Obituary: Richard A. Launder - Class of 1947

MADISON - Richard A. Launder, age 73, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2003, at the VA Hospital, Madison. He was born on June 28, 1929, in Madison, Wis., the son of Arnold and Agnes (Dempsey) Launder. Richard graduated from Central High School in 1947, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy following graduation. He was a chief petty officer in the Medical Corps, on the USS Boxer during the Korean conflict, serving for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. Richard was a resident at City View Nursing Home and was active in nursing home activities, especially enjoying bingo. He is survived by his four children, Laurie Dickerson of Ruckersville, Va., Larry Launder of Laurel, Md., Lynda Booye of Laurel, Md., and Lance Launder of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and their mother, Arlene Launder of Port Charlotte, Fla.; four grandchildren, Christal, Angelic, Larry Jr. and Amber; four great-grandchildren, Earl, Braxton, Blayane and Cierra; and a brother, Robert (Pat) Launder of Madison. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Delores Starkey. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the City View Nursing Home staff for the kindness towards Richard during his residency at the nursing home, also thank you to the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital SIC Unit. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2003, at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to City View Nursing Home Activity Unit, 3030 City View Drive, Madison, WI 53718. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

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

Obituary: Pauline Ann (Johnson) Paulson - Class of 1955

MADISON - Pauline Ann Paulson, age 65, died on Monday, May 12, 2003. She was born on July 8, 1937, in Madison, the daughter of Arthur and Lucy Johnson. Pauline graduated from Central High School in 1955. She married Donald Paulson on Sept. 7, 1957, in Madison. Pauline devoted her life to taking care of her family. She was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, Madison Elks and Four Lakes Yacht Club. Pauline enjoyed crafts, golf and shopping, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Pauline will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, including her husband, Donald of Madison; three children, Richard (Denice) Paulson of LaCrosse, Sandra (Thomas) Bennett of Madison, and Cynthia (Richard) Rothwell of Madison; grandchildren, Jena and Ashley Paulson, Lyndsay and Briana Meisel, Chase and Lance Ott, and Jessica Bennett; a brother, Brad (JoAnn) Johnson; a sister, Frances (Howard) Helgeson; and her mother, Lucy Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Art Johnson; and a brother, Nick Johnson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2003, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2003, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mother, you brought class and style to our lives but most of all love. We will remember and miss you forever. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 13, 2003

Obituary: Theodora H. (Herfurth) Kubly - Class of 1933

MADISON - Theodora H. Kubly, age 87, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 3, 2003, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. She was born in Madison on Nov. 20, 1915, to the late Genevieve Gorst Herfurth and Theodore Herfurth, Jr., whose family was among the early residents of the city. Christened Jean Theodora, she was known to all as Teddy. She attended the Lincoln Elementary School directly across from her family home on Gorham Street and in February 1933 she graduated from Central High School where she was salutatorian of her class. Teddy was active in the Girl Scout movement, which had been founded in 1912. She was a member of Troop #1 (Lincoln School) and at age 17 became the troops leader. Subsequently she helped form Troop #2 at Lakewood School and continued her involvement in scouting while her children were young. Teddy graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1937 with a degree in Art Education. While at the university, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. On Feb. 3, 1938, Theodora married Harold Edward Kube Kubly, another Madison native. Other than during the war years when Kubes V-12 Naval duties took them to Louisville Ky., Plattsburgh NY, and South Bend Ind., and a sabbatical spent in Munich, Germany in 1954-55, Teddy and Harold lived in Madison, where Dr. Kubly was a professor at the university. Over the years Teddy was active in a variety of community organizations. She became a member of Attic Angels in 1954, where she was head of the Expansion Committee for the Segoe Road facility. She was on the Board of the UW-YWCA focusing on membership and finance. Teddy was membership chairman for the University League, significantly increasing affiliation during her tenure. Teddy also served as deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 75 years. Among the other philanthropic, civic, and cultural organizations with which she was worked were several centered on assisting international students with their stay in Madison: the American Field Service, the Experiment in International Living, the Madison Friends of International Students, and the Briuingham Viking Organization. Both Teddy and Kube delighted in entertaining foreign students in their home. Teddy had a profound love of the natural world and took great joy from working in her garden and in spending time at the family summer cottage on Lake Mendota. Another interest was Native Americans. She and Harold often vacationed in the Southwest and over the years Teddy became very knowledgeable about Native American arts and crafts. They also enjoyed traveling in Europe, where, whenever possible, they would renew friendships made over the years. Teddy was a gentle, genial, and generous soul. Her youthful, happy outlook on life made her a delight to people of all ages and backgrounds. Her sense of humor was keen and she kept it to the end. She will be missed by the many people whose life she touched. Teddy is lovingly survived by her daughter, Beth Margaret Kubly; and her son-in-law, Dr. James Weeks of Madison and State College, Pa. She is further survived by Jean McWilliams Peters (Mrs. Henry) and family of Madison, Jean Lucia Brechier of Los Angeles; Lucia DeGroot (David) Tyler of Trumansburg, NY, Daniel Kubly and family of Middleton, and Robert Kubly of Madison. Her parents; her sisters, Eleanor Herfurth and Virginia Marie Herfurth; her husband; and her beloved son, Vincent Frederick preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2003, at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham Street, followed by a celebration of her life with family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Madison Community Foundation, P.O. Box 5010, Madison WI 53705; the Library and Archives Endowment of the Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St., Madison WI 53706; or the organization of ones choice. Afterglow I'd like the memory of me To be a happy one. Id like to leave an afterglow 0f smiles when life is done. Id like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways 0f happy times, laughing times And bright, sunny days. Id like the tears of those who grieve To dry before the sun 0f happy memories that I leave When life is done. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road 608-238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2003

Obituary: Charlotte I. (Spader) Niehus - Class of 1934

MADISON - Charlotte I. Niehus, age 87, died on Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Meriter Health Care Center after an extended illness., She was born on Dec. 24, 1915, to Charles and Andrina Spader in Stoughton, Wis. Charlotte attended Doty School in her early years and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. On June 30, 1937, she married Henry Carl Niehus who died in an automobile accident on May 13, 1949. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Madison. She worked for 29 years for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services, formerly the Wisconsin Department of Public Welfare, in the Division of Children and Youth Services retiring in December 1978. She is survived by two daughters, Shirley (Charles) Carlson, McFarland, and Nancy (Harry) Barker, Madison. She is further survived by two grandsons, James (Heather) Barker, Prior Lake, Minn., and Douglas (Cindy) Carlson, Mount Horeb; a granddaughter, Jennifer (Jack) VanKauwenbergh, Madison; a great-granddaughter, Ainsley Bryn Barker, Prior Lake, Minn.; a great-grandson, Jake Carlson, Mount Horeb; two step-great-grandsons, Mike and Matt Whitmore, Wausau; two sisters, Margaret Bass and Dorothy Smail, both of Madison; a sister-in-law, Pauline (Romie) Blankenheim, Portage; and a number of nieces and nephews. Besides her husband she was also predeceased by an infant son, Rodger, in 1946; her parents, Charles and Andrina Spader; three brothers, Edward, Donald and Charles (Buddy) Spader; and a sister Marion Smail. A special thanks to the staff at the Meriter Health Care Center for their loving care and support of our mother for the last seven and a half years. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Ken Smith at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. Friends may call on the family from on Monday, April 21, 2003, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service., Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Jouranl on April 19, 2003

Obituary: Chris Michie - Class of 1966

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. - Chris Michie, Bay Area musician and producer, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 27, 2003, after living for six years with melanoma. Deborah, his wife of 35 years, and his daughter, Claire, were at his side. Chris was the son of Mary and the late Norman Michie of Madison, Wis., where Chris grew up and attended the University of Wisconsin. He and Deborah moved to San Francisco in 1969 with The Mendelbaum Blues Band. Over the years he played, recorded and toured the world with Van Morrison, The Pointer Sisters, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and many other San Francisco and Bay Area bands. During his 25-year partnership with the late Andy Kulberg Chris logged many hours in the studio creating music for TV, film and commercials as well as recording his own music and producing and playing on other musicians' tracks. He was a mentor to many musicians, young and old, and played in the Fete de la Musique in Paris with friends in 2001. He wrote and published a memoir of his music career entitled "Name Droppings or It's All About Me Isn't It?" and released several CDs of his own music. Chris' last project was the score for Judy Irving's film "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill," of which he was extremely proud. In addition to his wife, Deborah Brown Michie, and their daughter, Claire, Chris is survived by his mother, Mary; brothers, Peter and Adam of Madison; a sister, Sarah Pressler of Colfax, Calif.; and was known and loved by hundreds of friends throughout the country and world. A Scottish wake will be held in his memory on Sunday, April 6, 2003. Check this website for more information: www.cmichie.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2003

Obituary: Harold Eugene Kundert - Class of 1929

MADISON - Harold Eugene Kundert, age 91, died on March 20, 2003, at Meriter Hospital. He was born May 12, 1911, in New Glarus, Wis. the third child of Rudolph J. Kundert and Alma S. Kundert (yes, Alma's maiden name was also Kundert, but not related!) He attended school in New Glarus until age 16. The family then moved to Madison and he graduated from Madison Central High School. Harold worked for several banks until 1942, when he joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). He retired from FDIC 32 years later. On February 20, 1944, he married Helen J. Hogan of Waunakee and in the next three years they had three sons, Rudy, Michael and Paul. They first lived in Indianapolis, and then Wausau, Wis., Appleton, Wis. and finally Madison, Wis. After Helen died on August 31, 1980, Harold moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz. where Rudy, a Catholic Priest, was pastor of a parish. As he got older he decided that he wanted to be closer to his brother and sisters and moved back to Madison in 1991. He lived in the Meriter Towers and after suffering a heart attack and two strokes in 1998 he moved to the Meriter Health Care Center. He is survived by sons, Paul and his wife Kathy Kundert of Green Bay, Wis., and Michael, and his wife Julie of Evanston, Ill. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Josh, Mark and Casey. Finally he is survived by his extended family, and all of the staff and neighbors at the Meriter Health Care Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Palmer; his sisters Mariam (Arthur) Hannum, Pauline (Frank) Bergman and Viola (Edward) Hansen. Also his wife Helen died in 1980 and a son, Rudy, in 1998. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL, 222 W. Main St., Madison, on Monday, March 24, 2003, at 10 a.m. The Rev. Stan Drongowski, O.P. will officiate with burial in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Sunday, March 23, 2003, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diabetes Foundation or the V Foundation., Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road 608-274 1000

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

Harold Kundert's class year is based in information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: George Arthur Barry

WHITEWATER - George Arthur Barry, age 72, a longtime resident of Lake Bluff, Ill., and more recently Whitewater, died in Naples, Fla., Wednesday, March 5, 2003., Mr. Barry was born in Madison, Wis., Nov. 12, 1930., He attended St. Raphael Grade School and Central High School. He was a member of the armed forces and served in Japan and Korea. He graduated from Whitewater State College, in 1956. After coaching and teaching at Durand (Illinois) High School, for three years he came to Lake Forest (Illinois) High School in 1959, where he taught biology and coached freshman football. In fall 1966 he became head varsity football coach and coached for 21 years. During this time the team won nine conference championships and reached the Illinois state playoffs six times. The team overall record was 127 wins, 61 losses, and four ties. He also coached the swim and the lacrosse teams. He retired in 1987 after 31 years of continuous service. He was also a member of the Hall Of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Coaches Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois. After retirement he attended and participated in the senior games, gaining recognition and honors in track and field, biking, and swim events. A longtime friend and colleague, James Benton, had this to say: "I remember George Barry as a very moral man, a good Catholic, and a fine husband and father. He was soft-spoken and a true 'gentleman' whom I shall always remember that way." He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan LaPlant Barry; son, John (Sheila) of Naples, Fla.; daughters, Jill (Tom) Jensen of Green Bay, and Molly of Seattle, Wash.; four, grandchildren, Jessica and Austin Barry, and Thomas and, George Jensen; brother, Richard (Sharon) of Madison; and sister, June (Gil) Smith of Tonawanda, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his parents, H James and Theresa Barry; brothers, Thomas, Edward, Henry and Carl; and sisters, Marion, Gertrude and Evelyn. A funeral Mass for Mr. Barry will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Marinette. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The W Club at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 8, 2003

Obituary: Kay (Benseman) Gotzion - Class of 1958

MADISON - Kay Gotzion, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2003, after a brief illness. She was born on Dec. 4, 1939, to Mary Fox Benseman and George Benseman of Madison. Kay attended Lapham Elementary, graduated from Madison Central High School in 1958, and earned a B.S. in home economics and art from UW-Stout in Menomonie. While at Stout she belonged to Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, and continued her friendships at semi-annual gatherings. After college Kay became the first art teacher in the Poynette school system where she remained for five years. On Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966, she married David Gotzion at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison, and together they had two children, Gregg (Denise) and Amy (Jason) Gotzion-Peterson; and a grandchild, Nicholas Peterson. For the last 26 years, Kay has enjoyed working with all types of children in the Madison Metropolitan School System, 23 of those years at Schenk Elementary. Kay's wit, great sense of humor, and smile were enjoyed by all who knew her and she tried to always find the humorous side of things. Kay loved to cook and entertain and her artistic talents were enjoyed by all who knew her as well as making a warm and comfortable home. Kay is further survived by brother-in-law, Dean (Marion) Gotzion; sister-in-law, Doris (Ted) Payne; several nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Evelyn Gotzion; and a cousin, Pastor George (Elaine) Qualley of Colorado Springs, Colo. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; and her father-in-law, Steve Gotzion. Memorial services for Kay will be held at ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2165 Linden Ave., Madison, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, with the Rev. Pat Siegler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Kay would like to thank her many friends and relatives who through their kindness and helpfulness made her last few weeks better. Many thanks to HospiceCare, and to Beth and Linda for their help and the staff at Meriter Hospital. Friends are what makes a life and are always there when needed But if I didn't have any, I would have never succeeded. - Amy, 1986 Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsn State Journal on February 27, 2004

Obituary: Conway C. Curtin - Class of 1949

MADISON - Conway C. Curtin, age 71, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center due to complications with diabetes. He was born on Oct. 30, 1931, in Madison, the son of James and Beatrice (Christopherson) Curtin. On Nov. 22, 1958, he was united in marriage to the former Jean Campbell at St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School in 1949, Connie worked for 30 years with MG&E until his early retirement in 1990 due to his diabetes. He is survived by five children, Pam (Jon) Grassiln, Cam (Jill) Curtin, Kim (Brian) Esser, Lisa (Al) Grazen, and Brad (Lisa) Curtin; and six grandchildren whom he loved and adored very much, Megan, Christopher, Matt, Kelly, Nick and Sara. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Jean. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2003, at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5405 Flad Ave., with Monsignor William DeBock officiating. If tears could build a stairway,, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven, And bring you home again., Dad - We'll miss you - you did a good job! Love, Pam, Cam, Kim, Lisa, Brad Grandpa - We love you always and forever! Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 25, 2003

Obituary: Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss

CAMBRIDGE/MADISON - Jo Ann (Warnecke) Boss, age 53, of Cambridge, formerly of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at home. She was born on Oct. 27, 1949, in Madison, to William and Elizabeth (Byrne) Warnecke. She married the love of her life, Roger Boss on April 12, 1969, at St. James Catholic Church, Madison. Following graduation from Madison Central High School, Jo Ann went to work as a nursing assistant at St. Marys Hospital for over 25 years. She was famous for her cooking, whether it be for her family, friends, or for the neighborhood. Jo Ann had a passion for helping the sick or those in need. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Roger; her children, Shannon (Henry) Furseth, Robert, Brittny and Jordan Boss all of Cambridge; her loving grandsons, Noah and Bailey Furseth; and siblings, Theresa Trachte of Lake Mills, Fred (Nancy) Warnecke of Lake Mills, James (Beth) Warnecke of Merrimac, and Jean Warnecke of Madison. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers, Billy and Bobby Warnecke. Funeral services will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, with Father Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Dr. from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2003. The love Jo Ann carried in her heart was always shared with those who came in contact with her. Her bright smile and her caring, loving ways will be missed by all who knew her. Mom, We'll always carry a part of you in our hearts and we are eternally grateful for the love you gave us. You are our Guardian Angel. We miss and love you Mama Jo. Gunderson Oregon Funeral Home 608-835-3515

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