Obituary: Walter A. Frautschi - Class of 1920

MADISON - Walter A. Frautschi died on Tuesday, December 2, 1997, two days before his 96th Birthday. Walter died in Wynfield Home in Madison. His wife Dorothy was at his side. He was born in Madison on december 4, 1901, the son of Emil J. and Ida P. Frautschi and the grandson of Christian and Elizabeth Frautschi who arrived in Madison from Switzerland in 1868. Walter was a graduate of Madison High School that later became Central High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin and was President of his class of 1924. After graduation he began work as a salesman at the democrat Printing Company on South Carroll Street. The "Democrat" later became Webcrafters. Walter "officially" retired as President in 1972 but continued as Chairman of the Board and Chairman Emeritus. He was regularly in the office and remained very active in the community until incapacitated by a broken hip last year. Walter and Dorothy Jones were married in Paris in 1927. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 10th. In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Walter is survived by two sons, John J. and W. Jerome "Jerry"; six grandchildren, Peter, Christopher "Kip"; Elizabeth, Paul, Lance, and Grant; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Lowell. Walter had a life-long commitment to the University of Wisconsin. He served as President of the Wisconsin Alumni Association of Madison, was the first to be named UW Alumnus of the year n 1957. He served as Trustee and President of the the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and was a Trustee and Chair of the Vilas Trust. His contributions to the community were equally extensive. In 1936 he chaired the Community Union Campaign and in 1942 he led the Madison War Chest Campaign, both predecessors of the United Way. Walter founded and chaired the Webcrafters/Frautschi Foundation which since 1962 has supported many charitable organizations in Madison and elsewhere. He was a member and President (1951-52) of the Madison Literary Club. In 1967 he was selected as Madison's Graphic Arts Man of the Year. Walter was General Chairman of the 1976-77 Campaign that successfully raise $1,500,00 to build the Madison Civic Center. Walter's sons honored him by acquiring Second Point on Lake Mendota and donating it to the University of Wisconsin in his name. It is now Frautschi Point. Walter was the longest tenured member of the Downtown Madison Rotary Club. He served Rotary as President in 1955 and was recognized as the co-recipient with his brother Lowell of hte Club's two most prestigious awards - the Manfred Swarsensky and Joseph G. Werner Meritorious Award. In 1984 the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce honored the Frautschi family with its "Appreciation Award" which Walter accepted as senior member of the family. Walter was a longtime member of the Maple Bluff Country Club and the Madison Club. he served as Trustee of the Village of Maple Bluff and for many years he had been a member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank (now Firstar). Walter and Dorothy were ardent travelers. he enjoyed photography, boating, hunting, vacations at the family home near Minocqua and he delighted in anything that involved his family. His family will miss him as will the community love loved and served throughout his long lifetime. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 1997 at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 East Gorham Street in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Walter's name to a charity of your choice.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 3, 1997

Note: Walter Frautschi's class year is based on information in the 1920 Tyhcoberahn, for which he served as editor.

Walter Frautschi, Longtime Civic Leader, Dies at 95

By Jerry Ambling

Walter A. Frautschi, longtime businessman, civic leader and Madison area benefactor, died today.

He was 95 and had been ill for several weeks following a heart incident, an aide at his Webcrafters firm said today.

Mr. Frautschi, who headed the family's hugely successful Webcrafters Inc. printing firm, was so involved in business, civic and University of Wisconsin activities that he seemed to touch nearly every phase of the Madison community over his lifetime.

He followed the philosophy of his father, Emil Frautschi, who noted that his "hometown was entitled to two or three hours of my services each day."

In those footsteps, Walter Frautschi directed the fund drive that raised $1.5 million for the Civic Center project in 1976. He and his wife, Dorothy Jones Frautschi, a native of Barneveld, gave $50,000 for the beautification of the village after it was nearly destroyed by a tornado on June 8, 1984.

Their generosity also allowed the Madison Metropolitan School District to establish a school forest, for which Mr. Frautschi was given a Natural Heritage Foundation Stewardship Award in 1987.

The Frautschi legacy of protecting natural areas continued when his sons, John and Jerry, who worked with him at Webcrafters, honored their father by giving $1.5 million to the University of Wisconsin to purchase Second Point on Lake Mendota.

The sons managed to keep their plans secret and the elder Frautschi said he was "overwhelmed and totally surprised" by their gift in his name to the UW.

Mr. Frautschi was long active in university affairs and was president of the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 1947. As president-elect, he lashed out against the Board of Regents for slashing the UW budget by $3 million, affecting many research and service projects.

He took leadership reins in development of the Alumni House, later served as president and longtime trustee of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the Memorial Union Council.

He was also a longtime trustee of the Vilas Estate, one of the prime benefactors of the UW and its students and professors.

In 1957 he was honored for his service to the UW by being named the first University Alumnus of the Year.

"He was a great guy, a really wonderful human being," said Sandy Wilcox, president of the UW Foundation. "He was dearly loved by everyone he was associated with. He participated in nearly everything that went on here, from the Memorial Union to the Alumni Association to the foundation, to other UW groups, and never turned us down when we asked something of him. He was a first citizen of this university, of this community and this state, a person who was very generous with time in countless activities."

On the city side of community endeavors, the busy Frautschi served over the years as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and the YMCA board of directors. He also held seats on company boards of directors and other groups. During World War II, he served as chairman of several Red Cross projects.

He also continuously served the United Way and its predecessor organizations such as the Community Union Campaign, the War Chest, Community Chest and United Givers.

Walter Frautschi was the middle of three generations to do so. His father was involved in those organizations as far back as the 1920s and Walter and his brother Lowell became active in such groups in the 1930s.

Walter's two sons remain active in the United Way. In recognition of that 70 years of family giving through community fund raising, the United Wayin 1996 honored the Frautschi family by giving it the annual Alexis de Tocqueville Society membership recognition.

The Frautschi clan was similarly honored by the Chamber of Commerce in 1984 which recognized the family's 115 years of distinguished service in the Madison business community.

Mr. Frautschi was elected to the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame in 1992. He also was given a civic leadership award that year by the Alexander Co.

Mr. Frautschi graduated from the old Wisconsin High School in 1920, and from the University of Wisconsin in 1924.

In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., in Madison.

Originally published as a news story of the front page of The Capital Times on December 2, 1997.

Note: There is an error in this story, Walter Frautschi graduated from the old Madison High School (later Madison Central High School) in 1920.

Obituary: Margaret Arline (Parkin) Ferris - Class of 1927

MADISON - Margaret Airline (Parkin) Ferris, age 87, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family Sunday, August 10, 1997. She was born on August 26, 1909 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Claire A. and Gwendolyn "Winnie" (Jones) Parkin. Margaret married William H. Ferris, Sr. on December 21, 1935. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in December. Margaret graduated from Brayton School, Central High School and the University of Wisconsin, Department of Physical Education. She taught school in Neenah from 1931 to 1935. She was a charter member of Heritage Congregational Church. Margaret was an avid golfer, and was a member of Nakoma Golf Course for over 25 years. She was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Nakoma League, First Presbyterian Church of Janesville, Westminster Church of Madison, Meals on Wheels and many other community organizations. Survivors include her husband, William H. Ferris of Madison: four daughters, Gwen (Jerry) Splinter of Adams-Friendship, Susan (Jerry) Carter of Madison, Sally (Glenn) Kisch of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Mary (Ron) Ruble of Oregon, Wisconsin; a son, Tom Ferris of Madison; ten grandchildren, Jerry Splinter, Jr. of Milton, Debra (J.R.) Brimmer of Madison, Pam (Jeff) Johnson of North Freedom, Kristin (Dan) Eschrich of Chicago, Illinois, Rick (Kelli) Carter of Chicago, Illinois, Krista Kisch of Washington, D.C., Mike Kisch of St. Louis, Missouri, and Bob Ferris, Mike Ferris and Tricia Ferris, all of Madison, Wisconsin; five great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Connie Ferris Bailey and Aileen Ferris, both of Madison; a cousin, Charles Mohlke of Naples, Florida; an aunt, Helen Jones of Rapid City, South Dakota; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, William Ferris, Jr. (former Dane County Sheriff) in 1981; her parents; and a brother, Ralph C. Parkin. One of God's great servants, she devoted her life to caring for family and friends and her community. Her tiny body leaves us, but her mighty heart remains. Please join the Family at HERITAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 3102 Prairie Road, on Wednesday, August 13, 1997 at 10:30 a.m, in a service of celebration. Burial will be in the Protestant Cemetery, Mazomanie at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 1997. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Margaret's name to Heritage Congregational Church, or a charity of the donor's choice. Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road,

Originally published in The Capital Times on August 11, 1997. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Note: Margaret Parkin's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is listed among the graduating seniors. Additionally, her middle name is Arline; the "Airline" used in the above obituary is a typo in the newspaper obituary.

Obituary: Harvey Burr - Class of 1934

Harvey Burr; Billboard Salesman Could Tell Some Great Stories
by Carole Beers

In his travels as a billboard salesman, Harvey Burr heard every farm story there was, and then some. He was ambushed by a flock of turkeys. And he went eyeball-to-eyeball with bulls agitated over getting outdoor advertising in their personal pasture.

But it all was grist for his own stories, to entertain the next farmer he tried to lease space from, or to delight his own family.

"He told lots of stories about meeting different farmers, some of them kind of odd," said his daughter, Wendy Brown of Fall City. "After he retired and started volunteering at church and at Overlake Hospital (Medical Center), his favorite jobs were with people."

Part of the reason was that he could keep busy and swap stories.

The other reason?

"He volunteered in the Overlake pharmacy once a week, taking inventory and helping label things," said Brown. "Then he could go to the cafeteria and get lunch at a discount. He loved that!"

Mr. Burr, who put in 1,300 hours as an Overlake volunteer, died of cancer Tuesday (June 10). He was 80.

Born in Media, Pa., he grew up in Madison, Wis., and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He played varsity football and hockey, and remained an avid Wisconsin Badger fan. He also rooted for the Green Bay Packers, and, most of all, the Chicago Cubs - "in whom he never lost hope," said his daughter.

He sold outdoor advertising in the Midwest for many years. Once, while measuring a site for a proposed sign in what he thought was an empty field, a flock of ticked-off turkeys piled atop him.

Mr. Burr moved to Bellevue in 1985 after his retirement and began helping out at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed golf. He also liked to fish. Taking a cue from his billboard days, he even taught himself to paint.

"He really liked to paint but was no good at faces or bodies," said Brown. "So he'd clip faces and body parts out of the Sunday supplement magazine, paste them on the canvas and paint around them.

"It worked at first. But after awhile the newsprint began to yellow and the printing on back began to show through. His eyesight was so poor he never noticed, and we never told him!"

Other survivors include daughters Bonnie Ketter of Baltimore; and Nancy Morehouse, La Selva Beach, Calif.; sons Russell Burr, East Dundee, Ill.; and Garry Burr, Seattle; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His wife of 49 years, June Burr, died in 1990.

Services have been held. Memorials may go to St. Luke's Lutheran Church Building Fund, 3030 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004.

Originally published in The Seattle Times on June 16, 1997

Note: Harvey Burr's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange and Black yearbook, which features his senior photo in the June graduates section.

Obituary: Terry Piediscalzzi - Class of 1967

MADISON - Terry Piediscalzzi, age 49, died on Friday, May 23, 1997. He was born on December 14, 1947 in Madison. Terry was a graduate of Madison Central High School in 1967. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Law School in Carbondale, Illinois. After graduation he worked for the State of Illinois in the DVR Department in the legal capacity in Springfield, Illinois until his health prevented him from working full time. He then moved back to Madison to be near his family. While back in Madison he did volunteer work for the Brittingham Association and Triangle Ministry. Terry suffered from Congestive heart failure caused by complications from Post Polio Syndrome. He had a loving way with his family and friends. his constant, pleasant personality and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Vern and Fauhn Dickens of Madison; a sister, Sherry (Ken) Filter of Shawano; two brothers, Gary (Tari) Piediscalzzi and Dan (Kris) Dickens, both of Madison; five nephews, Eric, Brian, Peter, Sean and Tyler; a grandniece, Veronica; two aunts and an uncle. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Ralph and Adeline Richards. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 1997 at 11:30 a.m. at the GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive with The Reverend William Berg presiding. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Tuesday, May 27, 1997 at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bruce Baranski, Charla Boley and Joy Drumond for the special care and friendship given by them.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 26, 1997 (submitted by Sherry Piediscalzzi-Filter (Class of 1967) who confirmed that her brother, Terry, was also a member of the Class of 1967).

Obituary: Claude A. Hungerford - Class of 1932

MADISON - Cluade A. Hungerford, age 83 and a lifelong resident of Madison, died on Thursday, April 24, 1997, at his home following a long illness. He was born on August 25, 1913 to the late Earl and Alice (Bailie) Hungerford. He graduated from Central High School in 1932 and the University of Wisconsin Madison with a B.S. and M.S. in Physical Education in 1940. On June 18, 1949, Claude married the former Marian Breeden in Madison. Mr. Hungerford taught physical education and science from 1940-1941, as well as coaching baseball and basketball at New Glarus High School. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1941-1945, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He taught in Rochester, Minnesota in 1946 and 1947, moving back to Madison, taking a postion with Madison East High School where he taught physical education and coached wrestling, track and football until his retirement in 1978. Claude was a charter member of the Exchange Club of Madison and a member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife, Marian; a daughter, Dr. Sue A. Hungerford (Robert Whelan) of Winnetka, Illinois; a son, Craig (Linda Olson) of Madison; two grandchildren, Jack and Anna Whelan; a sister, Joyce Holden of Paradise, California; three brothers, Stanley (Dorothy) Hungerford of Sun City West, Arizona, Lester Hungerford of West Lafayette, Indiana and Laverne (Leatrice) Hungerford of Madison. A memorial srvice will be held at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3810 Speedway Road, on Monday, April 28, 1997, at 1:oo p.m. The Reverend Mark Clinger will officiate. A memorial visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or to the Madison Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 2120 Fordem Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53704.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 1997

Obituary: Alice Esther (Jones) O'Neill - Class of 1928

MADISON - Alice Esther (Jones) O'Neill of Madison passed away on Monday, September 30, 1996, at Meriter-Park Hospital. She was born in Freeport, Illinois on February 23, 1911, the daughter of Reverend Warren G. Jones and Mary Hunter Jones. She graduated from Central High School, Madison, in 1928 and the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1932. She was a high school teacher until she married Vemer C. O'Neill on August 1, 1938. She was a member of First Congregational Church for over 50 years and especially enjoyed, the fellowship of her Section 7 friends. She belonged to Eastern Star in Two Rivers, American Association of University Women and the Civics Club in Madison. She did volunteer work in elementary schools, a day care center and the Lutheran Adult Day Center and she was a guest student at the University of Wisconsin for a number of years. She will be greatly missed by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, Verner C. O' Neill; her daughters, Joanne (Donald) Brownell of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Jeanne (Robert) Skilton of Chicago, Illinois, Charlene (David) Ohnstad of Madison and Jane (William) Wornick of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren, Kevin Brownell, Kim Brownell, Sarah Skilton, Anne Skilton Mary Beth Skilton, Deborah (Ohnstad) Lawrence, Jeffrey Ohnstad, Jessie Wornick, Rebecca Wornick and Austin Wornick; a great granddaughter, Alexandra Lawrence and a brother, Richard D. Jones of Chicago, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen (Bruce) McMurry and four brothers, Cedric, Haydn, Paul and Wesley. She will be most remembered by her family for giving the great gift of unconditional love. A private memorial service will be held at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, Speedway Road. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association, First Congregational Church or a charity of your choice.

Originally published in The Capital Times on October 3, 1996. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Karel J. Vlasak - Class of 1967

ROSCOE, ILL - Karel J. Vlasak, 47, of Roscoe, Ill., died Sunday, Aug. 25, 1996, in Madison, Wis. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Delehanty Funeral Home in Loves Park, Ill., with visitation preceding the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Cremation will be conducted. Karel Vlasak was born June 8, 1949, in Chicago, to Charles Vlasak and Berneice Morse Vlasak. He served in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-1971. He was employed as a corporate communication analyst for Woodward Governor Co. for 19 years. He had moved to Roscoe from Fort Collins seven years ago. Survivors include one daughter, Dana Estes of Rockton, Ill.; three sons, Karel J. Vlasak II of Roscoe, Ryan A. Vlasak of Fort Collins and Matthew Estes of Rockton, Ill.; and three sisters, Leonare Lawrence of Viroqua, Wis., Linda Jaquish of Beloit, Wis., and Gail Peterson of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Berneice Vlasak. Gifts to his memorial fund may be made through the Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Ill. 61111.

Originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradan on August 28, 1996. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968),

Notes: Karel Vlasak's alumni status and class year are based on information provided in the 1967 Tychoberahn yearbook  

 

Obituary: Frank A. Miller - Class of 1930

Frank Miller Dies of Heart Attack

Frank A. Miller, twin brother of The Capital Times Co. President and Treasurer Frederick W. Miller, died of a heart attack Monday while visiting Madison.

Mr. Miller, 83, was a graduate of old Madison Central High School and a 1935 graduate of the University of Wisconsin. A civil engineer by profession, he designed and supervised numerous building projects throughout the country.

He began with the J.L. Simmons Construction Co. in Chicago, which at the time was a giant in the industry.

His projects included three in Madison -- the Wisconsin Center on Langdon Street, the Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center (commonly called the "Shell'') and the Witte and Sellery Hall dormitory complex at Johnson and Park Streets.

He later worked with the Marvin Davis development business and was involved in several projects in California, including the building of the 20th Century Fox office complex in Beverly Hills.

For the past several years he had been working out of his home in Tucson, Ariz., and was still active in the building business as a consultant.

He was in Madison this week for a brief stopover on his way to Chicago to discuss a large construction project for Michigan Avenue, the famous "Magnificent Mile."

He is survived by his wife Ione, who was with him when he suffered the heart attack; a son, Donald F. Miller of Mt. Horeb; and a daughter, Marcia Miller Rigney, who lives in Apache Junction, Ariz. There are two grandchildren in Mt. Horeb and two in Arizona.

No services or visitation are planned.

Originally published as a news story in The Capital Times on November 28, 1995

Note: Frank Miller's graduation year in based on information in the 1930 Tychoberahn

Obituary: Marlene Rose ("Molly Rose") DiMartino - Class of 1964

MADISON - Molly Rose, christened Marlene Rose DiMartino, age 49, passed from this life on Friday, August 11, 1995 following a prolonged illness. Molly was a graduate of Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduation, Molly worked at the Oregon School for Girls. Those who knew Molly will remember her for the sincerity of her convictions. She was an advocate and activist for all things pure and good. Molly lived by her convictions. As a senior in high school, she stated her convictions in a Youth in the Pulpit address at First Baptist Church in Madison. "The important thing in the search is not that you find a belief, it's that you find meaning in your life, for it is only when you find honesty and integrity in your belief that you will truly be satisfied." Molly is survived by her sisters, Carla DiMartino Butterfield and Nancy K. DiMartino; her brother, Carl R. DiMartino; many nieces; nephews; aunts; and uncles. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Joseph DiMartino; and her mother, Marjorie Nelson DiMartino. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday August 18, 1995 at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 17, 1995 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Note: Molly DiMartino was a member of the Class of 1964 and her photograph is in the 1964 Tychoberahn.

Obituary: Herbert E. Cohn

MADISON - Herbert E. Cohn, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 1995. He was a life long resident of Madison [b. Oct. 21, 1913]. He was also a graduate of Madison Central High School. Herb worked as an accountant for the University of Wisconsin-Madison for many years. He was a member of Temple Beth El, and was an ardent University of Wisconsin sports fan and benefactor - especially track and field. Survivors include his wife, Frieda of Madison; two sisters, Ernestine Chechik, and Bernice (Dr. George) Finer, all of Sarasota, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Herb's wishes, there will be no visitation or public funeral service. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Manfred Swarsensky Memorial Fund at Temple Beth El, or the University of Wisconsin Foundation for Athletic Department Scholarship Fund. Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road.

Originally published in The Capital Times of June 28, 1995; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)