Obituary: Naomi (Bambrough) Voigts - Class of 1943

MADISON - Naomi A. Voigts, age 80, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005, at home. She was born on May 31, 1925, in Lancaster, to Frank and Josephine (Bradley) Bambrough. Naomi graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943. She worked for the Madison Public Library for 28 years as supervisor of materials preparation. Naomi was also active with the Madison Coalition of Aging for 15 years. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for more than 45 years. Naomi is survived by three daughters, Karla Herron of Madison, Susie (Steve) Krebs of Lakeville, Minn. and Kristi Smith of Warrenville, Ill.; a son, Paul (Judy) Voigts of Madison; grandchildren, Rusty Herron, Briar Herron, Angel Krebs, Bethany Krebs and Laura (Emmett) Black; and great-grandchildren, Briar and Kaleb Herron. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton; her parents; a brother, Clarence "Bud" Hooks; and sisters, Ruby Hartnett and Harriet Gorman. Memorial services will be held at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at noon on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Hospice staff for their care. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 27, 2005

Obituary: Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine - Class of 1945

MADISON - Jeanne Carol (Hanek) Steine, age 78, quietly passed away in her home on Monday, Nov. 21, 2005. She was born on March 28, 1927, in Oconto Falls, the youngest of seven children born to the loving and close family of Frank and Maude Hanek. Jeanne Carol moved to Madison with her family in 1943. She graduated from Central High School in 1945, and shortly thereafter went to work at Bell Telephone, as a long distance operator. Jeanne Carol had a soothing voice and was a good singer, as were her brothers and sisters. In 1951, she married Arnie Steine of Decorah, Iowa, and became a loving wife and mother. She returned to work after her husband's death in 1966. With her warm personality and experience as an operator, she worked as a receptionist until her retirement in 1986. Jeanne enjoyed her independence and loved to travel with her sisters to visit family and friends. Although her last few years became physically difficult for her, she never complained and battled courageously until her last breath. Jeanne was a kind and gentle soul. Her love and life will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by those she touched. She is survived by her son, Kent; a brother, Blaine Hanek; a sister, Verle (Hanek) Jacobs; granddaughter, Autumn (Steine) Malotke; grandson, Shane Steine; great-grandson, Donovan Malotke; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnie Steine; parents, Frank Hanek and Maude (McLean) Hanek; sisters, Joyce Hanek and Geraldine (Hanek) Everett; brothers, Claude Hanek and Donald Hanek. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at 11 a.m. at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 25, 2005

Obituary: Joseph Petrus Wergin - Class of 1927

MADISON - Joe was born in Madison, on Jan. 22, 1910. He attended Holy Redeemer Elementary School and Central High School, and obtained bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Wisconsin. After graduation in 1933, he taught science and coached at Edgerton High School. In 1940, he married Jennie Anderson and went to work for the U.S. Post Office. He joined the Army during World War II and advanced to the rank of sergeant. After discharge, he returned to the Post Office and in 1961, was appointed Postmaster of the Village of McFarland. During his postal career, he also operated the McFarland Tavern and the McFarland Real Estate Company, developed the Larwood Hills subdivision in Westport, and ran for the State Assembly as a Democratic candidate. Joe was an expert card player and wrote seven books that established him as an international authority on skat and cribbage. He is known for applying a scientific approach to card play and developing the Wergin System for evaluating skat hands. He served as North American Skat League secretary and president for many years and was first vice president of the International Skat Congress. Joe retired from the Post Office in 1970 to devote himself full-time to promoting card play. He taught sheepshead and skat at the UW Memorial Union and cribbage at elementary schools. He led the formation of the American Cribbage Congress in 1979 and served as president for 13 years. He established a network of ACC Grass Roots Clubs, standardized tournament rules, developed a round-robin method of qualification play, and organized an annual Tournament of Champions. His last project as ACC president was to start a youth cribbage program to help children improve their math skills. He was honored by being the first living person elected to the Cribbage Hall of Fame in 1982 and by establishment of the Joseph Petrus Wergin Invitational Tournament in Reno, Nevada, an annual competition that draws over 1,000 players. Joe passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Hebron Oaks Nursing Home (Oakwood), where he lived for the past seven years. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ginny (Larry) White of Madison; sister, Julia Harris of Spring Valley, Calif.; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Jennie; and daughter, Elaine; his sisters, Agnes Goede, Martha Koch, and Katherine Hardy; his brother, Gary Wergin; and his dear friend Marguerite Dukes. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, with a pass and review at 6 p.m. A prayer service will be at 6:45 p.m. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park where military rites will be conducted. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, with Father John Meinholz and Father Diego Cuevas concelebrating. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison 53705. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 14, 2005


Note: Joseph Wergin's class year comes from the 1927 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the seniors.

03/07/2006 - Joseph Wergin's daughter, Ginny, sent an email with a link to a Doug Moe column in The Capital Times about her father. You may read it by clicking HERE. The Wisconsin State Journal also published a tribute to Joseph Wergin, written by Brenda Ingersoll. You may read it by clicking HERE. Moe, by the way, mentions Central High School in his tribute to Joseph Wergin. Ingersoll does not, but unlike Moe she's not a townie, so she may not be familiar with the long and illustrious history of Central High School.

Obituary: Elva (Dunham) Buenzli - Class of 1932

MADISON - Elva M. Buenzli, age 90, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. Elva was born on Jan. 5, 1915, in Tomahawk to parents Anna and Alton Dunham. She graduated from Madison Central High School and also from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, earning a degree in political science. On Oct. 15, 1938, Elva married William L. Buenzli at St. Raphael's Cathedral, where she was a member until her death. Elva is survived by her three children, Suzanne (Ben) Hutchison, William D. (Denise) Buenzli and Edward (Judy) Buenzli; eight grandchildren, Heidi Meixner, Brett Buenzli, Heath Hutchison, Tyler Buenzli, Bryan Buenzli, Paige Hutchison, Haley Buenzli and Adrienne Buenzli; two great-grandsons, Zachary and Taryn Meixner; and brother-in-law, Howard Buenzli. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Judge William Buenzli. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, with a visitation at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Monsignor Michael E. Hippee and Monsignor Daniel Ganshert will be officiating. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HopiceCare, Inc., the American Red Cross or the Apostolate to the Handicapped. A special thanks to the caregivers and medical staff at Meriter Hospital and the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 9, 2005

Note: Elva Dunham's graduation date is based on information in the Madison Central High School yearbook for 1932.

Obituary: Helen (Barlow) Miller - Class of 1930

MIDDLETON/ MADISON - Helen B. Miller, died unexpectedly at Oakwood Village on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005. She was born March 25, 1912, in Greenville, Mich., the first born of Chester and Louise (Metzke) Barlow. She graduated from Central High School and excelled in art. On Aug. 1, 1931, she married Norbert R. Miller. For many years they worked together in their flower shop and greenhouses, Hillside Flowershop in Middleton. Helen was a very talented and artistic person ranging from floral design and flower bed design to quilting. "There was no questions regarding plants and flowers that could stump our mother." Helen was a member of West Middleton Lutheran Church. Helen is survived by four daughters, Dr. Jane Chapman Sevastou (Nikitis) of Paxia Raxia, Greece, Judy Smrcka (Rev. Dr. Thomas), most recently of Portes, Aegina Island, Greece, Marilyn Lokken of rural Verona, and Faith Clay of Carmel Valley, Calif.; thirteen grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was anticipating the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild in January. She is also survived by her brother, Gaylord Barlow (Rita) of Milwaukee. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert "Nibbs," in 1992; her daughter, Marcia Reid of Decatur, Ill.; her parents; three brothers, Claude, Everett and William Barlow; and a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" McCafferty. A memorial service will be held at OAKWOOD RESURRECTION CHAPEL, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally printed in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 6, 2005; Corrected version (shown here) reprinted on November 8, 2005 (some lines of type had been transposed in the original)

Obituary: Joyce (Deering) Wall - Class of 1955

POYNETTE Joyce A. Wall, age 68, of Poynette, died on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 at the Portage Assembly of God, 2727 County Rd. CX, with Rev. Victor Hillestad officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Poynette. Friends may call on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. at the church. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home of Poynette is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on Feb. 14, 1937 in Madison, the daughter of Fred and Minnie (Haskins) Deering. She graduated in 1955 from Central High School in Madison. Joyce married Theodore James Wall in 1957. She retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections in Madison. She was a member of the Portage Assembly of God Church. Joyce had a great love for her family, especially for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Theodore James "Jim" Wall, Poynette; her children, Kevin (Jane) Wall, Arlington, Keith Wall, Pardeeville, Kimberly Ann (Dale) Howell, Madison, Kelly Jean Pierce, Pardeeville; 10 grandchildren, Joshua and Katie Wall, Shawndell, Christine and Isaiah Wall, Jasson and Sarah Howell, Megan, David and Bridget Pierce; three great-grandchildren, Marcus and Jasson Howell, Jr., Jonathan David Krynicki; also one great-grandchild expected in June; a very special friend Ruth Sadler; two very special pets, Muffin and Pumkin and is further survived by many other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, Melissa Ann, two grandsons, Nathaniel Luke Wall and Aaron Wall, and a sister, Joanne Deering.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Downing, Dr. McCallister of the Pulmonary Dept., Dr. David Hei of Oncology and Dr. Frank Kilpatrick, Dr. Adib, Dr. Dianna Kruse and the staff of Meriter Hospital. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Walgreen's 24 Hr. Drug Store in Madison, especially Joel, Cris, Pete and Scott.

Originally published in the Portage (Wisconsin) Register on October 24, 2005

Obituary: Phyllis (Bowes) Mekkelson

Phyllis Mekkelson, age 91 of Baraboo, passed away on Oct. 20, 2005 at the St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo. Phyllis was born on Feb. 19, 1914 in Madison, the daughter of Ruben and Anna (Moe) Bowes. She was a graduate of Central High School in Madison and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, completing a course in medical laboratory technology. On Oct. 10, 1937, she was united in marriage to Wayne Mekkelson in Madison. Phyllis was a medical technician for over 30 years working at St. Mary's Ringling Hospital and later at St. Clare Hospital. During these years, she served many in the community and had a positive impact on their lives. After retirement, Phyllis continued to contribute to the community through her volunteer activities which included Circus World Museum for over 18 years, food pantry, meals on wheels, library book program, and volunteering at the election polls. She was an outdoor enthusiast who loved all aspects of nature which included fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Mekkelson of Baraboo; son, Peter (Sue) Mekkelson of Sierrra Vista, Ariz.; daughter, Andrea (Bruce) Hanson of La Crosse; grandchildren, Paul (Karen) Mekkelson of Las Cruces, N.M., Scott (Stephanie) Mekkelson of Middletown, Md., Jeffrey( Jolene) Neis of DeForest, Heidi (Chris) Colbert of West Salem, Tammi (Steve) Hofford of Cincinnati, Ohio; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Kruse of Cornelius, Ore.; niece, Claudia (Ken) Weber of Portland, Ore.; nephew, Steve (Kathy) Kruse of Gaston, Ore.; and other relatives and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Anna Bowes.A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Baraboo, on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 at 1 p.m. Pastor Wendy Boden will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Baraboo or the Sauk County Humane Society. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Originally published in the Baraboo (Wisconsin) News Republic on October 21, 2005

Obituary: Joseph Lieberman - Class of 1934

MADISON - Joseph Lieberman, age 89, passed away on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, at St. Marys Care Center. Joe was born on Sept. 21, 1916, the son of Solomon and Freda (Wolmensky) Lieberman. He grew up in Madison's old Greenbush neighborhood and was a lifelong resident of Madison. As a child, Joe loved to play softball, first at Longfellow and then at Barry Park in the summertime. Joe graduated from Madison Central High School in 1934. Joe played for Zirkel's Grocery softball team. In 1939, he played for Wisconsin Foundry. Then he joined Security State Bank and they won the city championship and a State championship. Joe was a left-handed catcher and a leader of the team. In 1941, they won the State Championship, at least six city titles and major league pennants. Most of the time the Bankers have been looked upon by rival Major league clubs as the hated Yankees of the league; the outfit everybody tried to beat hardest of all, but always a tougher-than-nails clutch team that played its best when the blue chips were down. In 1974, Joe was named to Madison's all-time men's softball team. During World War II, Joe volunteered to serve in the Army and was stationed in India, where they won the Allied League's Calcutta Cup in 1945. Joe was a member of the 1786th Engineers Unit called "the Cobras." Joe married Ruth Erickson Toebaas in 1967. They enjoyed traveling, going to most states in the U.S. on one trip or another, a trip to Germany and Austria and a trip to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. They have had season tickets to football games at Camp Randall since about 1967 and went to a couple of Rose Bowl games and other Bowl games. Joe was a member of the Madison Elk's Lodge 410 for many years and they enjoyed having dinner there. In 1981, Joe retired from the Wisconsin Dept. of Human Relations, Department of Unemployment Compensation. One gift to enjoy in his retirement was a membership in the Pen and Mike Club, later called Madison Sports Hall of Fame Club. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; four stepchildren, Dianna (Anton) Dammer of McLean, Va., James Toebaas of Sandpoint, Idaho, William Toebaas and Anita Toebaas of Madison; three step-grandchildren, Robin, Christen and John Dammer; three nieces, Margaret (Marc) Tanenberg of Northbrook, Ill., Debbie (Pierce) McNally of Wayzata, Minn., and Diane Zack of Ocala, Fla.; and brother-in-law, Helmut Zack of Ocala, Fla. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and his two sisters, Bessie (Sidney) Perlstadt and Celia (Helmut) Zack, both of Chicago. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with Pastor George Bauman officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elks Club, Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice. The family wants to thank the wonderful staff of St. Mary's Care Center for the loving care they gave Joe for the last 11 months, and for their many kindnesses. We will always remember Joe's fellow residents of "Monona Road" at the Care Center who have become like family to us. Joe will always be remembered by those who knew him as a gentleman a gentle man, and for his wonderful smile, which never left him. God Bless and Shalom, Joe. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 12, 2005

Obituary: Kent Kruger

MADISON - Kent A. Kruger, age 53, passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005. He was born on Jan. 5, 1952, in Madison, the son of Walter and Cora (Kelly) Kruger. Kent attended Central High School, and graduated from Madison West High School. He was united in marriage to Karen Trapp, on Sept. 8, 1973, in East Bristol. Kent was a supervisor for the Dane County Public Safety Communications for 25 years. He was a Captain of the Town of Madison Volunteer Fire Department, for more than 35 years. Kent was an executive council person for APCO International, and a fire instructor at Madison Area Technical Colleg for many years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and he was a racing fan. Kent is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Karen of Madison; daughter, Katie of Monona; and his son, Ben of Madison. He is further survived by his sisters, Lavonne (Bill) Borchardt of Madison and Jan (Andy) Knapton of Oregon; brothers and best friends, Walter "Pat" Kruger of Madison and Dennis (Evelyn) Kruger of Oregon; and nieces, nephews and many friends. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joan Herrick and Vivian Edwards; and a brother, James Kruger. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Kent was a big guy with a big heart. We love you and miss you. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers (608) 221-5420.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2005

Note: Based on his age and the fact that he attended Central High School but graduated from West, Kent Kruger was probably a Junior when Central closed in 1969.

Obituary: William Mullarkey - Class of 1937

MADISON - William Allert Mullarkey Jr., age 86, passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 7, 2005, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 7, 1918, in Charles City, Iowa, the son of William and Aneita (Allert) Mullarkey Sr. In 1937, Bill graduated from Central High School. Bill was enlisted in the U.S. Army from Oct. 26, 1944 until Aug. 5, 1946, serving in World War II, as a combat infantry man and a demolition specialist. On April 3, 1950, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Jane Weeks at University Methodist Church in Madison. She preceded him in death in 1990. Bill was a member of the Elks Club and the Steam Fitters Local No. 161. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing. Bill is survived by his son, Michael (Deborah) Mullarkey of Madison; two grandsons, Patrick and Sean Mullarkey, both of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and most recently his longtime companion, Eleanore Flagstad. Private inurnment will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2005

Note: William Mullarkey's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange and Black yearbook, where his senior picture is included with the June graduates.