Obituary: James Patrick Conway - Class of 1939

MADISON/ MONTELLO - James Patrick Conway, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at Harmony Living Center, in Stoughton. He was born on Nov. 29, 1919, in Madison, the son of John and Hattie (Schroeder) Conway. He graduated with the class of 1939, from Central High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. James married Laura E. Irons, in 1949. James worked at Madison Metro bus company from 1951, until retiring as a maintenance supervisor, in 1986. He was a great fisherman, hunter, gardener, and simply loved being outdoors. James enjoyed playing guitar, harmonica, and singing. He could fix anything and was always willing to help in any way he could. James is survived by his sons, James P. (Beverly) Conway Jr., and George Michael (Wanda) Conway; daughters, Sherry Lee Conway (Pat), Christi L. (James) Remsik, and Karen E. Conway; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, Thomas and Franklin D. Conway. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laura, in 1997; grandsons, Rick Kramer and Mark Remsik; great-grandson, Charlie Kramer; three brothers; and six sisters. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with military rights being conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. A special thank you to Harmony Living Center in Stoughton, and HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 14, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Robert W. Gill - Class of 1953

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Robert W. Gill, age 76, of Madison, died at home on August 28, 2010, surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born August 31, 1933, the son of Herbert and Lucille (Schmitz) Gill Sr. A native of Madison, Robert graduated from Central High School in 1953. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1954, and was stationed in Japan. He worked for Blied Printing, Wisconsin State Journal and the Madison School District. On May 11, 1957, he married Mary Lou Nicholls. During his life he enjoyed traveling, playing cards, gambling (penny slots), watching Badgers and Packers football, and bowling on many different teams. He was devoted to his family and friends and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Lou; their six children and 16 grandchildren, Teresa and John (Michelle, Matthew, Ryan) Farr, Tim and Mary (Megan, Ashley) Gill, Julie (Zach, Zoie) Peterson, Jenny and Pat (Kendra, Paige) Hergenrother, Jerry (friend, Susie) (Amber, Nicole, Alison) Gill, Jacquie and Eric (Syerra, Kayla, Colin, Madison) Rhodes; two sisters, Donna Grahn and Dorothy (Arnie) Miller; sister-in-law, Dolores Gill; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Herbert Gill Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2010, at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 2, 2010, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, and again on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Peter Beatty and the staff at Dean Oncology Clinic, HospiceCare Staff and Dr. Paul Wertsch, family doctor. "Bob, Dad, Grandpa...You may be gone, but never forgotten." Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 31, 2010

Obituary: Merle J. Manion - Class of 1954

MADISON - Merle J. Manion, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Aug. 3, 1936, in Madison, the son of Harold and Jerona (Washa) Manion. In 1954, Merle graduated from Central High School. On Sept. 7, 1957, Merle was united in marriage to Karen E. Mockrud. Merle was employed by the State of Wisconsin for the Department of Transportation for 40 years until his retirement in 1994.

He was a member of the Westside Businessman's Association and the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410. Merle was also a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was a proud member of the church funeral choir. Merle enjoyed volunteering his time as a driver for meals on wheels. Most of all, he cherished the time spent with his family and his many trips to his cabin in Northern Wisconsin.

Merle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Manion of Madison; four daughters, Laura (Ron) Brugger of Irvine, Calif., Lynn (Paul) Schmitt of Fitchburg, Lisa (Mark Weerda) Manion of Fitchburg, and Jill Driscoll of Madison; three grandchildren, Sarah and Amanda Schmitt, and Danny Driscoll; his sister, Mary Thierer of Madison; and two brothers, Robert Manion of Riverside, Calif., and Don (Joann) Manion of Fitchburg. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at noon with Monsignor Kenneth Fielder officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in memory of Merle to Our Lady Queen of Peace Endowment Fund, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI 53705; or St. Mary's Medical Foundation, 707 S. Mills St., Madison, WI 53715.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit for all their excellent care given to Merle and our family.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road, (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)


Note: Merle Manion's class year is based on information in The Madison Mirror (January 22, 1954), where he is profiled as a "Super Centralite" and vice-president of the senior class.

Obituary: Jospeh L. Peterson - Class of 1959

MADISON - Joseph L. Peterson, age 68, passed away Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at home with his wife by his side. He was born Oct. 21, 1941, in Madison, the son of Donald and Ivy Peterson. Joe graduated from Central High School in 1959. He married Sharon Peterson on Sept. 26, 1981. Joe was a yard perfectionist, automobile enthusiast, novice investor. He worked in sales at Evans T.V., American T.V. and SM and P Utility Resources as a utility locator, and Vannguard Utility Partners. Joe is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Deborah K. (Mike) Williams of Racine and their children, Christopher and Joshua; son, Troy A. Peterson of Madison; stepson, Michael D. Kelleher of Round Lake, Ill; stepdaughter, Tanya L. Kelleher of San Francisco, Calif.; sister, Jackie (Dave) Schultz of Waunakee; brother, Jim (Kathy) Peterson of Madison; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, with Sister Georgeann Roudebush presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. A special thank you to Dr. DeWitt and HospiceCare for their support. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI. 53711 Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

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

Obituary: Camilla Jean (Glasrud) Crawford - Class of 1969

WATERTOWN - Camilla Jean (Glasrud) Crawford [age 58] bravely fought and lost her battle with cancer on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. She was born on Oct. 4, 1951, and spent her early years in Pipestone, Minn. Her parents, Leslie E. (deceased) and Margaret Rud Glasrud, plus their six children, left Pipestone for Rochester, Minn. and then moved to Madison. At the latter, Cam, as she wished to be called, attended and graduated from Central High School in 1969. While in Madison, she also matriculated at Madison Business College to acquire a secretarial certificate. In 1979, she was employed by EVCO Plastics Corporation of DeForest, where she was employed in many roles over the years before becoming corporate payroll assistant. She worked with EVCO until 2008. In 1995, she married Peter Crawford of Pardeeville. They settled in Watertown. Cam gained a daughter from her marriage to Peter-Nicole Anna Crawford. For leisure and recreational activities Cam enjoyed playing pool and water skiing in her younger years. She also liked to read, visit antique and craft shows, work in her garden and listen to music. Cam fascinated friends and acquaintances alike with stories from The Male Bible, an unpublished and unauthorized compendium of the lesser appreciated antics and behaviors of the male species of humanity. She was an ardent fan of the Green Bay Packers (and thought her brother's slight interest in the Vikings to be traitorous). She loved cats; Chester, her current feline companion, entertained and loved her with his behavior. Camilla will be remembered for her loving, generous heart, which she shared with all of her friends and family every opportunity she had. She is survived by her husband, Peter Crawford of Watertown; daughter, Nicole (Johannes) Hanson of Onalaska; grandson, Dominic Hanson; mother, Margaret Glasrud of Madison; brothers, Bruce (Pearlene) Glasrud of Seguin, Texas and David (Jane) Glasrud of Mesa, Ariz.; sisters, Judy Lynn of Sequim, Wash. and Karen (Doug) Wolf of Verona; and numerous nieces, nephews and much loved extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie Glasrud of Madison; brother, Robert Glasrud of Omaha, Neb.; first husband, David Voll of Madison; and brother-in-law, Norm Lynn of Sequim, Wash. A memorial service will be held at ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 427 S. Main Street, Verona, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to HospiceCare Foundation. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the palliative care staff at the University Hospital for their wonderful care. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 15, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Charles A. Johnson - Class of 1950

MADISON - A memorial service will be held at the MADISON ELKS LODGE, 711 Jenifer St. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. for Charles A. Johnson, 77, formerly of Madison who passed away in Florida in March 2010.

He retired from the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Administration Purchasing unit in 1990. Charlie played guitar in several bands in the Madison area for many years and was a lifetime member of the Madison Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; two nieces; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Jennie Johnson; a brother, Bob Johnson; and a daughter, Diane.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 25, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Charles A. Johnson's class year is based on information in the 1950 Tychoberahn where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Norbert G. Schachte - Class of 1952

MADISON -Norbert G. Schachte, a lifelong Madison resident, passed away at home on Thursday, July 8, 2010, from complications related to a 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Born in Madison on July 9, 1934, he was the second son of Norbert I. Schachte and Lillian M. (Kurt) Schachte. Norb attended St. James Grade School and Madison Central High School where he won six varsity letters playing football, basketball, and baseball. Upon graduating in 1952, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, earning three varsity baseball letters and playing varsity basketball for three semesters, before earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 1957. He also served eight years in the Naval Reserve, honorably discharged in 1962. Following college, Norb began his career as a life underwriter with Indianapolis Life, John Lyons Agency followed by many years with the Kenneth P. Urso Agency. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1966, and went on to serve as general agent with Northwestern National Life followed by many years with Lafayette Life. In 1986, he earned the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, and expanded his business in 1996 to include financial planning, serving as President of Diversified Insurance Associates. He served as the president of the Madison Association of Life Underwriters (1983-84) earning their Distinguished Service Award in 1992, was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and served on the Lafayette Life President's Advisory Council before cutting back in 2002.

Norb was also very active in his faith, serving as a Eucharistic minister as well as volunteering his time at St. Thomas Aquinas for many years. He also remained very active long beyond his high school and college athletic years, playing baseball with Caves Buick, Mallatt's, Millers, and the Madison Lakers, basketball with Tipler Transfer and Corcoran's, and fastpitch softball with city semifinalist Equitable Life. His greatest contribution, though, was to kids and youth sports programs throughout the Madison area. While in college, he spent his summers umpiring kid's rec baseball around the city, and as his own family grew, spent countless hours organizing and coaching. Norb worked for many years as a WIAA football official, was a co-founder of the Madison Ice Mice program, organized and coached Little League baseball in Monona and Middleton, was a founding member and coach at the Monona Hockey Association, coached West Flyers Hockey, helped to organize and coach Middleton Youth Soccer teams in the formative years, and was a past president of the Badger Dolphins Dive Team. He was also an avid fisherman in the years before his illness and his family looked forward to the fishing vacations at Coach Dynie Mansfield's cottages up north every summer.

Norb is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Charlotte (Coffey) Schachte; sons Dan (Kim) and Dave (Gina); daughters, Ann and Kay; as well as grandchildren, Danny, Ian, Lauren, Maddy, Sarah, Elizabeth, Matthew, Samuel, and David. He is also survived by a brother, John Schachte of Cinncinati, Ohio; and sisters, Mary Schachte and Geraldine (Ray) Denson, both of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Charles Weber and his colleagues, the nurses and respiratory therapists at Meriter Hospital, and the staff at Meriter Home Health for the kind, compassionate care given to Norb over the last few years of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2010, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Finally, the family would request in lieu of flowers, donations in Norb's memory to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers; 7435 University Ave.; (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 11, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: R. Bruce Orchard - Class of 1966

MADISON - R. Bruce Orchard, age 62, died on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He had suffered from leukemia for a year and a half. Bruce was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated from Central - University High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with bachelor's and master's degrees and advanced study in mathematics and computer science.

Bruce was employed at the Waisman Center for 15 years as a computer consultant, and then served as a senior consultant in computer information processing for the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering. On April 29, 2009, Bruce received a certificate of recognition on the occasion of receiving emeritus status following "a record of distinguished service" to the University.

Bruce was an active member of the University United Methodist Church throughout his life, where he served in many capacities.

During his life, Bruce's interests centered around the Madison lakes. This included swimming and sailing as a member of the Hoofers Club. Bruce was a longtime supporter of the University of Wisconsin Hockey Team. Bruce loved skating and he participated in pickup hockey games on Sunday evenings at the University of Wisconsin athletic shell. Bruce loved the outdoors and had always looked forward to his annual vacations at Pickerel Lake near St. Germain. Bruce also enjoyed time spent at the family farm near Muscoda which has been in the family since 1854. Most of all, Bruce cherished his family, he enjoyed interacting with even the youngest children.

Bruce is survived by his mother, Lorraine; sisters, Jean Van Pelt (Mark) of Duluth, Minn., Ann Orchard (Robert Keller) of Edina, Minn., as well as their children: John Van Pelt (fiancee, Cally Bartley) of Denver, Colo.; Stephen Van Pelt, Ithaca, N.Y.; Bryan Keller (Alice Moore) of Stamford, Conn., and their son, Jasper; Anne Keller Tanser (James) of Reigate, Surrey, United Kingdom.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth M. Orchard.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road on Saturday, July 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Frank Gaylord will preside. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. A private family burial of cremains will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Mark Juckett and the staff at Meriter and the University of Wisconsin Hospitals for their compassionate and competent care.

The family suggests memorials in Bruce's honor for the Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 1311 Manaroneck Ave., White Plains, N.Y.; the University United Methodist Church at 1127 University Ave., Madison, WI 53715; or an organization of the donor's choice.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service; 3610 Speedway Road;(608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 1, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Katherine M. (Grapsas) Hogan - Class of 1960

MADISON - Katherine M. Hogan, age 67, passed away on Tuesday June 29, 2010.

Kathy was born in Madison on Oct. 1, 1942, to Niki and Constantine Grapsas. A graduate from Central High School and Edgewood College, she taught elementary school primarily in the Madison area for more than 30 years. Kathy took 10 years off from her teaching career to raise her young children. As a Sunday school teacher, and choir, church board and Philoptochos participant, Kathy was a lifelong active member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Rooted in the Greek community, Kathy also embraced virtually everyone she met with her bright, warm smile. She enjoyed meeting friends for coffee or lunch and hosting holiday gathering. She was open to anyone who needed a friend and a great advisor and confidant. Always a giving person, Kathy was generous in her support of many charitable organizations. Kathy was an avid traveler, intent on learning about the world in which she lived.

She is survived by her daughter, Eleana; her son, Conn; and her brother, Nick (Cathy) Grapsas. She is further survived by her niece, Nika (Scott) Spevacek; nephew, Costa (Vanessa) Grapsas; and by many cousins and friends. She will also be greatly missed by her little dog, Smokey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., with Trisagion Service at 6:30 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010, at 10 a.m. at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison. Father Michael Vanderhoef will officiate.

The family deeply thanks the UW Cancer Center and Hospice for their exceptional care, support and guidance. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 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 July 1, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Katherine Grapsas Hogan's class year is based on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn yearbook where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Anita F. (Faust) Eley

MADISON - Anita F. Faust) Eley, age 94, died on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

She was born on October 22, 1915, in Madison, to Arnold and Fanny (Petersile) Faust. Anita graduated from Central High School in Madison. She was united in marriage to Louis S. Eley on June 29, 1940. Anita was a charter member of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting with "RSVP" friends, playing euchre with Point Bluff friends, and listening to jazz music.

Anita is survived by her sons, Dennis (Sharon) Eley and Richard (Susan) Eley; grandchildren, Deana Foster, Andrew (Jennifer) Eley, Melissa (Rene) Soto, Ryan Eley, Christopher Pauley and Jessica Pauley; great-grandchildren, Lily Foster, Taylor Foster, Madelyn Eley, Lydia Eley, Katy Soto and Mason Soto; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; and brothers, Neil Faust and Ruben Faust.

A memorial service will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 2, 2010, with the Rev. Nick Utphall and the Rev. Tim Hansen presiding. Inurnment will follow in Blooming Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Anita's close friends of the McFarland Cottages where she cherished those friendships, playing bingo and euchre, and enjoying their company. The family would also like to thank Bob and Linda Liddicoat of the Bluff Point Adult Family Home for their generous love and support in helping make Anita's life enjoyable. Anita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed.

Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers; 5203 Monona Drive;(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 29, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)