Obituary: Leta Mae (Bradley) Kelsey

MADISON - Leta Mae Kelsey, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at the HospiceCare Center. She was born on April 20, 1915, in Wonewoc, the daughter of Walter and Hulda (Stanley) Bradley. Leta graduated from Madison Central High School. She married Dwight Kelsey on June 21, 1937, in Belvidere, Ill. Leta worked at Rayovac for more than 35 years, retiring in 1977. She was a member of Sun Prairie Colonial Club. Leta enjoyed gardening, cooking, refinishing furniture and spending time with her family. She lived the last three years at Sienna Crest in Marshall. Leta is survived by her children, Alan (Margaret) Kelsey of Waterloo, Sharon (Joseph) Fisher of Florida and Martha Bazan of Madison; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a nephew, Eugene Kehl of Madison; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight in 2002; her parents; two sisters, Ruby Dodge and Zona Stortieg; and stepson, Donald "Sandy" Kelsey. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or Valton Cemetery Association. A special thank you to HospiceCare for the care they gave Leta. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 23, 2009

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels - Class of 1961

MADISON - Richard "Dick" Stephan Stoffels, age 65, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at HospiceCare, of a glioblastoma brain tumor. He was born on Aug. 6, 1943, in Madison, the only son of Franklin and Florence (Caravello) Stoffels. Dick graduated from Madison Central High School in 1961. He was a Madison city letter carrier, served two years in the U.S. Army and spent the rest of his working career as a city letter carrier in Madison, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of service. He was an avid fisherman and sports fan. Dick especially loved watching his own children and his grandsons "the boys" participate in their sporting activities. Dick is survived by his three children, Frank Stoffels of Middleton, Roxanne (Harrison) Stoffels-Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Rich (Mary) Stoffels of Waunakee; and three grandsons, Caden and Tegan Panter of Monroe, Ga., and Zachary Stoffels of Waunakee. He is further survived by four sisters, Geraldine Slattery of Madison, Mary (Michael) Furcht of Miami, Fla., Theresa (John) Both of Madison, and Kathy (Jeff) Pollei of Verona; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. We invite family and friends to a Celebration of Dick's life on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave. There will be a private service for family officiated by Deacon David Nolan at another time. The family would like to acknowledge with a special "thank you" to the following: Mary Ann Dailey, Theresa Both, Kathy Pollei, Sherrie (Chris) Saunders, Bob Vohs, Gerry Vohs, VA and St. Mary's Hospitals, Home Health United, Senior Helpers (Lori) and HospiceCare. We are additionally grateful to family and friends who provided support and stopped in for a visit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 21, 2009

Obituary: Anne M. (Baumgartner) Behrnd

MADISON - Anne M. Behrnd, age 92, passed away at Oakwood Village West on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009. Anne was born in Madison on June 18, 1916, to the late Mathew and Anna Maria (Menzi) Baumgartner. She attended Franklin School in south Madison and graduated from Central High School. She later worked at Forest Products Laboratory and Manchester's department store. Above all, Anne was devoted to her large and extended family. She spent many years caring for her elderly parents, a small niece, and, later, for her own family. Anne loved to prepare the delicious Swiss foods that she had learned from her mother. She was known for her wonderful baking, cooking, and cake decorating, especially at holidays and for special occasions, but also as "Mrs. Good Cook," the Mom who always sent cookies to her daughter's grade school. She loved shopping, attending auctions and estate sales, collecting old furniture to be refinished and restored, and searching for a really good bargain. She was proud of her Swiss heritage, spoke the language, and particularly enjoyed trips to Switzerland where she met cousins and other relatives and saw her family's home. She spent many happy hours with her sisters, sewing, drinking coffee, talking, and laughing together. She is survived by her husband, Henry; her daughter, Menzi; and son-in-law, Gerald. Anne also is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Euphemia Lengacher, Bertha (Betty) Leverentz, Lillian Scheel, Leona Dale, Hildegarde Baumgartner, Gladys Stanley, and Frances (Franz) Bulovsky; and six brothers, John, Walter, Walter Jacob, Mathew, and John Henry. The family is grateful to the nursing staff at Hebron Hall, Oakwood, for their gentle care and many kindnesses. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Oakwood Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 19, 2009

Obituary: Gladys Mae (Newberry) Randall - Class of 1934

MADISON - Gladys Mae Randall, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. She was born on March 15, 1916, in Kenosha, the daughter of Harry and Rose (Stuart) Newberry. Gladys left Kenosha in 1933 and moved to Madison. She attended and graduated from Central High School in 1934. On Nov. 7, 1936, Gladys was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Walter E. Randall, a former captain of the Madison Police Department. He preceded Gladys in death in 1977. Gladys worked for Piper's Cafeteria until 1940. She then decided to stay at home with her children. She was a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Gladys enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting, knitting and sewing. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Gladys is survived by her four children, Kathleen (Daniel) Frisch of Cross Plains, Jean (Chris) Ripp of Park Falls, Judy (Gerald) Frisch of Madison and Michael (Lorraine) Randall of Madison; 11 grandchildren, Patrick (Margit) Frisch of Stoughton, Brian (Denise) Frisch of Madison, Theresa (Scott) Schnabel of Oregon, Jacqueline (Duane) Statz of DeForest, Paula Ripp of Tempe, Ariz., Tara Ripp of Cross Plains, Ann (Todd) Carlson of New Glarus, Lori Frisch of Madison, Dale (Vanessa) Frisch of Cottage Grove, Minn., Jenny (Jeremy) Nichols of Milwaukee and Jessica Randall of Madison; 13 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; dear cousins, nieces, and nephews; and friends at Oakwood Village West. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter; grandson, Kyle Hachmeister; brothers, Harry (Betty) Newberry, Paul "Ty" (Norma) Newberry and Raymond (Evelyn) Newberry; two infant brothers; and a sister, Eleanor Ruth (Algot) Larson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan., 5, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison. Msgr. Kenneth Fiedler will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Oakwood Village West, 6175 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Oak Wood Village West for the excellent care they provided during Gladys' time with them.Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 4, 2009

Obituary: Steven William Zilley - Class of 1964

MADISON - Steven William Zilley, age 62, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI 53726. Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0536

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 31, 2008

Note: Steven Zilley's class year is based on information in the 1964 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Dorothy Schackter Miller - Class of 1935

MADISON - Dorothy Schackter Miller, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Sebring Assisted Living where she was cared for by loving staff and Hospice staff. She was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Belleville, to Morris and Augusta Schackter. She graduated from Central High School. She married Julius Miller on April 6, 1941. Dorothy and Julius lived in New York City until they retired to Madison. Dorothy and her family have a long history in the Madison Jewish community, and community at large. She was deeply involved with her siblings, nieces and nephews and their families. Dorothy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Julius; two children, Alan Miller (Karen Sinclair), of Grants Pass, Ore., and Phyllis (Ray) Davis of Vashon, Wash.; and five grandchildren; Laura Miller, Simon Miller, Felicia Davis, Jesse Davis, and Shane Davis. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd. Madison. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI, 53711.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 2008

Note: Dorothy Schackter's class year is based on information in the 1935 Orange & Black yearbook, where her photograph is included among the members of the June graduating class.

Obituary: Curt Drogsvold

MADISON - Curt Drogsvold, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 2, 1919, in Stoughton. He resided there with his parents Orin and Clara and brother Douglas until the family moved to the east side of Madison in 1927. Curt graduated from Central High School and enlisted in the army during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his valiant conduct on the South Pacific Islands of Bouganville and Guadalcanal. His actions were credited with saving the lives of several platoon members. After the war Curt married Pat Flynn Kurowski in 1956 and helped raise her two sons Michael and Patrick. Curt was widowed in 1984. Curt worked in the accounting office at the Struck and Irwin Company for 34 years, retiring in 1981. An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Blackhawk Country Club and enjoyed the links wherever he traveled. In 1987 he married Patricia Howard. They celebrated their 21st anniversary last July. Curt is survived by his immediate family, his wife, Patricia; her two children, Bonnie Howard and Craig Howard; and also by his stepsons, Michael Kurowski and Patrick Kurowski. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a visitation one hour prior to services. The family wishes to thank the VA and Hospice for the wonderful care Curt has received. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703; or a local food pantry. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

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

Obituary: Audrey M. (Wagner) Neerland - Class of 1947

MADISON - Audrey M. Neerland, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at her home, in the presence of her husband. She was born on Oct. 1, 1929, the daughter of Herbert C. and Ora (McCartie) Wagner. Audrey married Eugene "Ted" Neerland on Oct. 23, 1954, in Madison. A native of Madison, she graduated from Central High School in 1947. Audrey retired from Gilson Medical Electronics in Middleton, where she was a secretary. She was an avid baseball fan, and also enjoyed the Badgers and bowling. Audrey is survived by her husband, Eugene "Ted" Neerland; and her brother, Derry (Joan) Wagner. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved dog, Tina. A memorial visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, from 11 a.m until 1 p.m Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 18, 2008

Obituary: Therese Ann (Accardo) Cuccia - Class of 1967

MADISON - Therese Anne (Accardo) Cuccia, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center, in Fitchburg after a battle with cancer. She was born on Oct. 8, 1949, in Madison. Therese was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. She was a devout Catholic who shared her beliefs with everyone. It was her strongest desire that we all join her in heaven someday. Therese is survived by two daughters, Nicolle (Don) Eyre and Lucy Cuccia; four grandchildren, Mark, Katlin and Kelsey Eyre, and Madilyn Cuccia; four sisters, Francis (David) Paltz, Nina (Chas) Coberly, Mary Brinsko and JoAnn (Lyle) Claussen; brother, Carl (Barb) Accardo; 16 nieces and nephews; 10 great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Antoinette Accardo; and two infant siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 E. Main St., on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Monsignor Kevin Holmes officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A special thank you to her extended family who spent countless hours at her bedside, giving endlessly to ensure her comfort and peace. Also to the wonderful staff at University Hospital B6/6 and the amazing people at Hospice. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 17, 2008

Note: Therese Accardo's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn

Obituary: James F. Dalbec - Class of 1966

MADISON - James F. Dalbec, age 60 of Madison, passed away at UW Hospital, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, as a result of a tragic car/pedestrian accident. Jim was born Aug. 1, 1948 in Superior, the son of Walter and Marie (Starkey) Dalbec. He graduated from Central High School in 1966, and pursued a career in the local bar and restaurant scene. At the time of his death he was employed at UW Provisions managing the retail store. Besides his family and close friends, his greatest passions were golf, pool, dancing and Las Vegas. Jim was a very fun loving, big hearted, gentle man. He would do anything for anyone. He is survived by his daughter, Danyelle Dalbec; son, Tony (Sara McAllister) Dalbec; aunt, Shirley Starkey of Superior; several cousins and a special friend, Kathy Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Marie Dalbec; and a sister, Arlene Dalbec. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 3 p.m. until the time of service. His family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Dempsey and his staff at UW Hospital for their caring efforts. We are really going to miss you Iceman. We love you dad!! Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Center 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 7, 2008