Obituary: Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen - Class of 1963

MIDDLETON-  Kay (Rogers) Berthelsen passed away on December 4, 2013 from complications of COPD at the age of 68. She was born in Madison on April 28, 1945 and was a lifelong resident of the city, raised by her mother, Eleanor and grandmother, Catherine.

Kay graduated from Central High School in 1963 and attended UW-Madison. She worked in office management for several law firms around the city. She was the co-owner of Morgan's Bar. She moved on to the Morris Heifitz Recycling Company which she managed for many years and then purchased and successfully operated until her retirement in 1996.

She met the great love of her life in 1991 and eventually married John Berthelsen in 1995. They enjoyed travel and wonderful times together, especially at their second home in Las Vegas where she spent winters for four of her last years. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother Mike. She is survived by her husband John, daughter Kim, step-daughter Angie, step-son Derek and grandchildren Merissa, Kelsy, Elias, Sawyer, Emmitt and Finnegan. Visitation will be held at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 from 9 to 11 on Saturday, December 7. A celebration of Kayʼs life will be held at 11:00, followed by a light lunch at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Meriter Foundation.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 5, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: JoAnn Shirley (Kinder) Gray - Class of 1967

MADISON - Joann Shirley Gray, age 64, passed away Nov. 30, 2013, after a very long struggle with temporal lobe dementia. She was born Feb. 9, 1949, in Stoughton, daughter of Clifford and Shirley (Stickle) Kinder. Joann married Terry Gray on July 28, 1984, in Madison. She graduated from Central High School in 1967. After high school, Joann worked at WPS for nearly 20 years. Later she worked for Oscar Mayer and then Kraft Foods. Joann enjoyed crafts, flower gardening and interior design.

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years Terry Gray; children, Troy Clifcorn and Melissa (Sean) Collins; grandchildren, Ashley (Cody) Welbig, Holley Schultz, Brok and Aspen Clifcorn, Kayley and Shelby Collins; sisters, Judy Schwoch and Janalyn Du Bois;and brothers, Jerry and Jim ( Deborah) Kinder. Joann was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington, Madison. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 East Washington, Madison.

Special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Karmenta for their compassionate care. 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 3, 2013

Obituary: Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews - Class of 1941

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. / MADISON - Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews was born on Aug. 14, 1923, in Memphis Tenn., to Mamie (Taylor) Matthews and Olige Matthews. He went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 22, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind., where he had lived for the past two years cared for by his daughter, Robin.

"E.B." retired from Oscar Mayer. He was an avid horseman and won many trophies and ribbons over the years at rodeos all over the country. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Badgers football and loved attending the games whenever possible. He was the first Black Drum Major of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps when they were founded in 1938.

Edward is survived by his sister, Addrena Matthews-Squires and his beloved children, Ollie Lamont Matthews, Marlieta Matthews-Beckman (David), Robin Matthews (Daniel Pepmeier) and Edwina Matthews; stepchildren, David Davenport, Chuck (Millie) Cramer and Karen (Andy) Cramer-Blackburn; grandchildren, Anthony, Brian, Jeffrey, Syreeta, Cameron, Danielle, Gabriel, Hunter, Bret, Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Kadence, Jordan, Amari, Ameira, Angelica, Annabella, Bryan, Taylor, Samara, Dominic, Thavyah; and special niece, "Mona Jean" and many other friends and relatives. E.B. Matthews was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edie Mae; sons, Edward (Buster) Matthews, and Charles Matthews; sisters, Willie Jo Withers Walker, Ollie Mae Matthews-Banks, Rose Lee Matthews-Abernathy, Beauty B. Boxley and brothers: F.C. Boxley, Walter Boxley, Charles Boxley; and granddaughter, Holly Cramer; and ex-wife, Mary E. Matthews.

His family is deeply appreciative of the care he received from the Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants of Allisonville Meadows Rehabilitation Facility. We would especially like to thank Tori Benson who cared for him so lovingly at home. Arrangements made by Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, Carmel, Indiana. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, 2019 Fisher St., Madison, WI 53713. Family visitation 11 a.m. to noon and service at noon, the Rev. David Smith, officiating.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2013.

Note: The class year for "E.B." Matthews was provided by his niece, Mona Winston (Class of 1969), who said, "He was very proud of the fact he went to CHS."

Obituary: Sophie N. (Fatsis) Karabis - Class of 1937

MADISON - Sophie N. Karabis, age 94, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at Waunakee Manor with St. Jude Hospice care. She was a first generation American, born on March 1, 1919, to Nicholas and Katina (Teroupoulos) Fatsis, and was the eldest of four children. She attended Doty Grade School and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1937. While at Madison Central, she met her future husband, George Karabis (also a first generation born), and they married on July 9, 1939. In June of 1944, twins, Peter and Nick, were born.

Sophie's husband, George, and brother-in-law, Jim Karabis, owned and operated the Karabis bar, now the Harmony bar. Sophie worked retail for many years at Baron Brothers, Manchester's, Karsten's Men's Store, H.C. Prange, Borman's, and finally retired from Walgreen's on State Street in her 80's. She completed the Helena Rubenstein and Revlon training courses and took much satisfaction as a beauty advisor. Sophie enjoyed watching the Badgers and Packers and taking care of "the twins". She often went dancing at Club Chanticleer with friends from the old Greenbush neighborhood, especially best friends, Tom and Mini DiSalvo. She was proud of her twins' service in the Wisconsin National Air Guard, and took great joy in her grandsons and cooking Greek dishes for holidays and family gatherings.

Sophie is survived by her sons, Peter Karabis and Nick Karabis; grandsons, Matthew Karabis and Barrett Karabis; her brother, Sam Fatsis; sister, Georgia Fatsis, all of Madison; daughter-in-law, Virginia Gully; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; brother, Gus; and daughter-in-law, Val Karabis. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. 7th St., Madison, with Father Michael Vanderhoef presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, please remember Waunakee Manor or St. Jude's Hospice. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to the many wonderful people who cared for Sophie during her stay there. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 5, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Lyle Crary - Class of 1964

WEST ALLIS - Lyle E. Crary, age 67, of West Allis, passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at his home. He was born on July 15, 1946, in Madison, the son of Wilson E. Crary and Camilla L. Olson. Lyle graduated from Central High School. He loved basketball, football, especially the Packers and NASCAR. Lyle enjoyed spending time with his family and trying his luck with the "claw machine" and winning stuffed animals. He had a great sense of humor, was known to be a practical joker, and enjoyed a good cup of coffee and anything sweet. He will be missed by his brother, Norris (Shirley) Crary; beloved nieces and nephews; and his roommate, Andy the cat. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Lyle's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Lyle will be laid to rest at Button Cemetery next to his parents at a later date. The family wishes to thank the Compassionate Care of Hospice of West Allis, and special thanks to Connie and his nurses, Kim and Julie. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2013

Obituary: Steven C. DiMaggio

MADISON - Stephen C. DiMaggio went to be with his Lord on Nov. 14, 2013. Steve was born on June 28, 1936, in Madison, to Charles and Mayme DiMaggio. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, Madison Central High School and St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minn. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958, where he served in Seoul Korea as his commander's driver and as chaplain's assistant. Steve was a caring, loving person dedicated to his Catholic faith. He frequently attended St. Paul's Chapel, where he was known to reach out and help those in need. He enjoyed playing the piano and singing for family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by three sisters, Rosalie (John Cannarella), Pauline of St. Paul, Minn., and Gerri (Bob Pesselman); two uncles, Al DiMaggio and Sam DiMaggio (Beverly); and aunt, Jenny (Pete Castagna). He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him; and his good friend, Tim Jennings, who was always concerned about his well being. A Mass will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, with Father Jim Uppena presiding. Burial with military rites accorded will be in Resurection Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Many thanks to the loyal and dedicated staff of St. Mary's Health Care, Badger Prairie Health Care Center and University Hospitals.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 24, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1967)

Obituary: Robert "Spike" Doran - Class of 1954

MADISON - Robert "Spike" Doran, age 77, passed away on Oct. 3, 2013. Robert was born on Oct. 21, 1935, in Madison to the late James and Helen Anderson Doran. Bob grew up on the southwest side of Madison, and he was very proud to be a Central High graduate of 1954. Bob's passion was playing and coaching touch football and softball in the Madison league, where their team won the City Major League Championship for 12 years. Bob married Patti Thuesen on Oct. 21, 1971, and they took many road trips together but he especially loved going to Henry Vilas Zoo and the State Fair. Bob loved sports, kids, dogs, and helping others. Being a true friend was Bob's gift to so many. No task was too difficult or time consuming for him and his generosity was always from the heart. Bob worked for the Cassini and Son Tile Co., construction, Madison Metro School District from where he retired. Bob is survived by "His Bride" Patti of 42 years; his siblings; three sisters, Geraldine Quinto, Lois Helen Schaefer and Barbara Jean Paurroy; two brothers, Donald Doran and Richard Doran; also many nieces and nephews including great ones. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clayton Doran and James Doran. Patti would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Middleton Village, Tom and Aleene Kerwin, Louie and Shirley Cassini and Cynthia Schoettler for the many years of care and friendship, they gave Bob. A memorial service honoring Bob will be held, Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at AGRACE HOSPICECARE, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. with the service at 10:30 a.m. Chaplain Stephen Zwettler will be officiating.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Margaret Theresa (Fiscus) Moen

MONONA - Margaret Theresa Moen, age 66, of Monona, died on Sept. 30, 2013, at her home after a brief and dignified battle with brain cancer. She was born on Oct. 3, 1946, in Madison, to Mary and Leslie Fiscus.

Margaret was a life-long Madisonian. Although a mid-high school family move had her graduating high school from Monona Grove, her heart was always at Central High in the heart of the city. After a year at UW-Whitewater, she went on to spend her time raising her three children, working in many food service locales, and retiring from her work in food service at the Madison Metropolitan school district.

She married Henry B. Moen in June of 2001 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. At home, she enjoyed cooking, challenging crossword puzzles, and reading. Her family and friends were important to her, and spending time socializing was always at the top of her list. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends whom she could beat at Euchre.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Henry; her daughters, Laura (Michael) Saunders, and Sarah (Donovan) Johnson; five grandchildren, Sydney, Ashley, Mason, Donovan, and Anna; stepchildren, Scott (Denise) Moen and Kim (Ron) Weum, and their children, Ryan, Jack, Dalton, and Tyler; two sisters, Mary Ann Ahrensmeyer, and Angie Fiscus; brother, James Fiscus; three nephews; ten nieces; their spouses; and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Elizabeth Fiscus; and her beloved son, Matthew Thomas Rounds.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, with the Rev. John Silva presiding. Inurnment will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Sun Prairie. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, as well as from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.

The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care they provided for Margaret.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 5, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Ruth (Levin) Levey - Class of 1939

MADISON - Ruth Levey, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 22, 2013. She was born on March 21, 1922, in Madison, the daughter of Max and Clara Levin. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Negelow of Atlanta, Ga., Lenore Katz (Joel) of Athens, Ga.; and son, Dr. Allan Levey (Lori) of Atlanta, Ga.; and sister, Ada Mitchell. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew Edelstein (Lisa), Colin Edelstein (Ali), Emily Katz (Thurston Domina), Marisa Katz (Prentiss Cox), Natalie Levey, and Daniel Levey; and great-grandmother of Jaclyn, Lincoln, Maggie, Jake, Willa, and Hallie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Seymour Levey. She was married to Sy in 1943, and together they established Rock-A-Bye Youth Center, a children's department store, which became a Madison landmark for more than 40 years. A private funeral service was held with burial at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Madison. The family would like to express special thanks to Chompel, the staff at Attic Angel Place and Janine Field for advocating for a dignified end to life at home, and for many years of care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719, or Jewish Social Services of Madison. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 25, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Ruth Levey's class year is based on a list of June 1939 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 1939.

Obituary: William A. Goeden - Class of 1942

MADISON - William A. Goeden, age 88, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013. Bill was born on Oct. 15, 1924, in Madison to Andrew and Grace (McGowen). He served in the U.S. Army in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II. Bill married Lorraine Palzkill on Sept. 11, 1948. He graduated from the UW-Madison with a degree in economics. Bill was a long time proprietor of Goeden's Seafood on University Ave. He was a member of the First Badger Honor Flight out of Madison, K-C 531, VFW, DAV and a VA Hospital volunteer for 17 years. Bill enjoyed camping and was a founding member of the QP Campers and loved to travel. Bill was loved and will be truly missed by all the lives he touched. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine; children, Christine (Jerry) Helding, Timothy, Mary (Randy Cameron) and Michael (Kerrie); grandchildren, Will (Sarah), Alissa (Adam), Sydney, Emery and Ellis; great-grandchildren, Aniyah and Armin. He is further survived by other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Robert and Marquerite; and daughter-in-law, Connie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, with Monsignor Kenneth Fiedler officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School Endowment Fund, or the VA Hospital's Food Program for Veterans. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 22, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

William Goeden's class year is based on a list of 1942 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 12, 1942.