Obituary: Ruth Sinaiko Max - Class of 1929

MADISON - Ruth Sinaiko Max, age 91, died on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002. In 1996, Ruth moved to Newton, Mass., from her home, Madison, to be near her daughter. She moved in 1999 to the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Natick, Mass., where she was a resident at the time of her death. Born on Oct. 31, 1911, in Madison, Ruth was the second of six daughters of Pauline and William Sinaiko. Ruth graduated from high school in Madison and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1941, she married Oscar Max of Sheboygan, who died in 1976. In the 1950s, Ruth became one of the first women in Madison to get a real estate sales license. For many years she worked with Jack McKenna, a well-known local real estate developer and broker. Later, she was a salesperson at Woldenberg's, an exclusive women's clothing store. Ruth always had a knack for finding what genuinely suited people. All her life, Ruth was known for her warmth, integrity, vivaciousness and generosity towards family and friends. She was an accomplished cook and, hostess and along with her husband, Oscar, loved giving dinner parties. When her children were young, Ruth was president of the Dudgeon School PTA and was active in local Jewish organizations and the Red Cross. After her husband's death, Ruth continued to be actively involved with family and friends and work part-time. Although Ruth moved to the Boston area too late in life to ever feel really "at home," she enjoyed being close to her daughter and Boston area family and friends as well as attending local cultural and musical activities. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Max Reisman, and son-in-law, Joel Reisman, of Newton, Mass.; her son, Michael Max, and daughter-in-law, Eleanor, of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Rachel Max of Washington, D.C.; her sisters, Beatrice Marlowe of West Palm Beach, Fla., Lois Webb of Clear Lake, Texas, and Jeanne Seltzer of Royal Palm Beach, Fla. A graveside service will be held on Sunday May 11, 2003, at FOREST HILL CEMETERY, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, at 1 p.m. Please gather at CRESS FUNERAL HOME beginning at 12:30 p.m. A, reception will follow at Temple Beth Israel, Mound Street, Madison. Donations in the memory of Ruth Max may be made to Friends of JCHE (Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly), 30 Wallingford Road, Brighton, MA 02135, or the charity of one's choice. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 4, 2003

Note: Ruth Sinaiko Max's class year is based on information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the June graduates.

THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

This blog is serving as an archive for obituaries published after 1989 of women and men who attended Madison Central High School. As of today, the only entries are of obituaries published in Madison, Baraboo, or Portage newspapers during 2005 in which the text specifically indicates that the deceased attended Central. If you know of other Central alumni who died during 2005 and whose obituaries are not included here, please contact me by email and let me know when and where the obituary was published.

You may certainly browse the entries on this blog, but links to all the obituaries posted here will also be listed on the primary blog for Madison Central High School alumni. The URL for that primary blog is http://madisonchshhistory.blogspot.com/

As I locate additional obituaries, I will post them here and notify you of the updated information via the primary blog.

How These Obituaries Are Organized

The obituaries in this blog are organized chronologically: the most recently published obituary is at the top of the page. Only obituaries from 1990 to the present are archived here, due to space and formatting limitations.

For obituaries prior to 1990, please use the link on the right.

Obituaries for members of the Class of 1965 are also archived separately on that class blog. Please use the link on the right to access and search the Class of 1965 obituaries.

Obituary: Margaret Mary (Wardle) Swiggum - Class of 1964

BLANCHARDVILLE - Margaret Mary Swiggum, age 59, of Blanchardville, died on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005, at the home of her sister, in Sauk City. She was born on Sept. 9, 1946, in Madison, to Jack and Mary (Maloney) Wardle. She grew up in Madison, attending the St. James Catholic School, Madison, and Central High School, Madison, graduating in 1964. She worked at St. Marys Hospital, Madison, in the dietary department, then Madison General Hospital, and then back to St. Marys Hospital. Margaret was married on June 15, 1972, at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church Parsonage to Dennis Swiggum. She lived and worked on the Swiggum farm with Dennis until they were divorced in 1991. She worked at Argyle Industries from November 1992 until they closed in September 2002. Margaret enjoyed horseback riding, country music and playing outside with her grandchildren. Margaret is survived by four children, Jack (Sceone) Gard of Evansville, Adam "Scott" Swiggum of Blanchardville, Tami Lynn Swiggum of Blanchardville, and Daniel Eric Swiggum of Blanchardville; three sisters, Susan (Kenneth) Kaether of Brooklyn, Marilyn Smith of Sauk City, and Kathleen (Randy) Gilbertson, of North Leeds; six grandchildren, Michael, Nicole and Andrew Gard, Allison Swiggum, Tyler Whittenbach and Logan Swiggum; and her former husband, Dennis Swiggum of Blanchardville. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the BLANCHARDVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH. The Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Friends may call on Monday, Dec. 26, 2005, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the SAETHER FUNERAL HOME, Blanchardville.

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

Obituary: John Tormey - Class of 1930

MADISON/AKRON,OHIO - John L. Tormey, age 92, of Akron, Ohio, died on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at his home. John was born on April 10, 1913, in Madison. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the 5th Army, Signal Corps, during World War II in North Africa and Italy. He married Nellie in 1946, and they moved to Akron in 1950. John joined Roadway Express that year and 28 years later he retired as Chairman and CEO. During those years, John found time to guide a major corporation, help his wife, Nell raise three sons, build and maintain a reputation of the highest ethical fiber and also make major contributions to the greater Akron and Cleveland community. In Akron, he served as Chairman of the Akron Metropolitan Park Board; Trustee of the Akron City Hospital, Akron Community Foundation, Akron Community Hall (Civic Theater), Akron YMCA, Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall, The Summit County Historical Society, the GAR Foundation and Bluecoats Inc. In Cleveland, John served as Trustee of the National Council on Educational Research, National History Day, Western Reserve Historical Society, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. John also served as a Trustee of Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan. John is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Nellie; sons, Thomas A. (Anne) Tormey of Chargrin Falls, Ohio, and James N. Tormey of Akron, Ohio; and a sister, Catherine T. Sommer of Middleton. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret; son, John Edward Tormey; sisters, Margaret Jackson, Elizabeth Howley, Mary Connor and Jean Tormey; brothers-in-law, Harold Howley, Robert Connor and David Sommer. A Mass of Christian Burial, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, at 11 a.m. at ST. SEBASTIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 476 Mull Ave., Akron, Ohio. Procession will form at the church. Interment in the Holy Cross Cemetery, 100 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, Ohio. Friends may call at the HUMMEL FUNERAL HOME, 500 East Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio, on Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Sebastian Parish Foundation, 476 Mull Ave, Akron, Ohio 44320. Hummel Funeral Homes (330) 253-6126

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 18, 2005

Note: John Tormey's graduation date is based on information in the 1930 Madison Central High School yearbook, which also shows he was Secretary-Treasurer of his graduating class.

Obituary: Valerie "Jean" (Morgan) Gugel - Class of 1946

MADISON - Valerie "Jean" Gugel, age 77, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005. She was born on July 19, 1928, to Bernard E. and Etta (Gage) Morgan of Madison. Jean attended Franklin School, graduated from Central High School in 1946 and attended Madison Area Technical College. On Jan. 21, 1950, she was united in marriage to Ralph W. Gugel at St. James Catholic Church, Madison. Jean was a homemaker, and also was employed by the Credit Union National Association. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, and Women of the Moose Lodge No. 1451. Jean enjoyed crochet, bingo, bowling, camping, and her vegetable garden. She is survived by her husband, Ralph; five children, Barbara Gugel, Tom (Kathy) Gugel, Richard (Karen) Gugel, Mary (Chris) Nielsen, and Bill Gugel; ten grandchildren, David (Cammi) Gericke, Andrea Gugel, Daniel "Boomer" Gugel, Jeremy Gugel, Luke Gugel, Sarah Gugel, Christopher Nielsen, Jacob (Anita) Nielsen, Susan (Paul) Post, and Valerie (Steve) Zindars; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda Gericke, Cody Gericke, Eva Nielsen, Dain Post, Ryley Post, Abigail Zindars, and Tyler Zindars; and Jean leaves behind her brother, Bernard "Junior" (Dorothy) Morgan of Baraboo. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Morgan and Ronald Morgan; and a daughter, Nancy Gericke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19, 2005, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. The family thanks Karmenta Nursing Home for their loving care over the past year. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 18, 2005

Obituary: Arthur John "Art" Disch

MADISON - Arthur John "Art" Disch, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at Belmont Nursing Home. He was born on Feb. 11, 1927, in New Glarus, son of Henry and Ingeborg (Fladen) Disch. He attended Central High School, Madison, and during World War II, he served in the U.S. Marines, in the Pacific, from 1944 to 1946. Art operated a service station in Middleton for several years, worked at Cantwell Printing Company and retired from Cuna Mutual Insurance. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Art is survived by his wife, Florence Disch; his three children, Nancy (Darwin) Thompson of Madison, John (Mary) Disch of Monona, and Joseph (Beth) Disch of DeForest; his five grandchildren, Kris (Edward) Porter of Sun Prairie, Scott Thompson of Madison, Henry and Annie Disch of Monona, and Bryn Disch of DeForest; a great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Thompson and her mother, Kirsten Bobholz; a brother, Raymond (Jackie) Disch; and an aunt Helen Shold. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Art was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Henry and Ralph; and a sister Gladys Hall. A memorial visitation will be held at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 15, 2005

Obituary: Naomi (Bambrough) Voigts - Class of 1943

MADISON - Naomi A. Voigts, age 80, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, at home. She was born on May 31, 1925, in Lancaster, to Frank and Josephine (Bradley) Bambrough. Naomi graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943. She worked for the Madison Public Library for 28 years as supervisor of materials preparation. Naomi was also active with the Madison Coalition of Aging for 15 years. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for more than 45 years. Naomi is survived by three daughters, Karla Herron of Madison, Susie (Steve) Krebs of Lakeville, Minn. and Kristi Smith of Warrenville, Ill.; a son, Paul (Judy) Voigts of Madison; grandchildren, Rusty Herron, Briar Herron, Angel Krebs, Bethany Krebs and Laura (Emmett) Black; and great-grandchildren, Briar and Kaleb Herron. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton; her parents; a brother, Clarence "Bud" Hooks; and sisters, Ruby Hartnett and Harriet Gorman. Memorial services will be held at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at noon on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Hospice staff for their care. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 27, 2005

Obituary: Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine - Class of 1945

MADISON - Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine, age 78, quietly passed away in her home on Monday, Nov. 21, 2005. She was born on March 28, 1927, in Oconto Falls, the youngest of seven children born to the loving and close family of Frank and Maude Hanek. Jeanne Carol moved to Madison with her family in 1943. She graduated from Central High School in 1945, and shortly thereafter went to work at Bell Telephone, as a long distance operator. Jeanne Carol had a soothing voice and was a good singer, as were her brothers and sisters. In 1951, she married Arnie Steine of Decorah, Iowa, and became a loving wife and mother. She returned to work after her husband's death in 1966. With her warm personality and experience as an operator, she worked as a receptionist until her retirement in 1986. Jeanne enjoyed her independence and loved to travel with her sisters to visit family and friends. Although her last few years became physically difficult for her, she never complained and battled courageously until her last breath. Jeanne was a kind and gentle soul. Her love and life will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by those she touched. She is survived by her son, Kent; a brother, Blaine Hanek; a sister, Verle (Hanek) Jacobs; granddaughter, Autumn (Steine) Malotke; grandson, Shane Steine; great-grandson, Donovan Malotke; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnie Steine; parents, Frank Hanek and Maude (McLean) Hanek; sisters, Joyce Hanek and Geraldine (Hanek) Everett; brothers, Claude Hanek and Donald Hanek. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at 11 a.m. at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 25, 2005

Obituary: Joseph Petrus Wergin - Class of 1927

MADISON - Joe was born in Madison, on Jan. 22, 1910. He attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School and Central High School, and obtained bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Wisconsin. After graduation in 1933, he taught science and coached at Edgerton High School. In 1940, he married Jennie Anderson and went to work for the U.S. Post Office. He joined the Army during World War II and advanced to the rank of sergeant. After discharge, he returned to the Post Office and in 1961, was appointed Postmaster of the Village of McFarland. During his postal career, he also operated the McFarland Tavern and the McFarland Real Estate Company, developed the Larwood Hills subdivision in Westport, and ran for the State Assembly as a Democratic candidate. Joe was an expert card player and wrote seven books that established him as an international authority on skat and cribbage. He is known for applying a scientific approach to card play and developing the Wergin System for evaluating skat hands. He served as North American Skat League secretary and president for many years and was first vice president of the International Skat Congress. Joe retired from the Post Office in 1970 to devote himself full-time to promoting card play. He taught sheepshead and skat at the UW Memorial Union and cribbage at elementary schools. He led the formation of the American Cribbage Congress in 1979 and served as president for 13 years. He established a network of ACC Grass Roots Clubs, standardized tournament rules, developed a round-robin method of qualification play, and organized an annual Tournament of Champions. His last project as ACC president was to start a youth cribbage program to help children improve their math skills. He was honored by being the first living person elected to the Cribbage Hall of Fame in 1982 and by establishment of the Joseph Petrus Wergin Invitational Tournament in Reno, Nevada, an annual competition that draws over 1,000 players. Joe passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Hebron Oaks Nursing Home (Oakwood), where he lived for the past seven years. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ginny (Larry) White of Madison; sister, Julia Harris of Spring Valley, Calif.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jennie; and daughter, Elaine; his sisters, Agnes Goede, Martha Koch, and Katherine Hardy; his brother, Gary Wergin; and his dear friend Marguerite Dukes. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, with a pass and review at 6 p.m. A prayer service will be at 6:45 p.m. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park where military rites will be conducted. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, with Father John Meinholz and Father Diego Cuevas concelebrating. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison 53705. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 14, 2005


Note: Joseph Wergin's class year comes from the 1927 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the seniors.

03/07/2006 - Joseph Wergin's daughter, Ginny, sent an email with a link to a Doug Moe column in The Capital Times about her father. You may read it by clicking HERE. The Wisconsin State Journal also published a tribute to Joseph Wergin, written by Brenda Ingersoll. You may read it by clicking HERE. Moe, by the way, mentions Central High School in his tribute to Joseph Wergin. Ingersoll does not, but unlike Moe she's not a townie, so she may not be familiar with the long and illustrious history of Central High School.