Obituary: Jennie Puccio Traino

MADISON - Jennie "Jeni" Puccio Traino passed away on Friday, April 18, 2008. Jeni was born on Dec. 24, 1922, to Joseph and Maria Puccio in the Greenbush neighborhood. She attended Central High School and Madison Business College and worked for the department of motor vehicles. Together with her husband Mike, they owned and operated Paul's Club on State Street for many years. Jeni was wonderful mother, aunt and cook. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie (Karl) Frickelton; grandchildren, Krista and Michael. She is further survived by a special niece, Kathy (Jim) Peterson and their children, Nikki and Christopher; and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Kindred Hearts Assisted Living in Cottage Grove and HospiceCare for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Madison, WI 53711. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH 1905 W. Beltline Hwy. with Msgr. Thomas Baxter presiding, burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Obituary: Joyce I (Hegg) Fisher

PRAIRIE DU SAC/ MAZOMANIE - Joyce I. Fisher, age 79, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb. She was born March 18, 1929, in Madison, to the late Russell and Marie (Devereaux) Hegg. She attended Central High School in Madison. Joyce married Donald B. Fisher, Aug. 16, 1947, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Madison. They were married for more than 50 years, before Donald passed away on Feb. 19, 1998. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed knitting and embroidery, and doing word circle puzzles. Joyce loved her family and cherished the time they spent together. She is survived by her children, Madonna (Richard) Larsen of Lodi, Catherine (Ernie) Earnshaw of Mesa, Ariz., and John (Gabriele) Fisher of Granite Falls, Wash.; five grandchildren, Jay (Judy) Root, Tina (Randy) Leigh, Stephanie Kobie, April (Trent) Taylor, and Donald J. Fisher; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; her brother-in-law, William (Bud) Clark; her sister-in-law, Virginia Hegg; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Janet Clark, Richard and Russell Hegg; a son, Donald; and a grandson, Roger Root. A memorial service will be held at ST. BARNABAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Mazomanie, on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Father Jason Hesseling officiating. Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden in Madison. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Joyce's family would like to thank HospiceCare, the staff at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mount Horeb, and a very special granddaughter, Tina, for all their loving care of Joyce. Hooverson Funeral Home Mazomanie (608) 795-2344

Obituary: Mary T. (Galanos) Douros - Class of 1940

MADISON - Mary T. Douros, age 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg surrounded by her family. She was born on March 8, 1922, in Little Rock, Ark., to Louie and Evagelia Polychron. Louie died when Mary was two years old. Mary moved to Madison in 1926 when her mother married Gust Galanos. She graduated from Madison's Central High School in 1940, and went on to attend Madison Business College. In 1949, she married Theodosios Douros. From 1955 until 1985, Mary worked as a secretary at Forest Products Laboratory in Madison. She also worked part-time at her family's business, the Badger Candy Kitchen. Mary was a very spiritual person and a founding member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison. At church she sang in the choir for many years and was a long-time member of the church's Philoptochos Ladies Society. She was a very loving and generous soul who could warm a person's heart with just one smile. Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Katherine; nephew, Dean (Jayme); and niece, Rea (Yioryos). She was preceded in death by her brother, Nicholas Galanos. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison with Father Fred Janecek and Father Deacon Michael Vanderhoef officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison or HopsiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family extends its thanks to all of Mary's caregivers and volunteers from HospiceCare and the staff at Alterra Wynwood. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Rd. (608) 238-3434

Obituary: Gerald Frederick Kratochwill - Class of 1949

MADISON - Gerald Fredrick Kratochwill, age 78, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at University Hospital, surrounded by his family, due to complications from heart and kidney failure. He was born on July 22, 1929, in Patch Grove, to Albert and Ann (Wickendoll) Kratochwill. Gerald grew up in Muscoda. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1949. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He retired in 1992 from the city of Madison Streets East Division, as a public works foreman. Gerald was well known for attending numerous auctions. He enjoyed walking around and bidding on the items nobody wanted. It was always a surprise to see what Gerald would bring home each weekend. We would like to think he recycled Dane County through our home. Gerald also enjoyed gardening and there could never be too many tomato plants. He is survived by his wife of 45 years of marriage, Barbara (Kalbfell) Kratochwill; four children, Daniel Kratochwill of Madison, Wendy (Jeff) Diehlmann of Madison, Jerry (Kathy) Kratochwill of Madison, and Nancy (Steve) Warner of Verona; grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Derek and Drew Kratochwill, Trent Diehlmann, Bradly and Sydney Kratochwill, and Amanda and Jayme Warner; great-grandson, Kyan Kratochwill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Nordell (Vida) Kratochwill, Bertha (Thomas) Alderman, and Leona (Narvil) Lewis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at University Hospital.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Joural on April 6, 2008

Obituary: Vernon W. Clifcorn - Class of 1937

MADISON - Vernon W. Clifcorn, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born on July 30, 1918, in Madison, the son of Earl and Clara (Kneebone) Clifcorn. Vernon was united in marriage to Gudron "Goody" Opheim on June 29, 1939, in Madison, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage until her death on Nov. 9, 2002. Mr. Clifcorn was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated with high honors from Madison Central High School. He owned and operated Clifcorn Decorating for 30 years, then was employed with the Madison School District for 17 years as well as being a beekeeper for 10 years. Vernon was an avid sportsman and gardener. He loved to fish, hunt and go camping. He loved taking the family on various vacations or just getting together for family gatherings. Mr. Clifcorn is survived by his son, James "Sonny" (Sue) Clifcorn and daughter, Carolyn Clifcorn, both of Madison; his grandchildren, Stuart (Joan) Clifcorn of Madison, Denise (John) Higgins of Deerfield, Becky Seibt of Columbus, Joel Clifcorn of McFarland, Brett (Deanna) Clifcorn of McFarland, Troy (Staci) Clifcorn of McFarland, Melissa (Sean) Collins of Racine, and Gregg Cline of Madison; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, June Olrick of Rio; and nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. Besides his loving wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Lynn and Ralph; and brothers, Ralph and Earl. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison with Chaplain Annette Cleary leading worship. Burial will be held in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to thank HospiceCare for their wonderful care which helped Dad stay at home. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family, always putting them first before himself. He will be dearly missed. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. (608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 2, 2008

Note: Vernon Clifcorn's class year is based on information in the 1937 Orange and Black yearbook, where his photograph appears with the February graduates.

Obituary: Albert Russell Duell

MADISON - Albert Russell Duell, age 83, passed away on March 26, 2008. He was born in Eagle Tip, Wis. on August 12, 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita and a son, Michael Joseph. Albert attended Central High School in Madison. Albert was a decorated World War II Naval veteran. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 1942, and served his country in the Naval Armed Guard from July 1942 until December 1943. He participated in the torch landings in North Africa. In 1944, he was transferred to the regular Navy and given the rank of Coxswain aboard the newly commissioned Destroyer Escort USS Kyne, assigned to Division 32 of the 3rd Fleet. He was awarded the Presidential Citation for the liberation of the Philippines and was involved in all major offensives on the road to Tokyo, where he remained until the signing of the surrender agreement. He was honorably discharged from the Navy, with the rank of Boatswains Mate Second class, in December of 1945. Albert returned to Madison and married Rita Marie Wachter on July 17, 1948. Albert worked for the Shappe Pontiac dealership from 1962 until it was purchased by Don Miller in 1981, and continued there until his retirement in 2002. Albert was a grand salesman and received Salesman of the Year awards year after year. He loved selling cars and met many of his friends that way. Albert was an avid golfer and spent his retirement golfing. When he wasn't on the course, he was watching it on television. He is survived by his five children, Carol Ann Manley of Madison, Thomas Albert of Madison, Kathryn Lynn Duell of Fitchburg, Jean Marie (Dennis) Fawcett of Madison and John (Amanda) Francis of Madison; nine grandchildren, Caroline, Brenda, Michael, Steven, Jackie, Julie, Anthony, Jennifer and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Dominick and Isabella. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will full military honors will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to HospiceCare Foundation, Inc.
Dad, we will miss you terribly. You certainly were part of the "Greatest Generation". Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 29, 2008

Obituary: Hubert "Bart" Martinelli

MADISON - Hubert "Bart" Martinelli passed away at home Friday, March 7, 2008,after a long illness. He was born on Dec. 5, 1924, the son of Massimo and Palmina (Viviani) Martinelli. A faithful Catholic, Bart attended old Saint Joseph's grade school. Following that, he graduated from Central High School. Here was a man who served his country proudly and honorably in World War II. Attached to the 365th Medical Battalion, 65th Infantry Division, he received a special diploma from the French government for his contributions to the country's liberation and for people everywhere. In addition, Bart received the Bronze Star for his service in the European theater from January to September, 1945 and the Combat Medical Badge. World War II profoundly affected this courageous man's life and health, as war often does to too many. Hubert was employed in the construction field his entire adult life. These construction projects included many of the major buildings in the city, including the Veterans' Hospital and the City County Building. Madison Labor Local 464 awarded him a 50 year gold card membership and another award for 37 years as an officer in the organization. On Labor Day, he could be found at The Labor Temple, cooking Italian sausage. There were many activities that Bart enjoyed. He was a devoted, longtime member of the Italian Workmen's Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Also, he loved sports and teams of every kind, including the Chicago Cubs. Every football Saturday found many of his nephews and friends at his Milton Street home for the pre-game cookout. His survivors include his fraternal twin, Lucy (Bill) Genin; his brother, Victor (Vincenza) Martinelli; as well as 21 loving nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Marcella Martinelli and Rose (Ted) Jafferis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison with Msgr. Thomas F. Baxter officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, and again from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice. A special thanks to Bart's good friend, Nick Gandolph, as well as the Madison Senior Center. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 9, 2008

Lettie Evelyn (Fisher) Dueppen - Class of 1933

CEDARBURG - Lettie Evelyn Dueppen, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Harrison Home, a Family Tree Residential Facility in Cedarburg. She was born in a log cabin on July 12, 1915, in Lynn, Mo., to Roger and Iva Mae Fisher. Her family moved to Madison when she was a young child. She grew up on Madison's south side, and attended Longfellow School. After graduation from Central High School in 1933, she worked at Madison General Hospital. She married James W. Dueppen at St. James Catholic Church on June 20, 1936. They were married for more than 59 years, until Jim passed away in January 1996. In their dating days, and early years of marriage, Lettie and Jim loved dancing, boating, and fishing. When Lettie's youngest started school, she worked part-time in the neighborhood at the Ice Cream Shoppe and Mack's Grocery Store. Thereafter, she worked for the state of Wisconsin Department of Revenue for more than 25 years. After her retirement, she and Jim enjoyed "wintering" in Florida in the Largo/St. Petersburg area. She was a long time member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. Her passion was helping others and caring for others. She will be remembered for the years she was involved in her mothers' care, and visits to the sick or "homebound," and her homemade sweet rolls and meals delivered to others. Her dinner table was always ready to receive guests. Lettie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister, Lillian Armstrong; and her brother, Chester Louis Fisher. She is survived by sons, James R. (Marilyn) of Largo, Fla. and Thomas L. (Joyce) of Menomonee Falls; a daughter, Betty-Jo (Jack) Dahlman of Cedarburg; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Bernice Myers; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Joan) Dueppen and Kenneth (Mary Ann) Dueppen; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Lettie's grandson, Father David Dueppen will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2008

Obituary: Jean (Edie) Topp - Class of 1943

MADISON - Jean Topp, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, thus ending her journey through Alzheimer's disease. She was born on Sept. 17, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., to James and Ethel (Morris) Edie. Jean graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943. She dearly loved her classmates and attended as many of their wonderful reunions as she could. After graduation, she was proud of her first job at the Neckerman Agency, as a secretary. Jean was united in marriage to Robert W. Topp on May 29, 1948, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Madison. They started their family in Middleton, then moved back to Madison on Segoe Road. They shared 40 years together until the time of Bob's death in 1988. She was employed for 20 years by Hill Electric and truly enjoyed decorating the large front windows that faced Park Street. She received many nice letters from people who would drive by and enjoy the holiday decorations, and the tributes to the Hill and Topp family celebrations. Jean loved the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. The music would touch her heart and she was as proud of the band members as if they were her own children. She loved to spend time in her flower gardens. Jean was a very active woman who had many interests and hobbies. She was and avid golfer, and early member of Nakoma Golf Club and through the years, she would join her friends at Hill Farms and the Madison Municipal Ladies League. She also was involved in the Elks Lodge, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Queen of Peace Ladies Auxiliary. She very much enjoyed playing bridge, SkipBo, and putting together puzzles. She also enjoyed the bowling leagues at Schwoegler's and Badger Bowl. Jean and Bob traveled the world with their many friends and she continued to travel with her friends after Bob's death. Jean loved to entertain people at her home and to plan parties for others. She had the best "Life begins at 60" party ever when she retired from Hill Electric. Jean had the gift of laughter and the gift of empathy. She did much to help others. Jean volunteered at the Red Cross and through the years for her children's school functions. She participated in Alzheimer's disease research studies, knowing that even if a cure was not found for her, maybe her participation will help find the cure for others. Jean was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She unselfishly dedicated her life to others, and always welcomed family, guests and visitors into her home. Her door was always open, even while Alzheimer's disease was slowly forcing it closed. Jean is survived by her children, Keith (Kathy) Topp of Oregon, Wis. and Sharon Topp of Madison; her sister, Ruth (Keith) Hawks of Wausau; cousins, June Hammersley of Madison and Gordon (Joyce) Morris of Edgerton; and sister-in-law, Marge Libby of Madison. Jean had the greatest grandchildren, Tom Topp and Kevin (Jenny) Topp of Oregon, Lori (Jesse) Ewoldt of Dane, and Jen Clukas of Madison. Jean also had the most beautiful great-grandchildren, Carson and Emma Topp, and Stella Jean Ewoldt. Jean was blessed with many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly and it was clear that they loved her; Gery (Bonnie) Hammersley, Wendy Miller, Kim Bray (Brittney and Tiffany), Linda Bridwell (Jeffrey, Joey, Steven), Mark (Shelly) Hawks, David (Patty) Morris, and Bruce (Vicki) Morris. She is also survived by many, many truly wonderful friends who continued to keep her in their thoughts and prayers throughout her journey. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2008, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Central Wisconsin Chapter, 517 N. Segoe Road, Suite 301, Madison, WI 53705, the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53719, or the Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program, care of Dr. Sanjay Asthana, 2870 University Ave., Suite 106, Madison, WI 53705. The family would like to that the staff at Willow Point in Verona, Four Winds Manor in Verona, and HospiceCare for the care and tenderness provided to Jean.
"I am Home in Heaven, dear ones, Oh! So happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this Everlasting Light. All the pain and grief are over, Every restless yearning past; I am now at peace forever, Safely Home in Heaven at last." Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 1, 2008

Obituary: Laura Love Linden - Class of 1924

MADISON - Miss Laura Love Linden, age 100, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, at Attic Angels in Middleton. She was born in 1908, in Oregon City, Ore. to the Rev. John and Florence Linden. In 1912, the family moved to Madison, where Laura attended Randall School, Central High School, and the University of Wisconsin - Madison where she graduated in 1928. In 1929, at the age of 21, she received her Master's Degree in Italian and French. She then taught at Ripon College, and Jamestown College in North Dakota. She taught the longest from 1945 to 1974 at Muncie Central High School in Muncie, Ind. She then retired to Madison, where for 24 years, as a student senior guest, she audited many courses at the UW - Madison. Much of Laura's time was spent as a volunteer. For 10 years, even into the 90's, she chose big print books for retirement homes at the Schwab Library in downtown Madison. One of her chief hobbies was the love of travel. During summers, she attended many universities and foreign countries: The Sorbonne in Paris; McGill University in Montreal, Canada; The Royal University in Perugia, Italy; Columbia in New York; Stanford in California; South America; Australia; and with Purdue University, behind the Iron Curtain. Laura was also a UW sports fan, and will be remembered for her generous contributions to the UW and other charitable organizations. Laura was preceded in death by her sister, Kay Johnson in 1989; her brother, Doctor John Linden in 1993; and her brother, Robert Linden and his wife, Ruth, in 2007 and 2008. She is survived by Silas "Hap" and Marie Johnson of Madison; Nancy and Albert Nicholas of Beaver Lake; Virginia and William Barnett of Neenah; David and Mel Johnson of Elm Grove; Christine and Skip Bennett of Punta gorda, Fla.; and Richard and Patricia Linden of Bethesda, Md. All of these were her nieces and nephews, but there are many, many more nieces and nephews, both great and great-great, as well. Per Laura's request, there will be no funeral other than a graveside service for immediate family members. Also, Laura requested that no flowers be sent. Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave, Madison, WI 53705; The University of Wisconsin Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, P.O. Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807; or to the Schwab City Library, Madison Public Library Foundation, 201 W. Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 20, 2008

Note: Laura Love Linden's class year is based on information in the 1924 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.