Obituary: Francesca Paratore - Class of 1927

A Part Of Old Madison Has Died
By Julianne White, The Capital Times

In the heat of the day, they slowly climbed the steps of St. James Catholic Church. Many of them were childhood friends, bound by their heritage, their faith and the neighborhood of their youth, the Bush.

Today the Bush lives only in their memories. Never have blocks of a city been remembered so fondly. These once carefree youngsters are silver-haired now. Years of life experience are recorded in their faces, lines worn with pride. Their eyes light up as they greet each other. The abiding affection, peppered with nicknames and teasing, is evident.

Silently they filed into the wooden pews, framed by exquisite stained glass windows. And as the ceiling fan whirred above them, Mass began.

"We are here today to celebrate the life of Francesca Paratore,'' said the priest.

Francesca Paratore died last month. For the first time in her life, she left behind her younger sisters and brothers: Angela, Josephine, Anne, Tony and Vito. It took the gentle hand of death to separate her from them.

Bits and pieces of recollections from family members and friends tell her story.

"The hardship,'' said her sister, Anne, "began in Sicily. Our mother would often say, 'If we had been among the wealthy of Italy, why would we have left such a beautiful place?' But peasants were paid for their labor with produce. If the crops failed, you ate nothing.''

Francesca was 3 years old when she and her mother, Antonia, left their homeland. Her father, Theodore, an indentured railroad worker, had preceded them to Madison. It took two years for him to save enough money to pay their passage. In 1909, mother and daughter arrived at Ellis Island.

"They were put on a train, supposedly going to Madison, Wis.,'' said Anne. `"When they arrived at Madison, Ind., there was no one there to meet them. Speaking not a word of English, they sat there and cried. At last, an interpreter at the station re-routed them here.They walked from the Milwaukee Road depot to Regent Street, where our father was living.''

Francesca learned English at Longfellow school, which was filled with the children of immigrants. Her mother, who didn't attend school beyond the second grade, was determined her children would be educated.

After graduating from Central High School, Francesca sought work and was highly recommended to a local dairy.

"Your name, is that Italian?'' asked the prospective employer.

The young woman nodded.

"Then you need not apply,'' he said.

"She was bitterly disappointed,'' said Anne. "Our mother said, `All right. We live near the university. You'll go there.' ''

Francesca Paratore earned a bachelor's degree in Italian, French and American history, the first female Italian immigrant from the Bush to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. She worked in federal service for 31 years, editing educational materials for the U.S. Armed Forces Institute.

And always she remained in Madison, caring for her mother in their home at 818 Regent St., the homestead Francesca would maintain for over 60 years.

She never married but she collected friends, plentiful as morning dew. And many of them were present at the memorial service.

And when they talk about Fran Paratore, certain phrases echo: "wonderful woman,'' "devoted to her family,'' "like an older sister to me.''

Her obituary allowed all of us to know her better. It said she was known as` `the best breadmaker in town,'' that she missed only 12 UW football games in 57 years, that she was a shrewd bridge partner and that, in addition to her loving family, she is survived by a 1957 Buick Skylark.

Her last years were spent at Attic Angel Nursing Home. Rose Krueger, admissions director and social worker, says, "Fran always wanted to be doing something or helping someone. She took long, long walks, often pushing another resident in her wheelchair. And she spent many hours in front of the TV watching sports. Fran added spice to our facility. We'll miss her colorful wit. We loved her dearly.''

As Francesca Paratore's life drew to a close, one of her nephews, Phillip Shallat, flew in from Seattle. He said his Aunt Fran knew she was dying, and when he asked if she was afraid to die, she said she was not. He fed his aunt her last meals and told her what a gift her kindness had been. And he assured her she needn't worry about those she was leaving behind.

Antonia Paratore died on Mother's Day in 1970 at the age of 86. Francesca Paratore died on Mother's Day in 1993 at the age of 86 when, said her obituary, "she peacefully joined her best friend and mother.''

Originally published as a new story in The Capital Times on June 26, 1993

Note: Frances Paratore's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Robert G. Herreid - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert G. Herreid, age 75, of Madison, died on Sunday, April 25, 1993 at Elmwood, Wisconsin. He was born on November 18, 1917 at the Top of State Street in Madison. He graduated and completed a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in World War II as a Navy Corpsman in the Pacific Theater. He taught school in Beloit, Central High School in Madison, and at Laugh-A-Lot High School where he retired in 1979. He was remembered for "The Pussycat" Newspaper. Bob was an avid golfer and member of MARGA. He often scored 1 over pat at Glenway Golf Course. Survivors include his seven children, Joan, Tom, Barbara, Robert, Anne, Colin, James; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Cecelia; and his cousin, June Fiscus. He was a lover of Shakespeare and humor and truly believed that a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants, was the key to the good life. We miss you S.O.B. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 1993, at 11:00 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Entombment will be at FOREST HILL MAUSOLEUM. Visitation will be Friday, April 30, 1993, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 27, 1993

Note: Robert G. Herreid's class year is based on information about the Central High School Class of 1936 June graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 1936. Mr. Herried's obituary is also listed in teacher obituaries.

Obituary: Sandra L. Hoffman - Class of 1966

MADISON - Sandra L. Hoffman, age 44, died at her home on Tuesday, February 23, 1993. Sandra was born on September 19, 1948 in Madison, She was a receptionist and secretary at Bowman Dairy for over 20 years. She was a member of Holy redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. Survivors include her parents, Rupert and Lillian Hoffman of Madison; two brothers Thomas Hoffman, Jeffrey (Diane) Hoffman of Madison; one sister Diane Imhoff of Madison; four nieces, one nephew; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; seven uncles; and three aunts. Funeral services will be held at the ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Febuary 25, 1993, where Father Lawrence Kiefer will officiate. Friends may call on Wednesday, February 24, 1993 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 North Sherman Avenue where a rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. Internment will be held at the HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 24, 1993; submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966).

Obituary: Shelley A. (Harris) Nolte - Class of 1968

JEFFERSON/MADISON - Shelly A. Nolte (nee Harris), age 41, of 242 East Ogden Street, Jefferson, died on Monday, November 2, 1992 at University Hospital. She was born on December 17, 195o in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Bernard and Anita Harris. She was graduated from Madison Central High School and Edgewood College. Shelley was employed with Ameritech, in Brookfield. Survivors include her husband, Fridtjof; her father, Bernard (Susan) Harris of Madison; two brothers, Mark (Katherine) Harris on Tinton Falls, New Jersey and David Harris of Madison; a sister, Susan Harris of Madison; two stepsisters, Laura Burns and Erin Burns of Madison; a sister-in-law, Mary Boss of Madison; and two nieces, Laura Harris Boss and Madeline Harris. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anita Harris. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 4, 1992 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with Rabbi Mose Re'em officiating. Burial took place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 5, 1992

Obituary: Violet Bagley Miller - Class of 1934

Newspapers Lose Longtime Leader
By William R. Wineke Wisconsin State Journal

Violet Miller, 76, a director of Madison Newspapers Inc. and wife of The Capital Times publisher Frederick Miller, died Monday of cancer.

She was the niece of William Evjue, founder and editor of The Capital Times, and played a quiet but significant role in the newspaper after Evjue's death in 1970.A petite, quiet person, Miller was never known to use her influence to intimidate others, but her influence was felt, nevertheless.

"She always brought a freshness and spirit that enriched our organization,'' said Jim Burgess, publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal and president of MNI. "She had new ideas and, when she didn't like something, she could say so in the most charming manner.''

Miller was active in a number of community organizations, though she rarely sought leadership roles. She was particularly interested in music, art and other cultural activities in Madison.

She was a member of the Bascom Hill Society, the University of Wisconsin Foundation, the Madison Civic Music Association, the Elvehjem Council, Alpha Theta sorority and the Madison Club.

Most recently, she served on the committee developing the Ronald McDonald House of Madison, which will serve as a home for families of children being treated at Madison hospitals.
She also was interested in the work of The Capital Times charities, particularly the Kiddie Camp and, later, the William T. Evjue Foundation. She was elected president of the Kiddie Camp in 1964.

David Zweifel, editor of The Capital Times, said, "Vi Miller meant an awful lot to us. She stood by us when maybe it wasn't always easy, and her work on both the newspaper's board and the foundation's board has made Madisona better community as a result. We are deeply saddened by her death.''

The former Violet Bagley was close to Evjue and his wife, Zillah, as she grew up in Madison and shared their love of the arts. She was a friend of Frank Lloyd Wright and frequently spent Sunday evenings at Taliesin in Spring Green.

She was married to Frederick Miller in 1939, a marriage that was sustained by mutual love for more than 50 years.

The Millers were virtually inseparable. They traveled the world together, attending concerts and plays and collecting antiques. Violet Miller frequentlywrote travel columns about her journeys for The Capital Times.

At home, however, she lived quietly and took great joy in her home on ArborDrive, watching the seasons change in the woods surrounding Lake Wingra.

She is survived by her husband and by two nieces, Nancy Gage-Finney, Madison; and Marsha Rigney, Phoenix, Ariz.; and a nephew, Donald Miller, MountHoreb.

Funeral services will be held privately. The family has suggested that memorials be made to the charity of one's choice.


Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 1992

Note: Violet Bagley Miller's class year is based on information in the booklet prepared for the 35th reunion of the Class of 1934.

Obituary: Bruce R. Olson - Class of 1966

MADISON - Bruce R. Olson, age, 43, of Madison, passed away on Friday, March 27, 1992 at his home. He was born on November 3, 1948 in Madison. He was employed by the University of Wisconsin Forest Products Laboratories. He was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1966, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a member of the National Railway Historical Society and an avid amateur photographer. He is survived by his mother, Marion Olson of Madison; a brother, Terry Olson of Camarillo, California; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Milo. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 8:00 p.m. on MOnday, March 30, 1992. Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 1992 in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 pm. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care Inc. of Madison

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 29, 1992. Submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966)

Obituary: Amy Brownell Wood - Class of 1966

MADISON - Amy Brownell Wood, age 43, died on Friday, July 26, 1991, at University Hospital in Madison. She was born on March 19, 1948, in Madison. Amy was a graduate of Madison Central/University High School. She received BA's in Art and History from Earlham College in 1971, and in Biology from Indiana University in 1984. After residing in Indiana for 17 years, she returned to Madison to become liaison to the Board of Directors and Buying Clubs at North Farm Cooperative. During her illness, she was grateful for support from her family and friends, and from fellow cancer patients and counselors through the Marions Support System and the Winners Circle of Christ Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her parents, Jane H. Wood and E. Weston Wood; her brothers, Levi E. Wood and Kenneth W. Wood; and an aunt, Polly Wood, She asked that memorials be made to the Madison Audobon Society, and the Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. A memorial service will be held at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY MEETING HOUSE, 900 University Bay Drive, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1.

Cress Funeral Home
3620 Speedway Road

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 29, 1991; submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966)

Obituary: Gordon Sinykin - Class of 1927

MADISON - Gordon Sinykin, age 80, died on Friday, January 25, 1991 at a local hospital. He was born on June 18, 1910, to Sam and Dora Sinykin in Madison, Wisconsin. He married the former Dorothy Edlestein on May 2, 1941. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1933, he was a founding partner of the LaFollette and Sinykin law firm, where he worked until his death. He was active in the management of the political campaigns of Governor Phillip F. LaFollette, Jr. and Senator Robert M. LaFollette, Jr. and in the formation of the Progressive Party of Wisconsin in 1934. In World War II, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal and as a major in the U.S. Air Force, was a witness on the battleship Missouri to the signing of the Japanese surrender. He was active on numerous business and community service boards of directors, including the Progressive Magazine, the Capital Times, the Wisconsin and Dane County Bar Associations, the Wisconsin Bar Foundation, B'Nai B'rith Hillel Foundation, the American Automobile Association, the former United Bank, and the former Methodist Hospital. He was past president of the American Bar Association Bar Foundation and a member of the American Bar Association's House of Delegates and various sections and committees. In 1984, he received the Herbert Harley Award of the American Judicature Society. Survivors include his wife Dorothy; two sons, Daniel (Sheri) of Madison and Phillip (Patricia) of Cupertino, California; one daughter, Susan (Steve) Anderson of Madison; six grandchildren, Aaron, Rudi, Joshua, Kristi, and Dean Sinykin, and Jason Anderson; two sisters, Ida Stein of Madison and Delia (Sam) Behr of Rockford, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Louis Hansen. Memorial services will be held at TEMPLE BETH EL, 2702 Arbor Drive at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 1991. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to the Wisconsin Bar Foundation, 402 Q. Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 26, 1991

Note: Gordon Sinykin's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn. He was editor-in-chief of that yearbook. For additional information about Sinykin, including his observations about growing up in Madison's Greenbush neighborhood and his observations about Madison Central High School, consult Volume XX - 2005 of A Journal of the Four Lakes Region, published by Historic Madison, Inc., which contains the transcription of an oral history interview with Sinykin. You may read more about that interview by clicking HERE.

Obituary: Rodney Scheel

MADISON - Rodney Scheel, owner of Madison's popular Washington Hotel complex, died on July 12, 1990 of AIDS-related health problems. He was 39. He is survived by his partner of over 20 years, Dr. Warren Olson; and by his parents, Jo and Doc Scheel; his sister Sherry Nelson; his brother Greg Scheel; and three nephews, Shane and Shawn Doyle, and Tyler Nelson; and a niece, Rosanna Nelson.Rod also leaves scores of friends and business associates in Madison. He was a lifelong resident of Madison, and his dedication and commitment to Madison's central city will be missed. At the age of 21 in December in 1971, Rod opened his first business and managed it as though he had been born to the task. The City of Madison is indebted to Rodney for his foresight in the rebuilding and reintegration of the Hotel Washington at 636 West Washington Avenue. He was a trend-setter and a leader, and Madison has honored him and his "Hotel Family" with orchids, awards, and allegiance. Rod was a model citizen and his commitment to Madison provided countless others a model for themselves. Thank you, Rodney for your help, your courage, your encouragement, your leadership, your guts, your humor, your generosity, your love, and your friendship. Madison will not forget you and your accomplishments; and the young people in the business will always ask, "What would Rodney think?" That is a fair standard by which to judge the life of almost any person. A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 15. Rodney's friends are invited to attend a public memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021 University Avenue in Madison on Saturday, July 21. Contributions in Rodney's name may be made to the Rodney Scheel House for PWA's  [Person With AIDS] care of the Washington Hotel, 636 West Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona, is handling the arrangements for the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 15, 1990.

Rodney Scheel is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to East because Central closed in 1969. He graduated from East in 1970, but identified himself as a Central alumnus in a February 14, 1977 Wisconsin State Journal article about his success in restoring the Washington Hotel to its "original splendor." 

For more information about Rodney Scheel as a "gay icon," please visit the History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin page dedicated to his life and work.

Obituary: Rodney Scheel

Restaurateur Scheel Succumbs

A Madison nightclub and restaurant operator died Thursday of AIDS complications.

Rodney Scheel, 39, owned and operated a number of clubs and a restaurant in the former Hotel Washington at 636 W. Washington Ave. Mr. Scheel purchased the building in 1975 and over the years renovated much of the hotel, which was popular with railroad passengers at the turn of the century.

The hotel is the home of Club de Wash, Rod's, Cafe Palms and Barber's Closet, with the clubs and restaurants retaining much of the period design.

Mr. Scheel was a lifelong Madison resident. He graduated from Central High School.

Originally published in The Capital Times as a news story on July 14, 1990

Note: Rodney Scheel attended Central High School; however, a June 4, 1970 article in The Capital Times lists his name among the students graduating from Madison East High School.