Obituary: Florence Mary Speth

MADISON - Florence Mary Speth, age 92, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2008, at Badger Prairie Health Care Center. When Florence was born on April 11, 1916, the United States was poised on the brink of World War I. She was the middle child of William Speth and Abbie Wolff Speth, third generation German Americans. She grew up on West Wilson St., attended St. Raphael's Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. Florence has been ill for many years and resided at the Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona. The family wishes to thank the nursing staff on 1-North for their loving care through the years. Florence is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Alice Speth of Madison; nephew, David (Kathy) Haas of Canton, Mich.; and nieces, Becky (Harold) Haas Ackerman of Rockford, Mich. and Marcia Speth Hunter of Los Angeles, Calif. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; sister, Marian Speth Haas; brother, William "Bill" Speth; and nephew, William "Mike" Speth. Private family services were held. Burial was held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Rd.(608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 27, 2008

Obituary: Barbara J. (Suetmeier) Cordio

CROSS PLAINS/COTTAGE GROVE - Barbara J. Cordio, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 13, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Jan. 14, 1931, in Madison, the son of Russell and Purnett (Christianson) Suetmeier. Barbara attended Central High School. She was united in marriage to Carl Cordio on May 21, 1955. Barbara worked at Bancroft Dairy, owned and operated Barb and Doris' Park Café (aka "The Greasy Spoon") and worked for Sears. She was the caretaker for her mother at the Grove. Barbara loved to sew, knit, cook, shop, and time spent with her grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her husband, Carl of Cross Plains; two children, Michael Cordio of Sun Prairie and Jennifer (Brian) Zwettler of Cross Plains; five grandchildren, Michael (Kim) Cordio Jr., Mackenzie, Taryn, Giovanna and Giancarl Zwettler; a great-grandchild, Cameron Cordio; three siblings, Joyce (William) Timmerman of Houston, Texas, Terra (Robert) Royce of Janesville and David Suetmeier of Eau Claire; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Linda Sue Cordio; a sister, Donna McChesney; and a brother, Harry James Suetmeier. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., at noon, on Thursday, July 17, 2008. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. A special thank you to all of Mom's friends and family who have been such a strong support to her. "I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little pig." Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 14, 2008

Obituary: Donald W. "Smitty" Smith - Class of 1938

MADISON - Donald W. "Smitty" Smith, age 87, died on Monday, July 7, 2008, at his home in Madison surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Oct. 4, 1920, to Thomas and Verna (Egan) Smith in Eau Claire. The family moved to Madison during the Great Depression. In Madison, he attended St. Raphael's grade school and Central High School. In 1942, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he attained the rank of captain. After one year of training, he was shipped to Norwich, England, where he flew 30 missions on his beloved plane "Queenie". On June 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Kathryn "Kay" Daly. After the war, Don returned to Madison, where he was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1318 on Lakeside St. For many years after his retirement, Don enjoyed golfing with his friends, and playing cards, especially euchre and bridge. Don is survived by his wife, Kay; two children, Marsha (John) Gahagan of Fitchburg and Greg (Susan Otterson) Smith of Janesville; and his adored grandchildren, Kevin (fiancee Lynn), Bridget, Keely, and Emma; a sister, Geraldine Hoffman of Madison; and nieces and cousins. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2008 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison with Father Todd Van Natta officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Friday. Memorials are appreciated to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank the staff at HospiceCare and St. Mary's Care Center for the wonderful care provided to Don. Also, special thanks to Dr. Hermus and Angie, as well as Melissa and Becky. He will be dearly missed. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 9, 2008

Note: Donald Smith's class year is based in information in the 1938 Orange & Black yearbook, where he is listed among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Richard J. Adams - Class of 1956

POYNETTE - Richard J. Adams of Poynette and formerly of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer. "Turk" was born on Feb. 23, 1937 and proudly grew up in the Greenbush area. He was a 1956 graduate of Madison Central High School. Dick worked many years as a route driver for Budweiser, Frank's Liquor, Gardner's Bakery and Purolator Courier. He was a life long Chicago Bears fan and an avid Chicago Cubs Fan. He got to live out one of his life long dreams to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field this year. Richard is survived by his wife, Bethany; children, Gail (Mike Loftis) Cartmill of Tucson, Ariz., Vernon (Kathy) Young of Merrimac, James (Jodee Kox) Young of DeForest, Michael (Melissa Tietz) Adams of Cottage Grove and Michele (Kurt) Miller of Monona; brother, James (Toni) Adams of Mount Horeb; sisters, Betty Retalick of Cassville and Patricia (Roger) Klein of Madison; grandchildren, Hallee, Jordan, Katie, Haley, Alex, Kassie, Ryan, Abigail and Nicholas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence "Butch" and Victoria Adams; his beautiful daughter, Diane Adams; and a sister, Nancy Ward. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Richard will always be remembered for his constant smile, his big blue eyes, and his great sense of humor. He touched the hearts of many and brought happiness to all he met. Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona, on Thursday, July 10, 2008, at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Nicholas Utphall presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and also on Thursday at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service. A special thank you to the staff at Middleton Village for all you did to make his last days comfortable. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 7, 2008

Obituary: Francis Gannon - Class of 1940

MIDDLETON - Francis Gannon, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. He was born on Aug. 12, 1924, in Madison, the son of Richard Gannon and Anne (Olson) Gannon Darling. Francis graduated from Central High School in 1940 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served in the Pacific Theater throughout the war years, then attended college at UW-Madison, Purdue University, and Princeton College. He rejoined the Navy and served in the Korean War, then did shore duty at UW-Madison N.R.O.T.C. where he met his wife, Marilyn. His next Navy stint was on the Charles F. Adams, the first guided missile ship, built in Bath, Maine, where he was fire control technician for the Tartar Missile System for six years. His last shore duty was a Dam Neck, Va., where he taught the Tartar Missile System and subsequently retired from the Navy after 30 years of active duty. He and his family returned to his home city of Madison, where he continued to be a devoted Badgers and Packers fan. Francis is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three daughters, DeAnn (Dr. Jay) Meythaler of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Suzann (Steven) Mattson of Mequon, and Jennifer (Daniel) Foelker of Middleton; and six grandchildren, Nicholaus and Andrew Meythaler, Ryan, Kathryn, and Richard Mattson, and Ava Foelker. Francis was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Lucille Jones; a brother, Michael Gannon; and an infant daughter. Funeral services will be held at GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1 S. Rosa Road, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2008, with the Rev. Theodore G. Gullixson presiding. Burial will be in Middleton Junction Cemetery, Middleton. Family and friends may call on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 6, 2008

Obituary: Lenore R. (Alagna) Brown - Class of 1948

OCEANSIDE, CALIF./ MADISON, WIS. - Leonore R. Brown, age 77, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary(Justiliano) Alagna of Madison, Wis. Lee graduated from Central High School in 1948 in Madison. She married Edward T. Brown and from 1954 until 1965, Lee gave birth to nine children and raised them on her own after the death of her husband in 1969. She is survived by her nine children; 21 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is further survived by an uncle, Joseph Justiliano; her cousins, Rita and Paula Rinelli, Joey(Mary Ln) Justiliano, Maria Justiliano, and Joanne Suchamel (Ron), all in the Madison/Milwaukee area; and her cousins, Linda Rinelli of Denver Colo. and Jim Justiliano of Florida. Funeral services and internment took place on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at ETERNAL HILLS MORTUARY in Oceanside, Calif. Sign the Oceanside CA Guest Book online at www.obits.nctimes.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 22, 2008

Obituary: Anna Fox

FITCHBURG - Anna Fox, age 104 ½, died peacefully in her sleep at home early Thursday morning, June 12, 2008. She was born on Jan. 13, 1904 in Madison to Dr. Philip Reginald and Katharine Brigham Fox. Anna graduated from Madison Central High School and the UW-Madison with a B.A. in history. She was an underwriter for The Wisconsin Life Insurance Co. in Madison for 42 ½ years from Aug. 2, 1926 to Jan. 31, 1969. Her grandfather was the first medical director there and was succeeded by her father. When Anna retired, it was the first time since its founding in 1895, that there was no Fox in the company. A highlight of Anna's life was her trip in 1933 to the British Isles. While there she met her cousin, Brabizon Fox in Ireland. They recognized each other right away although they would have had to go back to Matthew Fox (1745-1808), Anna's great-great-great grandfather to find a common ancestor. She was a good friend to many, many people and will be well remembered for her wit and fine sense of humor, as well as her prodigious memory and love of history, all of which remained until the end. Anna is survived by her sister, Katharine "Katy" Fox Purcell; her nephew, Philip "Pete" Fox Purcell; nieces, Katharine "Kate" Brigham Renchin and Nancy Deering Fox; and countless cousins around the world. She was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth (Ums) Franklin Kaeser; and a brother, Philip Fox. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, with Father Bill Connell presiding. Inurnment will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service on at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg WI, 53711. Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Dr. (608) 835-3515

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 15, 2008

Obituary: Judith (Myers) Behrend - Class of 1956

MADISON - Judy Behrend, age 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. She was born Judith Marilyn Myers on July 21, 1938. A lifelong resident of Madison, growing up around the Vilas Zoo area, she was a 1956 graduate of Central High School. At 17, she quickly attained a position with the Air Force at Truax Field. In a forty year career as a civil servant, she started as a supply clerk and retired as the management assistant to the Deputy Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard. Her position brought excitement and a great sense of accomplishment, traveling around this country in military aircrafts and riding in tanks and armored personnel carriers. Judy's career was highlighted with numerous honors, including the Minuteman Award, presented to her at the Pentagon. As dedicated as she was to her job, nothing brought as much pride to her heart as her family. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Phil Behrend, their son Marc was born. Thus begun a long love affair with hockey. Judy was a proud mom and a faithful fan in the seats as Marc played for the Wisconsin Badgers, the USA Olympic team in 1984 at Sarajavo, Yugoslavia and the NHL's Winnipeg Jets of Canada. And it only got better when her son became a sixth generation firefighter for the Madison Fire Department. But, her biggest reward in life came in the form of her two beloved grandchildren, granddaughter Krista and grandson, Eric. She was a loving mother and an even more loving grandma. In a perfect world for Judy, everyday would have been Christmas. Instead, she went to a better world. She will be greatly missed by the family who loved her and all those who knew her. Judy is survived by her son, Marc Behrend; granddaughter, Krista Behrend; grandson, Eric Behren; her father, Dale Myers; two sisters, Shirley Ryan and Lynda (Marc) McCarville; a brother, Garry (Sue) Myers; nieces, Kathy (Mike) Anderson and Lori (Joe) Hewitt; nephews, Paul (Tammy) Ryan, Dennis (Pam) Ryan, Tom (Robin) Ryan, Dale Ryan, Shadd Weiss, and Dustin Weiss; 13 great-nieces and nephews; and her two very special little girls, Natalie and Paige. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Fisher; and her brother-in-law, Paul Ryan. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, at 7 p.m., with Father Roger Nilles officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 5 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Obituary: Jane Mackinnon Morrison Webster - Class of 1934

MADISON - Jane Mackinnon Morrison Webster passed over peacefully June 1, 2008. Jane was born on Jan. 16, 1916, in Morrisonville, Wis. She was extremely proud of her ancestry, being descended from pioneering Scottish families, Morrison, Caldwell, Mackinnon, and Caldow, who settled the Arlington Prairie in Dane and Columbia Counties in the 1840s. She was daughter to Colin Mackinnon Morrison and Mary Elizabeth Caldwell. Her childhood was joyful and characterized by the close associations with her aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, several of whom were the result of three separate marriages between the Morrison and the Caldwell families. On her 75th birthday, she was surrounded by her many cousins and they were remembering the day she was born. She moved to Madison at the age of five when her father took a position with the State Board of Bank Examiners and they lived a block from the Capitol Square. She graduated from Brayton Elementary School and Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. While at Madison Central, she met the love of her life, Thomas Alden Webster, who preceded her in death in 1993 after enjoying nearly 60 years of marriage. They had two children, the Rev. Colin Thomas (Sue) and Dr. Stephen Alden (Susan). She has been further blessed by 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was a powerful matriarch to her family, passing along to them a strong sense of the importance of dedication to family, love of God, and humble service to her beliefs and commitments. To the end, she was pragmatic and positive, coping with the consequences of the frailties of the aging body. Her life was driven by the pleasure she derived from being with her family. Her sense of humor, tolerant values, and open spirit endeared her to friends from every generation and she was deeply loved and admired. Her perseverance and resolute attitude inspired many. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church for 80 years. Lately, she appreciated Bethel Lutheran's television services. When Tom retired they took up vacationing in their Winnebago motor home. Countless happy hours were spent touring North America. Their time together during these years brought them both great contentment and enjoyment, as well as a bit of complaining when the "rig" broke down. They spent many happy years living on Monona Bay and Jane liked watching the duck couples paddling about. She will be especially missed for her Scottish shortbread and "peppernuts" (cooking traditions that she fully expected her offspring to continue). Her associations were important to her and provided many networks and happy memories. She was a member of the Monona Bay Garden Club, Eastern Shrine, Daughters of the Nile, ASPA, Ladies Auxiliary of Elks 410, and the Whitcomb Gals. After her children were raised she worked at Nelson's Books and Stationary in the Shorewood Shopping Center. She has gone to join her loved ones and prepare a place for those yet to come. She is deeply missed by all those who were close to her. Her passing leaves a deep void while the memories of her bring joy and inspiration. Her passing truly marks the close of a generation; the product of strong and resilient prairie farmers, dedicated to family and unambiguous values. Her family would like to thank the staff at Meriter/Capitol Lakes Health Center for their tender and loving care. A Memorial Service celebrating her time with us and the promise of the resurrection will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 944 E. Gorham St., Madison on July 6, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project. Cress Funeral and Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 8, 2008

Note: Jane Morrison's class year is based on information in the 1934 edition of The Orange and Black yearbook where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Don Waldorf - Class of 1951

MADISON - Don Waldorf, age 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2008, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 15, 1933, in Madison, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Reinke) Waldorf. He graduated from Central High School in 1951. Don began working for the City of Madison Engineering Department, retiring as a general foreman in January of 1990. He also was a part time youth softball supervisor for Madison School Community Recreation. Don loved softball. He organized many youth softball teams. Don played until a knee injury stopped his playing days, and then began coaching each of his children's teams and adult men and women softball teams. Don also loved taking pictures and combined his love of sports with his love of photography. He often attended high school sporting events to take pictures of many players, giving each of the players a copy of their photo. Many people knew Don as the "candy" or the "tootsie roll man." He always carried candy in his shirt pocket. Don was very loved by his family, according to one of his grandchildren, "I love you times 102." He is survived by his wife, Susanne; daughters, Elizabeth (David) Mitchell and Vicki (Martin) Limmex; son, Gregg Waldorf; grandchildren, Amy, Adriane, Zachary, Stephanie, Alex and Isaac; two great-grandchildren, Maven and Brandon; brother, Sid (Kathy) Waldorf; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Patricia; and nephew, James. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 3, 2008