Obituary: Victor Moyer - Class of 1953

FORT ATKINSON - Victor Moyer, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, Wis. died May 21, 2008, at the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. Victor was born in Sauderville, Pa. on June 18, 1935, the son of William and Ethel (Oen) Moyer. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953 and from the University of Wisconsin - Madison Law School in 1969. Victor served his country in the U. S. Army from 1955 until 1956 in Alaska. Victor resided in Evansville, Wis. from 1969 until 1981. He served as the assistant district attorney for Rock County as well as owning a bar in Evansville. From 1984 until 1997, Victor served as corporate counsel for Jefferson County. Following his retirement, Victor enjoyed traveling, having visited 49 of the 50 states. He loved cars and racing. Victor belonged to the "Froggers" and enjoyed the fellowship at the Legion Dugout. Surviving are daughter, Lori Donnelly of Janesville; daughter, Jennifer Moyer of Janesville; four grandchildren; and a brother, Owen (Jan) Moyer of Eau Claire. Victor was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Paul Moyer. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the NITARDY FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, Fort Atkinson with the Rev. Bill Beyer officiating. Military Rites will follow the services. Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at NITARDY FUNERAL HOME, Fort Atkinson until the services.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 24, 2008

Obituary: Joanne K. "Pinky" (Westbury) Crawmer - Class of 1949

MADISON - Joanne K. "Pinky" Crawmer, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, with her loving husband Bud at her side. Joanne was born Nov. 21, 1930, the daughter of John and Alice (Lobre) Westbury in Madison. She was a graduate of Central High School and excelled in softball. "Pinky" was a semi-pro softball player, and had the chance to move and join an advanced league, but chose to stay in Madison. Joanne was united in marriage to Lorin "Bud" Crawmer in Madison on June 20, 1953, and they shared nearly 55 years together. "Pinky" loved music, especially country music, and loved to sing and dance. She was employed as an account specialist with the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation for over 25 years until her retirement in 1986, and was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church. Joanne "Pinky" is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, "Bud"; her devoted sister, Jacqueline "Dolly" Mathews of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Donna Epler and Patricia Triplett. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711. The family would like to thank the staff of HospiceCare, especially Karen, for their loving and compassionate care. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsni State Journal on May 18, 2008

Note: Joanne Westbury's class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where here photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Sharon C. (Buchanan) Ponselle

MADISON - Sharon C. Ponsolle, age 68, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center. She was born on Oct. 31, 1939, in Madison, the daughter of Lyman and Clare (O'Neill) Buchanan. Sharon graduated from Madison Central High School and Madison Area Technical College, nursing program. She married John Ponsolle in Madison. Sharon was a licensed practical nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison and at Paoli Memorial Hospital, while residing in Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband, John; three sons, Dominic of Phoenixville, Pa., Chris of Madison, and Phillip (Heather) of Lewistown, Pa.; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Cody; siblings, Joan Workman, Gail (Charlie) Zwergel, and James (Rosemary) Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Linda Burns. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008, with Father John Meinholz presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 19, 2008

Obituary: Ralph J. Stothard - Class of 1940

MIDDLETON - Ralph J. Stothard, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He was born on Dec. 17, 1922, to Raymond and Florence (Bolzt) Stothard. The family moved to Madison in 1930. Ralph graduated from Madison Central High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 until his honorable discharge in 1945. Ralph served on the U.S.S. Wyoming in the Atlantic, Convoy Control Unit in the Caribbean, and on the U.S.S. Cyrene, a P. T. Tender, in the Pacific. He and Ouanita Chitwood were united in marriage at St. John's Church in Muscoda, on Jan. 4, 1947. Ralph was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad as an agent/telegrapher for 15 years, followed by employment with Ohio Medical/Ohmeda for 24 years in the Finishing and Production Control departments until his retirement in 1988. He was also employed by Kraemer Air Filter Corp. for 18 years. Ralph was a devoted husband and father, and enjoyed reading, music, marquetry, cooking, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Ouanita; daughters, Randy Stothard-Kampen of Madison and Jo Stothard of Waunakee; son-in-law, Michael O'Driscoll; and grandson, Rory O'Driscoll, also of Waunakee. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. In keeping with Ralph's wishes, no services will be held. Contributions may be made to HospiceCare Inc., in memory of Ralph J. Stothard. The family is thankful to the HospiceCare staff for their kindness and help. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 15, 2008

Obituary: James "Jim" Schmitz - Class of 1965

MONONA/ MADISON - James "Jim" Schmitz, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. He was born on Oct. 10, 1946, in Madison, the son of Hubert and Gertrude (Hauser) Schmitz. Jim attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was abroad the USS Randolph. On Oct. 30, 1982, Jim married Mary A. Munson at St. Patrick's Church in Madison. Jim had several hobbies including playing cards and dice, dancing, hunting, fishing and having a good time with friends and family. He especially loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed being with them. Jim is survived by his sisters, Carol Connery of Blue Mounds, Sister Mary Schmitz of Madison, Jean Norman of Peoria, Ariz. and Betty (Marvin) Meyers of McFarland; sister-in-law, Alice Schmitz of Waunakee; 14 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; brother, Robert; and brother-in-laws, Maurice Connery and Thomas Norman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, 11 a.m., at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 413 Dempsey Road, Madison. Father Roger Nilles will officiate the mass. A visitation will be on Sunday, May 11, 2008, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Dennis Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2008

Obituary: Theodore Veloff

MADISON - Theodore Veloff, age 96, died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. Ted was born on Feb. 23, 1912, in Bitola, Yugoslavia. Ted graduated from Madison Central High School and worked for the City of Madison for nearly 40 years until his retirement from the city traffic engineering department. He enjoyed casino hopping, reading and dancing, and in fact met his first wife, Arlene, at a dance at the old Eagles Club, and his second wife, Matilda, at a dance at the new Eagles Club. He met his present lady friend, Fran Borquist, at a senior center dance. Ted has six children, Dick (Nancy), Don (Shirley), Pat, Ray (Judy), Jim (Jan) and Carol (Jerry) Crary; three stepchildren, Donna (Bob) Wipperfurth, Arlene McNall and Duane (Lucy) Strassman. He also has 10 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 18 step great-grandchildren; one step great great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Ila Wermuth and Janice (Eddie) Niebuhr; and one cousin, Leona Kinder. He was preceded in death by each of his wives. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the funeral home and again on Thursday one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Ted's name to Home Health United, 4601 Hammersley Road, Madison, WI 53711; or the charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank Dick, Nancy, and Stuart for sharing their home with Todo for the past 17 years. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2008

Obituary: Annabelle (Peck) Clements

MADISON - Our beloved mother, Annabelle Clements (Peck) of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. She was born on Sept. 25, 1916, in Madison. She graduated from Central High School and was a lifelong resident. She was united in marriage on April 29, 1936, to Thomas C. Clements. Annabelle was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. In addition to raising her children, Annabelle was employed with the Dept. of Transportation and Rural Insurance Company. Annabelle had many friends and everyone said how sweet she was and what a beautiful smile she had. Annabelle is survived by her five children, Thomas J. Clements (Lynn) of Rogers, Ark., Bonnie Livesey (John) of Madison, Sue Krueger (Gordon) of Madison, Nancy Clements (Kris) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Dan Clements (Susie) of Middleton; nine grandchildren, Rob and Jon Clements, Debbie Perry, John, Jim and Jeff Livesey, Michelle Hutton, Katie and Nick Clements; 16 great-grandchildren, Robbie, Crystal, Tiffany, Tresa, Morgan, Travis, Jake, Sydney, Tony, Erika, Kyle, Austen, Ashlin, Abbey, Gavin and Madeline; and eight great-great-grandchildren, Trey, Baylee, Katie, Devon, Niah, Riley, Haley and Hunter. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Hughes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Albert Peck; her husband, Thomas Clements; three sisters, Violet, Elizabeth and Eleanor; and a brother, Henry. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison. We want to thank the staff of Waunakee Manor for all of their support over the past five years. In addition, thanks and appreciation to St. Mary's Hospital and HospiceCare for all of their loving and compassionate care.Mom, we all love you, and your memory will remain in our hearts forever. Your devoted daughter, Sue, will be lost without you. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

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

Obituary: Peggy Joyce (Bender) Olday - Class of 1948

MADISON - Peggy Joyce Olday is continuing the journey of life with her Lord and Savior. Peggy, age 77, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2008, with her family by her side, at HospiceCare in Madison, after a courageous six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Peggy was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in Madison, the daughter of the late Emanuel and Thelma Bender. Peggy was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donovan L. Olday Sr. on May 6, 1949, on a beautiful day at First Christian Church, Madison. Peggy graduated from Central High School in 1948 and went on to work for UW-Madison. She was a member of the American Legion Post 57, Ladies Auxiliary. Upon starting a family Peggy was a stay-at-home mom devoting herself solely to her family and church. Peggy was a very active member of Community Christian Church in Monona. For the past 35 years Peggy has worked for Avon, excelling in Avon sales, recruiting, training, and earning awards for her dedication and numerous accomplishments. She has made many wonderful friends with her Avon career who loved her dearly. Peggy is survived by Donovan, her husband of nearly 59 years; three daughters, Penny Jastal-Hagar and Patti Lambert of Wisconsin, and Pamela Zoutendyk of Michigan; two sons, Donovan Jr. and David of Wisconsin; 11 beautiful grandchildren and 10 wonderful great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly; two very loving and giving sisters, Beverly Hebl and Judy Veloff of Wisconsin; a loving brother, Emanuel P. Bender Jr. of Arizona; and a very special sister-in-law, Sandy Kaiser of California. Peggy is further survived by loving aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and very, very special friends. Peggy was preceded in death by two grandsons, infant Jerrod K. Olday of Arizona, and 15-month-old Alec J. Lambert; and her parents. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road with the Rev. Bob Lawrence officiating. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Madison. A very special thanks to Dr. LoConte and her staff with the Paul P. Carbone Cancer Center, and Pastor Bob Lawrence and members of the Community Christian Church. Also, thanks to the HospiceCare staff who provided compassionate care and comfort.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 26, 2008

Obituary: William Dean Engler

CHILTON - William Dean Engler, age 96, of Chilton, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2008, with his family at his side. He was born on Feb. 14, 1912, in Madison. His mother was Theresa Krenz Engler and his father was William Martin Engler. Also preceding him in death were his sisters, Gerturde Schmitz (Edward) of Madison and Mildred Wirka (Herman) of Madison. After attending Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School and Edgewood and West High in Madison, he graduated from Madison Central High School and went on to school at Worcester Academy in Worcester, Mass. Returning to Madison, he worked as a car salesman for Pyramid Motors. On Sept. 1, 1934, he married Virginia Elizabeth Knauf of Chilton. He later owned and operated a Standard Oil gas and service station on University Avenue in Madison until World War II. During the war he worked at Badger Ordinance Powder Plant near Baraboo where he was supervisor in charge of storage and shipment of all black powder used in making war explosives. After the war, in 1945, he went to work for his father-in-law, William N. Knauf, at Knauf and Tesch Company in Chilton. In 1964 after both the former owners of Knauf and Tesch Company had died (William N. Knauf and Roland Tesch), he purchased the company and eventually renamed it Kaytee Products. Knauf and Tesch had been family-owned dating back to 1866 when Nicolas Knauf opened a grain and feed business in Sheboygan, eventually moving to Brillion and then Chilton. Knauf and Tesch operated a general store in Chilton, a grain elevator in Chilton with branch elevators at Mapleleaf, Kaukauna and Greenleaf as well as a dairy farm in the Chilton area. Upon purchasing the company, he discontinued the local feed business and focused on wild bird food and pet food for birds and small animals on a regional and eventual national basis. He was a pioneer in producing wild bird food for sale into the mass market and national chain grocery stores. Under his creative direction and determination, he laid the groundwork for Kaytee Products to become a national leader. In 1981 he sold the business to his three children and continued on as president until 1984. Thereafter he was a member of the Board of Directors until Kaytee was sold to Central Garden and Pet in 1997. He was an active supporter of the Chilton community. He was a charter member of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce, serving as its president twice; during which time he was instrumental in getting a hospital in Chilton and also assisted in several fund raising drives for the construction and expansion of the Calumet Memorial Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and former Grand Knight. He was a charter member of the Chilton AFS Chapter and was a former member of the Chilton Kiwanis Club and Chilton Rotary Club. As a member of Good Shepard Catholic Parish (formally St. Mary's), he served on several parish councils. In 1956 he and his wife, Virginia, built a house on a wooded lot where he enjoyed its natural surroundings until he died. His hobbies included golf, some fishing and daily walking. He became a familiar figure walking around Chilton or on the beach in Florida where he often stopped and talked with his many friends. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling. His favorite leisure time, however, was spent on his power boats in Florida which he operated with great pride. After his first wife, Virginia Knauf Engler, died in 1973, he married his wife's widowed sister, Charlotte Knauf Geary of Oshkosh, who also preceded him in death in 1998. He and Charlotte were married 24 years. They enjoyed extensive travel abroad and spent many enjoyable winters in Florida. He especially enjoyed his family. He was well known for giving advice and positive words of encouragement to family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, William Engler, Jr., (Gail) of Chilton, Michael Engler (Kathleen) of Crystal Lake; and a daughter, Virginia Gilmore (James) of Fond du Lac. Also surviving are four step-children, Robert Geary (Judy) of Waupaca, Lucy Casey Geary Ripp (Mickey) of Hales Corners, William Geary of Oshkosh and Victoria Geary Neelis (Kevin) of Manitowoc. Mr. Engler is survived by 13 grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Alice Jackson of Madison; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Knauf of Grayslake, Ill. Mr. Engler was cared for in his last several years by a group of wonderful and dedicated caregivers. Special recognition should be given to Rachel Schroeder of the Affinity Visiting Nurses Program, for her loving care during his final days. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at the GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 54 E. Main St., in Chilton with the Rev. Bob Kollath officiating. Friends may call at the WIETING FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 411 W. Main St., in Chilton from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday April 23, 2008, and again on Thursday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. when family prayers will be held. A parish vigil service will be held Wednesday evening at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Memorials are appreciated in the name of William Engler, Sr. to the Chilton Community Foundation, William Engler, Sr. Library Fund, 42 School St., Chilton, WI, 53014 or to the Affinity Visiting Nurses Hospice Program, 618 Memorial Dr., Chilton, WI, 53014. Online condolences may be made at www.wietingfuneralhome.com

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 21, 2008

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