Obituary: Ruth Emory Allin - Class of 1929

MADISON - Ruth Emory Allin, age 97, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in Roseville Minn., at the Presbyterian Homes of Roseville where she had been living for the past seven years. Ruth was born on April 16, 1911, in Maywood Ill., the daughter of the late Lyndon King Emory and Elizabeth Bishop Emory. She moved to Madison in the early 1920s where Mr. Emory owned and operated Brown's Book Store. After graduating from Central High School, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated in 1933 with a degree in art. In 1935, Ruth married Robin N. Allin, who became a prominent internist at the Dean Clinic in Madison. In addition to raising her three children, Ruth pursued her work as an artist as a member of the Madison Art Guild. Dr. and Mrs. Allin traveled widely throughout the world. Ruth instilled in her children and grandchildren curiosity about the world, appreciation for nature, and enthusiasm for learning. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of the many places she had been and people she had met that she retained until her death. For the past 12 years of her life she lived in Minnesota. Ruth is survived by her son, Robin Nail Allin Jr. (Sheila) of Port Barrington Ill.; daughter, Nancy Allin Nelson (Russell) of St. Paul Minn.; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Allin of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Stephanie Clemson (Peter) of Evanston Ill., Derek Allin of Palatine Ill., Matthew Nelson (Kelley) of St. Paul Minn.; Erica Nelson (Dylan Howitt) of London UK; Lyndon Allin II (Lorina) of London UK; Robin Allin III of Port Barrington Ill.; Marin Nelson of Minneapolis, Minn. and Christopher Allin of Glendale Heights, Ill. Ruth felt very blessed to have enjoyed her six great-grandchildren, Anna and Matthew Clemson, Tyler and Zachary Nelson, Bryce Allin and Alexander Allin. Ruth is also survived by her niece, Patricia Lang of St Paul, Minn. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband in 1994; and by her son, Lyndon King Allin in 2000. A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison, on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at 3 p.m., with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials are preferred to the Robin N. Allin, M.D. Scholarship Fund of the University of Wisconsin Foundation or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 1, 2009

Ruth Emory Allin's class year is based in information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the February graduating class.

Obituary: Kenneth Lloyd Mickelson

POYNETTE - Kenneth Lloyd Mickelson departed this life surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at the age of 74. After graduating from Central High School, Madison, he served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Professionally, Ken was a carpenter and worked for Sullivan Brothers and Capitol Ceilings. Ken loved the great outdoors and was a lifelong gun and bow hunter. He trained many Springer Spaniels to hunt pheasants, and in later years enjoyed the close companionship of his rat terrier, Buddy. He was a faithful Packer-Backer all his life. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage; his family was one of the first Mickelson settlers in Vermont, Wis. Ken was a friend to everyone, always ready for a good joke or a gentle ribbing. He was always willing to help friends and family; he was someone all could count on. He celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary to his beloved wife, Beverly, in May, 2008, with his immediate family at his favorite supper club. Ken was preceded in death by Beverly on June 16, 2008; parents, Adolph and Florence (Zatocil); and siblings Donald, Lyle, Virginia, Lola, Robert and Betty Ann. He is survived by daughter, Georgia (Robert) Beaverson; son, Donald (Patti); son, Douglas (Toni); son, David; son, Daniel (Sheila); sisters, June Murphy, Meredith Skolaski and Ardith Kuska; and brother, Richard. Ken was the best grandfather any child could ask for, fun-loving, thoughtful and affectionate. He took joy in his eight grandchildren, Michael, Laura, Megan Natalie, Paige, Mitchell, Dayne and Drew. In their hearts "Grandpa Ken" will always have a safe and loving place. His children and their spouses will sorely miss their dad; he was a wonderful man and father. The entire family gratefully acknowledges the kind care and respect shown Ken by the staff of the Meriter oncology wing and HospiceCare. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ken's life on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2008, at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. for a Memorial Service. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 16, 2009

Obituary: Patricia Ann "Patty" (Adams) Klein - Class of 1953

MADISON - Patricia Ann "Patty" Klein, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, surrounded by family. She was born on Nov. 10, 1935, in Baraboo, to Victoria and Clarence Adams. Patty grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953. Patty married Roger Klein on June 25, 1955 and they celebrated 53 years together. They had three children. Patty loved to cook, bake, and shop all day on Saturdays. She also enjoyed garage saling with sister-in-law, Helen. Her homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be missed and according to her grandchildren, the best sugar cookies ever! Patty loved being with family at holiday time or just to sit and visit with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Roger; three children, Terri Klein, Dan Klein, and Gary (Valerie) Klein, all of Madison; three grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie and Jesse Klein, all the apple of Grandma's eye; a sister, Betty Retallick of Cassville; and brother, Jim (Toni) Adams of Mount Horeb. Patty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Dick Adams; and sister, Nancy Ward. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank HospiceCare and Dr. David Hei for making Patty more comfortable in the past few weeks. Patty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 13, 2009

Obituary: Opal Marie (Smith) Ihlenfeldt

OREGON/ MCALLEN, TEXAS- Opal Marie Ihlenfeldt died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at the age of 92. She was born in Beloit, on Dec. 12, 1916, to Iva Morton Smith and James Nelson Smith. Opal resided in Madison for 21 years, attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Professor Stanley W. Ihlenfeldt on June 23, 1941, and had three children. After Opal's marriage, she lived in Two Rivers, Neillsville and Elkhorn. W.T. Grant's and Harry S. Manchester Department Store employed her, and she later was an administrative secretary for the Elkhorn Public School System. Upon retiring, Opal and her husband moved to McAllen, Texas, and spent summers in Hatfield and Oregon, Wis. She was active with the Oregon Senior Center, and enjoyed making quilts for RSVP of Dane County, reading, and baking "her special recipe" of chocolate chip cookies for family and friends. Opal is survived by her children, Lee R. (Mary) Ihlenfeldt and Richard S. (Sandee) Ihlenfeldt; five grandchildren, Heather Ihlenfeldt, Jenn (Chad) Wachtl, Curtis (Katie) Ihlenfeldt, Mark (Becky) Ihlenfeldt and Doug (Pam) Ihlenfeldt; a great-granddaughter, Samantha Ihlenfeldt, and two great-grandchildren on the way; and a brother, Paul Morton Smith of Madison. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a daughter, Ruth Marie Ihlenfeldt; sister, Gladys O'Donnell Ekdahl; and brother, Milton Elmer Smith. Private services were held at Gunderson Stoughton Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Trusted Hands at Stoughton Hospital, and friends and neighbors for the excellent caregiving which allowed her to stay in her home for many years. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to the staff of Nazareth House in Stoughton for the wonderful personal care she received while residing there.Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Centers Highway 51 N. at Jackson St. (608) 873-4590

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 11, 2009

Obituary: William F. "Bill" Gaukel

MADISON - William F. "Bill" Gaukel, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, with his family by his side. Bill was born on Aug. 31, 1917, in Madison, the son of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. He attended and graduated from Central High School. Bill worked for Bennett Drapery for many years. He then became the service manager of Goben Car Dealership and worked there until his retirement in 1983. He was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Bill was both a talented artist and handyman. Bill is survived by his sister, Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork; seven great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel, Lindsay and Sierra Davenport and Jordan Mork and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and two sisters, Marian Davenport and Dorothy Gaukel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson Street, Madison. Msgr. Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Chapel in Madison. Bill will be dearly missed as he was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608)249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 9, 2009

Obituary: Jack E. Sorenson

MINOCQUA - Jack E. Sorensen, age 74, of Minocqua, died at his home on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. Jack worked in advertising sales at Madison Newspapers and was a graduate of Madison Central High School. He is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Knute "Rick" (Becky) Sorensen of Oregon, Wis.; two grandchildren, Dane and Brooke; and a sister, Gerry Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Vickie. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at 1 p.m. at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Minocqua, with a gathering for the public starting at noon in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Minocqua. Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services in Minocqua and Woodruff is serving the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 3, 2009

Obituary: Leta Mae (Bradley) Kelsey

MADISON - Leta Mae Kelsey, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at the HospiceCare Center. She was born on April 20, 1915, in Wonewoc, the daughter of Walter and Hulda (Stanley) Bradley. Leta graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Dwight Kelsey on June 21, 1937, in Belvidere, Ill. Leta worked at Rayovac for more than 35 years, retiring in 1977. She was a member of Sun Prairie Colonial Club. Leta enjoyed gardening, cooking, refinishing furniture and spending time with her family. She lived the last three years at Sienna Crest in Marshall. Leta is survived by her children, Alan (Margaret) Kelsey of Waterloo, Sharon (Joseph) Fisher of Florida and Martha Bazan of Madison; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Eugene Kehl of Madison; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight in 2002; her parents; two sisters, Ruby Dodge and Zona Stortieg; and stepson, Donald "Sandy" Kelsey. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or Valton Cemetery Association. A special thank you to HospiceCare for the care they gave Leta. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2009

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels - Class of 1961

MADISON - Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels, age 65, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at HospiceCare, of a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was born on Aug. 6, 1943, in Madison, the only son of Franklin and Florence (Caravello) Stoffels. Dick graduated from Madison Central High School in 1961. He was a Madison city letter carrier, served two years in the U.S. Army and spent the rest of his working career as a city letter carrier in Madison, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service. He was an avid fisherman and sports fan. Dick especially loved watching his own children and his grandsons "the boys" participate in their sporting activities. Dick is survived by his three children, Frank Stoffels of Middleton, Roxanne (Harrison) Stoffels-Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Rich (Mary) Stoffels of Waunakee; and three grandsons, Caden and Tegan Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Zachary Stoffels of Waunakee. He is further survived by four sisters, Geraldine Slattery of Madison, Mary (Michael) Furcht of Miami, Fla., Theresa (John) Both of Madison, and Kathy (Jeff) Pollei of Verona; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. We invite family and friends to a Celebration of Dick's life on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. There will be a private service for family officiated by Deacon David Nolan at another time. The family would like to acknowledge with a special "thank you" to the following: Mary Ann Dailey, Theresa Both, Kathy Pollei, Sherrie (Chris) Saunders, Bob Vohs, Gerry Vohs, VA and St. Mary's Hospitals, Home Health United, Senior Helpers (Lori) and HospiceCare. We are additionally grateful to family and friends who provided support and stopped in for a visit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 21, 2009

Obituary: Anne M. (Baumgartner) Behrnd

MADISON - Anne M. Behrnd, age 92, passed away at Oakwood Village West on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. Anne was born in Madison on June 18, 1916, to the late Mathew and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner. She attended Franklin School in south Madison and graduated from Central High School. She later worked at Forest Products Laboratory and Manchester's department store. Above all, Anne was devoted to her large and extended family. She spent many years caring for her elderly parents, a small niece, and, later, for her own family. Anne loved to prepare the delicious Swiss foods that she had learned from her mother. She was known for her wonderful baking, cooking, and cake decorating, especially at holidays and for special occasions, but also as "Mrs. Good Cook," the Mom who always sent cookies to her daughter's grade school. She loved shopping, attending auctions and estate sales, collecting old furniture to be refinished and restored, and searching for a really good bargain. She was proud of her Swiss heritage, spoke the language, and particularly enjoyed trips to Switzerland where she met cousins and other relatives and saw her family's home. She spent many happy hours with her sisters, sewing, drinking coffee, talking, and laughing together. She is survived by her husband, Henry; her daughter, Menzi; and son-in-law, Gerald. Anne also is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Euphemia Lengacher, Bertha (Betty) Leverentz, Lillian Scheel, Leona Dale, Hildegarde Baumgartner, Gladys Stanley, and Frances (Franz) Bulovsky; and six brothers, John, Walter, Walter Jacob, Mathew, and John Henry. The family is grateful to the nursing staff at Hebron Hall, Oakwood, for their gentle care and many kindnesses. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Oakwood Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 19, 2009

Obituary: Gladys Mae (Newberry) Randall - Class of 1934

MADISON - Gladys Mae Randall, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. She was born on March 15, 1916, in Kenosha, the daughter of Harry and Rose (Stuart) Newberry. Gladys left Kenosha in 1933 and moved to Madison. She attended and graduated from Central High School in 1934. On Nov. 7, 1936, Gladys was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Walter E. Randall, a former captain of the Madison Police Department. He preceded Gladys in death in 1977. Gladys worked for Piper's Cafeteria until 1940. She then decided to stay at home with her children. She was a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Gladys enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting, knitting and sewing. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Gladys is survived by her four children, Kathleen (Daniel) Frisch of Cross Plains, Jean (Chris) Ripp of Park Falls, Judy (Gerald) Frisch of Madison and Michael (Lorraine) Randall of Madison; 11 grandchildren, Patrick (Margit) Frisch of Stoughton, Brian (Denise) Frisch of Madison, Theresa (Scott) Schnabel of Oregon, Jacqueline (Duane) Statz of DeForest, Paula Ripp of Tempe, Ariz., Tara Ripp of Cross Plains, Ann (Todd) Carlson of New Glarus, Lori Frisch of Madison, Dale (Vanessa) Frisch of Cottage Grove, Minn., Jenny (Jeremy) Nichols of Milwaukee and Jessica Randall of Madison; 13 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; dear cousins, nieces, and nephews; and friends at Oakwood Village West. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter; grandson, Kyle Hachmeister; brothers, Harry (Betty) Newberry, Paul "Ty" (Norma) Newberry and Raymond (Evelyn) Newberry; two infant brothers; and a sister, Eleanor Ruth (Algot) Larson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan., 5, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison. Msgr. Kenneth Fiedler will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Oakwood Village West, 6175 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oak Wood Village West for the excellent care they provided during Gladys' time with them.Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 4, 2009