Obituary: Beverky (Connery) Dunn-Philumalee - Class of 1950

MADISON / MIDDLETON - Beverly passed away very peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, with her four sons and daughters-in-law by her side at the Villa of Middleton Village Nursing home. Beverly was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 20, 1931, and moved to Madison when she was very young. She attended St. Raphael's and graduated from Madison Central in 1949. Beverly was the second oldest of the 15 children of Maurice and Lucille Connery. Raised in the Greenbush district, Bev had many stories to tell. She married Ronald J. Dunn on June 15, 1950. They lived in a few places before settling on Madison's east side. She worked most of her life in the restaurant business and owned first the Fair Oaks Cafe and then Bev's Restaurant on E. Washington Ave. for over 30 years. After Ron's passing, she moved with her second husband, Harvey Philumalee, to Marshall and helped her son, Jason with a new restaurant, Bev's on Main. Shortly after the move, Harvey and Bev retired in Marshall. When Harvey passed away in 2004, Bev stayed in Marshall until moving to Middleton in 2007. She had a great time living above the Vespa store at Dunn's Import, owned by her son, Jeffrey. As her health diminished, her final move was to the Villa at Middleton Village where the nursing staff and Agrace HospiceCare took exceptional care of her. Beverly was a lifetime member of the VFW women's auxiliary. She and Harvey belonged to the Madison Vintage Auto Club for many years. She especially loved just spending time with family and friends. Bev is survived by her four sons, John (Deidre) of Middleton, Jeff (Susan) of Middleton, Jim (Jean) of Madison and Jason (Beth) of Marshall; and her stepdaughter, Tammy (Tom) Dettinger of Madison. She is also survived by Eight of her 15 brothers and sisters, Don Connery, Joe (Linda) Connery, Mary Lou (Roger) Claus, Emmett (JoAnn) Connery, Tom (Bev) Connery, Sandy (Jim) Bancroft, Tim (Randy) Connery, Jerry (Patty) Connery; brother-in-law, Lenny Small; and sisters-in-law, Carol Connery and Kathy Connery. The list of nephews, nieces, grandkids and great-grandkids would be too overwhelming to list, but do know she loved every one of them very much. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald Dunn in 1981 and her husband Harvey Philumalee in 2004; her siblings, Jean (Dennis) "Dutch" Whitmore, Morris "Muggs" Connery, Richard (Kathryn) Connery, Ruth Ann Small, Pat Connery and Michael Connery. Her spirit will live on through the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate to know and love her. A Celebration of her life will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. followed by a gathering with food, drink and conversation at EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Their services were greatly appreciated.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 28, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: The graduation year given in the obituary may be incorrect. According to the 1950 Tychoberahn yearbook and the Wisconsin State Journal list of Class of 1950 graduates, Beverly Connery graduated in 1950.

Bradley J. Lightfoot - Class of 1965

FAIRLAND, OKLAHOMA - Bradley Lightfoot, 67, of Fairland passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2014. Services are pending and have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Lightfoot’s Tribute Page at http://www.brown-winters.com/obituaries/Bradley-Lightfoot/#!/TributeWall

From the tribute page: "Brad was 9 years younger than me.. No matter how big he became, he will always be " my little brother. " My favorite memory will forever be coming down for breakfast on a Saturday... To find all 5 of my little chickens sitting on the floor .. Watching cartoons.. Enjoying the donuts and penny candy that Uncle Brad brought...I'm so happy for Brad.. He longer [sic] to see Jesus... We were in a race. To see would see our Lord 1st ... Brad won!! I miss him terribly !!!" - Judith R. Mullen - January 25 at 09:08 AM

Bradley J. Lightfoot did not graduate from Madison Central High School, but attended for several years. He would have been a member of the Class of 1965. Brad's older brother, Joe, was a member of the Class of 1962.  

The link to the information provided by the funeral home was provided by Christine Sannes (Class of 1965). Some additional research confirmed that this is/was the Bradley J. Lightfoot who attended CHS.If you have memories of Brad from his days at CHS, please leave a comment on this post.

Obituary: Suzanne Schneider Jones - Class of 1964

ANGOLA, Ind. - The world was blessed with an angel in Suzanne Jones [age 69]. The loving wife, adoring mother, doting grandmother and friend of many was called back to the arms of the Lord on Nov. 29, 2014. Suzanne was born on Oct. 10, 1945, in Madison, to Romie and Lorraine (Lemon) Schneider. The beautiful blonde with a beaming smile attended Madison Central High School, graduating in 1964. It was during her sophomore year there that her life was forever changed. Suzanne began dating a junior named Harold "Skip" Jones, and a 53-year love affair began. The happy couple married in Madison on Aug. 27, 1966. Suzanne and Skip traveled the globe and split time between Lake James in Angola, Ind., and their Hutchinson Island, Fla., condo. Suzanne's warmth, kindness, love and generosity will be missed by every person who was blessed to have known her. Suzanne is survived by the love of her life and soul mate, Skip, her husband of 48 years; her son, Steven, his wife, Stacey, and their children, Hannah, Connor and Hailey of Avon, Ind.; son, Robert, and his wife, Renee, of Union, Mich.; and son, Michael, his wife, Kate, and their children, Jack, Jenna and Cole of Fort Wayne, Ind.. Suzanne is also survived by her sister, Patty Hoffman of Rancho Mirage, Calif.; and brother, Bill Schneider of Poynette. Friends may call from 12 (Noon) until the time of the service at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at HARTZLER-GUTERMUTH-INMAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 W. Franklin St., Elkhart, Ind. Memorial Contributions

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 3, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1967). 

Note: Suzanne Schneider's class year is based on information provided by the 1964 Tychoberahn yearbook, where she is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Clara A. "Clare" Di Loreto - Class of 1943

MADISON - Clara A. "Clare" Di Loreto, a lifelong resident of Madison, passed away at home on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, two days after her 89th birthday. She was born Chiara Di Loreto on Nov. 27, 1925, the youngest of five children. Her parents, Consiglio Di Loreto and Antonietta Campitelli Di Loreto, had emigrated to Madison from the Abruzzo region of Italy in the first decade of the 20th century. Clare was immensely proud of her heritage. Clare never married but was a big sister or second mother to her many nieces and nephews. She is survived, most immediately, by her loving caretaker and niece, Mary Tortorice; her great-nephew, Brian Tortorice; and her great-great-niece, Savannah Tortorice; along with many other nieces and nephews and their families whom mourn her death and will miss her vibrant personality, her naughty sense of humor, her wonderful stories, and the great interest she took in her family. Clare was preceded in death by her parents; and four siblings, Assunta (Sue) Saccomando of Chicago, Maria Regina (Mary) Tortorice of Madison, Stefano (Steve) Di Loreto of Menasha, and Donato (Dan) of Madison. Clare was what was called, in her day, a career girl. She graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943, received training as a secretary, and spent the next 45 years in that profession. She joined CUNA Mutual Insurance on May 1, 1948, transferring from CUNA Credit Union when her friends at CUNA Mutual told her the parties were better. Clare retired from the organization on May 1, 1988, proud of her 40 years of service to the day. Clare lived a full life, traveling widely in the United States and abroad. She was an excellent league bowler and a fiercely competitive card player. She and a number of her single friends formed a social club called the "Unclaimed Treasures" and had great fun together for many years. Family, friends, her Catholic faith, Chinese food, and pasta were Clare's great passions and enthusiasms. Even in her old age she could polish off a big plate of spaghetti, preferably with red sauce and homemade meatballs or sausage. She became an excellent cook in her retirement; earlier in life she was too busy to spend time in the kitchen. Clare was a member of St. Joseph Parish and (later) of St. Dennis Parish, where she was a member of the Altar Society and a lector at Sunday Masses. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at noon, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be made to St. Dennis Catholic Church.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 3, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Edward W. Fuss - Class of 1964

MADISON - Edward W. Fuss, age 68, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Ed was a lifelong Madison resident, born on June 10, 1946, to Alfred Fuss and Jeannette Fuss Schneider. Ed began working at his family-owned business, Ideal Vault Company, at a young age and eventually took on full ownership of the company, serving families at nearly every cemetery in Southern Wisconsin throughout his career. After selling the company, he became chief of operations for the Catholic Diocese cemeteries in Madison, Janesville and Beloit. Ed is survived by his partner and the love of his life, Jennifer Smith; two daughters, Amy Fuss of Little Rock, Ark., and Melissa (Michael) Brink of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister-in-law, Mary Fuss; grandchildren, Eli Brink, Meredith Foster and Wyatt Brink; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Fuss and Russell Fuss; and sisters, Caroline (Al) Siclovan and Barbara Casey. Ed loved the outdoors and activities such as golf, hunting, fishing and gardening. He was past president of the Dane County Conservation League, and he led many projects and fundraisers to revitalize the group. He was also an avid softball player and umpire in the Madison recreational leagues. Most of all, Ed simply enjoyed spending time with friends, shooting the breeze, hoisting a beer and sharing a laugh or two. Always there with a big smile, helping hand and generous heart, he paid it forward long before doing so was trendy or unique - it was just who he was. A celebration of Ed's life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at 2 p.m., with a time of sharing stories, and will continue with a time of toasting Ed until 4 p.m. Memorial donations will be put toward the Good Neighbor Trail, a multi-use, handicap accessible recreation trail that will be built in western Dane County. Ed and Jennifer truly appreciated the availability of such trails to allow Ed to still enjoy the outdoors after the disease limited his ability to hike, and they would like to expand such opportunities for others. Tax deductible donations should be made payable to Middleton Public Works Department, with a notation of "Ed Fuss Memorial."  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 30, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968) 

Note: Ed Fuss's class year is based on information in the 1964 Tychoberah, where he is pictured amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Vicki L. (Blaska) Wakefield - Class of 1967

HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA - Vicki L. Wakefield, 65, of Hobe Sound, Florida, died Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at The Manors of Hobe Sound in Hobe Sound, Florida. Born in San Bernardino, California, she had been a Florida resident for 25 years, coming from Madison, Wisconsin. Survivors include her son, Jacob Wakefield, of Stuart, Florida; and one sister, Karen L. DuCharme, of Madison. Services and Interment will be private at the convenience of the family from the Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory of Stuart.

Originally published on the website of Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory. Submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967).

Obituary: Josephine Ann (Peterson) Bambrough - Class of 1965

CROSS PLAINS / MADISON - Josephine Ann Bambrough, age 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on Aug. 21, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Montalto) Peterson Jr. Josephine was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed the Badgers, Packers, Cubs and watching local golfers. She loved watching softball throughout the years. She was a coach for East Madison Little League and served a term as league president. She would do anything for her children, and never missed any of their events through the years. Her family was very important to her. She will be remembered for her great, quick wit. People who met her instantly loved her and will always remember her. Josephine is survived by her two children, Andrea Bambrough of Sun Prairie, and Dan Bambrough of Cross Plains and their father, Howard Bambrough of Kevil, Ky.; her mother, Rosemary Peterson of Fitchburg; two brothers, Andrew (Rob) Einer-Peterson and John (Sue) Peterson; a sister, Toni Peterson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, John Peterson Jr.; three nieces, Laura Peterson, Connie Bambrough, and Debbie Olson; nephew, Robert Robinson Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Richard Bambrough and Mickey Olson; and a sister-in-law, Shirley "Poochie" Olson. The family would like to extend their thanks for the care provided by Agrace HospiceCare, the staff at UW Health, Oregon, Meriter Hospital, and family and friends for their support. A celebration of life gathering will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. Tributes in memory of Josephine will be directed to Agrace HospiceCare and a Scholarship Fund for an East High School softball athlete.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 14, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968). 

 Josie Peterson's Class year is based on information in the 1965 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the Senior Class.

Obituary: Anthony "Tony" Balsamo - Class of 1963

ONALASKA - Anthony "Tony" Balsamo passed away at his Onalaska home on Sept. 1, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Madison to Pasquale and Maria Balsamo. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison Central High School. Tony’s genuine care for others and his vibrant, joyful personality made him a wonderful salesman. He sold men’s clothing for the Hub in Madison, sold men’s clothing on the road, and sold liquor and wine for Gateco and Quillin’s. Tony was the proprietor of Mr. T’s Airport Lounge from 1978 to 1990 at the La Crosse Municipal Airport. Tony owned La Crosse Dance Centre with his wife, Colleen, from 1984 until his passing, and owned Vinny’s Runway at the La Crosse Regional Airport with his son, Jason, from 2004 until his passing. In 1974, Tony married the love of his life, Colleen (Gallagher). They had two children, Nikki Balsamo and Jason "Vinny" Balsamo, both of Onalaska. Tony was a loving, sensitive, compassionate husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son; daughter-in-law, Erin (Gollnik) Balsamo; and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Giana Balsamo. He is also survived by a large extended family, all of whom he loved very much. His father and mother; sister, Pauline La Breche; brother, Joseph Balsamo; nephew, Jimmy La Breche; niece, Jeanie Becker; and great-nephew, Kevin Severson, preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, in Onalaska. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the SCHUMACHER-KISH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and at the church on Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: John Michael Sweeney - Class of 1963

MADISON - John Michael Sweeney, age 70, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, 2014, at the VA Hospital. John was the first born to John and Marion Sweeney on March 15, 1944. He graduated from Madison Central High, class of 1963, and then Madison Fire Department, class of 1969. John served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He retired after 27 years of service with the Madison Fire Department. John enjoyed exploring/traveling all the corners of the United States during the cold Wisconsin winters and camping with his family in the summers in his motorhome. He also loved bargain hunting, garage sales, boating, fishing, and was a green fisted gardener. John was a man that could only be described by the way he lived. John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sandra (Stassi); son, Jeff (Teresa); daughter, Michelle (Brian) Metcalf; grandchildren, Caila, Cory, Kiera, Keegan, and Courtney; sister, Mary; brother, Tom; and many other relatives. A "celebration of life" memorial service will be held at the VFW POST 1318, 133 E. Lakeside St., Madison, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. Fire Department and Military Honors will take place at the VFW at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A special thanks to the staff of VA Hospice and Agrace HospiceCare for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations to VA Hospice, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705, or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, would be appreciated. We will remember and love you forever.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 17, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Obituary: Terry L. (Burrows) Orvold - Class of 1965

SUMMER, Wash. / MADISON [Wisconsin] - Terry L. (Burrows) Orvold [age 67], family at her side, went to Heaven's light in Sumner, Wash., to be with her dappled Dachshund, red and white Bassett Hound and cats, on June 22, 2014. Terry was a loving Granny, an awesome soccer and baseball mom, wonderful sister, aunt, long-time friend, animal rescuer and a great Nurse. Terry was born to Aggie and Herbie Burrows in Jan. 1947 in Madison, graduated from Central University High school with a 4 year scholarship to the UW where she earned her Bachelors degree in Nursing; Terry practiced as an RN in hospitals in Wisconsin and Minnesota and after moving to Washington State was a Nurse Case-manager until she retired. Terry was both a Packers Backer and a Seahawks "12th man" loudest fan. Terry will be missed greatly by her two sons, Gabriel N. Orvold and his wife, Jaimie, precious grandchildren, Julianna Grace and Grayden Jase, and Benjamin J. Orvold and his wife, Corey ; her sister, Cathy Swanson-Hayes (John Hayes); nieces and nephews, Amelia Swanson (Rick), Peter Swanson- -godchild (Chelsea), Emily Burrows; and sister-in-law, Laurel Peterson; childhood, high school and college good friends, Dianna and Jean Fowles, Nancy Ellis Schuttenhelm and Susanne Seifert Treichel. Terry's younger brother, Ron Burrows passed-on in Madison, three weeks after Terry. Friends and family have made donations to Animal Rescue organizations in Terry's and Ron's names. Thank you Terry for your loving care of the persons and animals around you. We are grateful.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 10, 2013 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968) 

Note: Terry Burrows was Secretary of the Class of 1965