Obituary: Emery Sylvester

MIDDLETON - Emery Sylvester passed away peacefully five days after his 99th birthday. He was born April 21, 1911, in St. Joseph, Mo., son of Alfred M. and Effie Schroeder Sylvester. He graduated from Central High School in Madison, served in the CCCs and then worked for 41 years for the University of Wisconsin physics department. Emery married Edith Teams in North Carolina on June 18, 1941, and was the devoted father of Janet Sylvester Ahlquist, Carol (Dick) Horan, Mark (Janet Falkner) Sylvester and Susanne (Michael) Stanecki. After retiring in 1976, Emery enjoyed playing golf, often "shooting his age" into his late 80s. He played regularly to age 95. He bowled for many years with the University Faculty League. He was an avid Badgers football and basketball fan, Packers and Brewers fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, photography and little children. He had an uncanny ability to find four-leaf clovers in almost any patch of clover. Emery was a member of Divine Savior United Methodist Church. In addition to his loving wife of almost 69 years, and children, he is survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Jim Critton of Madison; sister, Violet McLane in Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; sister, Alice (Dr. William) Marquis; and an infant granddaughter, Laurie Horan. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Friday, April 30, 2010, at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Chris Bethke. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials to HospiceCare of Madison for their compassionate service to his family would be appreciated. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 28, 2010

Obituary: Barbara Ellen McConnell - Class of 1967

MADISON - Barbara Ellen McConnell, age 62, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 17, 2010. She was born in Madison on Dec. 15, 1947. She graduated from Central High School in 1967. Barbara worked in the kitchen at Sellery Hall and Gordon Commons at the University of Wisconsin, then went to work at Meriter Hospital kitchen for 39 years. She also did volunteer work with many organizations throughout the community. Barb is survived by an uncle, Fred (Mary) McConnell; brother, Kenneth McConnell; sisters, Judith Goodnature and Donna (Gary) Hall; and many nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Olive (Emery) McConnell; sister, Ruth (Harold) Moore; and brother, Ralph (Nieta) McConnell. A Memorial Service will be held at VFW Post No. 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2418 N. Sherman Ave.(608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 21, 2010

Obituary: Rollo Peter Vallem - Class of 1954

MADISON - Rollo Peter Vallem, Age 73, Of Madison, Passed Away Unexpectedly At Home On Wednesday, April 14, 2010. He Was The Son Of Norma (emmons) And Pete Vallem. A Lifelong Resident Of Madison, He Was A Proud Member Of The Central High School Class Of 1954. He Served In The United States Army Prior To Graduating From The University Of Wisconsin Madison In 1967. After Graduation, He Joined The Marketing Department Of The Wisconsin Telephone Company, Retiring In 1992. For Many Years He Was A Friendly And Familiar Sight On The Corner Of Midvale And Mineral Point Road As A School Crossing Guard. He Was A Lover Of Sports And He Made It Clear To All That Knew Him That He Was A Devoted Cubs Fan. In High School, He Excelled At Golf And Basketball. He Was A Member Of The Southern Wisconsin Officials Association And Officiated Basketball At The High School, College, And Big Ten Levels. After Retiring From Officiating, He Continued As An Observer At The Wisconsin Games For The Big Ten. He Was A Member Of The Brule River Sportsmen's Club, The Masons And The Zor Shrine. He Served On The Zor Camel Patrol At Vilas Park Zoo. He Was Also A Regular Member Of The Parman's Coffee Gang. He Is Survived By His Wife Lori; Daughter, Lisa Of Madison; Sons, Peter (tami) Of Flagstaff, Ariz., And Mark (whitney) Of Colorado Springs, Colo.; And Son-in-law, Jeff Of Madison. He Is Further Survived By His Sisters, Mary Argue Of Hartland, Joann Vallem Of Madison; And Many Nieces And Nephews. The Light Of His Life Were His Nine Grandchildren, Julia, Maria, Chris, Joe, Brendan, Sophia, Molleigh, Abby And Nathan. There Will Be A Gathering Of Family And Friends On Sunday, April 18, 2010, Between 3 P.m. And 5 P.m. At The Avenue Bar, 1128 E. Washington Avenue To Share Memories. In Lieu Of Flowers, Memorials May Be Directed To The Friends Of Mscr- Rollo Vallem Memorial Basketball Scholarships C/o Mscr 3802 Regent Street, Madison Wi 53705.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 18, 2010

Note: Capitalization is per the original, published copy.

Obituary: Frances Helen (Cavanaugh) Hughes - Class of 1935

GOLETA, CALIFORNIA - Frances Hughes passed away peacefully in Goleta, Calif., on March 30, 2010, at the age of 93, following a brief illness.

She was born March 2, 1917, to Leslie and Norma Cavanaugh in Milwaukee, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1939. She lived in the Madison area for most of her life, where she was a longtime employee of Oscar Mayer.

In 1946, she married William Hughes, with whom she happily shared nearly 64 more wonderful years. Bill and Fran had one daughter, also named Fran, and they moved to California in the late 1990s to be near her.

Fran is survived by her husband, William; daughter, Fran Leu and husband Michael of Goleta, Calif.; grandson, Christopher Leu and wife Kelly of Sheboygan; and sister, Leslie Munger of Brentwood, Mo.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 11, 2010; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Michael Vahldieck confirmed the class year for Frances Helen Hughes based on a list of Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 14, 1935. Her photograph also appears in the 1935 Orange & Black yearbook.

Obituary: Roselyn Celia (Schiavo) Amato - Class of 1944

MADISON - Roselyn C. Amato (nee Schiavo), age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, 2010. She was the loving wife of the late Salvatore (Sam) Amato and loving grandmother of the late Stephen Wells.

Roselyn was born in Madison, on Feb. 7, 1926, to the late Anthony and Celia Schiavo. She was one of three children; the late James Schiavo and her loving sister and friend, Marian Skille.

A lifelong resident of Madison, she graduated from Central High School, married Sam Amato on Nov. 11, 1944, and during their 50 years together raised four children, Dominic Amato, Angela (Robert) Tramburg, A.J. Nino Amato and CeCe (Robert) Wells. She is the loving Nana of 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Aunt Roselyn is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Roselyn and her husband, Sam owned and operated Amato's Holiday House Restaurant for 43 years. During that time Roselyn's warm and welcoming personality afforded her the respect and friendship of those who knew her.

Her greatest joy and love in life, however was her family. Roselyn could light up a room with her presence, and at family gatherings, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she would share lifelong stories and lessons with enduring compassion and a great sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Roselyn was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church through most of her adult life. She found peace and comfort in her friend, Monsignor Ken Fiedler who will officiate at her funeral.

A very heartfelt thanks to the staff at HospiceCare Inc. of Madison for their endearing and compassionate care of Roselyn.

A Mass and celebration of Roselyn's life will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Visitation be will held from 10:30 a.m. until Mass at noon, with interment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 2705 Regent St., Madison. Following interment, family and friends are invited to return to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church to join Roselyn's family for dinner.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stephen Wells SIDS Education and Research Foundation, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, or a charity of your choice.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road,(608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 11, 2010

Note; Roselyn Celia (Schiavo) Amato's class year is based on a list of Class of 1944 graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 9, 1944.

Obituary: Leonard Jospeh Gandolph - Class of 1940

MADISON - Leonard Joseph Gandolph, age 90, died Sunday, April 4, 2010. He was born Leonardo Gandolfo, Oct. 27, 1919, the son of Giuseppe and Giacoma (Greco) Gandolfo. Leonard was born and raised in the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison. He graduated from Madison Central High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served with distinction in the European Theater during World War II and in the Korean conflict. Leonard married Evelyn M. Merritt of Stoughton on March 4, 1945, in Pyote, Texas. Leonard and Evelyn were married 62 years. Leonard worked as a plumber in the Madison area for more than 42 years. He was a humble man who loved his family and country more than anything. Leonard is survived by his sons, David (Joanne) of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Michael of Madison; grandchildren, Jon (Oxana) Gandolph of Gilbert, Ariz., and Brenda (Bruce) VanEtten of Apache Junction, Ariz.; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Nolan and Luke; sisters, Elizabeth Soffioti and Rose Gandolph; and brother, Nick Gandolph. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn; his parents; brothers, Joseph and Phillip Gandolph; and sisters, Victoria Hickman and Jeannine Ross. A visitation will be held Monday, April 12, 2010, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Jerry Amstatz will be presiding. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. "May he rest in peace."

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 8, 2010

Note: Information on Leonard Gandolph's class year is based on information submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968), who found Gandolph's name in a list of CHS graduates published in The Capital Times on 6/14/1940. The photograph accompanying this post is from the 1940 Orange & Black yearbook, where Leonard Gandolph is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: James C. "Porkchop" Evans - Class of 1956

LODI - After a courageous battle with cancer, we lost a special man, James C. "Porkchop" Evans, on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

Dad graduated in 1956, from Central High School in Madison. After graduation he served, with great pride, in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked for 18 years at Datex Ohmeda and retired in 2000. Dad loved car shows and was known as the "El Camino guy" by his friends at the many car shows he and mom frequented. Dad especially loved the hunt for the next El Camino and made many new friends in the process. Dad was blessed with a quick wit and an even quicker tongue. Most everyone he knew "earned" a nickname, like it or not.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Linda; his brother, Bob (Diane) and their daughter, Susan; his sister, Mary Ann (John) and their three sons, Sean, Danny and Patrick; his special mother-in-law, Grandma Bea; his daughter, Sue (Calvin); his son, Jerald (Amanda); his son, Cameron (Hope); his grandchildren, Lindsey, Dayna, Autumn, Spike, Allison, Landon, Joshua and Kaeleb; his many brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his many close friends and relatives that visited often and to the people of Home Health United Hospice who made Dad's final days comfortable. It was a great honor and privilege to have him as our father. He will always be mom's soul mate. We will always love you dearly.

Friends and family that wish to pay their condolences to the family may do so at the HAMRE FUNERAL HOME in Lodi, on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

"Semper Fi"

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 30, 2010

Obituary: James Thomas Keating - Class of 1968

MADISON - Jim was born Jan. 6, 1950, and passed peacefully from this world to the next surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, after suffering a second stroke. His first stroke occurred in 1993. For the past 17 years Jim has lived a life of joy and grace while teaching us all how to ignore the obstacles and embrace the pure love of life.

Jim is survived by his longtime loving soul mate of 30 years, David Fischer; Lind Wernick (Mick), Bill Keating, Sherrie Keating, Lori Recker (Rodney); many nieces and nephews; and other family members.

He was preceded in death by parents, Warren and Irene Keating; and brothers, Dennis and Bob.

Jim's wishes were to commemorate his life with a party for family and friends. Please join us at the EDGEWATER HOTEL - RIGADOON ROOM Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. to honor his request. A few moments of observance will be held at 2:30 p.m.


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 21, 2010.

Note: The class year for James Thomas Keating was confirmed by his fellow classmates, Debbie Benell and Michael Vahldieck (who submitted the photograph of Jim originally published in the 1968 Tychoberahn).

Obituary: Richard D. Harrington - Class of 1944

MADISON - Richard D. Harrington, Marine Corps (Retired), age 84, passed away on March 12, 2010. He now joins his beloved wife, Grace who passed away January 30, 2007. He was born on June 17, 1925, in Madison, to Leo and Frances Harrington. He attended Holy Redeemer Grade School and graduated from Central High School where he was a member of the football team, President of Hi-Y and Junior Class President. He enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II and served with the "C" Company 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific as a rifleman and flame thrower operator. After the war he served in China on occupation duty. He retired to the states and attended school for two years. He returned to active duty in 1950, and served during the Korean War and during Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps with 30 years service. He was a member of the 1st Marine Division Association, The Fleet Reserve Association and the China Marine Association. On December 20, 1947, he married the love of his life, classmate, Grace Elinor Batker. Together they raised four children, Jacqueline (Gary) Rockweiler of Verona, June (Mike) Goglio, Mike (Laura) Harrington and Patrick (Julie) Harrington, all of Madison. He was proud of all of his grandchildren, Renee (Rich) Wilson, Danielle Larson, Joshua and Frances Goglio, Nicholas and Jeffrey Harrington and Jenna and Jayci Harrington; also two great-grandchildren, Annika and Ethan Larson. Dick and Grace had a small painting and repair business, D and G, from 1974 -1994. Dick was an area football official and his crew worked in several championship games. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Ken (Nell) Batker and their children, David, John, and Carol; and nieces, Janice (Jim) Rebne, Sharon Rock, and Joan Loshek. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace; his sister, Mary Loshek; brother-in-law, Robert Loshek; and his in-laws, Edward and Bertha Batker. Dick was a caregiver for his wife, Grace for over ten years as she fought her courageous battle with Alzheimer's. They were married over 59 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., with Chaplain Steve Zwettler officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. Entombment will be private in the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, next to Grace, at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 715 Broadway Street, Quantico, VA 22134. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Cardiac Unit at Meriter Hospital. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 15, 2010

Note: Information about Richard Harrington's Class year was provided by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968): "Richard D. "Dick" Harrington is listed as getting a legislative (armed services) diploma in Wisconsin State Journal, Friday, June 09, 1944 , Page 12."

Obituary: Beth (Ulrich) Burack - Class of 1962

STOUGHTON - Beth (Ulrich) Burack [age 65] passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, after a long struggle with cancer. The help given her by her doctors and by HospiceCare in her last days was a true gift of love. Beth was the daughter of Ruth (Andersen) and Wilbert Ulrich. She was born on June 2, 1944, four days before D-Day, and was in the very best sense a warrior in all of her life as in her final 11-month battle with a deadly disease. She was a lady of courage who faced pain and adversity with a dignity and humor that gave care to her caregivers, even in her own hour of direst need. Beth was a native Madisonian from the days when the old downtown Madison Area Technical College was still her own Madison Central High. When cruising the square was the best form of mass transit going. When car clubs, Cary Grant, James Dean and Amelia Earhart all defined excellence for her in their various ways. She was a rebel who whipped into shape the newsboys and newsgirls of the Press Connection and organized a union at the Progressive Magazine. But she also proved she could change her mind and shift gears when her mind and the times told her it was time to move on. Beth's working life took many twists and turns. Among other things, she sold dolls for Pleasant Company, managed an insurance office, was a circulation director and a trade show consultant selling history materials for the schools. In her spare time, she was a sky diver, pilot, amateur geologist, bird watcher, hiker, photographer, and more. In the 1960s and '70s, she and David Dahlk, her husband at the time, raised sons, Eric and Stephen Dahlk. In 1980, she was married again, this time to Jonathan Burack. For the past 30 years, she and Jonathan remained devoted partners in every way, not just the usual ways. A faith united them as well, iron-clad and self-defined, based above all on the evening dinner-time prayer of thanks, they took turns inventing anew each night. For recreation and relaxation, the two traveled the back roads and byways of Wisconsin, driving, reading, reminiscing, listening to the Brewers, and following their instincts in searching out the unheralded wonders of the Wisconsin countryside. For Beth, her children, Eric and Stephen always came first. In them, she gave the world two remarkable men of real integrity. She treasured her six grandchildren, whose unique and well-defined characters are already developing in ways that made her proud. She cared deeply about all her family. The friends and acquaintances whose lives she blessed and altered are too many to be named here. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) could do no better. With Terry and, especially, with Pat, she stood fast through the highest highs and lowest lows of their lives, as they did with her. As in so much else in her life, Beth was true like steel in this and fiercely loyal to someone who was also fiercely loyal to her. The world was blessed to have her and is diminished by her early departure. Beth is survived by her husband, Jonathan; her mother, Ruth (Andersen) Richards; her sister, Joann Banks; her two sons, Eric Dahlk and Stephen Dahlk; Eric's wife, Candace; Stephen's wife, Paula; and six amazing grandchildren, Eric and Candace's children, Erica and Kirsten, and Stephen and Paula's children, Leif, Meisha, Elizabeth and David; her uncle, Wally Ulrich; and aunt, Lil Ulrich; many nieces and nephews; and her friends, Terry Boehner and Pat Bea. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbert Ulrich; her brother, Paul Ulrich; and her previous husband, David Dahlk. A memorial service at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Highway 51, Stoughton, is planned and will be announced at a later date. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Centers Highway 51 N. at Jackson St. (608) 873-4590

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 14, 2010; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Beth Ulrich Burack's class year is based on a list of Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 16, 1962. She is also pictured among the graduating seniors in the 1962 Tychoberahn, where she is identified as Elizabeth A. Ulrich.

STOUGHTON [Wisconsin] - Beth (Ulrich) Burack passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, after a long struggle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Highway 51, Stoughton, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, we ask for contributions to build a park bench in Beth's name at Lake Kegonsa State Park, where she hiked nearly every day over the past 10 years. If contributions exceed the cost of the bench, remaining proceeds will be donated to the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. A full obituary ran in the Sunday, March 14, 2010, paper. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Center 1358 Highway 51 (608) 873-459

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 4, 2010; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)