Obituary: Dr. Robert Droster Jackson - Class of 1938

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Dr. Robert Doster Jackson, age 82, of Waunakee, died Monday, April 22, 2002, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, following a short illness. He was born in Madison on Jan. 3, 1920, the son of Dr. James A. Jackson Jr. and Lillian A. (Young) Jackson. Robert, known as "Bob" to family and friends, graduated from Madison Central High School, received an undergraduate degree from the UW-Madison and an M.D. from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He graduated from the Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka, Kansas, in 1968. During World War II, he served in the Pacific on the aircraft carrier USS Essex. Bob's family founded Madison's Jackson Clinic and built the city's first hospital after the Civil War. He was the fourth generation of his family to practice medicine and surgery in Wisconsin. His father and uncles founded the Jackson Clinic. He was the grandson of Dr. James A. Jackson Sr., a surgeon with the Wisconsin Eagle Regiment during the Civil War, and the great-grandson of Dr. William Hobbins, one of Madison's first white settlers. A psychiatrist later in his career, Bob at first practiced general medicine, surgery and obstetrics in Lancaster and Madison. He was the last physician in the Jackson family to practice in the old Jackson Clinic, 345 W. Washington Ave., before it became a part of the Physicians Plus organization in the late 1980s. Bob was also a sportsman and active in civic affairs throughout his career. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Anne "Marmie" (Morse) Jackson; by seven children, Robert J. (Mary) of Madison, Michael M. (Laurie) of Topeka, Kan., Elizabeth C. (Daniel) Spielmann of Marquette, Mich., Julie A. (Walter) Potter of Georgetown, Texas, E. Jonathan (Jennifer) of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., Peter C. of Madison, and Margaret H. (Randall) Meder of Raleigh, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and three sisters, Jeanne Johnson of Madison, Claire Kemp of Santa Fe, N.M., and Ann Pilcher of Orono, Maine. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, James A. Jackson, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2002, at ST. DUNSTAN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6205 University Ave. A reception will be held at the church at 10 a.m. Internment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Madison Public Library.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 24, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note (added 1/10/2009): Robert Droster Jackson's class year is based on information in the 1938 Orange & Black yearbook, where is is listed among the June graduates as "Bob Jackson." The yearbook also indicates that he was class president.

Obituary: Adelaide M. Wilke

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Adelaide M. Wilke, age 98, of Madison, passed away at Meriter Hospital on Tuesday, April 2, 2002. She was born June 6, 1903, in Superior to the Reverend Otto J. and Clara Beck Wilke. She attended Brayton Elementary School and Madison Central High School. She was employed as a secretary with the Madison Public Health Department for over forty years until her retirement. Her love of flowers also led to working part-time at the Middleton Flower Shop for several years following her retirement. She was a lifelong member of St. Johns Lutheran Church, Madison where her father and grandfather were founding clergy and she served as the organist. She was the organist at Lakeview Lutheran Church, Madison and was the accompanist for the Grieg Chorus for many years. She was formerly a member of the Madison chapter of Questers. Addie was a volunteer with many groups throughout her lifetime, including University Hospital, where she had been recognized as a special contributor, and at Oakwood Nursing Home. She had many interests including knitting, traveling, gardening, Madison history and her many friends. She is survived by her beloved niece, Ann Milne (Justice William Bablitch) of Madison. She was preceded in death by her sister, Erna Milne of Madison, on March 10, 2002. Addie and Erna were not only sisters but best of friends and had been living together for the past three years. They wintered in Naples, Florida for the past ten years. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2002, at ST JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church or HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Addies family would like to thank all of her many friends and relatives who showed such a special fondness for her. Addie loved to laugh and entertain and always had a little something for everyone who stopped by to visit. She will be remembered for her generosity. Wherever she went she attracted friends and admirers. To meet Addie was to love her. Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives 5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105 McFarland, WI 53558 (608) 838-0536

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 3, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Norris Lee (Dutch) Demont

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. - Norris Lee Demont (Dutch), age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2002, in Scottsdale, Ariz. She was born in Madison, Wis., on March 5, 1926, to Nathan and Rachel (Sweet) Dutch. She graduated from Central High School, and was a loving mother to her children. She led a wonderful life. She is survived by her two sons, Cary of Minneapolis, Minn., and Robert of Madison; a brother, Sherman Dutch of Madison; and a sister, Sylvia Sweet of Hollywood, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Hadassah. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 25-26, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Virginia Mae (McGrath) Kalscheur

MOUNT HOREB [Wisconsin] - Virginia Mae Kalscheur, age 80, of Mount Horeb, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 17, 2002. The former Virginia Mae McGrath was born on May 24, 1921, in Madison to William and Gladys (Kitchen) McGrath. She graduated from Madison Central High School and attended Edgewood College. Virginia was married to Walter Kalscheur on Oct. 18, 1947, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Madison. She was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Mount Horeb, was an active participant in its Altar Society and taught religious classes. She was a member of the Mount Horeb American Legion Auxiliary, Homemakers, and was a Cub Scouts den mother for a number of years. Virginia, along with her husband, operated Kalscheur's Fine Foods in Muscoda, Wis., from 1951 until 1959 and in Mount Horeb from 1960 until 1986. They spent their early retirement traveling in the Southwest. Virginia loved to cook and collected a multitude of recipes over the years that she shared with many family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge and euchre. Virginia is survived by her children, Mary of Laurel, Md., Donna (David) Poortenga of Brandon, Wis., Jean of Richmond, Ky., Bill (Vicki) of Mount Horeb, James of Platteville, Wis., Patti (Noe) Mateo of Farmington Hills, Mich., and Mark (Sonya) of Menomonie, Wis. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Aaron, Joshua and Caitlyn Kalscheur, David, Allison and Marielle Mateo, and Samuel, Nathan and Madalyn Kalscheur; her sister, Marilyn (Edward) Grzenia of Madison; and many relatives and friends, including Ruth Heidelbach. She was preceded in death by her husband, in 1991; two infant children; her parents; and her sister, Delores Harris. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2002 at ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Mount Horeb, with Father Paul Arinze officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ignatius Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at ELLESTAD FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Mount Horeb Community Foundation. May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Beatrice Jane Smith Wagner - Class of 1942

CEDAR PARK, TEXAS - Beatrice Jane Smith was born on Aug. 12, 1923, in Madison, Wis., to Cora and Erwin Smith. In 1941, her father died leaving Beatrice and her mother to run a rooming house together. She graduated from Central High School in Madison, Wis. in 1942. Her brother, Gordon was lost in Australia briefly in World War II, but Beatrice was able to serve proudly as a USO worker during those difficult times. Beatrice was a avid ballroom dancer at the USO dancing to the Big Band sounds. She worked for a brief time in Chicago at the Lyon and Healy Music Store meeting many recording artists of the time. In 1960, she married John A. Wagner, and became a instant mother to a 4 year old daughter. She raised Michelle as her own with love and devotion. Beatrice worked in retail sales (including 13 years for Pranges Dept. Store in Madison) while Michelle was growing up. In 1984, Beatrice and John moved to Texas. She is survived by her husband of over 41 years, John; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Jim Bittick in Cedar Park; step-daughter, Pat and Henry Fredenberg in Sun Prairie, Wis. and their children; granddaughters, Michelle Fredenberg, Sun Prairie, Wis., Marcy and Bill Grassa and two great-grandsons in St. Cloud, Fla.; and a grandson, Garth also in Wisconsin. Mrs. Wagner is also survived by her sister-in-law and dear friend, Dolores Smith of Madison, Wis. Mrs. Wagner was preceded in death by her parents; an infant twin sister; her brother; and a step-daughter and grandson, Naomi and Scott Fredenberg. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2002, at BECK FUNERAL HOME, Cedar Park location. Arrangements under the direction of Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park/Leander (512) 259-1610. Rest well, my dear Mother. May Heaven be full of the Big Band Sound so you may dance and tap your feet to the beat.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 17, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Virginia (Bullis) Brockman - Class of 1945

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Virginia (Bullis) Brockman of Madison passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2002, due to COPD, surrounded by family, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. She was born on June 7, 1927, in Waukesha, the daughter of Lloyd and Kathleen Bullis. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945 and continued on to what is now the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she met Arthur Brockman. They married on July 7, 1951. Virginia was employed at the Plaza True Value for 17 years. She loved to read and collect cook books. Virginia always put family before herself. She will be greatly missed. Virginia is survived by her husband, Arthur; four children, Kathy (Dan) Kohlhagen, Marsha (Steve) Tortorice, Lori (Harold) Hobbs and Dale (Lisa) Brockman; six grandchildren, Laura and Derek Kohlhagen, Michael and Gina Tortorice, and Jeremy and David Hobbs; mother, Kathleen Bullis; and her sister, Noreen (Don) Severson. A memorial service will be held at OUR SAVIOUR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2002. The Rev. Brad Homan will preside. Family and friends may call at the church from noon until the time of the service on Sunday. A precious one has left us, A voice we love is stilled. An empty place is in our lives That never can be filled. God saw her getting weary And did what seemed the best, Just came and stood beside her And whispered, "Come and rest." Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 15, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Erna H. (Wilke) Milne

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Erna H. Milne, age 92, of Madison, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 10, 2002. She was born on June 29, 1909, in Madison, to the Rev. Otto J. and Clara Beck Wilke. She attended Brayton Elementary School, Madison Central High School, the University of Colorado-Boulder and Milwaukee Downer Teachers College. She taught kindergarten at Lincoln and Washington schools for 19 years before her marriage to Lloyd W. Milne on Jan. 20, 1948. She was a substitute teacher at Lakewood School and taught at Mrs. Deakman's Nursery School prior to starting Mrs. Milne's Nursery School in Maple Bluff. She returned to teaching kindergarten at Lapham School in 1961 and taught there until her retirement in 1971. She was an avid antique collector and loved needlework and traveling. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison, where her father and grandfather were founding clergy and she served as choir director. Erna is survived by her beloved sister, Adelaide "Addie" Wilke; her daughter, Ann Milne (Justice William Bablitch) of Madison; a granddaughter, Bulleh Bablitch; and two great-granddaughters, Laytee and Nancy, of Eagan, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Milne, in 1967. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or Hospice of Dane County. Erna's family would like to thank all her friends and relatives who showed such a fondness for her. Erna loved to laugh and entertain and would want all of those who remember her to relish in the joys of friendship and family. Informed Choice Funeral And Cremation Alternatives 5801 Highway 51, PO Box 105 McFarland, WI 53558 (608) 838-0536


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 12, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Alice Siggelko Better - Class of 1928

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Alice Siggelko Better, age 91, a fourth generation lifelong resident of Madison, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, at the Meriter Health Center. She was born in Madison on Aug. 10, 1910, the daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Perkins Siggelko. Mr. Siggelko was a prominent Madison attorney. She was the granddaughter of John and Alice McFarland Siggelko. One of Madison's pioneer families, the Siggelkos arrived from Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1851 and originally settled in the town of Blooming Grove. Alice graduated from Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in history. During World War II, she worked as an air traffic controller at Truax Field in Madison. After the war, she worked in the University of Wisconsin Extension Division until her retirement. An enthusiastic Democrat her entire life, Alice read widely in English history and literature. She was an accomplished model railroader, wood carver and model furniture maker who leaves countless handmade creations that are treasured by her family and friends. A gifted athlete from girlhood, she maintained a lifelong love of golfing and bowling, winning numerous trophies and awards. Coming from a family of serious bridge players, she had achieved the level of life master in the ACBL. Her keen intellect, her ironic humor and her independent spirit will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her. "Her mind was her kingdom, her will was her law." Mrs. Better is survived by two brothers, Scott Siggelkow of Lake Tomahawk, and Dr. Richard Siggelkow and his wife, Lois, of Ellicottville, N.Y.; two nephews, Rick Siggelkow of South Nyack, N.Y., and Jim Siggelkow of Buffalo, N.Y.; a grand-nephew and two grand-nieces. Burial was in the family plot in Forrest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128.

Originally published in The Capital Times on March 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Alice Siggilkow [sic] is pictured among the members of of the February graduating class in the 1928 Tychoberahn.

Note: The Siggelko and Siggelkow spelling differences may be explained by her grandfather's decision to drop the "w" from the end of his surname. Click HERE for additional information about this spelling change.

Obituary: Nancy (James) Oesterle

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Nancy Oesterle, age 69, passed away Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, in Madison. She was born Dec. 10, 1932, in Bloomington, Wis., to William Reuben and Genevieve (Steinbach) James. She graduated from Madison Central High School, and also was a graduate of Madison Business College, where she met her husband, Joseph. She married Joe Oct. 10, 1953. She worked as a medical secretary at the Veterans Administration Hospital for a number of years before starting her own business at home. Nancy was the proud mother of Joe (Lynn) of San Jose, Calif., Jim of Seattle, Tim of Madison and Susan (Steve) of Des Moines, Iowa; and loving grandmother of Erin, Peter and Becky. She also leaves behind her brother, Roger (Gail) of Orinda, Calif.; and special friends, Joan Neubauer and Wendell Hoffmaster. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 4, 2002, at 10 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 3, 2002, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 2, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: MaryAnne (Dooley) Pressentin - Class of 1942

MONONA [Wisconsin] - MaryAnne Pressentin, affectionately known by many as "Mrs. Prez" or "Grandma Prez," died on Friday, Feb. 22, 2002, in Pompano Beach, Fla. She was born on July 27, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., to Francis Dowdle and Marvel (Ellickson) Dowdle Dooley. She moved to Madison as a child and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1942. She married Donald C. Pressentin on Aug. 25, 1945, in Madison at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. MaryAnne was a passionate lady who was dearly loved by everyone who met her. She was known for her engaging smile and the uncanny ability to make everyone she met feel good. She was kind, fun, gentle, and always found good in everyone. Her home was always open to her family and friends and was always a gathering place. She was an avid sports enthusiast always at her grandkid's activities, attending every Badgers home football game, watching all the Packers games, and never missing a professional golf match. In her cache of wonderful memories were the Rose Bowl, the Masters Golf Tournament, and the Ryder Cup. She was a player, always saying, "Yes, let's go!" She loved the great outdoors. She had a passion for the Northwoods of Wisconsin, particularly her beloved Presque Isle Lake where she spent many years. MaryAnne could tell you about the habits of the wildlife, the flowers and plants and birds, and she shared that openly with everyone. She loved her home in Florida, and all the wonderful friends she had there, and all the parties and fun gatherings that were a daily event. She was a sun bunny, permanently tanned! She loved to dance, had a passion for arts, loved to read and her home was always filled with lots of books, especially the big dictionaries that always took Dad and she to the completion of their crossword puzzles. Her most fervent passion was her family. Her husband, "Duck," was her soulmate and love of her life, forever in her heart. Her nine kids to whom she gave unwavering love and acceptance, their spouses, and her 20 grandkids who she adored and celebrated every waking moment ... she made each feel they were the apple of her eye. Maryanne loved babies, children, people, animals, birds, travel, parties, rainbows, music, blue skies, rainy days, sunshine, books, flowers, parades, jokes, Christmas, holidays, and the USA She was a kind, gentle, fun loving, and generous woman who was always aware of the tiny miracles in life; a true testimony to her incredible spirit! She will be missed with heavy hearts but our lives will be filled with the memories of the passionate love Mom had for everyone and everything in her life. She is survived by her children, Cassie and son, Reid, Brad (Shari) and children, Brent, Bryce, and Bridget, Randy (Janie) and children, Christopher, Adam, Haley, and Kim, Becky (Bruce) Mueller and children, Shelby and Peyton, Gary (Michelle) and son, Jeffy, Joe (Kim) and children, Emily, Lauren, and Kevin, and Carrie (John) Murphy and children, Keenan, Bailey, Corban, and Cavanagh; her son-in-law, Terry Fisher and children, Brian and Amber; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Charlotte O'Brien; and a nephew, Tim (Mary Sue) Pressentin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald C. Pressentin; and her children, Suzi Pressentin Fisher, and Jeffrey Pressentin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ST. MARIA GORETTI CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2002, with a luncheon following. A private family burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002. A memorial fund will be established in her name. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)