Obituary: Pat L. (Gerou) Rohr - Class of 1966

PHOENIX, ARIZ. - Pat L. Rohr, age 54, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002 in Phoenix, Ariz. She is survived by her loving companion, John; her loving children, Tom (Brenda) and Debra; and grandchildren, Carly and Amber. She is also survived by her brothers, Dick (Patti) and Rick (Beth); and her uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Love and compassion guided her life; she will be deeply missed.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 27, 2002; submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966)

Obituary: Clara L. (Olson) Herbert - Class of 1937

ELLWOOD CITY, PA. - Clara L. Herbert, age 83, of Ellwood City, Pa., died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at Ellwood City Hospital. She was born Nov. 26, 1918, at Madison, the daughter of Ollie and Clara L. (Clough) Olson. She graduated from Madison Central High School, class of 1937. She married Fred A. Herbert Aug. 9, 1945. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Clara is survived by a son, David (Carol) Herbert, New Castle, Pa.; and a sister, Margaret Schmale, Madison. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Russell, Roland and Udell Olson; and sisters, Eldora Guyer, Mabel Olson, Dorothy Olson, Marion "Bennie" Olson and Angeline Maloney. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at SAMUEL TEOLIS FUNERAL HOME INC., Ellwood City, Pa. The Rev. Martin Young will officiate, with burial in Locust Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Originally published in The Capital Times on November 23, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Gilbert Pond - Class of 1952

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Gilbert Pond, age 68, of Madison went home to the Lord on Nov. 8, 2002, after a long and courageous battle with severe emphysema and cancer. He was born on Sept. 10, 1934, in Madison, Wis., the son of Gilbert C. and Vera M. (Larson) Pond. Gib graduated from Central High School in 1952, and served his country honorably as a paratrooper in the U. S. Army Airborne. On May 31, 1958, he was united in marriage to Jane Runnoe, his wife of 44 loving years. He closed his work career working as the Senior Systems Consultant for OnCourse Information Services, Inc. (formerly Wisconsin Office & Data Systems, Inc.). He was one of the early participants in putting together the Wisconsin Harvest Food Recycling Program (now an integral part of the Second Harvest Program) and served on their Board of Directors for a number of years. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Golf Club, Inc. for over 21 years, providing support for the U.W. Men's and Women's golf programs. Gib loved the Lord and his family above all else. In 1957, he was in the original class of teachers for the Bethel Bible Series. Subsequently he served as one of the original representatives for the Adult Christian Education Foundation (ACEF) traveling the United States and Canada on behalf of the Bethel Bible Series program. Following this he continued to serve this ministry as a long-time member of the ACEF Board of Directors. Gib's life-long passion for Bible study and teaching were evident in his service to his own congregation. Lakeview Lutheran Church. He wrote and taught Lakeview's Adult Sunday School (Bible Study) Program for the past several years. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Jeffrey of Madison, Wis. and Keith (Tracy) of Burkburnett Texas; four grandsons, Jeremy, Andrew, Tyler and Austin; mother, Vera Pond; brother, Donald (JoEllen) Pond; a sister, Diane Smith (fiance, Tom Wilson) and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert C. Pond; Gib's first wife, Barbara (Howard) Pond; and father-in-law, Wilson "Cozy" Howard (Barbara's father) A celebration of life is scheduled at LAKEVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4001 Mandrake Road on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at 11 a.m. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Lakeview Lutheran Church or the church of you choice. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Kevin-McAllister and Dr. Bernard Micke for their medical expertise, tireless dedications and caring that they administered to Gib for many years. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Donna J. (Arnold) George - Class of 1945

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Donna J. George, age 76, of Madison, died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, at St. Marys Hospital. She was born on August 12, 1926 in Madison at St. Marys Hospital, the daughter of Earl and Lucille (Mueller) Arnold. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1945. She worked for 31 years as a cosmetologist at Barons, Manchester's and Yost's Department stores. Donna married Robert J. George on January 28, 1950, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Madison. Her hobby was decorating and she used her decorating skills in the homes of friends as well as those she and Bob shared. Donna had a loving nature, a quick wit and she was also very generous and giving of herself. She had a great sense of style! She is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Lynn (David) Hudson of Verona; her adoring grandsons, William and Andrew; brother, Jim (Charlene) Arnold of Florida;sister, LaVonne (Jim) Hilgers of Stone Lake, Wis.; nieces and nephew, Jenny, Lori and John; her aunt, Etta Straus of Madison; and many other relatives and close friends over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, aunts and uncles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1134 St. James Ct. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Viola Ann "Vi" (Kuhlman) Hacker

MADISON/MINOCQUA [Wisconsin] - Viola Ann "Vi" Hacker, age 75, died on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, at home with her family by her side. She was born on Aug. 17, 1927, in Black Earth, the daughter of George and Mary (Dwyer) Kuhlman. She attended Madison Central High School. Viola married Dick Hacker on Dec. 12, 1959. She worked for Oscar Mayer and Prange Way, and enjoyed bowling. Viola is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dick of Minocqua; three children, Gary Weber, Rick (Marsha) Hacker and Marie (Ray) Fellows all of Madison; grandchildren, Will, Roxanne and Janeen Weber, Monica and Ashleigh Hacker and Chad and Laurin Fellows; and four sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ronald Weber; and a brother, Gilman Kuhlman. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, with Father John Meinholzpresiding. Entombment to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home on Wednesday. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221 -5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Thomas "Tom" J. Cimino

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Thomas "Tom" J. Cimino, age 49, died on Monday, October 28, 2002. He was born on September 7, 1953, in Madison. Tom attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, Central High School and graduated from Madison West High School. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, baseball and all other sports. Tom loved his family dearly and was especially close to his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Cimino of Madison; a sister, Maida (Wally) Schutz of DeForest; a brother, Dan Cimino of Madison; and nieces and nephews, Scott, Robin, Jennifer, Jessica and Erin. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Michael and a brother, Michael. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2002, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until thetime of the service on Friday. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Dr. 608-221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 31, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mary Ellen Spoerl

MADISON/SUN PRAIRIE [Wisconsin] - Mary Ellen Spoerl, age 92 of Sun Prairie died on Tuesday, October 29, 2002, at Meriter Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on March 8, 1910, in Madison the daughter of Carlton and Gem (Blew) Thrush. She graduated from Central High School. Mary Ellen married Albert J. Spoerl on January 23, 1937, in Madison. She had a great love for animals and also enjoyed playing the piano. She was a very caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law. She is survived by her two children: Sharon (Hugh) Morrison of Sun Prairie and John Spoerl of Monona; four grandchildren: Michael, Dawn, Vicki, and Steven; six great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert in 1985; her parents and a son, Thomas. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2002, at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., with Father Roger Nilles officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Harmony Assisted Living in Sun Prairie for their wonderful care and support of Mary Ellen. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Originally published in The Capita Times on October 31, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Evelyn Ruth (Spencer) Millett - Class of 1937

MADISON - Evelyn Ruth Millett, age 83, passed away on Monday, Oct. 14, 2002, of congestive heart failure. She was born of Francis and Ella (Gamble) Spencer on Dec. 6, 1918, in New Westminster (east of Vancouver), British Columbia, Canada. Her father was from Fairchild and was a CPR station agent in Fraser Mills, Canada. Her mother was from Astoria, Ore. Evelyn's family moved to Cupar, Saskatchewan, Canada, and then to Madison. Evelyn graduated from Madison Central High School and attended one year pre-nursing at the UW-Madison. Evelyn married Merrill Albert Millett on Feb. 14, 1942. Merrill worked for Forest Products Laboratory. She is survived by three children, Francis (Eunice) Millett and their sons, Paul and Jason, of Fayetteville, Ark., Marilyn (Steven) Stone of Madison, and Kellie (Charles) Knox and their sons, Douglas and William, of Platteville; a brother, Rodney of California; two sisters-in-law, Jeanie Spencer and Nellie Spencer; and nieces and nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Merrill, on Oct. 6, 1994; four brothers, Oliver, Francis, Russell and Donald Spencer; and a sister, Helen Grunert. A one hour visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002, at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., with Father Will Smith presiding. Burial will follow at Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills. Memorials may be made to the West Madison Senior Coalition, 517 N. Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53705, or the Middleton Outreach Ministry/Project for Older People, 7432 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI 53562. Evelyn had many happy times with her family, and all her life helped others in many ways. Cress Funeral Service Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 17, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

The class year for Evelyn Ruth (Spencer) Millett is based on information in the 1937 edition of The Orange and Black yearbook, where she is pictured as a member of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Sam A. Fedele - Class of 1930

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Sam A. Fedele, age 90, died peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2002, at UW-Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 30, 1912, in Madison, Wisconsin, son of Peter and Loretta (Tedesco) Fedele. He graduated from Central High School, Madison in 1930. He was united in marriage to Mary Stassi on June 26, 1937 and enjoyed 51 years together until her passing on November 28, 1988. Sam owned and operated a filling station on West Washington Avenue, now the site of his medical clinic, Group Health. He then owned and operated Fedele's Supper Club at the end of Park Street until 1965, and then finally working at his brother's business, Fedele Tire Shop where he eventually retired. Sam was an avid golfer and used to go to many UW Badger football games. He was a member of St. James Parish and a long-time member of the Italian Workmen's Club. He is survived by his beloved children, Loretta Bryan of Middleton, Peter (Sharon) and Carolyn, both of Madison, and Kathy (Gary) Harper of Fitchburg; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Tina (Bob) Samuelson of St. Louis, Missouri; several nieces; and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; two sisters, Lucille Hansen, and Anne Cuccia; and a brother, Joseph J. Fedele. Visitation services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2002, at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at FITCH LAWRENCE SANFILLIPPO, 6021 University Avenue, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2002, at the ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court with Father Dushack officiating. There will also be a visitation at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of mass. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove Road. No flowers please. We love you dad, and will miss you. Say hi to mom and give her a hug for us. Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo Cress 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Dean Mitchell Switzky - Class of 1940

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Dean Mitchell Switzky, age 79, of Madison, died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at Meriter Hospital of heart failure. Dean was born Nov. 28, 1922, in his grandparents' Mount Vernon farmhouse, where he spent many happy summers as a child. He married the former Irene M. Hendrickson June 22, 1946, the same year he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Dean served in the South Pacific during World War II, enlisting shortly after graduation from Madison Central High School in 1940. A master plumber, Dean worked for Morgan Plumbing for a number of years and the University of Wisconsin for several decades. He was also a hobby farmer in the Mount Horeb area, raising Angus cattle and other miscellaneous farm animals. Active in the 1318 VFW Post, Dean was a member of the military order of the Cootie, the Elks Lodge and was an active member of the Perry Lutheran Church, Daleyville. Known and appreciated for his sense of humor and wit, Dean was an avid reader and loved puzzles, cards and professional sports. Fishing was also a passion, but family always came first to Dean, who fathered four children, 12 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Irene; daughters, Susan (Michael) Schroeder, Spooner, Debra (Paul) Neutkens, St. Paul, Minn., and DeAnne (Carl) Chappell, Boscobel; daughter-in-law, Maria Switzky, Verona; a sister, Joyce Wellcome of Waunakee; and a brother, John (Dorothy) Switzky of Friendship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Saul and Stella (Mitchell) Switzky; son, Dennis; and grandson, Saul. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at PERRY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1057 Highway 78 South, Daleyville, with Jonathon Kosec officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery, with full military honors. Friends may call Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ELLESTAD FUNERAL HOME, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb. Dad, your grandchildren will miss your lap, your children will miss your counsel and your wife will miss your good night kiss. You will always be in our hearts, now and forever.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 4, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)