Obituary: Albert Smith

MONTREAL - Albert Smith, age 66, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2005, in Montreal, Canada. He was born on Jan. 20, 1939, in Madison, to Albert and Marion Smith. Albert was born and raised in Madison where he attended Longfellow Elementary and Madison Central High schools. He was an outstanding high school athlete where he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He was named to several All-City teams in these activities. He later attended UW-Madison. Mr. Smith worked in Manhattan for the city of New York City Human/Social Services Department as a social work supervisor. He later retired and moved to Montreal, Canada. Albert leaves to mourn his son, Albert Smith Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.; his first wife, Ethel Smith of New York City; his niece, Anita of Chicago, Ill.; nephew, Elgin Smith; cousins, Martha Scott Collins; and special friends, Katherine Simmons of Madison, Dr. Richard (Maxine) Harris of Madison, Wilfred (Beverly) Cunningham of Jackson, Miss., and Claire Poliquin of Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marion Smith; his brother, Floyd; and sister, Mabel. The funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave., Madison. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Gregory Armstrong, Pastor of S.S. Morris AME Church will officiate. Albert will be dearly missed by all. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 28, 2005

Obituary: Josephine (DeGregory) Elliott

MADISON - Josephine Jane Elliott, age 80, of Madison, lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, March 19, 2005. She was born in Madison on Feb. 20, 1925, the daughter of Bernard and Sarah (Brashi) DeGregory. She grew-up in the Greenbush Neighborhood and graduated from Madison Central High. She worked for AT&T as a telephone operator until she married. For many years she struggled with her husband's alcoholism and manic depression. After they divorced, she returned to the telephone company as an operator. Jo was always there for her children. She lost her younger brother, Anthony DeGregory, in a drowning accident at the Tenney Locks in 1950. She missed him very much. In the early 1970s she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. For years, Jo weekly sent letters to those who had lost loved ones in death to help console and encourage them. Although her life was difficult, she would always reach out to help others if they needed her. Her faith taught her the resurrection for most people would be an earthly resurrection and she looked forward to that. She is survived by a son, Larry Elliott, Madison; and a daughter, Toni Johnson. At her request, services will be private, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Madison. For those that would like to console the family, they can send cards to the family in care of Larry Elliott, 591 Toepfer Drive, Madison, WI 53711. "Losing a loved one" One thing is very clear. It's like my loved one just disappeared. There are no words to really explain. The loss, the grief, the overwhelming pain. You stand there saying your goodbyes and then, you wonder, "Will I ever see you again?" They say in time the grief will ease, and that youre left with memories. I may ease into this against my will, but what I really want is to hug you still. Then I recall what John 11:43 was about. When Jesus called to dead Lazarus, "Come out!" Out of the tomb he slowly came. His sisters joy they could hardly contain. Also Luke 8 says a couple lost their daughter. After Jesus raised her, she was given food and water. Jesus wants to resurrect all those who are dead. This is what John 5:28 truly says. He says all in the memorial tombs will come out. Just like Lazarus did, I don't doubt. So, if youve lost a brother, mother or friend. There is a good chance you'll see them again. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 22, 2005

Obituary: Hermina (Fritz) Brown

MADISON - Hermina Lea Brown, age 96, of Elgin, Ill., formerly of Madison, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2005, at ManorCare Health Services, Elgin. She was born June 8, 1908, in Joliet, the daughter of John and Julia Hartwig Fritz. She was a graduate of Central High School in Madison and upon graduation attended nursing school at Madison General Hospital. She served as a Red Cross nurse during World War II. She had been a resident of Madison for all of her life before moving to Elgin in 1990. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Madison and was active with the church Altar Guild. She gave instructions in knitting and crafts at Bethel XYZ Center in Madison. She attended St. James Episcopal Church, West Dundee, Ill. Surviving are her son, William (Donna) Lea of Elgin; four grandchildren, Barbara (Mark) Mugerditchian, Mark Lea, Robert Lea and Michael Lea; and three great-grandchildren, Megan and Kelly Mugerditchian and Jennifer Lea. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, William Lea; her second husband, Leslie Brown; a son, Robert Lea; grandson, William Lea; and a sister, Juliana Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, West Dundee. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, Wis. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Memorials may be given to the American Red Cross. Laird Funeral Home, Elgin, is in charge of arrangements.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 21, 2005

Obituary: Arthur W. Miller - Class of 1940

MONONA - Arthur W. Miller, age 81, of Monona, passed away peacefully at his home, on Monday, Feb. 28, 2005. He was born on May 3, 1923, in Madison, to Jacob and Sarah (Tartakowsky) Miller, both emigrants from Russia. Art was raised in Madison's Greenbush neighborhood, and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1940. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army with the Battery D of the 500th A.A.A. Gun Battalion stationed in Greenland. Upon his return, Art held various jobs before becoming a salesman for local car dealerships including Schappe, Lou Ehlers, Zimbrick Buick and Ahrens Cadillac-Olds, garnering many awards over the years for his salesmanship and integrity. On Dec. 31, 1958, he married Nancy Jean Adkison of Madison, and soon settled in Monona and raised a family. A lifetime member of the local Elks Club, Art enjoyed watching and attending Packers games, boating on Madison lakes, playing cards with the old Greenbush gang, and taking his family on yearly vacations in northern Wisconsin. In later years, he and Nancy enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and a Caribbean cruise with their daughter and her husband. A lifelong backer of Badgers sports teams, Art and Nancy also traveled to Pasadena for the 1994 Badgers victory at the Rose Bowl. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; three children, Randy (Linda) Miller of Lodi, David (Monica Piper) Miller of Madison, and Marcy (Jon) Brandt of Rochester, Minn.; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Tyler, Cassandra, Oona, Otto, Dana and Matthew; a sister, Edythe (Nate) Victor of Minneapolis, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Alyce Adkison; two brothers-in-law, Merle Freiman and Don (Carolyn) Doran; and many nieces and nephews. Art was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward (Shirley) of Milwaukee, Marty (Beverly) of Waunakee, and Marvin (Bea) of Simi Valley, Calif.; and a sister, Cele (Harry) Kadwit of Kenosha. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2005. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2005. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Center (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 4, 2005

Obituary: Sara Jane (Jones) Tuttle

MADISON - Sara Jane Tuttle died on Monday, Feb. 28, 2005. Born Sara Jane Jones on March 18, 1913, to William Caradine Jones and Ida Mary White in Madison, she was raised in the First United Methodist Church in Madison, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She graduated from Central High school. She met and married Selwyn R. "Tut" Tuttle on Nov. 8, 1933. They celebrated 67 years of marriage. She worked at Sears and later became the office manager for S&H Green Stamps in the Madison office. An active member of Christ Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, she helped serve many lunches and dinners for various functions held there. She was also a member of a very special sewing club. Sara and Tut played sports with a couples team at church and the YMCA. They loved square dancing. They enjoyed the outdoors, picnicking and camping, and loved to travel, taking their children to visit most all of the contiguous 48 states by car, camping much of the time. After their retirement they continued their travels, including touring the British Isles and Hawaii. Sara was active as a leader of Brownies and Girl Scouts, as well as serving as mother advisor of the Rainbow Girls. She was awarded the Grand Cross of Color for her many years of service to the Rainbow Girls. She was also a member of the Masonic Order of the Eastern Star and White Shrine. She was a member of a very special sewing club. Sara and Tut raised four children. She is survived by her children, Bonnie J. Downs (Dr. David), Dodgeville, Thomas L. Tuttle, Madison, Jane Ann Marquard (Robert), Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Margaret (Peggy) Louise Halverson (Bruce), Iron Mountain, Mich.; 11 grandchildren, Steven Downs; Lynn (Tom) Ihlenfeldt, Peter (Kathy) Downs, Alan (Cindy) Downs, Kyle (Kelly) and Brett (Jenna) Marquard, John and Mark Halverson, Heather (Jarrod) Roll, and Jeffrey and Pam Tuttle; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Selwyn "Tut" Tuttle. A celebration of her life will be held in the chapel at HEBRON HALL Friday, March 4, 2005, at 11 a.m. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Hebron Oaks in Oakwood Village where she has been a resident for several years. She always received kind, loving care there. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Oakwood Village Retirement Center, the Oakwood Foundation; Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison; or First United Methodist Church, Madison. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 2, 2005

Obituary" Dorothy (Engel) Slotten - Class of 1943

MADISON - Dorothy M. Slotten, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at St. Marys Care Center, Madison. Dorothy was born on Dec. 2, 1925, in Madison, the daughter of Frank and Gertrude (Hank) Engel. She was raised by her grandmother, Sophie Hank. Dorothy graduated from Central High School in 1943. On June 7, 1947, Dorothy and Sylvester "Stub" Slotten were married. Dorothy worked for the state of Wisconsin for more than 38 years. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Sylvester "Stub;" two brothers-in-law, Eugene (Marie) Slotten and Grant Slotten; two sisters-in-law, Dolores (Lowell) Hanson and Kay Elding; several nieces and nephews; and by a special friend, Margaret Courtney. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; her brothers, Robert and James Elding; and a brother-in-law, Orvin (Shirley) Slotten. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., with Pastor Allen Wahl officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church on Friday. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Paul H. Hinderaker and Dr. Frank Kilpatrick. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin Heart Association, 202 S. Park St., Basement Level, Madison, WI; and HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711-5395. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 24, 2005

Obituary: Clyde E. Bay, Jr.

VERONA - Clyde E. Bay Jr., age 62, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005. He was born in Madison on Dec. 7, 1942, the son of Clyde and Siverdean Bay. Clyde attended Madison Central High School and lived at Orchard Hill. He moved into an apartment until he became ill and then moved to Badger Prairie Health Care Center. Clyde, known to his friends as C.E. was an avid Badgers fan. He had season tickets to Badger football games for many years. C.E. loved to get his hair cut to look like Elroy Hirsch. He was also a lifelong Cubs fan. C.E. was devoted to watching Soul Train on Saturdays and to dancing the Watusi. He is survived by two brothers, John Bay of Auburn, N.Y., and Ted Bay of Jamesville, N.Y. According to the family's wishes there will be no services. Memorials may be made to Rise Up Inc., 122 E. Olin Avenue, Madison, WI 53713. The family would like to express a sincere appreciation to the staff of Rise Up Inc. and to Badger Prairie for their professional and loving care of C.E. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 16, 2005

Obituary: Katherine Clara "Kate" (Wergin) Hardy

MADISON - Katherine Clara "Kate" Hardy was born in Madison, on July 9, 1907, to John and Clara Wergin. She grew up in Madison, where she attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School and Central High School. In 1926, she married Kenneth Hardy. Kate entered the workforce as an employee of the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. She spent the majority of her career at FPL, retiring from the computing section after 30 years of service. But Kate had too much energy and drive to stay retired for long. She accepted a part-time position with Strang Architects and, predictably, was soon working full-time. Eleven years later she retired again. During her many years of employment, Kate and her husband also owned and operated a mink farm and glass business in Middleton and the Lakeview Drive-in on Madisons Northeast side. In addition, she sold real estate and helped develop the Larwood Hills subdivision on the site of her grandparents' farm in Westport. In her 80s and 90s, she helped distribute books on card-playing written by her brother. Kate lived on her own well into her 98th year. Despite failing eyesight and other age-related problems, she had a wonderfully positive attitude. She was a kind, humble person who could always be counted on to lend a hand or write a check for someone in need. She maintained an active social life with frequent telephone calls and meals out with family and friends, Saturday trips to Edwards of Hilldale Hair Salon, and occasional excursions to Ho-Chunk Casino. She was proud of having voted in every presidential election for which she was eligible, including November 2004 when she went to the polls with her wheelchair and oxygen tank. Kate was blessed with a remarkable memory. One of her last projects was to record recollections of life in Madison from 1907 to 1920. Kate is survived by her brother, Joseph Wergin, Madison; sister, Julia Harris, Spring Valley, Calif.; daughter, Marjorie Schneider, Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughter, Pamela (Gary) Mork, McFarland; granddaughter, Patricia Dawson Phoenix; grandson, David Schneider, Phoenix; and several great and great-great-grand-children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandson, Thomas Harrison; sisters, Agnes Goede and Martha Koch; and brother, Gary Wergin. Kate was lovingly supportive of her family until her death at Hebron Oaks Nursing Home (Oakwood) on Jan. 16, 2005. She was cherished by her nephews and nieces and many dear friends.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 13, 2005

Obituary: Lisetta Dorothea (Graves) Lautz - Class of 1930

MADISON - Lisetta Dorothea Graves Lautz, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Lisetta was born in Prairie du Chien, on May 16, 1912, the daughter of Attorney and Mrs. William R. Graves (Martha Horsfall). She attended elementary schools in Prairie du Chien and high schools in Prairie du Chien, Miami, Fla. and Madison. She was a 1930 graduate of Madison Central High School. She graduated from UW-Madison in 1935 with a B.A. degree in botany. While at UW, she was the social editor for the Daily Cardinal, having a column called "The Rambler." She taught grade school in Wauzeka for two years, and then married Harold L. Lautz of La Crosse, on Aug. 14, 1937, in Prairie du Chien. She was a long time member of Luther Memorial Church and a past president of its Dorcus Society. She was also a member of the Altar Guild and the Lutheran Women's Organization. She was a life member of Monona Chapter No. 5, Order of the Eastern Star, with dual membership in the Prairie du Chien chapter, a member of Antioch Temple No. 113, Daughters of the Nile and of Zor Auxiliary. She was an active member of the AX chapter of PEO, the DAR and past president of the Patroness Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and a life member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. She was also president of the Randall School PTA where her children attended. While at UW, she was president of Phi Omega Pi sorority, which later merged with Delta Zeta. As an alumna, she was active in both alumnae groups. She and her brothers owned the Horsfall Lumberyard in Prairie du Chien, Bridgeport and Wauzeka. She enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, attending musicals, following the activities of her children and grandchildren and traveling many parts of the world on ocean cruises. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harold; sons, William of Madison, and Donald (Maureen) of Racine; daughters, Suzanne (James) Machan of Waukesha, and Beverly (Robert) Haimerl of Madison; granddaughter, Jennifer Lautz (Brad Hightdudis) of California; grandsons, Greg (Ann) Lautz of Racine, Roger (Dawn) Lautz of Madison, Steve Lautz of Milwaukee, Kevin (Stacy) Machan of Menomonee Falls, Brian (Jaye) Machan of New Jersey, and Derek (April) Machan of Waterford; great- grandson Nicholas Hightdudis; and great-granddaughter, Katherine Lisetta Hightdudis. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Florence; and brothers, Roswell and David. Funeral services will be at LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH, Madison, on Friday, Feb. 11, 2005, at 2 p.m. with Pastors Shelley Bobb and Timothy Dean officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following the service. There will also be a reception at the church following the service. Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Friends may also call at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital or to Luther Memorial Church. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 10, 2005

Obituary: Russell Riley

MADISON - Russell C. Riley, age 87, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at the Meriter Health Care Center. He was born in Madison, the son of Carl and Vera (Salter) Riley, on Jan. 19, 1918. Russ graduated from Central High School. He then served with the Merchant Marines during World War II. Russ was united in marriage to Dorothy Walczak on June 20, 1953. He began his apprenticeship with Gisholt, from there he primarily worked for the University of Wisconsin Chemistry Department as an instrument machinist, retiring in 1987. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; sons, Alan and James Riley, both of Madison; and a sister, June Harrison. He is further survived by many friends and family. Funeral services will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS CHAPEL, 3054 County Highway BB, Madison, on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005, at 11 a.m., with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the chapel. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Center 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 9, 2005