Obituary: Margaret Rosebud (Rogers) Johnson - Class of 1967

MADISON - Margaret Rosebud Johnson (Rogers) [age 50] departed from the earth on Saturday, October 21, 2000, following a brief illness. Born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on January 23, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Anna and LeRoy Rogers. She was raised on the South Side of Madison and enjoyed a very active life, being involved with summer theater through the park system and numerous extracurricular activities at the South Madison Neighborhood Center and the Blessed Martin House. She attended Franklin Elementary School. A 1967 graduate of Central University High School, she was a member of the marching band and orchestra. Along with three other friends, she was a member of a singing group called the Hot Cha's (Central’s Little Supremes). In 1972, she graduated as a registered nurse from the Methodist Hospital Nursing School. She worked many years as a psychiatric nurse for Methodist Hospital and the Mental Health Center of Dane County. Later she became the Customer Service supervisor for the Wisconsin Education Association Insurance Trust. She surprised many by retiring a few years ago. But she couldn’t stay retired, and started her own business, MJ Legal Nurse Consulting. Margaret, also fondly known as “Sister,” is remembered as a loving, giving, caring person who was good at keeping secrets. One friend commented, “She was always there when you needed her.” She was a doting mother and grandmother. In recent years, she had also become a collector of assorted dolls. Although raised in the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, she later affiliated with Mount Zion Baptist Church. She is survived by four sons, Andre Johnson Sr. (Kristin), William Miller, Jamah Johnson (Jessica) and LiArri Johnson; three grandchildren, Andre Jr., Lenai and Jamah LeAndre; a sister, Margaret Mae Brown; three brothers, Bart Rogers, Leroy Rogers and George Rogers; beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and numerous close friends. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Margaret R. Johnson Scholarship Fund. A memorial service will be at noon on Saturday, October 28, 2000, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3810 Speedway Rood, Madison. Friends may greet the family from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The "SISTER” with a sweet spirit.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 24, 2000. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Hawley LaVerne Butler - Class of 1948

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Hawley LaVerne Butler, age 70, died on Sunday, October 22, 2000. He was born on January 7, 1930, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to LaVerne and Margaret (Kreisch) Butler. Hawley graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. He enlisted in the Navy during the Korean conflict. Hawley married Josephine Stankiewicz on January 23, 1954, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He worked for Dairy Equipment for 31 years and Alkar for 10 years. Hawley is survived by his wife, Josephine of Madison; his son, Mark Butler of Madison; two daughters, Susan (Eric) Tenjum of DeForest, and Holly (Henry) Busch of Madison; four grandchildren, Amanda and Kimberly Tenjum, and Kyle and Amy Busch; five brothers and sisters, and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2000, with Father Jason Hesseling presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from noon until the time of the service on Wednesday. Hawley was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 24, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Eugenia Elizabeth Rudd Meinke

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Eugenia Elizabeth Rudd Meinke, age 94, died at Hebron Hall, Oakwood Village, on Monday, September 25, 2000. She was born on June 11, 1906, in Madison, the daughter of Fred and Christine (Dolfin) Rudd. She graduated from Madison Central High School, and in 1925 married Alfred J. Meinke, who predeceased her. Survivors include her son, Robert Meinke of Short Hills, New Jersey; a daughter, Mrs. Nancy Koch of Afton, Minnesota; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private funeral service will be held, with burial to follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 27, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marjorie (Neller) Greenwald

MOUNT HOREB [Wisconsin] - Marjorie Greenwald, age 95, of Mt. Horeb died on September 21, 2000, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. Marjorie Greenwald was born June 6, 1905, at Appleton, Wisconsin to John and Ina (Briggs) Neller. She was baptized at the First Congregational Church in that city. Marjorie attended Lawrence University and graduated from the Chicago Art Institute. Following graduation she taught in the art department at Madison's Central High School. On May 30, 1930, she married Alton T. Peterson and together they made their home on Willow Valley Farm near Daleyville. Two sons, Robert (Kay) Peterson of Milan, Italy and Theodore, who died at birth and one daughter, Kristin (James) Brue of this area were born to the couple. Alton died in November of 1935. Marjorie, with her two children, continued living at Willow Valley. In January of 1947 she married Curtis P. Greenwald. Marjorie and Curtis are the parents of John (Glenna) Greenwald of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1976, after the sale of the farm, the Greenwalds purchased a home on Blue View Drive in Mt. Horeb. Curtis died in 1982. Marjorie was a talented artist, avid reader, and loved to play Scrabble. She was an active member of Perry Lutheran Church and its Dorcas Circle. Other interests included the Senior Art Group and the Mt. Horeb Historical Society. Besides Alton and Curtis, her son, Theodore, and parents, Marjorie was preceded in death by three bothers, Donald, who died at four months, Richard (Virginia) Neller of Neenah, and Robert (Alvina) Neller of Appleton. Marjorie is survived by her children; three grandchildren, Bill (Diane) Brue of Stoughton, Dan (Marcia) Brue of Daleyville, and Nancy Brue (Dr. Stephen) Penaskovic of Spokane, Washington. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Sarah, Nathan, Laura, and James Brue, and Catherine and Amy Penaskovic; one brother, Dr. James (Patsy) Neller of San Diego, California; and a brother-in-law, Dr. James (Shirley) Greenwald of Fitchburg. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 24, 2000, at PERRY LUTHERAN CHURCH in Daleyville. Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of service on Sunday at Perry Lutheran Church with Pastor Jonathon Kosec officiating. A coffee hour will follow the committal service. ELLESTAD FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. 8th Street, Mt. Horeb is serving the family.

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

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.