Obituary: Joseph L. McGraw - Class of 1930

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Joseph L. McGraw, age 88, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 19, 2000. He was born February 25, 1912, the son of J. Charles and M. Christine (Cordary) McGraw. Joe graduated from the former Central High School in 1930. He teas a musician playing saxophone, clarinet, and bassoon in band and in orchestras. Joe enjoyed traveling the country playing in theatres and concerts and dances. he was drafted into the Army during World War II On March 12, 1942. Joe participated in the battles in northern France, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. He received decorations and citations of the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with two battle stars, the Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal. Joe was wounded in action in Luxembourg on December 22, 1944. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant from Company C, 707th Tank Battalion on October 20, 1945. Joe was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He is survived by his niece, Mary E. McGraw of Madison: and two nephews, Clifton J. McGraw and William J. McGraw. Joe was preceded irk death by his parents; and a brother, John F. McGraw. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2000, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday.
Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in The Capital Times on August 21, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Jean M. (Joyce) Ferger - Class of 1947

MADISON/ST. GERMAIN - Jean M. Ferger, age 70, died at Howard Young Medical Center in Minocqua, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, August 9, 2000, from complications associated with diabetes. Jean was born on September 7, 1929, in Madison, Wisconsin, to John and Lucile (Crumbecker) Joyce. She attended Holy Redeemer Grade School, Central High School and Edgewood College, where she earned a degree in elementary education. On June 28, 1952, she was united in marriage to William T. Ferger at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Jean began her teaching career in Stoughton. After taking time off to raise her five children, she began teaching kindergarten in 1967 at Edgewood Campus School, where she continued her labor of love until her retirement in 1992. She received a Recognition of Outstanding Service in the field of education from Congressman Scott Klug during National Education Week in 1992. During her retirement years, Jean enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, volunteer work and her home in northern Wisconsin. Jean volunteered at the Plum Lake Library and was honored as the volunteer of the year in 1999. Jean was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sayner, Wisconsin. Jean is survived by her husband, William; her son, Tim (Wendy) Ferger of Wauwatosa; her daughter, Cindy (Bill) Bedford of Fairview, Utah; her daughter, Amy (Gary) French of Madison; her son, Jay Ferger of Kirkland, Washington; her daughter, Liz Ferger of Sheboygan; 10 grandchildren, Tim, Samantha, Donovan and Jonathan Ferger of Wauwatosa, Hannah and Silvia Bedford of Fairview, Utah, and Ryan, Jeff, Kelley and Kari French of Madison; her aunt, Rachel Rice of Sextonville, Wisconsin; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Jean in death were her parents, John and Lucile Joyce. Funeral services will be held at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2000. Father Randy Timmerman will officiate. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Howard Young Medical Center for their help and support. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: The class year for Jean Marie Joyce is based on information in the 1947 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: E. Bowden Curtiss - Class of 1934

Retired Publisher Curtiss Dies

E. Bowden Curtiss, long-time publisher of the Republican Journal in Darlington, died Thursday at Meriter Hospital at the age of 83.

Curtiss was the owner, editor and publisher of the Republican Journal from 1948 until his retirement in 1981. After retiring, Curtiss continued to write columns for the weekly newspaper.

A Madison native, Curtiss was a 1939 UW-Madison graduate in journalism and political science. After graduation, he worked for The Capital Times and WIBA radio in Madison.

Curtiss also served with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II.

A service will be held at the Steil Camacho Funeral Home in Darlington at 7 p.m. today

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2000

Note: E. Bowden Curtiss'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: Michael J. Amato - Class of 1934

Born to Life in Milwaukee April 24, 1915, entered Eternal life March 8, 2000 in North Palm Beach, FL at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Frances (nee Vicari) Amato. Proud and loving father of Daniel (Rose) Amato of Columbus, WI and daughters, Angela (Charles) Vagell, Marian (John) Pine and Catherine (Alan) Simcich, all of Florida. Proud and caring grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother, George (Virginia) Amato of Florida, sister, Marian Schiavo of Madison, WI, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many special friends. Preceded in death by his brother, Sam Amato of Madison, WI. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, March 11, 2000 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Singer Island, FL. Entombment Riverside Memorial Park, Tequesta, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Community Care Association of Palm Beach, located at 800 Northpointe Parkway, Suite 101B, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, for Alzheimer's Research. Prior to retiring to North Palm Beach, FL in 1979, Mike was a licensed Wisconsin Funeral director, co-owner of the Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home, member of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, president of the Milwaukee County Funeral Directors Association and member of UNICO. SCHMIDT & BARTELT GUARDALABENE & AMATO Wauwatosa 774- 5010

Originally published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on March 10, 2000

Note: Michael J. Amato'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: Thomas J. Stanek - Class of 1966

MADISON - Thomas J. Stanek, age 52, died on Saturday, December 11, 1999 at the Veteran's Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on July 9, 1947 in Madison, the son of Idell "Betty" (Merklein) Stanek and the late Edward Stanek. Tom was a 1966 graduate of Central High School and then served in the U.S. Navy. He was formerly employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Tom loved the outdoors, camping, boating, vegetable gardening and animals. Tom is survived by two daughters, Ginny (Thomas) Hoven of Oregon and Amy (Troy) Enloe of Verona; a grandson, Mason Hoven of Oregon; his mother, Idell "Betty" Stanek of Madison; his aunt, Elizabeth Stanek of Madison; two brothers, James (Pam) Stanek of Newport, Rhode Island and Joseph (Carol) Stanek of McFarland; aunts, an uncle, a niece, cousins, special friends, Carl Ihm and Rich Bennett; many friends, and his dog, Pluto. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward. Funeral srvices wil be held on Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour before the time of the service on Tuesday. The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Veteran's Hospital for their excellent care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Dane County Humane Society building fund.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 12, 1999

Josephine M. "JoJo" (Namio) Terzich - Class of 1967

MADISON - Josephine M. "Jojo" (Namio) Terzich passed away on Monday, December 1, 1997 at home. She was born in Madison on June 1, 1949 to Joseph and Caroline (Vitale) Namio. She was the third of four daughters and her father's namesake. JoJo graduated from St. Joseph's Grade School, Central High School in 1967, and attended Madison Area Technical College. She worked most of her life in the family restaurant, Namio's Supper Club. More recently she owned and operated Park Street Pets with the help of her children and sisters until shortly before her death. JoJo was a daughter, sister, niece, mother, cousin, and loyal friend. She structured her adult life around the well-being of her children. She loved golf, breeding exotic birds, all outdoor activities, and being with her family. She is survived by two children, Joseph and Tina Terzich; her parents; and her three sisters, DeDe (Richard) Munz, Jane Lien, and Kathy (Stan Reed) Namio. She is also survived by her dear friend and companion, Dave Ruhland; aunts and uncles, Sam J. Namio, Steve and Ann (Namio) Caravello, John (Evelyn Parkhurst) Namio, Frances Buscemi, Vicky Pellitteri-Stassi, and Catherine Gianquinto; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and three great-nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, december 5, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3618 Speedway Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an account at the Park Bank for her children Joseph and Tina Terzich, P.O. Box 8689, Madison, Wisconsin 53708. Attention: Lora. JoJo wanted us to thank the patrons of Park Street Pets, The Macaw Club, and a special thank you to the Gynecological Oncology Staff at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and the HospiceCare Staff who showed her and her family that even when there is no hope there need not be despair.

There is no greater battle fought than the battle a mother fights to stay alive for her children. God bless you, JoJo. We love you. We know you are waiting for us, whole again and at peace.

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

Obituary: G. Stanley Custer - Class of 1934

MARSHFIELD - G. Stanley Custer, M.D., age 84, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, November 7, 1999. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 11, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Marshfield. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 1999 at REMBS/KUNDINGER FUNERAL HOME, Marshfield, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and the family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Dr. Custer is survived by his childrem, Stephan Gregory Custer of Bozeman, Montana, Luise Melanie Tygiel of San Francisco, California, and Katherine Elizabeth Pierch of Puyallup, Washington; his seven grandchildren; and his brothers and sisters, Frank S. Custer of Madison, Wisconsin, Rudolf P. Custer of Atlanta, Georgia, Maja Olsen of Banks, Oregon, and Ebey Joy Dakin of Dallas, Oregon. Memorials may be made to the Palm Sunday Concert Organization in care of Marshfield Community Foundation; The First Presbyterian Church, Marshfield; Wisconsin Choral Directors Association; or Marshfield Clinic Medical Research Foundation. Rembs Kundinger Funeral Home, 300 South Oak Avenue, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, 608-387-1242

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 1999

Obituary: Katherine Pelton Smith Snell - Class of 1927

MADISON - Katharine Pelton Smith Snell, age 89, died on Wednesday, October 27, 1999 in Madison. She was born on November 8, 1909 in Madison, the daughter of Harry Gray Smith and Jessie Mary Pelton Smith. She attended Doty grade school, Madison Central High School, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a bachelor's degree in botany in 1931. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honorary society in 1931. She earned a master's degree in the same subject in 1933. While a graduate student, she met her husband, John Morphy Snell of St. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada. They were married on July 20, 1935 at the bride's home at 4257 Mineral Point Road, Madison. She lived a few years in the east with her husband, until his death in 1941. After that, she moved back to Madison and has lived there ever since. She retired in 1975 after working 20 years as assistant curator of the herbarium at the University of Wisconsin. Katharine was a direct descendant of William Bradford, Miles Standish, John Alden, and Richard Warren of the Plymouth Colony of 1620. Katharine was a third generation member of First Congregational Church of Madison, and was active there over the years as a nursery attendant, Sunday school teacher, cradle roll keeper, and a member of section 11. She was also an active member of the AAUW, and a member of their antiques club. Katharine lived at 228 East Sunset Court for 52 years, before moving into Oakwood Retirement Home in December 1992. Katharine was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Snell; by her brothers, Robert Standish Smith, and William Bradford Smith; and by her sister, Merian Bradford Smith. She is survived by her two children, John Bradford Snell (Jeanie) of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, and Mary Evelyn Snell Fish (Lawrence) of San Francisco; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and also by a sister-in-law, Betty Smith of Madison. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park, and a memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 6201 Mineral Point Road, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 1999. Friends may call one hour before the time of service at the chapel. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 3, 1999.

Katherine Pelton Smith Snell's class year is based in information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Stephen Rahn - Class of 1967

MARATHON, FLORIDA/ MADISON - Stephen F. Rahn, age 50 of Marathon, Florida and formerly of Madison, died on Tuesday, June 29,1999 at 4:15 a.m. in the intensive care unit of Fishermen’s Hospital, Marathon, Florida, following an automobile accident the day before on US Highway 1, MM 58 Grassy Key, near Marathon. Stephen was born on September 15, 1948 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, son of Alice T. (Fisher) Rahn of Madison and the late Douglas A. Rahn, Sr., who died in 1964. He was a lifelong resident of Madison and while a youth was a proud member of the Madison City Boys' Choir. He graduated in 1967 from Central High School, Madison and lettered in varsity swimming, track and cross country. He then attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville for two years before voluntarily enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1969. He served the Corps proudly and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with one Star, a Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon and a Purple Heart for injuries suffered in combat. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Reserves in May 1974. After returning home he worked in his vocation of restoring classic automobiles and enjoyed his avocations of deer hunting, deep sea fishing, sailing, boating, Karate and Tae Kwan Do. Five years ago his love and the call of the Atlantic brought Linda and Steve to Marathon, Florida. Steve’s many friends saw him as a special person who always seemed to bring out the best in people. In their relationships, whatever they might have been, people of all walks of life and he seemed to get along together. Surviving in addition to his mother in Wisconsin, is his wife, Linda L. (Sugden) Rahn, whom he married on May 21, 1983 in Madison: a stepson, Justin S. Sugden of Sun Prairie; two brothers, Douglas A. Rahn Jr. and his wife, Ann, and Nicholas T. Rahn: a niece, Michelle Rahn; three nephews, Brenton, Douglas III and Andrew Rahn; and a godson, Andrew Kalin, all of Madison; three aunts; and an uncle. The family wishes to share a quote that Stephen lived by and often said, “You can not go back, you have to go forward.” Following cremation, there will be a Memorial Gathering on Friday, July 2, 1999 at 5:00-p.m. at SAN PABLO CATHOLIC CHURCH, Marathon Shores, Florida, where friends may gather until 7:00 p.m. Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Madison for friends and relatives there. In lieu of flowers, those desiring are asked to remember Steve with a contribution to the charily of their choice or to his wife, Linda in Marathon, at P.O. Box 500623, Marathon, FL 33050. Cremation and arrangements have been entrusted to the MARTIN-VEGUE FUNERAL HOME, 2901 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050.

Originally published in The Capital Times on July 2, 1999. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Mary Colletti Novick - Class of 1934

MADISON - Mary Colletti Novick passed away on Friday, May 1, 1998 after a courageous struggle with cancer. She died at home in the comforting arms of her family. Mary was born in Madison on August 1, 1915, the daughter of George and Domenica Colletti. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School and grew up and spent most of her life in the "Greenbush." Many Madisonians will remember her fondly as "Aunt Mary" from Gen and Vito's Snack Shack at Regent and Park Streets. Mary is survived by her devoted son, Jon (Sandy); her grandsons Joshua, Jason, and Andy Novick; her loving sister and best friend, Mamie (Lee) Stafford; brothers, Vincent, Peter and Joseph; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She dedicated her life to may, including her "other children," niece Judy Colletti and nephews, John and George Colletti and Victor Ledin. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ann Colletti Ledin; and brothers, George and Vito. She found comfort with her family who were able to give back just a bit of what they received from her throughout their lives. The smiles and songs from great great nieces and nephews filled her home with love and joy in her final days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 1998 at 11:00 a.m. at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, 1021, 1021 University Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family supports contributions to Hospice Car, Inc., the American Cancer Society, and Luther Memorial Church. She is loved by so many and will be greatly missed and remembered always as the wonderful role model of our lives. God may have you in his arms, but we have you in our hearts. GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5201 Monona Drive, 608-221-5420.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 3, 1998.

Note: Mary Colletti's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange & Black yearbook.