Obituary: Shirley Mae (Porter) Connery - Class of 1953

MADISON - Shirley Mae (Porter) Connery, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010, at Four Winds Manor in Verona with her family by her side. She was born on May 6, 1935, in Madison, the daughter of Helen (Armstrong) and Alfred Porter. Shirley grew up in the Greenbush area of Madison and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953. She married Richard Connery on Dec. 11, 1954. Shirley enjoyed gardening, music, reading, crossword puzzles, birdwatching and feeding the birds, her cats, picnics at Vilas Park, and Sunday afternoon drives with the family. She was a talented sketch artist. Shirley worked for Troia Steak House for many years and retired from 28 years of service with the Internal Revenue Service in 1996. She is survived by her son, Michael D. (Faye) Connery of Verona; two granddaughters that were the love of her life, Callie Mae and Cassandra Margaret Connery; two brothers, Ronald (Sandra) Porter and William Porter both of Madison; and two sisters, Jeanne Sigmond of El Paso, Texas, and Beverly Fitzgerald of McFarland. Shirley had a special love for her many nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Richard; and mother-in-law, Lucille Friesleben. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, with Chaplain Steve Zwettler presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.on Sunday, March 7, 2010, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Angel's Wish or to HospiceCare Inc. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Four Winds Manor in Verona and her HospiceCare team for the loving care and attention given to Shirley.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 7, 2010

Obituary: Helen G. (Sharratt) Bruegger

WHITEWATER - Helen G. Bruegger, age 99, of Whitewater, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Madison on Dec. 7, 1910, the daughter of Henry F. and Gertrude (Davis) Sharratt. She was raised in Madison and graduated from Central High School. Helen married Roger W. Bruegger on May 12, 1936. Together they traveled extensively in an Airstream trailer and later they spent their time between Whitewater and Bradenton, Fla. She was always ready for a good card game. Helen attended church at Milton United Methodist Church in Milton.

She is survived by two daughters, Joan H. (Darwin E.) Fish of Fort Atkinson, and Elizabeth "Betty" Gilbert of Madison; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Jack) Findley of Whitewater; nine grandchildren, Patricia Gilbert of California, June Gilbert of Madison, Ronald (Alexis) Gilbert of Colorado, Kevin (Michelle) Fish of Janesville, Kent Fish of Portage, Karen (Brent) Miller of Milton, Erin (Daniel) Hubbard of Minot, N.D., Ellen (Joe) Guerin of Minnesota, and Erica (Robb) Yopps of California; 13 great-grandchildren; and nephew, John Whitfield of Illinois.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband; a son, William Bruegger; a grandson, Jeffrey A. Fish; a sister, Violet Whitfield; and a brother, Robert Sharratt.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the NITARDY FUNERAL HOME, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater. Assisting the family is the Rev. Patrick Schultz of Milton United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or Milton United Methodist Church.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 4, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marilyn M. (Mahaffey) King - Class of 1950

VERONA/ MADISON - Marilyn M. King, age 77, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 1, 2010, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg after vigilantly battling lymphoma cancer for 16 years. Marilyn was born in Madison on Dec. 14, 1932, the daughter of Florence (Yates) and Chauncey E. Mahaffey, who preceded her in death. Marilyn graduated from Madison Central High School in 1950, and married Robert D. "Bob" King on Aug. 25, 1956. Bob and Marilyn were married for 39 years, until his passing on Sept. 13, 1995. During their lives together, Bob and Marilyn raised three children, Judy (Ted) Nowak of Madison, Laurie (Wayne) Mueller of Stoughton, and David King of Montello. In addition to her children, Marilyn leaves four grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew Nowak, and Kelsey and Robert Mueller. Marilyn worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District for 23 years as an educational assistant, the majority of her time spent at West High School. Many of her colleagues remained treasured friends after her retirement in 1997. Marilyn loved to sew, knit, cross stitch and crochet, and her handiwork was admired and treasured by those lucky enough to receive an item "Made by Marilyn." After moving to Verona in 2004, she spent many hours at the Sow's Ear knitting, crocheting and chatting with her friends. She leaves many cherished friends at the Meridian Condominiums in Verona and Olympic Village Condominiums in Sun Prairie, as well as friends from the "old" Madison West Side neighborhood, who will miss her caring nature, sass and sense of humor. In keeping with Marilyn's wishes, a private burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens. A get together to celebrate her life is being planned, to take place at a later date. Marilyn and her family would like to thank HospiceCare and Brightstar, with special thanks to Brightstar CNA Saoirse, for the excellent care she received, allowing her to stay at home until her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn's name can be made to HospiceCare Inc. or the American Cancer Society. "Grammy, we love you and will miss you." Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 3, 2010

Obituary: James S. "Jim" Butler - Class of 1963

MCFARLAND - James S. "Jim" Butler, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born in Madison on May 29, 1945, a son of Stanley and Marion (White) Butler. Jim attended St. James Grade School and graduated from Central High School in Madison. Jim served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. He was united in marriage to Diana Carey in 2002. Jim worked for UPS for 33+ years, and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 344. Jim was also a member of Hope Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion and the VFW. He was an avid outdoor sportsman, and loved NASCAR, the Packers and the Badgers. He is survived by his wife, Diana; daughter, Suzanne (Mike Everitt) Butler; son, Brian Butler; daughters, April (Joe) Stankiewicz-Schmidt and Tammy (Marquion) Hudson; grandchildren, Nicholas Everitt, Donovon, Mason, Cole, Richelle, Melissa and Nicholas Stankiewicz; his mother, Marion; sister, Jeanne (George) Alt; brothers, Michael (Bonnie) Butler and Richard (Delores) Butler; nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the MCFARLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5710 Anthony St., McFarland with the Rev. Wayne Shannon and the Rev. Jack Hicks officiating, followed by Military Rites outside the church. The family will greet friends at church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Following services, a luncheon will be held at VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Thank you to his angel nurses at St. Mary's, special thanks to Dr. Ray Kimura at Meriter, Dr. David Shearer, and a very special thank you to Dr. Jo Nord. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2010

Note: James Butler's class year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Shelby Knutsen - Class of 1967

MADISON - Shelby Knutsen (Wagner McCafferty), 61 years old, passed away on Jan. 13, 2010, at HospiceCare. She will be cremated with no services as she requested. Memorials can be made in her name to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 24, 2010; submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967)

Shelby Knutsen's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Loretta Blewett - Class of 1936

MADISON - Loretta passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. She was born December 12, 1918, at Delphi, Ind. She was a retired legal secretary. She moved to Madison, when she was three years old with her parents. She graduated from Central High School in 1936, and attended Edgewood Junior College for two years. In 1943, she moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, where she worked as a teller in a bank. She met her future husband there and they were married at Durham, N.C., on April 8, 1944. They moved to Japan where he was employed as a Civilian Personnel Officer with the U.S. Army. She enjoyed living in Japan, Honolulu, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and Santa Barbara, Calif. She belonged to the Santa Barbara Organ Society and Madison Organ Society. She liked sewing, rug hooking, reading and bridge. Preceding Loretta in death were her parents and her husband. Per her wishes, there will be no services. She donated her body to the U.W. Medical School.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 24, 2010.

NB: I believe Blewett was probably her married name. If you can provide her name at the time she graduated, please contact me.

Obituary: Kenneth G. Nachreiner - Class of 1944

MONONA - Kenneth G. Nachreiner, age 83, died on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, after a brief illness. He was born on Sept. 24, 1926, in Bear Valley, the tenth and youngest child of Herbert and Veronica (Volk) Nachreiner. The family moved to Madison in 1927, where Ken attended Holy Redeemer grade school and Central High School, graduating in June 1944. He was drafted into the U. S. Army in December 1944, and served 13 months in Manila, Philippines. On his separation from the armed forces in November 1946, Ken attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in June 1950. He married Elaine Pschorr on May 30, 1951, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. Together they raised five children. Ken began a career in Wisconsin state service in February 1951, and served 37 years, retiring from the Department of Health and Social Services. He was an avid reader and history buff, especially American history. Ken was most interested in the Civil War and World War II. He loved cars, enjoyed the happy times spent camping with family, and traveling throughout the United States. Ken is survived by his wife, Elaine; five children, Mark (Judy) of Madison, Paul (Deb), James "Butch" (Sally Jones) and Susan (John) Veserat, all of Monona, and Amy (Trace) Stovall of Colquitt, Ga.; grandchildren, Katie and Kyle Nachreiner, and Emily, Kelsey and Andrew Veserat; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Leonard, Walter, Louie, "Tom," Harold and Ralph; and three sisters, Irene, Frieda Dahlk and Marie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, with a Scripture service at 3 p.m., and at the church from 10 a.m., until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, Wis., 53711 or Immaculate Heart of Mary Endowment Fund. Special thanks to Angie and her team at HospiceCare. "Dear husband, dad, grandpa, we will see you 'east of the sun and west of the moon.'" Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2010

Obituary: Norbert J. King - Class of 1945

MADISON - Norbert J. King, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Oakwood Village West. He was born on July 16, 1927, in Madison, to Norbert V. and Myrtle (Nolen) King. They preceded him in death. Norbert graduated from Central High School in 1945. Norbert served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he was a letter carrier for 30 years and then Dean Medical Center. Norbert was a member of the Moose Club. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Norbert loved his fishing trips to Canada where he went once a year with his buddies. Norbert is survived by his sister, Lucille Smith; children, Gregory (Cathy) Doudna, Jerry (Donna) King, Lee (Nancy) King, Vonda Shoemaker, Connie (Bob) Poster, Joel Shiver, Jeffrey King and Raymond King; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Leslie Smith. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Dane County. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 17, 2010

Obituary: Linda L. "Peachy" (Spatola) Godding - Class of 1968

CROSS PLAINS - Linda L. "Peachy" (Spatola) Godding, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. She was born on June 17, 1949, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph and Blondie (Christianson) Spatola. Peachy was united in marriage to Bill Godding on May 17, 1969, in Madison at St. Raphael's Cathedral. She had a variety of interests including fishing, playing cards and video games, but she truly treasured most the time she spent with her family, grandchildren and friends. Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Godding; their children, Tina (Brian) Meier and William (Becky) Godding; four grandchildren, Aaron, Patrick, Baylor and Lindsey; four brothers, Keith (Ramona) Spatola, Ken (Alaine) Spatola, Nick and Chris Spatola; and four sisters-in-law, Ruth (Don) Bongey, Donna (Don) Walter, Yvonne (Bob) Lake and Delores (Darrell) Reynolds. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, with Father Lavern Meier presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 7th floor staff of St. Mary's Hospital and to Jenny Drake for their loving care given to Peachy. Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral and Cremation Centers 2421 Church St. (608) 798-314

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 7, 2010 (submitted by Deborah Benell, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Steven George Masino - Class of 1966

MADISON/ PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. - Steven George Masino, age 62, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009. He had lived a remarkable 16 years after a heart transplant in 1993, and subsequently coped with various health issues. Steve was born in Madison, on Dec. 27, 1947, to George and Lou Ann Masino at Madison General Hospital. He attended Central High School and immediately after enlisted in the Navy. He was on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid and served in the Vietnam War. He returned to Madison, married Lori Piazza and had two children, Sam and Ashley; and another son, Michael. He loved the outdoors, hunting and boating, and he had an exceptional talent for building and redesigning houses, as well as landscaping. He later moved to Florida, with his loving wife, Gayle and enjoyed many sunny years. He is survived by his loving children, Sam Masino and Ashley Masino; his wife, Gayle Richardson; mother, Lou Ann (Al) Huttgren; father, George (Karen) Masino; brothers, John (Sue) Masino and Jeff Masino; sisters, Mary Ann Masino and Lisa Masino; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Masino and Thomas (Mary) Masino; and nephew, Aaron Masino. There will be a private family memorial to celebrate Steve's life. If interested contact the email: masino@wisc.edu.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 3, 2010

Steven George Masino's class year is based on information in the 1966 Tychoberahn where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.