Obituary: Daniel C. Roberts - Class of 1964

MADISON - Dan Roberts, age 66, died on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. After living years with myeloma, Dan was stricken with an unrelated, rapid-onset infection. He was surrounded by his family at the end. Dan was the youngest of three boys born to Frank and Marjorie Roberts. For one year, brothers, Dan, Rich and Phil rode together to Madison Central High School on a motorcycle and sidecar. After graduating from the UW, Dan's professional career was devoted to public service and unionism. As a research analyst, he organized other state professionals and served as president of Professional Employees in Research Statistics & Analysis. Under his leadership, the union affiliated with AFSCME became AFSCME Local 144. He served as research director for AFSCME Council 24. It was during that time, in 1980, that he organized a rally at the State Capitol in reaction to Ronald Reagan's election. While organizing the rally, Dan met Carol who became his friend and 23 year later, his wife. He returned to state service, where he became an early member of the Wisconsin Professional Employees Council, chartered in 1993 as AFT Local 4848. He later served on the Local's Executive Council. Dan's other avocations included photography, freelance writing and tinkering with his VW Vanagon. He kept his extended family united in spite of where the family members located. He provided them support and regular contact throughout his life and often travelled to visit, driving and camping with Carol in the Vanagon. His loyal dog, Buddy was always by his side. Dan was generous to those in need - - inviting the homeless to stay in his home for a bit, or take a shower. He also contributed to local and international agencies. He was a regular contributor to the Human Rights Campaign, PLAN international, WPR and Progressive Dane. Dan is survived by his wife, Carol Weidel; son, Cory Roberts (Robyn Acker); brothers, Richard Roberts (Susan) and Phil Roberts (Sharon); stepdaughters, Laurel Redmon (John Thuesen) and Kristin Redmon (Bernadette Rappold); granddaughter, Maeve Redmon Rappold; and Buddy. His parents, Frank and Marjorie predeceased him. Memorials can be made to support housing for the homeless. Donations can be made online at omhouse.org or by check to "Occupy Madison Inc." 30 N. Hancock St., Madison WI 53703 Friends and family will share memories at a memorial gathering at BUNKY'S CAFE, 2425 Atwood Avenue, Madison at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 30, 2012. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

 Note: Daniel Roberts' class year is based on information in the 1964 Tychoberahn, where his photo is included with those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Craig Carleton Hill

MADISON [Wisconsin]  - Craig Carleton Hill, age 59, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, after a brief and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Craig was born on Oct. 23, 1952, the son of Jerry and Berdine Hill, and grew up on the south side of Madison with the Arboretum as his playground. He attended Central High School until its closing in 1969, graduating from West High a year later but always thought of himself as a Central High alum and a Southsider through and through. After high school, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post No. 1318 and a 35 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 159 as a master electrician. He was thankful to have had the opportunity at the end of his life to spend the last few months traveling with his family and was proud to complete his lifelong goal of visiting all 50 states. Craig was an avid outdoorsman, who especially loved hunting and fishing. He will be eternally grateful to Mud and Helen Lee and their family for sharing their cabin with him during deer season for the past 47 years. In 1979, he married "his best pal" Peggy Polk at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. His first son, Jeremy (Becca Hayward) of Chicago was born in 1983, followed by Hunter (Amanda Fath) of Madison in 1985. He was always very proud of "his boys'" achievements.

He was survived by his wife; his sons; sisters, Linda Hill of Madison and Maren Hill of Stoughton; his brother, Jay (Chris) Hill of Madison; sisters-in-law, Mary (John) Witte, Judy (Gary) Weimer, Theresa (Paul) Streib, and Anne (Bruce) Andrysczyk; brothers-in-law, John (Nancy) Polk, Jim (Sue) Polk, and George (Peggy) Polk; and too many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews to list. He is also survived by his faithful hunting partner, Mollie, his English Springer Spaniel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Emil and Alice Reinholtz; paternal grandparents, Stan and Helen Hill; his uncles, Don Spaith, Stan Reinholtz, and Stan Hill; brother-in-law, Mark Hlavek; in-laws, Glenn and Ruth Polk; niece, Bridget Polk; and previous Springer Spaniels, Famous and Babe.

A Celebration of Craig's Life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with a short service at the end of the celebration, on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in order to fund the beautification project on the Southside. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608) 442-5002

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 3, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968) 

Craig Carleton Hill  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: Donna M. (Bigley) Mork - Class of 1950

BELOIT - Donna M. Mork, age 79, went to be with Jesus early Thursday morning, July 19, 2012.

She was born Jan. 5, 1933, to Walter and Betty Bigley of Madison. She graduated from Central High School in 1950 in Madison.

Donna was the oldest of three sisters, Nancy Holmes of Superior, and Karen Webb of Texas. Two older brothers, Walter and Gene both deceased. Donna married David on Sept. 1, 1972, and he survives her.
Donna had two daughters from her first marriage, Catherine Daley and Theresa Kollars; four grandchildren, Sean Daley, Christopher Wallace, Michael Brown and George Gall; and five great-grandchildren, Teagan and Brexton Daley, and Grace, Liam and Abby Wallace. David had two sons and one daughter.

Donna loved people and worked in sales with Apple, Cinnamon and Bears, Elderberry Gift Shoppe, and managed Rages to Riches. She started the clothing and food supplies for the poor at First Assembly in Rockford. She was also secretary with Bill Pearce Ministries.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Cornerstone Church of Beloit. The memorial service will held on Saturday, July 28, 2012, at ROSMAN, UEHLING, KINZER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor David Metzger of Cornerstone Church will officiate. Friends may call on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 26, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968 and Martha Soules Rortvedt, Class of 1965)

Obituary: Frank J. Oliva, Jr. - Class of 1934

 MADISON/ WESTPORT/ SUN PRAIRIE  - Frank J. Oliva Jr., age 95, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at Meriter Hospital.He was born on Sept. 8, 1916, the son of Frank and Calogesa (Greco) Oliva. Frank grew up in the Greenbush area and graduated from St. Joseph School in 1930 and entered Madison Central High School where he played football and graduated in 1934. He graduated from UW-Madison with a B.A. degree.

Frank served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He married Mabel E. Halverson on May 1, 1943, in Huntsville, Ala. He worked in the accounting and sales department for Scanlon and Morse Company and the engineering department for the City of Madison. Frank retired as a real estate agent for the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation. For many years, he co-operated a restaurant and tavern business in the city of Columbus, with his son-in-law. Frank also worked as a real estate broker, maintaining and managing several apartment homes. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, actively volunteering as an usher. Frank was also a member of the Madison Elks Club, Eastside Club and the Italian Workmen's Club. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Frank enjoyed acting in plays, golfing, traveling, hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved dancing. He was also an avid Badgers and Packers fan.

Frank is survived by his son, Duane (Kelly) Hauser of Marshall; son-in-law, Dewey Snart; grandchildren, Dwight (Linda) Carpenter, Debra (Stanley) Benzine, Dale Carpenter, Mike (Shirley) Hauser, David Hauser, Karen (Randy) Knox, Sandra Windau and Donald Snart; and cousin, Leonard (Susan) Greco. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; his parents; daughters, Gwendolyn Snart and Elaine Carpenter; grandchild, Brian Hauser; and sisters, Catherine Oliva, Ann Mazzulla and Rose Holmes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, with Monsignor Charles Schluter presiding. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, 2012, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8317 Elderberry Road, Madison, WI. 53717. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 1, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Donald E. "Don" Beale - Class of 1955

MADISON  - Donald E. "Don" Beale, age 75, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on Jan. 30, 1937, in Madison, the son of Erwin and Romana (Dietrich) Beale. Don graduated from Central High School in 1955, where he excelled in athletics. He was named all-city in baseball, basketball and football. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 in South Korea. Don married Yvonne Pedracine on Aug. 16, 1958. He received a Police Science Degree from MATC. He served on the University of Wisconsin Police Department from 1960 to 1991, retiring as a detective with the department. Upon retiring, Don worked part-time at the U.S. Federal Courthouse as a security guard and enjoyed mentoring youth in The First Tee golf program. He spent a lifetime enjoying sports, especially golf since his retirement. He was a loving dad, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by family and friends. He was always optimistic and always there for his family. Don is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four sons, Greg (Nancy), Gary (Denise Davenport), Kevin (Cory) and Alan (Kelley Harbort); five grandsons, Nick (Brianna), Justin, Jordan, Mike and Shane; nine step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, Kyle Wrend, Jesse Hauser, Jayme and Jenee Davenport, Destiny, Jaymeson, Ashton, Gavin and Jesse; two sisters, Lola Cator and Virginia (Joe) Meitner; and brother Tom (Deane). He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Romana Beale; sister, Mona Wallace; and brothers-in-law, Robert Wallace, LaVerne Cator and James Lumina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012, at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 12 noon. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Inurnment will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012, at SUNSET MEMORY GARDENS at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704. Don's family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice for their loving care.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 20, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Marlene (Sullivan) Martinez - Class of 1953

SALEM, OREGON - Marlene (Sullivan) Martinez, age 76, passed away on March 26, 2012, at her home in Salem, Ore., surrounded by her family. She was born on June 19, 1935, in Highland, Wis., to Frank and Helen (Longseth) Sullivan. Following her marriage to John Martinez on May 8, 1954, in Madison, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area until finally moving to Salem, Ore., in 1969. Marlene graduated from Madison Central High School in 1953, pursued a career in nursing for several years before enjoying a successful career in real estate. Marlene is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Diana, Kimberly and Nancy; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and sisters, Carole (Joe) Sytek and Joan (Vince) Parisi. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie; her parents; a brother, Jim (Alberta) Sullivan; and sister, Maxine (Phil) Meyers. A celebration of Marlene's life was held on March 30, 2012, in Salem, Ore.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 6, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara - Class of 1952

OREGON - Ernest Joseph "Nunzio" Novara, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. He was born on July 15, 1934, the son of Gaspare and Rose Novara. Ernie graduated from Central High School in 1952. He served in the Air National Guard at Truax Field from 1953 until his retirement in 1989. Ernie married the love of his life, Mary Lou Kerwin in 1955. He was a volunteer for St. Mary's Hospital as a Eucharist Minister for 20 years. Ernie also served in all capacities at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church. He and Mary Lou enjoyed their get-togethers with "The Sweethearts Club" (a group of six couples from Truax) which had been established for 52 years. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou; was the proud father to four daughters, Sarita and Larry Neath of Fitchburg, Jo Jean Novara of Tucson, Ariz., Darcy and Edward Halloran of McFarland, and Julie Hagen and Michael Mahnke of New Glarus; honorary daughter, Jane Cords of Tucson, Ariz.; prouder grandfather to Tyler and Amanda Halloran and Bret and Kayla Hagen (the grandkids could do NO wrong in grandpa's eyes); brother to Leonard "Dino" and Gen Novara; and is also survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main Street, Oregon, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2012, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday. Ernie loved taking the entire family on Caribbean cruise vacations. "Thanks for all the memories; we know you were happiest when we were all together. We all love you, and will miss you." Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 29, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: April J. (Zekas) Johnson - Class of 1965

MADISON - April J. Johnson, age 65, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, April 20, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on May 10, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of John and Dorothy (Verweyst) Zekas. April graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1964. She was united in marriage to James L. Johnson on Dec. 30, 1967, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Madison. April worked for various insurance companies as a unit clerk for 37 years. After retirement, she volunteered at St. John's Lutheran Church and Romes Corner Middle School in Oregon. April is survived by her husband, Jim; daughter, Nicholet J. (Steven) Wagner; son, Carl J. (Ami) Johnson; and grandchildren, Kevin, Kelsey and Carli. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bruce Zekas; and sister, Janis Samuelson. Funeral services will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, with the Rev. Ken Smith presiding. Private entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, April 23, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Emergency Fund. April's family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare, members of St. John's Lutheran Church, South Madison Rotary Club, and friends and neighbors for all of their care and support. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive

Note:  April Zekas was member of the class of 1965 and is picture amongst the graduating seniors in the 1965 Tychoberahn. The class year in the obituary is incorrect.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 22, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968).

Obituary: Richard Marvin "Dick" McMahan

MADISON - Richard Marvin "Dick" McMahan passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2012, in Madison. Dick was born on Nov. 3, 1944, in Madison. He was the son of Michael James and Mabel Irene (Gilbertson) McMahan. Dick was a graduate of Central High School. He served in the Army as a Special Electrical Device Repairman with the 57th Engineering Co./Heavy Maintenance. He was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Upon his return to civilian life, Dick worked in the construction trades and as an auto mechanic. His most important job was caring for both his parents until their deaths. He sacrificed much in his own life to care for and keep them at home. Dick was preceded in death by both his parents; his brother, Joseph Michael McMahan, in 1998; and his sister, Betty Jean McMahan in 2001. He is survived by his niece, Erin (Ken) Proctor of Madison; and nephew, Sean (Lisa) McMahan of Lakeside, Calif. He also has grandnieces, Kati McMahan and Jade Proctor and grandnephew, Shane McMahan. Committal services will be held at FOREST HILL CEMETERY, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 19, 2012 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Obituary: John A. Lehmann - Class of 1943

MADISON - John A. Lehmann, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at St. Mary's Care Center. He was born on Sept. 20, 1924, in Mather, the son of Alfred and Edna (Hoover) Lehmann. John came to Madison in 1937, and was a graduate of Central High School. He served during World War II, in the U.S. Merchant Marines from 1943 until 1947. John married Florence Viviani on Aug. 20, 1949, in Madison. He was a power plant engineer for the State of Wisconsin for 38 years, retiring in 1986. John was a member of the Wisconsin Association of Power Plant Engineers, Knights of Columbus, and St. Bernards Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing euchre, spending time with family, dancing, reading, and camping. John is survived by daughters, Nancy (Felix) Kowalewsky, Sue (Paul) Lehmann-Ziebarth, and Karen Lehmann, all of Madison; sons, Tim (Maggie) Lehmann of Madison, and Jeffrey (Sandee) Lehmann of Oregon; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; his parents; and brother, Fred. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and physicians at St. Mary's Care Center for the excellent care they provided. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 15, 2012. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).  

John Lehmann's class year is based on a list of 1943 graduates published in the Wisconsn State Journal on June 6, 1943