Obituary: Mollie Mary (Esser) Blied - Class of 1913

MADISON - Mollie Mary Blied, age 106, died Tuesday, December 19, 2000 at Meriter Hospital. One of eight children, she was born Mollie Esser in 1894 in Ashton, Wisconsin.And then, over the course of 106 years and three centuries, Mollie lived a wonderful lifeand touched many people. After graduating from Madison Central High School, Mollie took a job at UW and later worked at the Capitol in the public property office. She married Gregory Blied in 1917 and together they worked at the family business, Blied Printers in Madison. They had two children, Doris and Gregory; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. They were married until Gregory passed away in 1943. During their marriage and after his death, Mollie embraced life and all that it had to offer. Her hobbies raised countless eyebrows: bridge, bingo, poker, bowling, and choir, of course, but those are the simple ones. Hockey, one-armed bandits, Friday fish frys, Frivolous Fawn, our loving friends at Sylvan Crossings, Blackhawk, train and boat rides, travel, champagne brunches, Nitty Gritty lunches, Baileys. Las Vegas, softball in Cross Plains, Badgers football at Camp Randall, tailgating, kisses from Bucky, parking cars at Van Hise, sunsets on the Florida beach, Jacuzzis, massages, Y2K at the Orange Bowl in Miami; these are the hobbies we all loved to do with her and she loved to remember. And all but three were in the last two years. Everywhere she went, and every person she touched, left the experience better for it. And from the inner circle, and with the customary respect, “we rub your bottom.” And in the end, it seems fitting to pass along her longtime philosophy: “Keep breathing.” And that philosophy took her through three centuries, 19 presidents, the dawn of electricity, automobiles, aviation, the Internet and space; overall, a road not traveled by many. Godspeed to you, Mollie Blied, from those you touched. Thanks for the memories. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 22, 2000 at ST RAPHAEL’S CATHEDRAL in Madison. Expressions of sympathy are being accepted and appreciated in Mollie’s name by the East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging, Inc., 4644 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716, which works closely with elder care.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 20, 2000

Note: Mollie Mary Blied's class year is based on information in Tychoberahn yearbooks

Obituary: Delores Y. (Hanson) Raimond - Class of 1947

STOUGHTON [Wisconsin] - Delores Y. Raimond, age 71, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, December 4, 2000. Delores was born on April 7, 1929, in Madison, the daughter of Clarence and Dorothy (Elligan) Hanson. She was a 1947 graduate of Madison Central High School. Delores worked for many years at Josie's Three Sisters restaurant in Madison, and later at the Nazareth House in Stoughton. Survivors include two sons, John (Fran) Raimond of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chris Raimond of Sun Prairie; two daughters, Linda (Bill) Brimmer of Lodi, and Diana Raimond of Aurora, Illinois; three grandchildren, Andrea Saari, Jamie (Tim) Heitz and Lisa Brimmer, all of Lodi; two great-grandchildren, Karlie and Ashley Saari, both of Lodi; stepfather, Angelo Catalino of Madison; and special friends, the Hestnes family, Steve, Cheri, Scott and Alice. She was preceded in death by her parents. A memorial service will be held at ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 VanBuren St., Stoughton, on Friday, December 8, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. Father Healy will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Nazareth House in Stoughton. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Howard R. Fish, Jr. - Class of 1938

NEW GLARUS [Wisconsin] - Howard R. Fish Jr., age 79, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2000, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, after a long illness. He was born January 9, 1921, in Madison, the son of Howard R. and Alma (Roump) Fish. He married Barbara Wootton on June 1, 1944, in Madison. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1938 and from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1947. He was commissioned a second lieutenant from UW ROTC in June 1942 and served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Southwest Pacific. From 1942 until 1944 he was a radar and communications officer with heavy bomber squadrons. From 1944 until 1946 he served as airborne radar officer with the Air Technical Service Command. He served in the Air Force Reserve until 1966, when he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He spent his professional career as an electronics engineer at the Argonne National Laboratory of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, Argonne, Illinois. After retirement, he returned to Wisconsin. Throughout his life, Howard generously volunteered his time and talents to a number of organizations, particularly Recording for the Blind, Orland Park, Illinois, the Boy Scouts of America in Palos Heights, Illinois, and Orfordville Wisconsin, and the Community Center Foundation in Palos Park, Illinois. He was a member of the American Legion and a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Madison for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting and, later in life, his cottage in northern Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Martha (Paul Fuchs), Belleville, Wisconsin, and Robert (Claire Charney), Seattle, Washington; and two granddaughters, Lisa and Rebecca. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Doris. A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME in Orfordville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464.

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

Obituary: Scot M. Tappen - Class of 1967

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Scot M. Tappen passed in to the everlasting arms of his savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, November 28, 2000, following a long illness. Scot was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 1, 1948, to John R. Tappen and Evelyn (Kluge) Tappen. Scot graduated from Madison Central High School in 1967, and entered the Air Force shortly thereafter. While on active duty as a fighter aircraft electronics technician, he was stationed in Thailand and South Vietnam, and brought home a love for these southeast Asian cultures when he was honorably discharged in 1971. Scot worked for Grant Electronics of Madison for a time, and then at the Madison post office before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed wind surfing, deer hunting and cruising on his recumbent bicycle. Scot attended and was baptized at Grace Baptist Church in Madison, where he put his talents and skills at electronics to work for his Lord. Survivors include his parents, John and Evelyn Tappen of Mount Home, Arkansas; brothers, Craig (Kathey Riggs) Tappen of Redding, California, and Jay (Jane Manion) Tappen of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; sisters, Gail Tappen and Emily Capicik, both of Madison; nieces, Amy Tappen and Jesslyn Capicik; and nephews, Aaron Tappen and Jiri Capicik. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur G. and Hester Tappen of Madison, and Arthur and Amy Kluge of Minong, Wisconsin; his uncle, Dr. David Noll of Verona, Wisconsin; his aunt, Judy (Kluge) Ryan of Dayton, Ohio; and his cousins, Barbara Gonstead of Beloit, Wisconsin, Guy Beardsley of McAllen, Texas, and James Tappen of Buhl, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, December 2, 2000, at 10:35 a.m., with Pastor Dean Howell of Grace Baptist Church presiding. Family and friends are invited to attend. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church. The family wants to thank all of those who helped and loved Scot throughout his life. Scot will always be remembered for his gentleness and kind spirit, and his great love of animals and the outdoors.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 30, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Charles Addison Peckham

FRIESLAND [Wisconsin] - Charles Addison Peckham, age 80, of Friesland, died Monday morning, November 27, 2000, at Columbus Community Hospital. Charles was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, on April 14, 1920, the son of David Ray and Clara (Fehrman) Peckham. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School. He attended UW-Madison for two years in physical medicine and later graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a major in accounting and office management, and a minor in data processing. Charles joined the U.S. Army in World War II and became a technical sergeant in the Medical Corps, and later was a volunteer for detached duty and was transferred to serve with the paratroopers and special forces. He was engaged in battles in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Salerno, Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge and in Desert Storm. Charles was honorably discharged from the Army and held various accounting positions in the Madison area. He was a 17th ward alderman for the city of Madison from 1953 until 1955, was a justice of the peace, was foreman for Badger Ordinance Works, and in 1953 became general foreman for the Joliet Arsenal in Joliet, Illinois. In 1969 he was certified by IBM as a computer programmer and has worked as auditor for the State Medical Society of Wisconsin and as a senior auditor for Olin Industries' Badger Ordinance Works. While Charles was working as a custodian of Madison East High School in 1976, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After three years of treatment and in remission, Charles became involved in founding the state chapter Living With Cancer. In the years of 1980 until 1984, he became a registered master gardner through the UW-Extension division. Charles was a member of the Bricklayers Union (AFL-CIO) serving as secretary for their arbitration committee and in 1976 was president of Local No. 60 of Madison Municipal Works Union, past associate member of the National Archives in Washington, D.C., past commander of the Madison Chapter of Disabled American Veteran's Veterans, brigadier of the United States Veterans Assembly, legislative director for the Wisconsin Veteran's Council, and past president of the Allied Veteran Council of Dane County. On September 12, 1992, Charles was united in marriage to Lorraine E. Bobholz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friesland. Together they made Friesland their home for the last eight years. Since his marriage, Charles was a member of John E. Miller American Legion Post No. 146 of Beaver Dam and a faithful member to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friesland. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine of Friesland; three sons, John, Stephen and David; a daughter, Ann; two grandsons; a granddaughter; a step-granddaughter; two sisters, Yvonne (James) Thompson of North Leeds, and Shirley Johnson of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and four sisters. Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 1, 2000, at 11:00 a.m. from TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in Friesland, with Pastor John Unnasch officiating. Burial of cremains will follow in Friesland Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in Friesland. Kratz-Smedema Funeral Home in Cambria is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 30, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Tina Nania

WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA - Tina Nania, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2000, at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, California. Tina was born to Joseph and Gaetana Nania on August 6, 1918, in Madison, Wisconsin. After graduating from Madison Central High School, Tina enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, where she earned a B.A. degree in education. She worked as a secretary in the legal department for Badger Ordinance proof reading government contracts during World War II. After the war she made her residence in Berkeley, California. She earned a master's degree in library science at the University of California at Berkeley. Tina was employed as a librarian in the legal department of the law library at Berkeley until her retirement. Surviving are her sisters, Stephena N. Frederick, Janesville, Wisconsin, and Ann Nania, River Forest, Illinois. Further survivors include her nephews, Jeff Nania, Madison, Dr. James Nania, Spokane, Washington, Joel Nania, Spokane, Jay Nania, Houston, Texas, George Frederick, Carol Stream, Illinois, and Joe Nania, Mishawaka, Indiana. Surviving nieces include Arra Lasse, Janesville, and Becky Kitta, Mishawaka, Indiana. Tina was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Dr. James Nania, Ernest Nania and Corporal John Nania. Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2000, in ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison. There will not be a visitation. The family wishes to thank all of Tina's friends who extended their generous help during her latest illness. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

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

Obituary: Frank S. Custer - Class of 1931

MADISON - Frank Stanley Custer, age 88, ended his brave battle with cancer on Saturday, October 28, 2000. He passed away peacefully, attended by his children, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Frank was born on July 16, 1912, in Madison. He was the first of five children, and shared his birthday with his identical twin brother, Rudy, of Atlanta, Georgia. Frank is survived by his wife, Selma of Stoughton; his children, Deborah (Tom Sykes) Custer of Columbia, Maryland; Wendy (Mike) Kornell of Stoughton, William of Madison, and Jill (Tom) Hietpas of Madison; and six grandchildren. Frank is also survived by his brother, Rudy; and sisters, Joy Dakin of Dallas, Oregon, and Maya Olsen of Banks, Oregon. Frank was a graduate of Madison's Central High School and UW-Madison. During his high school and college years he was a cheerleader for their football and basketball teams. As one of the famous "Custer twins," he led energetic cheers and acrobatic routines, revving up the crowds on a regular basis. He turned cartwheels on the football field during UW Homecoming games throughout his adult life, until the mid 1990s. After college, Frank served as personal secretary to the founder of The Capital Times, William T. Evjue, before enlisting in the United States Army on June 18, 1942. He was very proud of his service overseas in various World War II battles, including Normandy and Ardennes. Following the war, Frank returned to the states. After a brief respite in southern California, he returned to Madison and The Capital Times, beginning an eventful career as a newspaper reporter. Frank married Selma Iylland on June 25, 1949. A veteran reporter of The Capital Times, Frank was the author of the popular "Looking Backward" column, in addition to covering the police run and writing a variety of feature articles. Frank thrived at the newspaper, loving every minute. Frank had a deep love for Madison and a passion for its colorful history. As a walking encyclopedia of Madison history, Frank became a respected Madison historian. This led him to develop popular lectures and slide shows which he presented to organizations and schools around the area. He also acted as a guide on bus and talking tours, taught Madison mini-courses at the UW-Madison, and wrote Madison history articles for Madison Magazine and In Business. In addition to his professional activities, his tireless energy was funneled into community involvement such as PTA president, Sunday school teacher, and credit union director. He was a dedicated, enthusiastic Chicago Bears fan. Frank loved music, art and nature. He was a voracious reader and treasured his books. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Custer and Maya Custer; and his brother, Dr. Glen Stanley Custer. Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 1, 2000 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. The funeral will be on Thursday, Novermber 2, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. at ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison. Friends may call on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. William Rock, nurses and assistants, and all those who have made such wonderful, compassionate care available through the HospiceCare Center. They allowed our father a loving and peaceful passing on to God's arms. Frank was a beloved husband and heroic father who lived to its fullest and had a smile for everyone. He cherished his family and never let them forget it. His love, quick wit and high energy will continue to be an inspiration to his family.

Originally published in The Capital Times on October 31, 2000

Note: Frank Custer's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates.

Obituary: Barbara Ellen (Fuss) Casey - Class of 1962

MADISON [Wisconsin] Barbara Ellen Casey, age 56, of Madison, died Sunday, October 29, 2000 at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg following an extended illness. She was born June 4, 1944 in Madison, the daughter of Alfred and Jeanette (Wirth) Fuss. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1962. She worked for over 10 years for Equifax as a customer service representative. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and shopping, and was an avid QVC cardholder. She was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Don Hensen; two brothers, Jack and Russ Fuss; and Don's daughter, Kristi Hensen. She is survived by a son, John Casey of Madison; Don's children, Tom and Jill Hensen; two grandchildren, Noah Casey and Kailyn Hensen; a sister, Caroline (Al) Siclovan of Evansville; a brother Ed (Andrea) Fuss of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Tuesday October 31, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an education fund to be established for her grandson Noah, or to HospiceCare, Inc. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 30, 2000; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

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)