Obituary: Samuel Thomas "Tom" Beld - Class of 1968

MADISON - Samuel Thomas "Tom" Beld, age 56, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. He was born on Aug. 12, 1950, in Madison, the son of George and Rachel Beld. Tom graduated from Central High School, with the class of 1968. He owned Beld Roofing in Madison. Tom enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, bowling, helping others, traveling, especially to Mexico, and socializing with family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Rachel Smith of Madison; two children, Matt Beld and Christina Beld both of Madison; and their mother, Peggy Beld of McFarland; two grandchildren, Diamond and Darius Washington; a brother, Jeff (Denise) Beld of Santa Cruz, Calif.; a sister, Janice (Lucas) Piper of Oregon; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his father, George; step-father, Fred Smith; and a brother, Gary Beld. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service on Sunday. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2006

Obituary: Ruth L. Oakey - Class of 1930

MADISON - Ruth L. Oakey, age 94, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006, in Madison. Ruth was born June 23, 1912, in Chicago, the daughter of William E. and Louise B. (Ott) Oakey. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School. She retired from National Guardian Life Insurance Company of Madison, after a long career as Administrative Secretary. Ruth enjoyed traveling. Her travels took her throughout Europe. Ruth is survived by her sister, Betty (William) Dye of Middleton; sister-in-law, Mildred Oakey of Stoughton; four nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. Services for Ruth will be private. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 27, 2006

Note: Ruth L. Oakey's class year is based on information in a list of 188 Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 6, 1930. She is listed as Ruth Louise Oakey.

Obituary: Edward G. Debs - Class of 1933

MADISON/ WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. - Edward G. Debs, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. He was born Feb. 17, 1915, to Joseph and Edith Debs in Elroy and lived in Madison since moving there in 1921. He graduated from Central High School in 1933. He was employed by the post office until serving his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army in the Philippines. After discharge he returned to his job at the post office and served 30 years until his retirement in 1971. He and his wife, Carol, have enjoyed their winters in West Palm Beach, Fla., for the last 30 years. Edward enjoyed traveling, camping, was a passionate trout fisherman and a long time member of Trout Unlimited. He was also a life member of Madison Elk's Club No. 410. Edward is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Carol; children, Jane (Craig) Smith of Delafield, Susan (Eric) Van Abel-Oltmann of Ventura, Calif. and Ron (Andrea) Debs of Middleton; four grandchildren, Jennifer Smith of Milwaukee, Kimberly (Jake) Spitz of Pewaukee and Katie and Matthew Debs of Middleton; two great-grandchildren, Erik and Sonia Spitz of Pewaukee; brother, John (Esther) Debs of Huntsville, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Debs; first wife, Irma Meyr; second wife, LaVerne Hoffman; brothers, Marvin and Leo Debs; and sisters, Josephine Day and Alice Markowitz. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend; he will be missed. It was Edward's wish that a service not be held, but family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at HOWARD-PRICE FUNERAL HOME, 754 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday, Nov. 27, 2006, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The family thanks the kind and caring people at University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Care Center, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164 and requests any memorial contributions be made to the Center in lieu of flowers.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 26, 2006

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Coghlan - Class of 1961

NAPLES, FLA. - Richard "Dick" Coghlan, age 62, of Naples, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, after battling lymphoma. He was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Madison, to the late Ruby and John Coghlan. Dick graduated Central High School in Madison and worked for the Badger Cab Company, there as a mechanic. After he graduated from the Wisconsin School of Electronics he worked for Western Electric in Chicago. Dick and his family moved back to Madison, where he worked for General Telephone Company (GTE) for 30 years until his retirement in 1999. He and his wife, Marsha, moved to Naples to do some golfing. He also worked part time at Arrowhead Golf Course. In 1987, Dick had a heart transplant and in 1988, a kidney transplant. He was always very grateful to his donors for their generous "Gift of Life." Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Coghlan. Dick is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marsha; three children, Cori Shambaugh (Troy) of Greenfield, Ind., John Coghlan (Jennifer) of Carmel, Ind. and Todd Coghlan of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; and three grandchildren (whom he adored), Luke and Abigail Shambaugh and Conner Coghlan. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Debbie Brown (Roger) of Fitchburg; an aunt, Alvira Sutcliffe of Black Earth; and many cousins and friends. Dick will be buried at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes everyone would consider becoming organ donors. Dick had 19 extra years of life because of his two donors. Fuller Funeral Home Pine Ridge Road (239) 592-1611

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 29, 2006

Note: Richard Coghlan's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn, which includes his senior class photo.

Class years needed for these alumni

The class year for the Madison Central alumni listed below was not provided in the obituary. All the obituaries are from 2006. For each name, I've indicated birth and death dates, if available. In some instances, the obituary had the age and date of death (DOD), but not the birthdate.

It will help with indexing and searching if this information can be added. If you can provide the class year, please e-mail me or leave a comment with this information.

Ellen L. (Eggenberger) Beaulieau (DOD: 2/4/2006 - age 81)
Anthony Scalissi, Sr. (2/3/1918 - 2/10/2006)
John David "Dave" Thurman (10/27/1934-2/9/2006)
Sonja A. White (DOD: 2/7/2006 - age 57)
Darlene E. (Johnston) Arndt (4/3/1930-2/27/2006)
Doris (Skaar) Archie (9/14/1936-3/21/2006)
Edsel F. Kingsley (6/15/1920-3/30/2006)
Thomas J. Masino (1/7/1950-4/27/2006)
Phyllis Ann (Thompson) Daleo (DOD 5/5/2006 -age 78)
Gretchen L. (Glunz) Callaway (2/7/1917-5/14/2006)
James F. Ninedorf (12/18/1927-3/31/2006)
Philip R. Ellis (7/9/1920-6/10/2006)
Jay R. Morey (6/2/1929-2/7/2006)
James Francis Balthazor (6/26/1919-6/20/2006)
Milton M. Lemke (6/10/1925-8/1/2006)
Chris P. Josheff (5/16/1924-9/27/2006)
Laurene W. (Helleckson) Meyer (11/18/1916-9/27/2006)
John J. "Jack" Fasel (7/26/1949-10/2/2006)

I have not provided links to all these obituaries because creating links is a very time-consuming process. If you want to locate the complete obituary, try either (1) using the Google search tool in the right hand column, or (2) use the archives list to go to a specific month.

Obituary: Ernestine (Mitchell) Bugbee - Class of 1961

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Ernestine Mitchell Bugbee of Providence, R.I., died peacefully Tuesday Oct. 3 2006, at the Phillip Huiltar Inpatient Hospice Center in Providence, following a long illness. Ernestine was born in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 18, 1943, the daughter of Edward D and Ernestine Roberts Mitchell. She grew up in a large and loving family in Madison and graduated from Central High School. As an undergraduate at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. she participated in the student sit-ins and boycotts that helped focus national attention on America's civil rights movement and inspired similar actions by students in 54 cities across nine states. Upon graduation from Bennett, Ernestine's interest in fashion and style led her to New York, where she wrote marketing copy for Allied Stores and Mademoiselle before becoming director of public relations for the professional products division L'Oreal. Her success designing and fabricating custom tablecloths, napkins and table arrangements made her a sought-after expert both on national television programs and in the consumer press. Following four years in Harrogate, England, she and her husband relocated to Rhode Island, and their present home on Providence's east side. Her volunteer commitments included the Women's Center for Domestic Abuse and ASSE Student Exchange. Until forced to retire because of her illness, Ernestine was the Director of the Community Kitchen Culinary program for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. A member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, she taught church school and was involved in many activities focused on helping the less fortunate members of the Providence community. The beloved wife of Robin Alexander Bugbee for more than 35 years, Ernestine had a great sense of humor and a magical laugh--both frequently directed at herself. To her love of plaid, music and children she brought her big heart, great common sense, an unshakeable belief in peoples essential goodness and an eagerness to help others however she could. She touched the hearts and helped change the lives of many. She is survived by her devoted husband; her sister, Marilyn Mitchell of New York City (their brother Don predeceased her); her brothers-in-law, Christopher Bugbee of Las Angeles, Calif., and Bruce Bugbee of Napa, Calif.; her nieces and nephews, Sara, Erin, Isabelle, Rachael, Byron and Colin; her godchildren, Christopher Altchek and Tamara Brown; and a vital community of family and friends throughout the world who knew the gentleness of her touch and loved her as dearly as Ernestine loved them and every minute of her wonderful life. She will live forever in our hearts. Funeral services will held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at ST. MARTIN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Orchard Ave., Providence, R.I. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Thethe Southern Poverty Law Council, Thethe Rhode Island Community Food Bank or the Phillip Hulitar Hospice Center.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 12, 2006

Note: Ernestine Mitchell's class year is based on information in the 1961 Tychoberahn.

Obituary: Annette Caruso - Class of 1953

MADISON - Annette Caruso, age 71, died on Monday morning, Oct. 9, 2006, at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. She was born on Aug. 2, 1935, the daughter of James and Caroline (Messina) Caruso in Madison. She attended Longfellow grade school and graduated from Central High School, class of 1953. For many years she had worked at the University of Wisconsin, Math Department and after retirement at the American Girl, in Middleton. She was a world traveler and would visit her late brother Carl in various locations throughout the world where he was a diplomatic courier with the United States Foreign Service Department. She was active in the Italian Womens Club and CIAO, volunteering a lot of her time to various organizations. She is survived by her brother, Al (Carrie) of Phoenix, Ariz.; nieces, Carol of Phoenix, Rose Marie (Dale) Roberts of Appleton, Patricia of White Plains, N.Y., Jim (Marla) of Phoenix, Michael (Theresa) of Phoenix, and Maria (Tim) Cooper of Madison; and several grand-nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly. A special thank you to Dr. Michael Frontiera and staff at Dean Medical Clinic, the wonderful staff at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, and the staff at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Caroline Caruso; and brothers, Carl and Michael. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1134 St. James Court, Madison, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. at the church until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 10, 2006

Obituary: Jesse Edward Sprague - Class of 1966

MADISON - Jesse Edward Sprague, age 57, died Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006, at home, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. For three years, Jesse battled a brain tumor with courage, patience, dignity and good humor. Jesse was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and as a boy moved with his mother and sister to Madison. Jesse was an outstanding athlete and after graduating from Central High School played with the famed Madison Mustangs semi-professional football team. He graduated from UW-Madison in 1975, and after serving in the National Guard, began his career as a Dane County social worker. He served our community's families and youth with compassion, honesty and respect. In recognition of his dedication, Jesse received the George Northrup Award in 2004. Jesse married the love of his life, Mary (LeMoine) on April 22, 1983, and together they made a joyful home for their five children. Jesse's happiness and pride grew as his children did, and he reveled in the eight beautiful grandchildren they gave him. Jesse's interests were broad and he shared his enthusiasm for music, history and sports with a vast network of friends. Whether traveling with his pals to a ballgame, playing golf or softball, gathering with friends for cards, or watching a local band, Jesse was always a boundless source of energy and joy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice (Watson) Sprague. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, Jason (Jenny) Sprague of Sun Prairie, Sarah (Andy) Napgezek of Wausau, Christine Sprague of Milwaukee, Melissa (Travis) Schlegel of Neenah, and Mac (Katie) Vesperman of Deerfield. He is further survived by eight grandchildren, Fischer, Jack, Macie, Anabelle, Gabriel, Ethan, Mac, and his newest grandchild and namesake, Jesse, born Sept. 24, 2006. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Charlie Johnston) Sprague of Hudson; nephew, Peter Johnston of Saint Paul, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Michelle (Brian) Bazala and Melinda (Robert) Funseth, of Verona; brother-in-law, Michael (Amy) LeMoine of Stoughton; and cousins, Bruce (Becky) Mueller of Madison, Nancy (Tom) Gustafson of Eagan, Minn., and Rick (Joanne) Williams of Duxbury, Mass.; and first wife, Susan (Voss) Sprague of Sun Prairie. All who knew Jesse will sorely miss him. His family wishes to thank HospiceCare for its invaluable support, and acknowledge the world-class care Jesse received from the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Mary's Hospital, especially Dr. Todd T. Trier. The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2006, at ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 427 South Main, Verona, with visitation commencing at 1 p.m. The family asks that memorials be made to Headrush, a Wisconsin event to benefit brain tumor research and education (www.headrushevent.org), or to Rubin for Kids (www.rubinforkids.org). Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 4, 2006

Obituary: John J. "Jack" Fasel - Class of 1968

MADISON - John J. "Jack" Fasel, age 57, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006. He was born on July 26, 1949, in Madison, to Leo and Angeline (Donagrico) Fasel. John graduated from Madison Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy. John enjoyed collages and motorcycles. He is survived by his mother, Angeline Mason of Madison; a sister, Angela (Robert) Federman of Madison; two brothers, James Mason of Louisville, Ky., and Fred Fasel of Austin, Texas; an aunt, Nina Oros of Madison; two nephews; three nieces; three cousins; and other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his father. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2006. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's name, for a fund to be established for those suffering from mental illness. A special thank you to Offshore Group Home, Dane County Mental Health, and his case manager, for the care and support they have shown John. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 4, 2006

Note: Jack Fasel's class year is based on information in the 1967 and 1968 Tychoberahns. Thanks to Will Elmendorf (Class of 1967) and Tom Jordee (Class of 1968) for contributing this information.

Obituary: Laurene W. (Helleckson) Meyer - Class of 1934

MADISON - Laurene W. Meyer, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, at the Karmenta Center, Madison. She was born on Nov. 18, 1916, in Madison, the daughter of Theodore and Lillian (Bilse) Helleckson. Laurene was united in marriage to Earl Meyer on April 25, 1941, and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage until his death in 1992. Mrs. Meyer was a lifelong resident of Madison and was a graduate of Madison Central High School. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison and of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, Middleton. Laurene was an avid bowler and card player, who especially enjoyed playing cards at the Wilmar Community Center, Madison. She was a great cook who loved preparing food for family get-togethers (the bigger the better). She viewed her most important job in life of being wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed and mourned by her beloved family, including her daughter, Janet (Paul) Aulik of Madison; her daughter-in-law, Betty Meyer of Madison; her grandchildren, Kimberly Meyer, Rusty Meyer, Heather (Jason) Ackerman and Michael (Carrie) Aulik; her great grandchildren, Cody and Julia Aulik and Paige and Megan Ackerman; her sister, Ruby Hubbard; her sisters-in-law, Katie Helleckson, Ruth Helleckson, Angie Helleckson, Diane Gueldenzopf and Sarah Winch; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends also mourn her passing. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Russell; an infant daughter, Nancy; and brothers, Carmen, Burnette, Palmer "Porky" and Dwaine "Dick" Helleckson. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, Oct. 2, 2006, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison, with the Rev. Ken Smith officiating. Burial will be held in Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials would be appreciated to the Karmenta Center Bus Fund. A special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Karmenta, to HospiceCare and to Mary, Lynn and Rosemary whose love and devotion was appreciated by her beloved family. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. (608) 249-6666


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 1, 2006

Note: : Laurene Meyer's graduation year was provided by her daughter, Jan Aulik.