Obituary: Anita F. (Faust) Eley

MADISON - Anita F. Faust) Eley, age 94, died on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

She was born on October 22, 1915, in Madison, to Arnold and Fanny (Petersile) Faust. Anita graduated from Central High School in Madison. She was united in marriage to Louis S. Eley on June 29, 1940. Anita was a charter member of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting with "RSVP" friends, playing euchre with Point Bluff friends, and listening to jazz music.

Anita is survived by her sons, Dennis (Sharon) Eley and Richard (Susan) Eley; grandchildren, Deana Foster, Andrew (Jennifer) Eley, Melissa (Rene) Soto, Ryan Eley, Christopher Pauley and Jessica Pauley; great-grandchildren, Lily Foster, Taylor Foster, Madelyn Eley, Lydia Eley, Katy Soto and Mason Soto; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; and brothers, Neil Faust and Ruben Faust.

A memorial service will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 2, 2010, with the Rev. Nick Utphall and the Rev. Tim Hansen presiding. Inurnment will follow in Blooming Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Anita's close friends of the McFarland Cottages where she cherished those friendships, playing bingo and euchre, and enjoying their company. The family would also like to thank Bob and Linda Liddicoat of the Bluff Point Adult Family Home for their generous love and support in helping make Anita's life enjoyable. Anita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed.

Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers; 5203 Monona Drive;(608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 29, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Richard "Dick" Cooley - Class of 1949

MCFARLAND - Richard "Dick" Cooley, age 79, passed away at his home in Madison, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, May 14, 2010. He was born in Fennimore, on March 28, 1931, a son of the late Lewis and Alberta (Bowes) Cooley. Dick graduated from Central High School in 1949, and served his country in the Marine Corps from January 1951 to December 1952. On June 37, 1951, he was united in marriage to Patricia C. Bohne. Dick worked in the floor covering business all of his life, retiring from Serginians Floor Covering in Madison. He and his family were long time residents of McFarland. Dick spent his summers shooting trap with friends and family. He loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed snowmobiling and riding his ATV in the woods at Tomahawk, with his sister-in-law, and best friend, Jackie Bohne. Both avid Packers fans, they attended many Badgers football and hockey games. He had great times playing cards with family and friends. Dick was a hardworking self professed 'scullery maid' in the kitchen of the VFW Hall in Cottage Grove. He was a well loved grandpa to all of his grandchildren. According to his family and friends, he made the absolute best grilled garlic chicken. Dick was an honorary member of VFW Post 7591, a member of American Legion Post 0534 for 18 years, and a member of Hope Rod and Gun Club. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at noon at the OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in McFarland, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. The service will begin with a Pass and Review by American Legion and VFW members and auxiliaries. Following the service, Military Rites will be performed by the Madison Area Firing Squad at the McFarland American Legion Hall, followed by a luncheon. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon. Special thanks to the physicians and staff of HospiceCare Inc of Madison, and the Carbone Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of those organizations. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 17, 2020 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Alice (Bailey) Oelhafen - Class of 1941

MADISON - Alice Oelhafen passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. She left this planet to join her Heavenly Father, Precious Jesus and Our Divine Spirit, where she will also have a grand reunion with her loved ones who preceded her in death, especially her beloved husband, Earl. Alice led a very busy, happy life, often commenting that her Heavenly Father had been very good to her and she was most grateful.

Her life began in Madison, on Dec. 16, 1923, the fourth of five children born to her parents, John and Mabel Bailey, who owned and operated a successful family business, which became a family undertaking during the children's formative years. Upon graduating from Central High School, Alice later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a degree in institutional corrections. For six years, she was a probation and parole agent in Milwaukee, leaving to return to UW-Madison to earn a master's degree in social work.

Following graduation, Alice married Earl L. Oelhafen in a garden wedding at Lake Windsor, living in Madison for two years. From there, they moved to Rockford, Ill., for new employment. After graduation, Alice held various social work positions, retiring in 1984 from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. For the next two years, she started two private businesses, as a partner in both ventures.

Alice and Earl loved their Rockford home, enjoying many friendships there. They also made many wonderful friendships in Hawaii, where they wintered/vacationed for many years. They especially liked their beloved Maui. The couple was very grateful for their 41 years of marriage, traveling far and wide.

Alice enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and church projects. She was so saddened by the death of her dear husband on Nov. 26, 2003, after a several-month illness. They looked forward to being reunited with their loved ones in God's divine circle of love, at God's appointed time.

Alice is survived by her sister-in-law, Sylvia Bailey; and nieces and nephews, Arden Sandow of Madison, Arlyn Sandow of Madison, Patricia Huff of Minnesota, Christine Cole of Pennsylvania, Robert (Kathy) Huff of Madison, William (Kathleen) Voeck of Colorado, Richard (Kathy) Voeck of Colorado, John (Julie) Bailey of Madison, Jerry (Ann) Bailey of Cross Plains, Judy (Jim) Vallier of New Mexico, and Karen (Kevin) Anderson of Iowa.

She was also preceded in death by her four siblings, Janet Huff, Cele (James) Grady, John L. Bailey and Dorothy (Harvey) Cole.

Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rockford, Ill.; or Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 16, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Note: Alice Bailey's class year is based on a list of Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 13, 1941.

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