Obituary: Elizabeth H. "Betty" (Schweinem) Ernser - Class of 1931

MONROE - Elizabeth H. "Betty" Ernser, age 89, of Monroe, died on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at the New Glarus Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1913, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Henry and Sena (Knudtson) Schweinem. She was a graduate of Madison Central High School and a 1936 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Betty and Mathew F. Ernser were married on Feb. 14, 1944, in Riverside, Calif. Betty taught high school in Horicon and Wisconsin Rapids. She was a member of St. Victor Catholic Church, and former member of Monroe Country Club. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen M. (Philip) Norton of Argyle; son, Thomas W. (Sue) Ernser of Madison; granddaughter, Megan Ernser of Madison; and brother, William J. Schweinem, of Madison. She was predeceased by her parents; and husband, Mathew, in, 1986. A Mass of, Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at noon at ST. VICTOR CATHOLIC CHURCH, Monroe. Officiating will be Father Michael E. Klarer, with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, 1455 Mansion Drive, Monroe. A memorial fund has been established in Betty's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 14, 2003

Note: Elizabeth H. (Schweinem) Emser's graduation year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal listing the Central High School graduates. She is listed as Elizabeth Henrietta Schweinem.

Obituary: Daniel C. Grady - Class of 1932

MADISON - Daniel C. Grady, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Middleton Village Nursing Home. He was born on Sept. 3, 1915, in Madison, the son of Daniel E. and Augusta (Herman) Grady. Daniel graduated from Central High School, class of 1932. He was a member of the National Honor Society. Daniel worked as a printer at Wells Printing Company in Madison for many years. He and his wife, Ruth, worked in the Western U.S. and settled in northern California where he owned and operated his own printing business. He was an active union member until his retirement when he returned to Madison. Daniel was a life member of Elks No. 410 and the Lions Club. He is survived by his son, Daniel H. Grady of East Troy; a daughter, Marie A. Fenske of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Alice Niebuhr of Waunakee; three sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Ruth E. Grady. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison, with Father Michael Moon officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Church. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 12, 2003

Obituary: Harry E. Baumgartner - Class of 1936

MADISON - Harry E. Baumgartner, age 85, passed away at Oakwood Village West on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003. Harry was born in Madison on Oct. 7, 1917, to the late Mathew and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner. Harry attended Franklin School in South Madison and graduated from Central High School in 1936. He began a 42-year career in sales of floor covering products at Harry S. Manchester Department Store in Downtown Madison. Harry was a member of the National Guard's 135th Medical Regiment that was called to active duty to support the U.S. Army's 32nd Infantry Division in World War II. He spent seven years in military service as a motor mechanic, including more than 5 years in the Southwest Pacific where he was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Sgt. Harry E. Baumgartner was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation, three Battle Stars, and other military honors for his service in World War II. Upon his discharge, Harry was employed at Petterson's Carpetland, until 1958, when he joined F.E. Seybold's new floor covering business when it opened in Madison. Harry retired from Seybold's in 1982 after 24 years of service. Harry was a long-time resident of South Madison, residing at the family homestead on Gilson Street on the edge of Franklin Field until 1982. When prompted, Harry would recount stories of shopping at Freida's small grocery store on Gilson Street for penny candy, shopping at Koltes and Esser's hardware store on Lakeside Street, riding the electric trolley between Lakeside Street and Lake Street in downtown Madison, and walking the railroad tracks between Olin Avenue and downtown Madison with friends in search of new adventures. In South Madison he began a lifelong interest in the outdoors, fishing in the Madison lakes and hunting in the marshy area that is now the site of the Alliant Center and the Dane County Exposition Center. Harry also inherited a knack for fine woodworking from his father, a well-known old-world European craftsman and cabinet maker in Madison. Harry's carpentry and woodworking skills helped to build a log cabin in northern Wisconsin in the late 1940's, near the Town of Winter in Sawyer County. The "cottage" has provided countless days of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in the northwoods for himself and three generations of his extended family. Harry enjoyed history, reading, and gardening and working in his yard. In 1982, Harry built a new house in Monona on Ridgewood Avenue, across from Frostwoods Park. He was especially proud of his yard, one of the first in Monona to replace a traditional grass lawn with habitat for birds and animals. "Hadi" as he was affectionately known to many friends and family had a special timeless ability to relate to children, young adults, and dogs. He was a favorite uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews from his large extended family. Harry is survived by two sisters, Anne (Henry) Behrnd and Gladys Stanley, both of Madison; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, Euphemia Lengacher, Bertha (Betty) Leverentz, Lillian Scheel, Leona Dale, Hildegarde Baumgartner, Gladys Stanley, and Frances (Franz) Bulovsky; as well as five brothers, John, Walter, Walter Jacob, Mathew, and John Henry. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, from 4pm, until 7pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum 30 W. Mifflin St. or the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 10, 2003

Obituary: George A "Bud" Cross - Class of 1935

MADISON - George A "Bud" Cross passed on to eternal life on Jan. 31, 2003, at the Karmenta Center in Madison, Wis. George, the son of Aubrey and Evelyn (O'Neill) Cross, was born in Madison on Oct. 3, 1917. He graduated from Central High School in 1935. After entering the Army in Oct., 1940, he served in the European Theatre, during World War II. He was discharged in Oct., 1945. As a 28 year employee of the MPD, he retired as a Detective Supervisor in April, 1975. His retirement years were spent golfing, gardening, and traveling with his wife, Joyce. George is survived by his wife, Joyce (Denton) Cross; his children, Joy (Ken) Hoard, Leo (Linda) Cross, Fred (Julie) Cross, Greg Cross, Steve (Laura) Cross, Joe (Barb) Cross, Jeannine Cross, Kathy Cross (Bill) Berard; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and he was affectionately known as "Pa" to the many other children that touched his life. We wish to thank his extended family at the Kazrmenta Center for all the loving care he received the five years he lived there. Funeral services will be held at the ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main Street on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. Father William Seipp will officiate. Burial will be held at the Resurrection Cemetery where the Madison Veterans Council Firing Squad will provide Military Rights. Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and again on Wed. at the Church from 8:30 a.m. until time of service. His great Irish wit, and love of song shone through until the end. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father, and a doting grand-father. Sing with the Angels Dad, we love you! Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 3, 2003

Obituary: Delores "Dee" (Launder) Starkey Class of 1956

MADISON - Delores "Dee" Starkey, age 64, of Madison, died on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003, at her home, due to breast cancer. She was born on Sept. 7, 1938, in Madison, to Arnold and Agnes Launder. Dee graduated from Madison Central High School in 1956. She married Ronald Starkey on April 12, 1956. Dee was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed birds, arts and crafts. Dee is survived by her husband, Ron of Madison; five children, Cindy Starkey, Kathy (Joe) Waite, Laura (David) Laundrie, Tanya (Jim) Zempel and Ronnie Starkey; eight grandchildren, Sheena and Cody Starkey, Patrick and Kallie Waite, Tyler and Sara Kaech, and Courtney and Riley Zempel; two brothers, Dick Launder and Bob (Pat) Launder; and many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Susie "Bean" Launder. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, with Father Tony Schumacher presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. A special thanks to Dr. Dan Barry, Dr. William Rock, Dawn Hennesly and the Hospice staff, especially Linda, Mary and Jennifer., May the roads rise up, to meet you May the wind be always, at your back May the sunshine, warm your face And until we meet again, May God hold you, in the palm of His hand. "Grandma, you were the best Grandma anyone could ever have. We are lucky to have had you in our lives. You will always live on in our hearts. Love, your grandchildren. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2003

Obituary: Loraine Solveig (Neesvig) Stevens - Class of 1929

MADISON - Loraine Solveig Neesvig Stevens, age 92, passed away Friday, January 10, 2003, at St. Marys Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born April 19, 1910, in Milwaukee to Leonard and Petra Neesvig. In her youth, her family moved to Madison where she remained the rest of her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1929. She married Rudolph S. Stevens in 1933. She had great faith in God and was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, was an active member in the ladies aid, a talented and accomplished artist, and lived and surrounded herself and her family in the old Norwegian traditions. In 1936, Stevens Super Market was started which later became Stevens Restaurant under her son Robert. Rudolph Stevens opened Stevens Dairy Bar in 1940, and on this same location he opened Stevens House of Gifts in 1961. She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Otella Cook; daughters Marilyn (Richard) Blaschke, Alayne (Don) Macaulay; son Robert L. Stevens; 17 grandchildren, Peter (Elizabeth) Jensen, Dr. James (Sue) Jensen, Marilyn Jensen Vorpagel, Steven (Karen) Blaschke, Ellen Blaschke, Faith (Harry) Blaschke Kirch, Amy Blaschke, Dr. Grant (Kalina) Macaulay, Erik Macaulay, Susan (Bob) Macaulay Kouwe, Mark (Mary) Macaulay, Brent (Vicki) Stevens, Bradley (Kim) Stevens, Nicole Stevens, Robbie (Elizabeth) Stevens, Scott Stevens, Sarah (Jamie) Stevens Rabbitt; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph S. Stevens; parents Leonard and Petra Neesvig; sister, Bernice Bjornstad; brother, Robert Neesvig; daughter, Delores (Stevens) Jensen; and son Rudy Stevens. The family would like to give special thanks to her granddaughter, Amy Blaschke and Marc Iverson for their dedicated and loving care of Solveig and for the compassionate care by the staff on 5 S. West at St. Marys Hospital. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison at 12 noon on Monday, January 13, 2003, with the Reverend Mark Bartels officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd., Madison or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison. Gunderson West Funeral Home 7435 University Ave. Middleton, Wis. (608)831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 12, 2003

Obituary: Robert Eugene Gallagher - Class of 1964

SAUK PRAIRIE – Robert Eugene Gallagher age 56, died Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003 at the Veterans Hospital in Madison. He was born in Reedsburg, Wis., on April 15, 1946, the son of Eugene and Loretta (Cassidy) Gallagher. Bob attended St. Aloysius School in Sauk City and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1964. Following a four-year enlistment in the Air Force, Bob returned to Madison, where he worked with his brother, John at IBM. He spent the next 27 years in Florida. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2002, he returned to Wisconsin. Bob was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid football fan and since his return to Wisconsin he never missed the Packers or Badgers on TV. Survivors include a sister, Eileen (Harlan) Klepper, Merrimac; a niece and a grand-niece, Terri Klepper Harris and Danielle Harris; and nephews, Kevin Klepper and John Klepper. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, John. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, at GNEWIKOW-HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, Wis. Burial will be in the Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital. The nurses in the ICU showed Bob kindness and eased the pain in his final days. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 27, 2003

Obituary: Phyllis I. Ellis - Class of 1942

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Phyllis I. Ellis, age 78, of Madison, died unexpectedly at her home on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002. She was born on July 3, 1924, in Madison, the daughter of Howard and Laura (Kelly) Ellis. She proudly graduated from Central High School in 1942, and was a technician at Mendota Mental Health Institute as a head of the x-ray department until her retirement in 1986. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. She and Rose enjoyed 39 years at her ;cottage in Harmony Grove, where she made many good friends. Phyllis was an avid bowler and softball player in the Madison area. She enjoyed singing and telling jokes. She also liked the occasional hoopensocker with her friends at the Avenue Bar and the Esquire Club. Phyllis loved life and lived it to the fullest. She is survived by her sister, Patricia (John) Craig of Madison; nieces and nephews, Laurie (Larry) Sokolak of Madison, Cindy Craig of Madison, Danny (Virginia) Craig of Cottage Grove, Amy (Mike) Clark of Sun Prairie, Carrie (Rick) Brownrigg of Lodi, MaryAnn (Dan) Faust of Waunakee, and Mike (Karen) McCarty of Indianapolis; Ind.; many other nieces, nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Frances Younger and Mary Grace Capelle; two brothers, Dick and John Ellis; and her beloved friend, Rosemary McCarty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., with Father Roger Nilles officiating. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., where a rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friends may call again from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. In lieu' of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. or the St. Peter's Catholic Church Music Department. Thanks for being there for us; we love you, "Philly Dilly." You will be dearly missed by all. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in The Capital Times on December 25, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Joyce Arlene (Flugum) Gauper - Class of 1944

STOUGHTON [Wisconsin] - Joyce Arlene (Flugum) Gauper, age 76, died on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, at home of cancer. She was born in Madison on April 14, 1926, the daughter of Burns and Hjordis (Arneson) Flugum. Joyce graduated from Madison Central High School and remained active in class of 1944 post-graduation activities. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in physical education in 1950. She taught in Elkhorn and Green Bay. On Oct. 8, 1955, she married Glen A. Gauper and they made their home in the Chicago area until retirement in 1986. While in Stoughton, Joyce was active in Garden Club, hardanger and Entre Nous. At Covenant Lutheran Church she participated in the Ladies Circle, quilting, and was an innovator and leader in the Church Women's Retreat. Joyce is survived by her husband, Glen; daughter, Patricia (Mark) Joseph, and grandson, Adam, of Champaign, Ill.; daughter, Pamela Gauper of Arlington Heights, Ill.; and son, Daniel (Lisa) Gauper, and grandchildren, Christopher and Emily Joyce, of Bloomington, Minn. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marian (Norman) Seamonson; brother, Robert (Eileen) Flugum; and her stepfather, Samuel Mintz. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, at COVENANT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1525 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton. The Rev. Mark Peterson will officiate and burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Luncheon will follow at the church. The family will greet guests from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. of Dane County or the American Cancer Society. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Stoughton (608) 873-9244

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 18, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: John J. Coyle, Sr.

CROSS PLAINS [Wisconsin] - John J. Coyle, Sr., age 92, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, at the Nazareth House in Stoughton. He was born on March 22, 1910, in Pine Bluff, the son of John P. and Sarah (Keegan) Coyle. He was a graduate of Madison Central High School and married Irene Dolarosa Doyle on Nov. 26, 1936. John was a talented musician who sang on the radio, prior to entering the Navy in the early days of World War II. John was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, and received the Navy Commendation at Guam during World War II. John was a member of the American Legion Post #245 of Cross Plains, the Knights of Columbus, Fleet Reserve Association, NARFE, and was a past member of Toastmasters. He was also a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Cross Plains. John is survived by two sons, John J. (Linda) Coyle of Middleton and Patrick (Karen) Coyle of Wauwatosa; and a grandson, Lucas Coyle. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene; a son, Timothy; three brothers, Cornelius, Barney and Bill Coyle; and two sisters, Margaret Tiedeman and Alice Saubert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, with Father Tom Kelley presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Pine Bluff. Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the church on Wednesday. Gunderson West Funeral Home 7435 University Avenue Middleton (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 9, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)