Obituary: David Lee Loniello - Class of 1960

MADISON [Wisconsin] - David Lee Loniello, age 58, lifelong Madison resident, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 3, 2000. He was born on April 28, 1942, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the son of Cecil and Jennie (Gianquinto) Loniello. He graduated from Madison Central High School. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He participated in many city sports for several years. He served in the United States Army from 1964 until 1966. He enjoyed doing various volunteer works with UW-Madison athletics. He is survived by a sister, Angela Loniello of Madison; three brothers, Joe Loniello of Marshall, Fred Loniello of Pamona, California, and Russ Loniello of Palm Springs, California; six nieces and nephews, Greg, Chris, Amber, Kevin, Lisa and Fred. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial Mass will be held at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., on Friday, September 8, 2000, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Roger Nilles officiating. David will rest in peace with his parents at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Madison. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 6, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: David Loniello's class year is based on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn

Obituary: Ruth W. (Rogers) Holland

FALL RIVER/MADISON [Wisconsin]- Ruth W. Holland, age 100, passed away on August 31, 2000, at Columbus Hospital. She was born on February 17, 1900, in Albion, Wisconsin, the daughter of Fred H. and Eddith May Rogers. Ruth graduated from Central High School in Madison. In 1938 Ruth married Daniel Holland; he preceded her in death in 1940. Ruth worked as a professional secretary for the Wisconsin Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for 35 years. She was a member of Madison Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Loyal Order of Moose. She was also a member of the Traveling Drill Team. In the early 1920s Ruth won a car for being the most popular girl in Madison. Ruth was the oldest of seven children. She is survived by three sisters, Adeline Hanson of Fall River, Margaret Peterson of Waunakee, and Betty Wake of Yuma, Arizona; and a dear friend, Ginny (Darry) Campbell of Fall River. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1940; a sister, Thelma Baltzer; and brothers, Ralph and Williams Rogers. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. at MADISON SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 910 Femrite Drive, with the Rev. Raymond Plummer presiding. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Monday, September 4, 2000, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, and also on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at the church. Memorials may be made to Madison Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 1, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Gloria (Brockert) Vike

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Gloria Vike, age 70, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 20, 2000. Gloria was born on December 27, 1929, to Willis C. Brockert and Erna McDonald. She was a graduate of Central High School. Gloria was employed by Sutherland Lumber for many years. She will be remembered for her young-at-heart attitude and her ability to develop friendships from those that were fortunate to spend time with her. Gloria especially loved being with children and they enjoyed being with her in return. She also enjoyed dancing and listening to music at VFW Post 7591, and she particularly enjoyed listening to her son play his guitar and sing. Gloria was a member of the Monona Senior Band. Gloria is survived by her son, Marc L. (Kari) Vike, and a granddaughter, Nicole Vike, all of Lake Mills; sisters, Marjorie Johnson of Madison, and Darline (George) Bradley of Mazomanie; her close partner, Gus Olson; many nieces, nephews and friends; and her step-mother, Madeline Brockert. She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVerne Vike; and her parents. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2000, at OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road. The Rev. Brad Homan will preside. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 22, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Russell A. Schmitt - Class of 1929

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] - Russell A. Schmitt, age 90, died on Sunday, August 20, 2000, at Meriter Park Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born on August 16, 1910, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur P. and Elizabeth (Pleus) Schmitt. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1929, and served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor. Russell worked for Madison Gas and Electric as a troubleshooter for many years until his retirement. Mr. Schmitt was a standout baseball pitcher for various teams, the old industrial leagues, in Madison. He was married to Louella Kutz on December 12, 1932, in Madison, and she preceded him in death on October 20, 1981. He married Etta Myers in Middleton on June 4, 1984. Russ was a member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410, and Sonny Simon VFW Post No. 38616. Russ enjoyed entertaining his many friends at his home on Lake Mendota, and fishing. He had a quick wit and spoke what was on his mind. Survivors include his wife, Etta of Middleton; two brothers: Bill (Janet) of Black Earth, Wisconsin, and Jack of Pardeeville, Wisconsin; one nephew, Steve (Julie) Schmitt of Black Earth; two nieces: Carey (Gary) Vogt of Germantown, Wisconsin, and Marilee (Erik) Thoreson of McFarland, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; and his first wife, Louella Kutz. Funeral services will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. The Rev. Kendell Nordstrom will officiate, with burial in St. Luke's Cemetery, Middleton. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon until the service time on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journall on August 22, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

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