially, with Pat, she stood fast through the highest highs and lowest lows of their lives, as they did with her. As in so much else in her life, Beth was true like steel in this and fiercely loyal to someone who was also fiercely loyal to her. The world was blessed to have her and is diminished by her early departure. Beth is survived by her husband, Jonathan; her mother, Ruth (Andersen) Richards; her sister, Joann Banks; her two sons, Eric Dahlk and Stephen Dahlk; Eric's wife, Candace; Stephen's wife, Paula; and six amazing grandchildren, Eric and Candace's children, Erica and Kirsten, and Stephen and Paula's children, Leif, Meisha, Elizabeth and David; her uncle, Wally Ulrich; and aunt, Lil Ulrich; many nieces and nephews; and her friends, Terry Boehner and Pat Bea. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbert Ulrich; her brother, Paul Ulrich; and her previous husband, David Dahlk. A memorial service at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Highway 51, Stoughton, is planned and will be announced at a later date. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Centers Highway 51 N. at Jackson St. (608) 873-4590

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 14, 2010; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Beth Ulrich Burack's class year is based on a list of Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 1962. She is also pictured among the graduating seniors in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where she is identified as Elizabeth A. Ulrich.

STOUGHTON [Wisconsin] - Beth (Ulrich) Burack passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, after a long struggle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Highway 51, Stoughton, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, we ask for contributions to build a park bench in Beth's name at Lake Kegonsa State Park, where she hiked nearly every day over the past 10 years. If contributions exceed the cost of the bench, remaining proceeds will be donated to the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. A full obituary ran in the Sunday, March 14, 2010, paper. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Center 1358 Highway 51 (608) 873-459

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 4, 2010; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Jerry Lee Schnack - Class of 1962

MADISON - Jerry Lee Schnack, age 61, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. He was born on Aug. 23, 1943, in Madison, the son of Peter J. and Bernadette C. (Grundy) Schnack. Jerry graduated from Central High School in 1962. He worked in the optical business until his retirement in 1988. Jerry enjoyed auto racing and sports. He is survived by his sisters, Betty (R. Clay) Zelenka and Shirley Sullivan, both of Madison; and by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by two brothers, Robert and David Schnack. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at 2 p.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of services on Tuesday at the funeral home. Jerry's family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare and to Jason Standish for the care and friendship they have shown Jerry. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 20, 2004

Obituary: Barbara Ellen (Fuss) Casey - Class of 1962

MADISON [Wisconsin] Barbara Ellen Casey, age 56, of Madison, died Sunday, October 29, 2000 at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg following an extended illness. She was born June 4, 1944 in Madison, the daughter of Alfred and Jeanette (Wirth) Fuss. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1962. She worked for over 10 years for Equifax as a customer service representative. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and shopping, and was an avid QVC cardholder. She was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Don Hensen; two brothers, Jack and Russ Fuss; and Don's daughter, Kristi Hensen. She is survived by a son, John Casey of Madison; Don's children, Tom and Jill Hensen; two grandchildren, Noah Casey and Kailyn Hensen; a sister, Caroline (Al) Siclovan of Evansville; a brother Ed (Andrea) Fuss of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Tuesday October 31, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an education fund to be established for her grandson Noah, or to HospiceCare, Inc. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 30, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)