Obituary: Victor Frank Leake - Class of 1944

MADISON/MONONA/OREGON - Victor Frank Leake, age 83, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, at Stoughton Hospital, after a stroke with major complications.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1926, the son of Earl and Ida (Huebner) Leake. Victor graduated from Madison Central High School in 1944. Victor proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Jean Reddell on July 12, 1947. Victor was employed by the Wisconsin Telephone Company for 34 years, before early retirement in 1982. He was a lifelong resident of Madison/ Monona area, recently residing at Main Street Quarters in Oregon. Victor was an avid fan of the Badgers, Brewers and Packers and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathryn, especially to watch the Badgers play. Victor was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison, and a longtime member of The Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Elk's Lodge No. 410.

Victor is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, his loving wife of 63 years, Kathryn; children, Sandra Kaye (Gary) Shackelford of Oregon, Thomas Earl Leake (Margaret Toso) of Long Beach, Calif., and Tracey Jean (Fred) Kaltenberg of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Rebecca (Fred) Clark of Oregon, Sara Cavanaugh (Clint Cockroft) of Monroe, Matthew and Michael Kaltenberg of Sun Prairie; two great-grandchildren, Bailey Clark and River Cockroft, who will miss their "Big Papa"; sister, Joyce (John) Skelly of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, Gladys Leake of North Carolina, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Earl Leake.

Private services will be held. Interment will be in Dodgeville, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Main Street Quarters Inc., 354 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575; HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St., Stoughton, WI 53589.

A special thank you to the staff at Main Street Quarters Inc., HospiceCare of Janesville, and the staff at Stoughton Hospital for all their tender loving care.

Victor had the following thought in mind, "If you remember me, remember me for the good things that I have done, not the dumb ones."

Gunderson Stoughton, Funeral and Cremation Care; 1358 Highway 51;(608) 873-4590

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

Barbara B. (Heiliger) Vogel - Class of 1939

MADISON - Our beloved Barbara B. Vogel, age 89, passed away on Sept. 22, 2010, at Hospice Care in Fitchburg. She was born on Aug. 2, 1921, in Steuben, Wis. and moved to Madison as a young girl. Barb graduated from Central High School in 1939. She was married in 1942 to the love of her life, Harold Vogel. Mom dedicated her life to Dad and her seven children. She was a wonderful example of care and compassion who taught us the true meaning of unconditional love. Thanks to mom we are blessed to carry on her legacy of love for those in our lives. Barb had many interests and passions which included gardening, sewing, baking, travel, reading the bible and her church family while retired in Orlando Fla. Mother's card making started out as a simple hobby and turned into a large full time ministry. Her handmade cards brought joy, encouragement and celebration to people's lives all over the country. Mom was a unique woman for her time. She did not like to shop but loved sports. When it came to sports, her knowledge and enthusiasm would earn her an announcer's job at ESPN. Mom is survived by her children, Christine Vogel, Dave Vogel, (Rebecca Rodriguez), Paul Vogel, Cynthia Johnson (Kenneth), James Vogel, William Vogel and Susan Duong; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vogel; father, George and mother Nellie Heiliger; sisters, Margaret Whiting and Alice Thysse; brothers, Jim and Dud Heiliger. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following a luncheon. We would like to thank the loving caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center and Hospice Care Inc. for the incredible way they blessed us all at the end of mom's life. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cress Funeral and Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

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

Obituary: Barbara B. (Heiliger) Vogel - Class of 1939

MADISON - Our beloved Barbara B. Vogel, age 89, passed away on Sept. 22, 2010, at Hospice Care in Fitchburg.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1921, in Steuben, Wis. and moved to Madison as a young girl. Barb graduated from Central High School in 1939. She was married in 1942 to the love of her life, Harold Vogel. Mom dedicated her life to Dad and her seven children. She was a wonderful example of care and compassion who taught us the true meaning of unconditional love. Thanks to mom we are blessed to carry on her legacy of love for those in our lives. Barb had many interests and passions which included gardening, sewing, baking, travel, reading the bible and her church family while retired in Orlando Fla. Mother's card making started out as a simple hobby and turned into a large full time ministry. Her handmade cards brought joy, encouragement and celebration to people's lives all over the country. Mom was a unique woman for her time. She did not like to shop but loved sports. When it came to sports, her knowledge and enthusiasm would earn her an announcer's job at ESPN.

Mom is survived by her children, Christine Vogel, Dave Vogel, (Rebecca Rodriguez), Paul Vogel, Cynthia Johnson (Kenneth), James Vogel, William Vogel and Susan Duong; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Vogel; father, George and mother Nellie Heiliger; sisters, Margaret Whiting and Alice Thysse; brothers, Jim and Dud Heiliger.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 28, 2010, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery following a luncheon. We would like to thank the loving caregivers at St. Mary's Care Center and Hospice Care Inc. for the incredible way they blessed us all at the end of mom's life. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church.


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

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 26, 2010

Obituary: Victor Frank Leake - Class of 1944

MADISON/MONONA/OREGON - Victor Frank Leake, age 83, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, at Stoughton Hospital, after a stroke with major complications.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1926, the son of Earl and Ida (Huebner) Leake. Victor graduated from Madison Central High School in 1944. Victor proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Jean Reddell on July 12, 1947. Victor was employed by the Wisconsin Telephone Company for 34 years, before early retirement in 1982. He was a lifelong resident of Madison/ Monona area, recently residing at Main Street Quarters in Oregon. Victor was an avid fan of the Badgers, Brewers and Packers and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathryn, especially to watch the Badgers play. Victor was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison, and a longtime member of The Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Elk's Lodge No. 410.

Victor is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, his loving wife of 63 years, Kathryn; children, Sandra Kaye (Gary) Shackelford of Oregon, Thomas Earl Leake (Margaret Toso) of Long Beach, Calif., and Tracey Jean (Fred) Kaltenberg of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Rebecca (Fred) Clark of Oregon, Sara Cavanaugh (Clint Cockroft) of Monroe, Matthew and Michael Kaltenberg of Sun Prairie; two great-grandchildren, Bailey Clark and River Cockroft, who will miss their "Big Papa"; sister, Joyce (John) Skelly of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, Gladys Leake of North Carolina, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Earl Leake.

Private services will be held. Interment will be in Dodgeville, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Main Street Quarters Inc., 354 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575; HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St., Stoughton, WI 53589.

A special thank you to the staff at Main Street Quarters Inc., HospiceCare of Janesville, and the staff at Stoughton Hospital for all their tender loving care.

Victor had the following thought in mind, "If you remember me, remember me for the good things that I have done, not the dumb ones."


Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Care, 1358 Highway 51, (608) 873-4590

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 26, 2010

Obituary: William W. "Bill" O'Connell - Class of 1955

MOUNT HOREB - William W. "Bill" O'Connell Jr., age 73, of Mount Horeb, died on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 20, 1937, to William W. Sr. and Margaret (Meuer) O'Connell. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955. He was a United States Marine veteran. He owned and operated many businesses, including one with his son, Bob. He then joined Century 21 as a realtor. He married Karen A. Dybvig on Sept. 18, 1993, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church by Father Donald Murray. Bill was a family man. Looking back, it especially seemed as if from the birth of his granddaughter, Tonya, she and Bill instantly became kindred spirits. That relationship matured over the years to become unique and special. They took many walks to her grade school playground, and Tonya showed a timeless devotion and compassionate, loving care to her grandpa. Tonya - please know that your acts of kindness brought great joy, love, and happiness to your Grandpa Bill. He was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mount Horeb, and of the Knights of Columbus, where he was an officer. He was on the Mount Horeb Frolic Committee and was past president of the Village of Blue Mounds. He volunteered at the St. Martin's House in Madison. Survivors include his wife, Karen; his children, Bill (Mary) O'Connell of Waunakee, Deb (Jerry Buol) Darrow; his step-children, Denise (Steve) Webb of Middletown, Ohio, Derek (fiancé, Kristin) Kraemer of Stoughton, Dustin (Nicole) Kraemer of Mount Horeb; his grandchildren, Daniel (fiancé: Natalie) O'Connell, Tonya (Tom) Duerst, Shaun (Erin) O'Connell, Dalton O'Connell, Kelsey Darrow, Patrick O' Connell, Morgan Darrow, Caitin O'Connell; his step-grandchildren: Shelby, Rylee, and Sydnee Webb and Owen Kraemer,his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Maya and Mayce Duerst, his mother-in-law: Elaine Parker of Mount Horeb, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Danny and Robert O'Connell; and his sister, Margaret O'Connell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at ST. IGNATIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mount Horeb, with Father Donald Murray officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mount Horeb. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, at the ELLESTAD CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. 8th St., Mount Horeb. The family would like to thank HospiceCare, Inc. for their wonderful care and compassion.

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

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)