Obituary: Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss

CAMBRIDGE/MADISON - Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss, age 53, of Cambridge, formerly of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at home. She was born on Oct. 27, 1949, in Madison, to William and Elizabeth (Byrne) Warnecke. She married the love of her life, Roger Boss on April 12, 1969, at St. James Catholic Church, Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School, Jo Ann went to work as a nursing assistant at St. Marys Hospital for over 25 years. She was famous for her cooking, whether it be for her family, friends, or for the neighborhood. Jo Ann had a passion for helping the sick or those in need. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Roger; her children, Shannon (Henry) Furseth, Robert, Brittny and Jordan Boss all of Cambridge; her loving grandsons, Noah and Bailey Furseth; and siblings, Theresa Trachte of Lake Mills, Fred (Nancy) Warnecke of Lake Mills, James (Beth) Warnecke of Merrimac, and Jean Warnecke of Madison. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers, Billy and Bobby Warnecke. Funeral services will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, with Father Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Dr. from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2003. The love Jo Ann carried in her heart was always shared with those who came in contact with her. Her bright smile and her caring, loving ways will be missed by all who knew her. Mom, We'll always carry a part of you in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for the love you gave us. You are our Guardian Angel. We miss and love you Mama Jo. Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home 608-835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 23, 2003

Obituary: Richard D. McVicar, Sr. - Class of 1944

WAUNAKEE - Richard D. McVicar Sr., age 76, died peacefully at home under hospice care on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003. He was born on Oct. 28, 1926, in Madison, to Angus and Genevieve (Milward) McVicar. He graduated from Central High School in 1944, attended Ripon College and entered the Army. He served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and the Korean conflict, and was a member of the Waunakee V.F.W. Post. He became a Boy Scout in 1938, earned the rank of eagle, and served the scouting program for decades. He was scoutmaster of four different troops, a Vigil Honor member of Tichora Lodge, and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Dick retired from Central Wisconsin Center, where he worked as a media specialist for 30 years. At age 60, he became an Emergency Medical Technician. He served with Waunakee Area EMS, later becoming a skill instructor for Madison Area Technical College and CPR instructor trainer for the American Heart Association. He received numerous community service awards. Dick was never far from his camera, and his dozens of photo albums of pictures of family, his beloved dogs and grand-dogs, scouting and church events, and of course of his travels to many lands. His Scottish heritage took him to Scotland many times. This love of photography was inherited from his father, Angus McVicar, and Dick was so very proud of the book "Double Take," by Zane Williams, which was recently published, and is a rephotographic survey of Madison of pictures taken by his father and Zane Williams. His family was his life. He is survived by Helen (Poulik), the woman who fell in love at first sight and became his wife and best friend of 38 years; daughter, Anne (George) Acker of Mazomanie; sons, Richard Jr. (Laurel Losenegger) of Middleton, and Stuart of Deerfield; granddaughters, Amanda and Danielle Acker, who were Papa's little princesses; sister, Charlotte (John) Larsen; several nieces and nephews; Sam and Diane Robinson, his adopted kids next door, and his faithful companion, Coney Girl. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Malcolm. He enjoyed a very active life, thanks to wonderful medical care by Dr. Ken Devries and the Waunakee clinic staff. Dr. Gene Musser, the other cardiologists, surgeons and staff of Meriter Hospital also made great contributions to Dick's many happy years., A visitation will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Waunakee, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A celebration of life and luncheon will occur at the church on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Waunakee; the Four Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America; Waunakee Area Emergency Medical Service; or HospiceCare. Winn Funeral Home 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 20, 2003

Obituary: Mary "Mena" (Clementi) Gassen - Class of 1943

MADISON - Mary "Mema" Gassen, age 78, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born in Madison on Sept. 11, 1924, the daughter of John and Frances Clementi. She graduated from Central High School. She was married to Gilbert Gassen from November 1951 to November 1967. Mary was a very active throughout her entire life and was still employed up to the time of her cancer diagnosis in October 2002. Mary started her career with Oscar Mayer and after retiring worked at Bob White Candy Company, Bavaria Sausage Kitchen, and for the past 12 years she has worked at Cub Foods West. Mary provided foster care in her home during the early years of her marriage. During her lifetime she was involved in many sports activities and received many awards for baseball and bowling. Mary loved her job at Cub Foods and the many friends she had as co-workers and customers. She also enjoyed Sunday football games, bingo every Thursday, and trips to Ho-Chunk. Mary's greatest source of joy and happiness came from her family; her daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and the family schnauzer, Maxx. She was so proud of them. Mary is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Wes) Coppersmith; a granddaughter, Angie (Dewaine) McFadin; her most precious great-granddaughter, Kaylee McFadin; two sisters; a brother; and relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant grandson, Christopher; three sisters; and two brothers. A three-hour memorial visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., (608) 238-8406, with Chaplain Pamela Moering presiding. Burial at Highland Memory Gardens will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or the Dane County Humane Society, 2250 Pennsylvania Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Mom ... No more pain, no more suffering. We will remember your smile, your caring, your support, and your love ... Forever. Mema ... It takes someone special to be a "Mema" and we were so lucky to have you. We will miss you everyday and love you forever.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 18, 2003

Note: Mary Clementi Gassen's class year was provided by the Class of 1943 Reunion Committee

Obituary: Elizabeth H. "Betty" (Schweinem) Ernser - Class of 1931

MONROE - Elizabeth H. "Betty" Ernser, age 89, of Monroe, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at the New Glarus Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1913, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Henry and Sena (Knudtson) Schweinem. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School and a 1936 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Betty and Mathew F. Ernser were married on Feb. 14, 1944, in Riverside, Calif. Betty taught high school in Horicon and Wisconsin Rapids. She was a member of St. Victor Catholic Church, and former member of Monroe Country Club. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen M. (Philip) Norton of Argyle; son, Thomas W. (Sue) Ernser of Madison; granddaughter, Megan Ernser of Madison; and brother, William J. Schweinem, of Madison. She was predeceased by her parents; and husband, Mathew, in, 1986. A Mass of, Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at noon at ST. VICTOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, Monroe. Officiating will be Father Michael E. Klarer, with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, 1455 Mansion Drive, Monroe. A memorial fund has been established in Betty's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2003

Note: Elizabeth H. (Schweinem) Emser's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. She is listed as Elizabeth Henrietta Schweinem.

Obituary: Daniel C. Grady - Class of 1932

MADISON - Daniel C. Grady, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Middleton Village Nursing Home. He was born on Sept. 3, 1915, in Madison, the son of Daniel E. and Augusta (Herman) Grady. Daniel graduated from Central High School, class of 1932. He was a member of the National Honor Society. Daniel worked as a printer at Wells Printing Company in Madison for many years. He and his wife, Ruth, worked in the Western U.S. and settled in northern California where he owned and operated his own printing business. He was an active union member until his retirement when he returned to Madison. Daniel was a life member of Elks No. 410 and the Lions Club. He is survived by his son, Daniel H. Grady of East Troy; a daughter, Marie A. Fenske of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Alice Niebuhr of Waunakee; three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Ruth E. Grady. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, with Father Michael Moon officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Church. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2003

Obituary: Harry E. Baumgartner - Class of 1936

MADISON - Harry E. Baumgartner, age 85, passed away at Oakwood Village West on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003. Harry was born in Madison on Oct. 7, 1917, to the late Mathew and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner. Harry attended Franklin School in South Madison and graduated from Central High School in 1936. He began a 42-year career in sales of floor covering products at Harry S. Manchester Department Store in Downtown Madison. Harry was a member of the National Guard's 135th Medical Regiment that was called to active duty to support the U.S. Army's 32nd Infantry Division in World War II. He spent seven years in military service as a motor mechanic, including more than 5 years in the Southwest Pacific where he was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Sgt. Harry E. Baumgartner was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation, three Battle Stars, and other military honors for his service in World War II. Upon his discharge, Harry was employed at Petterson's Carpetland, until 1958, when he joined F.E. Seybold's new floor covering business when it opened in Madison. Harry retired from Seybold's in 1982 after 24 years of service. Harry was a long-time resident of South Madison, residing at the family homestead on Gilson Street on the edge of Franklin Field until 1982. When prompted, Harry would recount stories of shopping at Freida's small grocery store on Gilson Street for penny candy, shopping at Koltes and Esser's hardware store on Lakeside Street, riding the electric trolley between Lakeside Street and Lake Street in downtown Madison, and walking the railroad tracks between Olin Avenue and downtown Madison with friends in search of new adventures. In South Madison he began a lifelong interest in the outdoors, fishing in the Madison lakes and hunting in the marshy area that is now the site of the Alliant Center and the Dane County Exposition Center. Harry also inherited a knack for fine woodworking from his father, a well-known old-world European craftsman and cabinet maker in Madison. Harry's carpentry and woodworking skills helped to build a log cabin in northern Wisconsin in the late 1940's, near the Town of Winter in Sawyer County. The "cottage" has provided countless days of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the northwoods for himself and three generations of his extended family. Harry enjoyed history, reading, and gardening and working in his yard. In 1982, Harry built a new house in Monona on Ridgewood Avenue, across from Frostwoods Park. He was especially proud of his yard, one of the first in Monona to replace a traditional grass lawn with habitat for birds and animals. "Hadi" as he was affectionately known to many friends and family had a special timeless ability to relate to children, young adults, and dogs. He was a favorite uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews from his large extended family. Harry is survived by two sisters, Anne (Henry) Behrnd and Gladys Stanley, both of Madison; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, Euphemia Lengacher, Bertha (Betty) Leverentz, Lillian Scheel, Leona Dale, Hildegarde Baumgartner, Gladys Stanley, and Frances (Franz) Bulovsky; as well as five brothers, John, Walter, Walter Jacob, Mathew, and John Henry. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, from 4pm, until 7pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St. or the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 10, 2003

Obituary: George A "Bud" Cross - Class of 1935

MADISON - George A "Bud" Cross passed on to eternal life on Jan. 31, 2003, at the Karmenta Center in Madison, Wis. George, the son of Aubrey and Evelyn (O'Neill) Cross, was born in Madison on Oct. 3, 1917. He graduated from Central High School in 1935. After entering the Army in Oct., 1940, he served in the European Theatre, during World War II. He was discharged in Oct., 1945. As a 28 year employee of the MPD, he retired as a Detective Supervisor in April, 1975. His retirement years were spent golfing, gardening, and traveling with his wife, Joyce. George is survived by his wife, Joyce (Denton) Cross; his children, Joy (Ken) Hoard, Leo (Linda) Cross, Fred (Julie) Cross, Greg Cross, Steve (Laura) Cross, Joe (Barb) Cross, Jeannine Cross, Kathy Cross (Bill) Berard; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and he was affectionately known as "Pa" to the many other children that touched his life. We wish to thank his extended family at the Kazrmenta Center for all the loving care he received the five years he lived there. Funeral services will be held at the ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main Street on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. Father William Seipp will officiate. Burial will be held at the Resurrection Cemetery where the Madison Veterans Council Firing Squad will provide Military Rights. Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Wed. at the Church from 8:30 a.m. until time of service. His great Irish wit, and love of song shone through until the end. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father, and a doting grand-father. Sing with the Angels Dad, we love you! Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 3, 2003

Obituary: Delores "Dee" (Launder) Starkey Class of 1956

MADISON - Delores "Dee" Starkey, age 64, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003, at her home, due to breast cancer. She was born on Sept. 7, 1938, in Madison, to Arnold and Agnes Launder. Dee graduated from Madison Central High School in 1956. She married Ronald Starkey on April 12, 1956. Dee was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed birds, arts and crafts. Dee is survived by her husband, Ron of Madison; five children, Cindy Starkey, Kathy (Joe) Waite, Laura (David) Laundrie, Tanya (Jim) Zempel and Ronnie Starkey; eight grandchildren, Sheena and Cody Starkey, Patrick and Kallie Waite, Tyler and Sara Kaech, and Courtney and Riley Zempel; two brothers, Dick Launder and Bob (Pat) Launder; and many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Susie "Bean" Launder. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, with Father Tony Schumacher presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. A special thanks to Dr. Dan Barry, Dr. William Rock, Dawn Hennesly and the Hospice staff, especially Linda, Mary and Jennifer., May the roads rise up, to meet you May the wind be always, at your back May the sunshine, warm your face And until we meet again, May God hold you, in the palm of His hand. "Grandma, you were the best Grandma anyone could ever have. We are lucky to have had you in our lives. You will always live on in our hearts. Love, your grandchildren. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2003

Obituary: Loraine Solveig (Neesvig) Stevens - Class of 1929

MADISON - Loraine Solveig Neesvig Stevens, age 92, passed away Friday, January 10, 2003, at St. Marys Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born April 19, 1910, in Milwaukee to Leonard and Petra Neesvig. In her youth, her family moved to Madison where she remained the rest of her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1929. She married Rudolph S. Stevens in 1933. She had great faith in God and was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, was an active member in the ladies aid, a talented and accomplished artist, and lived and surrounded herself and her family in the old Norwegian traditions. In 1936, Stevens Super Market was started which later became Stevens Restaurant under her son Robert. Rudolph Stevens opened Stevens Dairy Bar in 1940, and on this same location he opened Stevens House of Gifts in 1961. She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Otella Cook; daughters Marilyn (Richard) Blaschke, Alayne (Don) Macaulay; son Robert L. Stevens; 17 grandchildren, Peter (Elizabeth) Jensen, Dr. James (Sue) Jensen, Marilyn Jensen Vorpagel, Steven (Karen) Blaschke, Ellen Blaschke, Faith (Harry) Blaschke Kirch, Amy Blaschke, Dr. Grant (Kalina) Macaulay, Erik Macaulay, Susan (Bob) Macaulay Kouwe, Mark (Mary) Macaulay, Brent (Vicki) Stevens, Bradley (Kim) Stevens, Nicole Stevens, Robbie (Elizabeth) Stevens, Scott Stevens, Sarah (Jamie) Stevens Rabbitt; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph S. Stevens; parents Leonard and Petra Neesvig; sister, Bernice Bjornstad; brother, Robert Neesvig; daughter, Delores (Stevens) Jensen; and son Rudy Stevens. The family would like to give special thanks to her granddaughter, Amy Blaschke and Marc Iverson for their dedicated and loving care of Solveig and for the compassionate care by the staff on 5 S. West at St. Marys Hospital. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison at 12 noon on Monday, January 13, 2003, with the Reverend Mark Bartels officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd., Madison or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison. Gunderson West Funeral Home 7435 University Ave. Middleton, Wis. (608)831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 12, 2003

Obituary: Robert Eugene Gallagher - Class of 1964

SAUK PRAIRIE – Robert Eugene Gallagher age 56, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003 at the Veterans Hospital in Madison. He was born in Reedsburg, Wis., on April 15, 1946, the son of Eugene and Loretta (Cassidy) Gallagher. Bob attended St. Aloysius School in Sauk City and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1964. Following a four-year enlistment in the Air Force, Bob returned to Madison, where he worked with his brother, John at IBM. He spent the next 27 years in Florida. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2002, he returned to Wisconsin. Bob was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid football fan and since his return to Wisconsin he never missed the Packers or Badgers on TV. Survivors include a sister, Eileen (Harlan) Klepper, Merrimac; a niece and a grand-niece, Terri Klepper Harris and Danielle Harris; and nephews, Kevin Klepper and John Klepper. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, John. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, at GNEWIKOW-HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, Wis. Burial will be in the Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital. The nurses in the ICU showed Bob kindness and eased the pain in his final days. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 27, 2003