Obituary: Robert B. Skuldt - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert B. Skuldt passed away Monday, Dec.19, 2011, at age 93.

Robert was born in Monticello on Aug. 18, 1918, and moved to Madison in 1925. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He married the former Viletta J. Spencer of Madison in 1940. He was Director of the Dane County Regional Airport from 1946 until his retirement in 1981. In this position, he was deeply involved in the operation, maintenance and development of the Madison Municipal Airport, later named the Dane County Regional Airport. Mr. Skuldt actively promoted, developed statistics and presented supporting oral and written testimony before the Civil Air Board in Washington D.C. many times in establishing most of the Major Airline Routes serving Madison and the surrounding counties. He was also a civilian flying instructor for several years at the old Madison Royal Airport and at the Morey Airport in Middleton.

Mr. Skuldt entered the military service in 1943 with a direct commission. He served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corp Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater; flying four engined C54's over the Himalayan Mountains "The Hump," and flew many of the world air routes during World War II. He received an Air Medal and five battle stars plus numerous other military citations. After World War II, he helped organize the Madison unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and served as Commanding Officer, Utility Flight 176 Fighter Squadron, Inspector General 128th Air Defense wing and several other high level positions. In 1964, he was promoted to full colonel. He was recalled to active duty with the United States Air Force in 1951, during the Korean conflict, and after 21 months of active duty, he returned to his position of Airport Director and re-entered The Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Mr. Skuldt was a command pilot with 7300 hours of flying time, of which 5600 hours are military. He held Federal Aviation pilot ratings as follows: Commercial License, Flying Instructors Rating, Instrument Flying Rating, Multi-engine Rating, DC-3, DC-4 and Seaplane Rating. After serving 28 years of active duty and reserve time (U.S. Air Force and WI Air National Guard), Colonel Skuldt retired from the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1971. He was very active in the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, particularly related to aviation and military affairs. He was a member of: Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, an "Inducted Member" on Oct.10, 2006, American Association of Airport Executives, Wisconsin Airports Association-Past President, Military Order of World Wars, Wisconsin National Guard Association, Retired Officers Association and Quiet Birdmen-Past Key Man-Governor.

Shortly after he retired as Director of the Dane County Regional Airport in April 1981, Mr. Skuldt became an Airport Consultant to Mr. Hal Carr, President of Republic Airlines until November, 1984. He served on the Dane County Board of Supervisors from 1985 until 1992 and was Chairman of the Dane County Regional Airport Commission for several years. In 1964 he was inducted into the Wisconsin State Journal "Know Your Madisonian." Included in the 2004 major expansion of the Dane County Regional Airport Terminal Building is a large state-of-the-art conference room located in the Airline Ticket-Counter area. On June 16, 2004, this conference room was dedicated and named the Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room in tribute to his 35 years as Manager/Director of the Madison Municipal Airport/Dane County Regional Airport. Above the conference doors, in large block letters, is "Robert B. Skuldt Conference Room." Located on the wall by the entrance doors is a metal plaque with an image of Robert B. Skuldt and a resume of his military and civilian aviation career.

Robert is survived by his wife, Viletta J. "Letty" Skuldt; son, Gregory R. (Marlene) Skuldt of Verona; two granddaughters, M. Kristin (James) Skuldt Niederberger of Kansas City, Mo. and Lesa H. (Keith) Kardash of Mercer; great-granddaughter, Erin E. Niederberger; great-grandson, Alex Niederberger; great-great-granddaughter, Isabelle G. Kardash; and many friends.

There will be no visitation. Private graveside services will be held for immediate family. Interment will be in Mount Horeb Union Cemetery, Mount Horeb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 23, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Francis "Fritz" Conway - Class of 1957

CHICAGO - Francis "Fritz" Conway, age 72, died Oct. 17, 2011, at Alden Nursing Home, Chicago, Ill. He was born Dec. 28, 1938, in Westport to Frank and Lucy (Walker) Conway. He was a 1957 graduate of Madison Central High School and served in the U.S. Marines.

Fritz is survived by brothers, Joseph (Bobbi), Patrick (Barbara) and Robert (Mary Boyd) Conway; sisters, Margaret (Carl) Bongard, Dorothy Reichling, Mary Harrington and Delores Conway; sister-in-law, Carol Conway; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Conway; and brother-in-law, Tim Harrington.

Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., at JOE'S FIRE STATION, 900 E. Broadway, Monona. "Rest in peace, Fritz."

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 10, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Mark H. LaFlash

MADISON - Mark H. LaFlash, age 60, died of heart failure on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at University Hospital in Madison.

He was born Jan. 9, 1951, the son of Walter Jr. and Bernice (Birrenkott) LaFlash in Madison. Mark attended Central High School, and graduated from West High School. He loved and was very dedicated to his family, his friends, and his job at Meriter Hospital where he was employed in Environmental Services for more than 30 years. Mark was a true survivor overcoming cancer, and leukemia in his younger years. He was a very devoted son to his mother Bernice, and a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. His interests included sports, cars and politics. Mark was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

He is survived by nephews, Jason LaFlash, Chad LaFlash, Andrew LaFlash and Philp Gold; nieces, Caitlin LaFlash, Emily LaFlash and Marissa Gold; aunt, Rosie Werren; sisters-in-law, Susan LaFlash and Sharolyn LaFlash; and a brother-in-law, Auric Gold.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jr. and Bernice LaFlash; brothers, John, Steve and Jim; and a sister, Mary.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH / ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made in Mark's name to The American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718; or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 27, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Mark H. LaFlash is a Madison Central High School alumnus because he attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West because Central closed in 1969.

Obituary: Albert L. Hall - Class of 1951

MADISON - Albert L. Hall, age 78, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at his home.

He was born on March 14, 1933, in Madison, the son of Alan and Helen (Anderson) Hall. Albert graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952, serving during the Korean War, and was discharged in 1955. Albert married Beverly Schlimgen on Nov. 26, 1955. He attended Madison Business College for a year, then worked as a truck driver for many years, retiring at Foreway. Albert was a member of Teamsters Local No. 695, VFW Post No. 7591, American Legion Post No. 501, Korean War Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed camping with the St. Dennis Campers, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Albert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; seven children, Sharon (Michael) MacDonald, Brian Hall, Alan (Cindy) Hall, Susan Hansen, Marilyn (Ronald) Ary, Carolyn (John) Adametz, and Jacquelyn Johnson; grandchildren, Susan, James Jennifer (Jimmy), Troy, Stacy (Tim), Joseph, Anne and Caitlyn; a great-granddaughter, Taylor; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Violet (Carmen) Tortorici, Barbara "Pat" (Rod) Bailey, Sylvia (Dean) Argall, and Margaret "Peg" (Peter) Gennrich; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Ronald "RJ'; and sister-in-law, Evelyn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, with Father Roger Nilles presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice. A special thank you to all of the ladies at Heartland Hospice, Tara, Megan, Abby, Penny, Jenny and Colleen.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 26, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr. - Class of 1967

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA - Mr. Edwin "Danny" Henderson Jr., died on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, in his home in Hampton, Va., with his loving wife at his side.

A Memorial Service will be held at MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (2019 Fisher St., Madison) on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at 2 p.m.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 13, 2011 (submitted by Sidney Iwanter, Class of 1967)  

Note: Danny Henderson's class year is based on a list of 1967 Central High School graduates published in The Capital Times on June 9, 1967.

Obituary: Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche - Class of 1935

MADISON  - Rosanna "Rosie" Geier Roche, age 94, died on Oct. 9, 2011, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center in Fitchburg.  Rosie was born Sept. 11, 1917, the 12th of 15 children born to Joseph and Anna Marx Geier. She attended Holy Redeemer School and was a 1935 graduate of Madison Central High. Rosie could easily have been lost in the crowd but her piano playing talent (playing anything by ear by the age of 4), established her as the Geier family "musician in residence." She began her formal piano training at the old Wisconsin School of Music under the tutelage of Olive Endres. Rosie became a very accomplished classically trained pianist winning the Wisconsin State Piano solo championship in 1935. She continued playing memorable recitals and was the accompanist for many soloists and orchestral groups. She won the hearts of the soldiers of World War II, traveling by train to entertain them at the various army posts where her husband Hal was assigned before his deployment to the South Pacific.  Rosie began her working career with the State Bureau of Personnel in 1935 and was one of the first four women to be employed by the Wisconsin Legislature as a committee clerk during World War II. Rosie caught the eye of a young Capital Times reporter named Hal Roche while he walked through the Madison State Capital building. He only saw her as she walked up the stairs and asked a friend, "Who is the girl with the beautiful legs?" The rest is history. Rosie and Hal were married on Valentine's Day 1942. Rosie's working career was put on hold after the war with the arrival of William (Billy) Roche. The addition of Patty and Theresa in the next five years extended her leave. Rose always said that the time spent with her children was the happiest time of her life. The addition of her two grandsons Andy and James added more joy and love.  Rosie resumed working when her "fledglings left the nest." She worked in the purchasing and payroll department of the Madison Board of Education until her retirement in 1982. After her retirement Rosie became an active volunteer with her church, St. Raphael Cathedral and Meriter Retirement Center where she helped with residents and played the piano for Mass every Tuesday until age 93. She volunteered at the information desk at the Madison City County building and helped at St. Vincent de Paul on Willy Street.  One of Rosie's greatest pleasures was sitting on her porch overlooking Monona Bay. She invited neighbors who were passing by to come in for a visit. Her little four legged neighbors Zoe, Cinder, Sam and Foxtrot were always welcome on Rosie's porch for a little treat.  Rosie was a loving wife, mother and grandma. We will remember her for her classic Rose Conclusions or "RC's." The "RC's" were Rosie's opinions on every subject in life, backed by no scientific or established evidence. "RC's" were never to be questioned - just enjoyed. Rose is survived by her children, Bill (Ellen) Roche, Patty (Ron) Wood of Madison, Theresa Roche (Betsy Schulz) of Bronx, N.Y.; and her grandson, James Wood of Madison. In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold (Hal); beloved grandson, Andrew (Andy); eight brothers and four sisters, Norbert, Sylvester, Joseph, Peter, Linus, Roman, Alois and Vincent; Sister Joanice (Armella), Laura (James) Reis, Marie (James) Shipley and Irene (John) McDermott. Our family wishes to thank all the caring neighbors who helped our mother and father over the years, especially Robin Douthitt and Brian Gould - the "angels" next door. Special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth George, Gail Gaustad and Ann Knudson for the kindness and loving care they always showed our mother. Pader Yang of Senior Helpers was Rose's wonderful caregiver and friend for two years. The Oregon Manor and HospiceCare treated our mother with warmth, compassion and dignity during her final months. Thank you all. A visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI 53715. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Mausoleum.  Final thoughts: Dear Mom, you taught us to love, to laugh, to be strong and as Frank sang. "I did it my way." We love you, we will miss you but you will live forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Meriter Foundation, the Oregon Manor or HospiceCare Inc. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave., Middleton,

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 10, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marilyn Friske - Class of 1968

MADISON - Marilyn Friske, age 61, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at the HospiceCare Center.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1950, in Madison, the daughter of Russell Kenneth and Elizabeth (Hammersley) Friske. Marilyn graduated from Central High School in 1968, then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for six years during the Vietnam war era. She was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was a great mentor to those in need. Marilyn was a drug and alcohol counselor at Rebos House and then the Detox Center. Her most recent job was at Tobacco Outlet in Monona. Marilyn loved softball and was a huge Packers fan.

She is survived by her siblings, Barbara (Bill) Crawford, Sandra Friske, Thomas Friske and Janice Friske; nieces and nephews, Jason, Justin, Chad, Carrie, Nicole and Thomas Jr.; four great-nieces; adopted grandchildren, Lydia and Amelia; and best friend and greatest supporter, Maureen Drunasky. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Patricia Dobie.

On behalf of Marilyn's wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 9, 2011 (submitted by Michale Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Julie Ann (Harrington) Washa

MONONA/NORTH FREEDOM - Julie Ann Washa passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

She was born on June 14, 1952, the daughter of John and Harriet Montague Harrington. Julie attended Central High School. After Central closed, she graduated from West High School in 1970. She loved cardinals and collected anything with a cardinal on it. Julie enjoyed crossword puzzles, word search puzzles and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoyed the simple things in life.

Julie is survived by her sons, Frank Washa (Doreen Brokmeier), Jeremy (Toni) Washa; significant other, Gary Morgan; grandchildren, Courtney, Austin, Cade and Ryne; brothers and sisters, Gina Emmerson, Jim (LouAnn) Harrington, Barb (William) Miller, Susan (Sonny) Cliffcorn; sister-in-law, Maria Harrington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Geraldine Eagan; and brothers, Ron Harrington and Jack Harrington.

A memorial service will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. Visitation will be at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 21, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Julie Ann (Harrington) Washa is a Madison Central High School alumna because she attended CHS for several years prior to transferring to West because Central closed in 1969.

Obituary: Richard L. Huff - Class of 1944

MADISON - Richard L. Huff passed away on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.

He was born on May 6, 1927 in Madison, to Forrest Gibbs Huff and Lucille Beimborn Huff. An only child, he graduated from Central High School in 1944, received his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin, graduating with honors in 1951. He was united in marriage to Harriet Willis on July 26, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa. Dick taught school in Georgia until a friend suggested he learn television directing, which took him to WKOW-TV where he worked in the earliest days of television. In 1957, he was hired as a producer for television syndication business, which he purchased several years later.

Dick was active in various community organizations. In 1968, he served as one of the Wisconsin delegates to the Republican National Convention. He also served as volunteer chairman of the Dane County Children's Service Society and chairman of the UW Medical School Ophthalmology Advisory Board.

Dick was a gifted artist, and prolific writer. He loved music, books and acquired a great passion for painting. He published several poems, wrote several novels and wrote and co-produced a science fiction motion picture titled, "The Giant Spider Invasion". Along with his work in syndicated television, Dick wrote a book for the National Association of Realtors, published a marketing magazine and taught screen writing at the UW Extension. Dick was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Harriet; three children, Mary Lee "Molly" (James) Miller of Brookfield, William Gibbs (Sue) Huff of Minneapolis and Peter Bashford Huff of Sun Prairie; and seven grandchildren, Daniel James Miller, Sarah Emily Miller, John Willis Miller of Brookfield, Joseph Hunter Huff, Samuel Gibbs Huff of Minneapolis and Elizabeth Frances Huff and Anna Grace Huff of Sun Prairie.

As a child and teenager, Dick loved fishing with his father and uncles and later with his sons, in Boscobel and Prairie du Chien and the rivers there inspired a life-long love for the Wisconsin landscape. A private burial will be at the Huff family lot in Boscobel, where five generations of his family are buried.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monana Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, with the Rev. John Swanson presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Media Ministry, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703 or HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 18, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Adella T. Kohl - Class of 1948

MADISON - Adella T. Kohl, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at UW Hospital.

She was born on May 10, 1930, the daughter of Karl and Theresa (Reinhardt) Popp. Adella graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. She married Jerome Kohl on Oct. 21, 1950. Adella loved to sew, and was a fantastic cook. She will always be remembered for her pies and dynamite pie crust. While raising her family, she was active with Brownies and Cub Scouts and was a room mother at their schools. Adella enjoyed taking day trips with Jerry and sharing the simple joys of seeing new sights. But her true joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Adella gave all her attention and love to her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years and best friend, Jerry; daughter, Kathy Edwards of Monona; sons, Mike Kohl of Baraboo, and Dave (Christine) Kohl of Wautoma; two grandchildren, Stacy (Michael) Rich and Kristine (Chris) Wright; and five great-grandchildren. Adella was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Private services were held. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone at Rest Haven for all their loving care.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 7, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)