Andersen, Joseph F. "Joe"
DEERFIELD
Joseph F. "Joe" Andersen, age 57, passed away at UW Hospital in Madison on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. He was born in Madison on Aug. 9, 1951, a son of William and Catherine (Adler) Andersen. On July 16, 1973, he was united in marriage to Luz Valdez in Taos, N.M. They recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Known as
"
Cadillac Joe,
"
he was a well respected jazz and blues organist in the Madison area. Joe loved his wife and family, enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, and playing with everyone in the pool. He is survived by his wife, Luz;
three
children, Reyna (Pat) McNamar, Aaron (Jennifer) Andersen and Lia (Tibor) Zana;
four
grandchildren, Jesse, Julia, Jaden and Tristan; his mother, Catherine;
two
brothers, Don (Maria) Andersen and Tom (Caroline) Andersen; a sister, Ann (Kevin) Schaefer;
three
nieces, Jessica, Kristin and Elizabeth; and
two
nephews, Egan and Benny. He was preceded in death by his father, William. A memorial service will be held at 11 a
.
m
.
on Tuesday, Aug
.
4, 2009
,
at the

OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in Deerfield, with the Rev. Larry Sexe officiating. The family will greet friends on Tuesday from 10 a
.
m
.
until the time of service. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at UW Hospital. "So much to do before I die, it's my turn
.
"
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
201 Bue St. Deerfield
(
608
)
764-5369
www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Backer, Rochelle
MADISON
Rochelle Backer, formerly Rochelle Gross, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 25, 2009, in Madison, after an extended illness. She was born in the small community of Riverside, located just north of Gratiot, on May 15, 1937. She was the second oldest of 11 children of Lecil and Pauline (Hewitt) Wilson. She grew up on a farm in Wiota. She married Harry Gross Jan. 21, 1955, in Darlington. Their union was blessed with three children, Mark (Kristine Leahy-Gross) Gross of Madison, Kristi (Steve) Krahenbuhl and Angela (Mark) McGowan of Darlington; and five grandchildren, Justin and Jared (Nicole Lange) Krahenbuhl, Austen and Christian Gross, and Michael McGowan. She owned and managed the Sears Catalog Store in Darlington. She served on the Chamber of Commerce there for many years. On Nov. 8, 1980, she married Thomas Backer in Rockton, Ill. They lived in Rockford, Ill., until the time of her death. There she worked at City National Bank as a financial advisor and later as a rep for Northern Illinois Copy Equipment. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed embroidering pillowcases and tablecloths for her family and friends. After retiring in 1994 she especially enjoyed camping and wintering in Arizona. She was a big Badgers and Packers fan. She was active at Heartland CC where she was a member and had many friends. Survivors include her husband, Thomas; her mother, Pauline Wilson; brothers, Wayne (Marne), Eldon (Kitty), Gene (Emmy), David (Liz), Kenneth (Pauline) and Steven (Beth); and sisters, Carol (Fred) Ruef and Anne (Fred) Baumann. Rochelle was preceded in death by her father, Lecil; her sister, Darlene Graham; and brother, Donald. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug, 3, 2009, in HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, IL 61108 with Gordy Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the church, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for Crusader Clinic and Rockford Rescue Mission. Arrangements by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or private condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Ltd. 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, IL 61104 (815) 963-6521 phone (815) 963-9251 fax www.olsonfh.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Bentley, Anna
MADISON
Anna Bentley, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2009, in Madison. Anna was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, on Feb. 16, 1913, the eighth of 10 children of Sofie Richter Weiss and Morris Weiss. She married Oscar Buchinger in 1936 and together they opened a store in Bratislava, selling bicycles and sewing machines; they were to work side-by-side until Oscar's untimely death in 1974. In 1939, the close and warm family network that was so important to Anna (and was to be sustained over the years in spite of tragedy and dispersal) was disrupted by the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia and the advent of World War II. Anna and Oscar escaped to England, and some of Anna's siblings escaped to Palestine and elsewhere, but their parents and many other relatives perished in the Holocaust, a tragedy that remained very painful for Anna and Oscar for the rest of their lives. In London, they opened their second store together, this time selling custom-made corsets - a trade that Anna had learned in Vienna before her marriage. In 1943 their only child, Ruth, was born, and in 1950 they changed their name from Buchinger to Bentley, in order to further distance themselves from the pain of the past. In 1951, Anna, Oscar and Ruth emigrated to San Francisco, where Oscar had a cousin, and Anna looked forward to being able to swim in the Pacific Ocean. They settled in Berkeley, Calif., where they operated a very successful lingerie and dancewear store for more than 30 years. Anna greeted her customers with enthusiasm and competence, and they responded by establishing her as Berkeley's most-revered expert on women's intimate apparel. Selling was Anna's passion, and her engagement with all who entered the store was the basis for its success. Her youngest sister, Renee, moved to Berkeley in 1978, joined Anna in the store, and was a great help in Anna's later years. After retiring in 1984, Anna was able to further develop another passion, world travel. In addition to regular visits to family in Europe, Israel and Argentina, she traveled to Russia, Sri Lanka and China, to name just a few. In 2000, Anna moved to Oakwood Village West in Madison, where she continued to share her warmth and enthusiasm with daughter, Ruth and her husband, Dan; with granddaughters, Rebecca, Deborah and Sarah; with the Jewish community of Madison, including Beth Israel Center, Temple Beth El and Jewish Social Services; and with the staff at Oakwood Village West and at HospiceCare. All these caring people enriched Anna's life in her final years, with Anna reciprocating in her commitment to and support of these institutions. Anna is survived by sister, Renee Levine; daughter, Ruth Siegel and son-in-law, Daniel Siegel; and granddaughters, Rebecca, Deborah (husband, David Snyder) and Sarah Siegel. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; six sisters; and two brothers. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with burial following at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Jewish Social Services of Madison, 6434 Enterprise Lane, Madison, WI 53719.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Campoll, Henry "Hank" William
PRAIRIE DU SAC
Our dear husband, dad, grandpa and great-papa, Henry (Hank) William Campoll, left us on Wednesday, July 15, 2009. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 13, 1918. Although he and his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane (Land) Campoll, moved to Wisconsin 20 years ago to be near their children, he remained a Pittsburgher at heart. Hank took life as it came and managed to keep his unique sense of humor. Hank served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1940 to 1945, achieving a rank of master sergeant. After teaching high school for a few years, he began a long career as a construction electrician. He was a true professional and loved his work, and would talk electricity for hours with anyone who would listen. Always the educator! His other "passion" was his hobby - model railroading. Many evenings were spent adding minute details to model rail cars built from "scratch"! He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of Prairie du Sac; daughter, Ann (William Walter) of Sauk City; son, Bill (Ginny) of Rocky Mount, N.C.; four grandchildren, Christy Campoll (Matt Deaner), Amelia Walter McGoldrick (Travis), Jesse Walter, and Joyce Campoll Donnelly (Christopher); and two great-grandchildren, Holden McGoldrick and Cole Donnelly. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Land; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the PINES ASSISTED LIVING in Prairie du Sac and at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 17, 2009.
Hooverson Funeral Home Sauk City (608) 643-6430 hooversonfuneralhomes.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Cross, Helen Witherell
BARABOO
Helen Witherell Cross, age 91, of Baraboo, died peacefully July 29, 2009. A Celebration of Life will be observed on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the REDLIN FUNERAL HOME, 401 Madison Ave., in Baraboo. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at the funeral home beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brief memorial service at 11 a.m. Due to Helen's love of nature and the City of Baraboo, in lieu of flowers, monetary gifts can be made in Helen's name to The Friends of The Zoo for the Otter Exhibit fund, the Al Ringling Theatre Restoration fund, the Baraboo Public Library Expansion fund, or the International Crane Foundation.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Fagerness, Stanford Dale
MADISON
Stan Fagerness passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2009, after a courageous journey through illness. He was born on Jan. 6, 1945, in Sturgeon Bay, to Wilmer C. Fagerness and Minnie (Nelson) Fagerness. After the passing of his mother in 1956, Stan lived with his brother Merton Fagerness and Beverly (Kvistad) Fagerness in Janesville. He graduated from high school in 1963 and went on to UW-Madison for two years. Stan worked most recently in the shipping department of Mautz Paint. On Jan. 15, 1977, he married Carol Witzeling. Throughout the years, everyone could see the love they had for one another. Stan loved nature and watching the many species of birds that visited his and Carol's home. Among his other interests were travel, cats, puzzles, flowers, sports, classical music, photography and cooking. Stan leaves behind his wife, Carol; and his sister, Sharon McVey of West Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Merton Fagerness; and sisters, Orva (Jerry) Pfeifer and Ardeth (Glen) Gilbertson. A memorial celebration will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at BUNKY'S CAFE, 2425 Atwood Ave., Madison.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Freeman, Rosemary N.
MADISON
Rosemary N. Freeman, age 81, died on Saturday, July 4, 2009. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Services will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. Friends may call one hour prior to services.
Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Gratton, Frederick
MADISON
Beloved father, son and fiance, Frederick Gratton, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison on July 3, 2009, with family at his side. Fred was born Dec. 7, 1948, in Chicago, and grew up there developing a lifelong love of music, literature and the arts. He graduated from Carver High School in 1966 and later attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, serving as president of the Black Student Organizing Committee. Fred worked for the phone company and served in the military as an E4 specialist during the Vietnam era, before embarking on a period of extensive travel and eclectic work experiences that left him with a wealth of stories. In the early 1980s, Fred married Daphine Washington and their sons, Isaiah and Aaron were born in Chicago. Despite their separation and subsequent divorce, Fred and Daphine remained friends as they raised their sons together. In the late 1980s, Fred worked as an actor on the Richard Gere motion picture "No Mercy," playing the character "Quiet." In 1989, Fred moved to Madison where, in 1993, he met Tracy Miller. Fred and Tracy shared a special bond. They made a home together where Isaiah and Aaron, and sometimes their younger sister, Kamilah, stayed with them in the summers. Fred above all loved music and performing, especially on the saxophone, but his interests were wide-ranging to include screenwriting, videography, history, food (what a great cook!), astrology, architecture and train travel. Fred will especially be remembered for his sense of humor. The quiet dignity and courage with which he approached his final illnesses has been an inspiration to those who love him. Fred is survived by his mother, Louise B. Gratton of Montgomery, Ala.; and his fiancee, Tracy A. Miller of Madison. Fred is also survived by his two sons, Aaron and Isaiah Gratton; and daughters, Jasmine and Alaya. He is also survived by a brother, Kelvin Gratton; sister, Lovie Jean Johnson; a niece, Detrice Johnson; nephews, Kelvin Gratton Jr., Arthur Poole and Stevie Johnson; along with many other friends and relatives in Madison, Chicago and across the country. Fred's family would like to thank the nursing staff of the Madison VA Hospital and Madison Hospice, for their work in caring for Fred and all of those in their care. A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Friday evening, Sept. 18, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at OLBRICH GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison.
All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Hammond, Jean A.
SUN PRAIRIE
Jean A. Hammond, age 75, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. Arrangements are pending at the Cress Funeral Home.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie (608) 837-9054 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Holtz, Cheryl M.
MADISON
Cheryl M. Holtz, age 53, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 30, 2009. A memorial gathering will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at BROOKLYN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 201 Church St., Brooklyn.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Johnson, Ruth A.
FITCHBURG
Ruth A. Johnson, age 80, of Fitchburg, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2009. She was born on Oct. 8, 1928, in Stockholm, Wis., the eldest daughter of 10 children to George and Mabel (Johnson) Anderson. Ruth married Donald W. James in 1950 and later married Chet Johnson in 1978. She lived in the Southwest for several years, then in Janesville and later moved to Fitchburg after Chet's death. Ruth is survived by her mother, Mabel Anderson of Eau Claire; two sons, Dennis (Gena) James of Oregon, and David (Tanya) James of Phoenix, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Stoneberger of Kingman, Ariz., Benjamin (Amanda) James of Stoughton, and Adam James, United States Army; a great-granddaughter, Savannah James; brothers, Donald (Pat) Anderson of Rochester, Minn., Delbert Anderson of Eau Claire, and John (Mary) Anderson of Red Wing, Minn.; sisters, Ruby (Earl) Bergman of Maple Grove, Minn., and Norma (Gary) Wagner of Eden Prairie, Minn.; and sisters-in-law, Barb Anderson of Cambridge, Minn., and Mary Anderson of Coon Rapids, Minn. She was preceded in death by her husbands; three brothers; and a sister. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross in Ruth's name.
Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608) 835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Kautz, Rudolph "Rudy"
STOUGHTON
Rudolph "Rudy" Kautz passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Watertown on Aug. 1, 1933, to Bruno and Anne Kautz. He worked as a cement finisher for Werner Construction until he was no longer able, due to his illness. Rudy served his country in Korea and was a member of the American Legion and VFW. Rudy was a great father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He is survived by his loving caregiver and magnificent other, Linda Olson; and sons, Mark (Kim) Olson of DeForest, and Charles Olson of Arena. He is further survived by a grandson, Cole; stepgrandchildren, Joe and Emily; and his brother, Ron (Georgia) Kautz of Evansville. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Nancy Shaw. Rudy will be truly missed - we will especially miss Rudy's quick wit and all the "Rudyisms." A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at 2469 Skaalen Road, Stoughton. Memorials may be made to Linda Olson, 217 W. Chicago St., Stoughton, WI 53589. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of VA Hospital.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Kearney, Gladys Mary Alice
RIO
Gladys Mary Alice Kearney, age 88, a lifelong resident of Rio, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2009, at Columbus Community Hospital. She was born May 4, 1921, in Rio to the late Henry and Meta (Krier) Gleiter; baptized on July 3, 1921, by the Rev. G. A Sundby; and confirmed July 7, 1935, at Bonnet Prairie Lutheran Church. She was married on Dec. 2, 1937, to Norman Kearney by the Rev. G. A Sundby at the Rio Lutheran Parsonage. She and her husband later joined Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio. She worked at the Racine Glove Factory for 27 years before her retirement, and belonged to the Elizabeth/Naomi Circle and the Rio Community Club. She and Norman loved to travel with various bus tours in the United States and they made many friends that they kept in contact with over the years. She loved to bake and cook for her family and friends. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Norman James and Donna Kearney of Rio; daughter-in-law, Arlene Kearney of DeForest; grandchildren, Brian (Jeanne), Dan (Wendy), Pam (Kelly) Coles, Steve (Kim Oakes) and Kendra (Brian) Kriel; great-grandchildren, Mike, Matt, Jordan, Ty, Brennan, Trevor, Ellie, James and Will; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norman in 2003; their son, Kenneth; a great-grandson, Ty Daniel Kearney; brothers, George and Earl Gleiter; sisters, Hattie Gleiter and Sadie Spalding; her sisters-in-law, Mildred Kearney, Pat Gleiter and Ada Gleiter; and brother-in-law, Bert Spalding. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH in Rio at 11 a.m. Pastor Stephanie Lorenz will officiate. Friends may visit one hour prior at the church on Tuesday, and also on Monday night, Aug. 3, 2009, at SMITH-VANGEN FUNERAL HOME, 401 Angel Way, Rio, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Interment will be in Ohio Cemetery, Rio. The family would like to extend their thanks for the loving care Gladys received from the Columbia Health Care Center, the staff at the Columbus Community Hospital, and Dr. Khan and her staff.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Kitson, James C.
STOUGHTON
James C. Kitson died on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Skaalen Home in Stoughton, following a long illness. Services are pending and a full obituary will follow.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave. Stoughton (608) 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Kollis, Ruth Ellen
NICEVILLE, FLA.
Ruth Ellen (Johnson) Kollis, age 92, died July 13, 2009, at the home of her son in Florida. She was born Dec. 9, 1916, in Augusta, to John H. and Ada M. (Scafe) Johnson. She graduated from East High School in Madison. She was a dealer for Stanly Home Products for more than 35 years. After retiring to Holly Hill, Fla., with her husband, she became very active with the Daytona Beach Dog Club. She was always an active church member, fist at Plymouth Congregational in Madison, then at Lake Edge UCC, and later at the United Methodist Church in Spencer, where she was active in the choir. In her last four years she attended White Chapel Church in South Daytona, Fla., with her good friends the Rileys. She is survived by her son, Edward J. Kollis of Niceville, Fla.; a daughter, Ellen R. Decker of Neillsville; a grandson, KC Kollis of Ohio; a granddaughter, Sarah Ruth Decker of Monona; a great-granddaughter, Olivia R. Zielke of Monona; a sister, Esther Stevens of Cottage Grove; a brother, Carroll L. Johneson of Neillsville; and nieces and nephews, Charles Stevens, James Stevens and Margie Salazar. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward R. Kollis in 1978; a granddaughter, Katherine Decker in 2005; and two brothers, Alfred and William Johnson. She will be missed by her family and friends. She had a full and active life.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Lee, William E.
MADISON
William E. Lee, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2009, at his home in Madison. He was born in La Crosse on Aug. 30, 1938, a son of Ronald and Elsa (Molstad) Lee. He is survived by his daughter, Rene (Ann Jones) Lee; a brother, David (Darlene) Lee; and a granddaughter, Amanda Rene Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Charles Allen Lee. Memorial services are being planned, and a full obituary will follow at a later date.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave. Stoughton (608) 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Martinson, Irene Gladys
WESTBORO
Irene Gladys Martinson, age 82, of Westboro, died Friday, July 31, 2009, at home surrounded by her family. She was born June 24, 1927, in Maywood, Ill., the daughter of Gerhardt and Nora (Halverson) Gjertson. She was united in marriage to Marvin H. Martinson on Oct. 4, 1947. Together they enjoyed 60 years of marriage and raised five children. Irene was a loving mother, wife and friend. She worked for Schering Corporation for many years as a lab technician. She enjoyed cooking and canning, working in her flower gardens, fishing, crossword puzzles, yahtzee and reading. She will be missed by family, including three sons, Rodney, Duane "Marty" (fiancee, Tammy Joyce) and Jim (Roxanne), all of Madison; two daughters, Theresa (Harvey) Aylsworth of Rock Springs, and Tina (fiance, Bill Ellner) Martinson of Sun Prairie; six grandchildren, Casey, Elliott and Ryan Martinson, Heather (Chad) Cassidy, Michelle (Darren) Glover and Alesha (Bryan) Watson; and three great-grandchildren, Grace Watson and Dane and Taylor Glover. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin on Jan. 6, 2008; her parents; and two brothers, Russell and Ronald Gjertsen. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Hospice for their compassion, and memorials may be directed to Home Health United Hospice, 1111 8th St., Baraboo, WI.
Wisconsin Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Service 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257 www.ryanfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

McCann, Sidney L.
MADISON
Sidney L. McCann died on Monday, July 27, 2009, at the age of 91. Sidney was born on March 12, 1918, in Madison. He worked at Marling Lumber Co. for 47 years. He is survived by his two sons, Terry (Jann) and Stevie (Cindy) both of Madison; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice of 56 years. A memorial service will held on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-8406 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Monroe, Heather Hope
NEW YORK
Heather Hope Monroe, died July 16, 2009, after a courageous 23-year-long battle with breast cancer. She will be remembered for her warmth, grace, wit, devotion to family and friends, and her will to live. She was born in Madison, on April 6, 1938, to Fred Harvey Harrington and Nancy Elizabeth Harrington. She was the eldest of five children. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her father served as president from 1962-1970. For the majority of her professional life, Heather worked for the Africa-America Institute, a non-profit organization funded by USAID that enabled more than 3,200 African professionals to earn Ph.D. and master's degrees at United States academic institutions. She traveled throughout Africa, to help recruit and support students receiving the institute's assistance. In 2000, she retired from AAI and began a new chapter of her life at the Institute for Retired Professionals, a peer learning program for retirees, at The New School. There, she helped to lead courses on the history of Latin America, the Harlem Renaissance and post-colonial literature, and volunteered in a variety of capacities including serving as chair of the advisory board, and on the development, curriculum and finance committees. Heather was a devotee of the arts and filled her calendar with museum visits, movies and dance, musical and theatrical performances. She also enjoyed traveling internationally and spending time with family and friends. At home, Heather was an excellent cook and gracious hostess. Her spectacular dinner parties will be remembered for years to come by those lucky enough to be invited. Her marriage to Robert Monroe ended in divorce. Heather was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her daughter, Melanie Kristin Rosen and her husband, Samuel Block Rosen of Southampton, N.Y.; son, Justin Scott Monroe of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two grandsons, Benjamin Robert Rosen and Henry Samuel Rosen, both of Southampton, N.Y.; three sisters, Holly Harrington of Longmont, Colo., Hilary Mandel of Fairfax, Calif., and Helise Harrington of Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Harvey Haynes Harrington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Institute for Retired Professionals, The New School, 66 West 12th St., Room 502, New York, NY 10011.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Oberley, Edith Toole
MADISON
Edith Toole Oberley, kidney patient advocate, dies at 62, on Thursday, July 30, 2009. Edith began her career dedicated to advocacy for kidney patients in 1973. She wrote books to educate patients on kidney dialysis treatment and kidney transplantation. She was a longtime and award-winning Kidney Foundation volunteer, working at local, state and national levels. In 1983, she founded Medical Media Associates, a business that focused on patient education and the quality of patient care. Edith later conceived of, obtained support, and helped create a national project that established practice guidelines for clinical care of dialysis patients. Data from an article in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases determined that this major quality of care project conducted by Edith and her team resulted in a reduction in patient morbidity and mortality. Her work dramatically improved the quality of life of persons with kidney disease. At the same time, she was a wife and a longtime dialysis partner to her husband, Dr. Terry Oberley, and the mother of sons, Matthew Oberley (37) and Alex Oberley (30). Edith was born on Oct. 20, 1946, in Missoula, Mont., to a family with deep Montana roots. She entered Northwestern University in 1964, and graduated with a bachelor of arts in English in 1968. She received her master's degree in English from Northwestern in 1972. Edith and Terry Oberley were married on June 19, 1968, in Missoula, Mont. For the next several years, she taught English at high schools in the Chicago area, until her career as a kidney patient advocate began in 1973. In 1974, the family moved to Madison. Edith's advocacy for kidney patients started when she and her husband visited dialysis units throughout the country and gave lectures on how to succeed in dialysis and how to incorporate dialysis into family life. She wrote patient education books on artificial kidney treatment and kidney transplantation. Her books were translated into several languages and she received many letters from patients around the world. A longtime National Kidney Foundation volunteer, she volunteered at the local, state and national levels. She was chairperson of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and received the Volunteer of the Year award at both state and national levels. Edith and her business partner, Paulette Sacksteder, established Medical Media Associates, a business that focused on quality of patient care, in 1983. Simultaneously with their volunteer roles with the Kidney Foundation, they worked with clinics and hospitals in Wisconsin "teaching people about health" before turning to the national kidney patient scene. In 1993, they created Medical Education Institute and applied for a federal not-for-profit 501-c-3 status, and it was awarded that same year. Edith and Paulette in 2000 provided assets and equipment for MEI, which continues today to help kidney patients. Edith retired from her patient care advocacy work in 2006. She began a new avocation of photography, which became a second career. She established, "Bitterroot and Bergamot," a photography website where she posted photographs taken primarily in Montana and in Wisconsin. She sang in the Unitarian Society Choir and volunteered with friends to sing at Oakwood Village, an assisted living facility. Edith Toole Oberley is survived by her husband, Terry Oberley; sons, Alex and Matthew; as well as Edith's daughter-in-law, Khanh (Matthew); and granddaughters, Sophie and Juliette. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at 1 p.m., at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF MADISON, 900 University Bay Drive. Memorials in Edith's name may be made to the Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Oslund, Cynthia J.
STOUGHTON
Cynthia J. Oslund, age 56, of Stoughton, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, in a Madison hospital. She was born March 11, 1953, in Janesville, the daughter of the late LaVerne and June (Cherry) Ellefson. She was educated in the Janesville schools. Her marriage to John Oslund, of Minneapolis, took place June 19, 1999. She came to Stoughton in 1994 and has been a faithful nursing assistant at Skaalen Home since. She loved raising her family and planning family picnics that were a great joy to her these many years. Survivors include her husband, John; children, John Brayshaw, Tim (Karen) Brayshaw, Leon (Keri) Lissner, Tamara Brayshaw and Kenny Lissner; stepchildren, Connie (Jeremy) Moy, Karen Oslund and Kathryn (Tim) Peterson; two sisters, Lyn (Paul) and Teri Punzell; and 17 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Shannon. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at the OLSON-HOLZHUTER-CRESS FUNERAL HOME in Stoughton with the Rev. James Koza officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. After the service there will be an hour of fellowship and food at the Skaalen campus clubhouse. A private burial will be in Grove Cemetery, in Rock County near Footville. The family requests that memorials be sent in care of the funeral home in lieu of flowers.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 206 W. Prospect Ave. Stoughton (608) 873-9244 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Parisi, Charles P. "Blackie"
MADISON
Charles "Blackie" Parisi, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at his home. He was born on April 30, 1928, in Madison, in the "Bush," the son of Giovanni and Rosaria (Scalissi) Parisi. Charlie married Shirley Reger in 1950, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Charlie joined the Marine Corps when he was 17 to serve his country during World War II, and fought in the Pacific Theaters, and continued to serve his country for 22 years. He worked for many years at Madison Air Freight. Charlie is survived by his wife, Shirley; a son, Michael of Madison; three grandchildren whom he loved very much, Gina of Milwaukee, Jonah and Nika of Madison; two brothers, Joe and Sam; two sisters, Victoria and Sarah; and a dear friend, Randy Miller. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Samuel Joseph; and a sister, Mary. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. VFW Post No. 7591 will pass and review followed by a time of reflection and military rites. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Potthast, Mildred
WAUNAKEE
Mildred (nee Eiterer) Potthast, age 78, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2009, from pancreatic cancer. She was born to Louis and Mary (nee Partoll) Eiterer on March 2, 1931, in Chicago, Ill. Loved and forever missed, she is survived by her brother, Alois Eiterer of Chicago, Ill.; her sister, Rosemary Eiterer of Chicago Ill.; her four children, Suzanne Potthast of Chicago, Ill., Terese Potthast of Chicago, Ill., Richard Potthast Jr. (Cynthia) of Poynette, and Helga Thielen (Gregory) of Golden Valley, Minn.; and grandchildren, Elke and Henry Thielen. Mildred was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Eiterer; her parents, Louis and Mary Eiterer; and husband, Richard Potthast Sr. Private family services were held in Chicago, Ill. Cards may be sent to: Potthast, W6494 Stewart Road, Poynette, WI 53955.


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Quist, Esther Victoria
RACINE/ MADISON
Esther Victoria Quist (nee Johansson), age 88, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 27, 2009. Esther was born Sept. 10, 1920, in Pontiac, R.I., (a one-time suburb of Providence). Esther was the second child of the Rev. Karl and Clara Johansson. Her father served numerous parishes across New England as a pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Esther married Stettler Howard Quist on June 26, 1943. They traversed the nation's breadth pursuing Stet's career before settling in Racine in 1962. They were blessed with five children along the way: Greg in 1945, Claire (George "Pel" Box) in 1947, Phyllis (Gordon Cavers) in 1955, and David (Roberta nee Mangold) and Paul (Carol nee Lefsrud) in 1956. Esther and Stettler were longtime and active members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Racine. Esther will be remembered for her countless acts of kindness, most notably in the hundreds of gallons of homemade soup she distributed to friends and strangers alike. Esther's bane and blessing was the large garden Stettler tended in their back yard adjacent to Three Mile Road. Those veggies, rendered into soup, found their way into many homes across Racine County. For many years Esther was an active member of the Republican Party. For the past three years, following her husband's death, Esther resided at Oakwood Village in Madison. She will be remembered for her generosity of heart - her candy basket was a staff favorite. Thank you to those Oakwood staff who lovingly cared for and befriended Esther. We are particularly grateful for the kindness and care of Bruce Grau NP and Kolleen Bakkum. Esther is lovingly remembered by her five children and their spouses; nine grandchildren, Michael, Mark and Matthew Cavers of Mundelein, Ill., Jonathan A., Kari and Kirsten Quist of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Stephen, Tori and Jonathan D. Quist of Davenport, Iowa; her sister-in-law, Alice Johansson; and eight nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Stettler; her parents, Karl and Clara; and her brothers, Carl and David Johansson. A memorial service to celebrate Esther's life will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at a later date, an announcement will be forthcoming.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Rollins, N. Steve
MADISON
N. Steve Rollins, age 64, died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on Jan. 18, 1945, in Wausau, and was the son of Norvel and Carol Rollins. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Prindeville; three grandchildren, Troy, Cory and J.T.; his mother, Carol Rollins; a sister, Patricia Kilian; and a niece and nephew, Jennifer and Mark Kilian. He was preceded in death by his father. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 550 Lincoln Drive in Sun Prairie with Pastor Julie Krahn presiding. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home Sun Prairie (608) 837-5400


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Sauk, Mary Kay
MADISON/ CASSVILLE
Mary Kay (Reed) Sauk, age 63, of Madison, formerly of Cassville, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A complete obituary appeared in the Thursday newspaper.
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Stone, Jerry P.
MINERAL POINT
Jerry P. Stone, age 78, of Mineral Point, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born on Nov. 7, 1930, to Herbert and Ethel (Owens) Stone of Willow Springs Township, Mineral Point. Jerry grew up on the family farm and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1948. On Oct. 6, 1962, he married his childhood neighbor, Beverly (Waefel) Stone at the People's Methodist Church in Oregon, and farmed side by side with her until his retirement in 2008. In his earlier years, Jerry was part of a traveling fast-pitch team until breaking his ankle during a game. He and Beverly became leaders of the Four Ways 4-H Club where he coached the softball team. Jerry was an active member of the Waldwick United Methodist Church serving on the board of trustees. He was an avid bowler for many years, bowling for Slick's and Martin's Shell in Mineral Point, and for Darlington Milling in Darlington. He and his wife, Beverly also bowled couples league. Jerry was a member of the Ross Soil Service golf team and routinely played on Sunday mornings with his foursome of buddies at Dodge-Point Country Club. He played somerset with his card party friends for more than 50 years and loved visiting with friends and talking about the old days. Jerry is survived by his children, Herb (Stephanie Conlon) Stone and Janet (Ted) Lawinger, all of Mineral Point; grandsons, Mason, Bryce and Curtis Stone and their mother, Tina Stone; granddaughters, Savannah, Payton and Ivy Lawinger; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Shanley of Onalaska, and Sharon Waefel of Reedsburg; brother-in-law, John Shanley of Onalaska; Beverly's mother, Florence Rossing of Reedsburg; as well as other relatives, friends, neighbors and classmates. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly on June 30, 2009; father, Herbert Stone in 1951; mother, Ethel Stone in 1979; and grandparents, Hugh and Myrtle Owens, and Alice and Edmund Stone. "Should you go first and I remain there's one thing I'd have you do, walk slowly down that pathway for soon I'll follow you. I want you to know each step I take so that you may walk the same, for someday down that lonely road you'll hear me call your name. Jerry and Beverly Stone...Together In Heaven...2009."


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print

Voigt, Esther E.
SUN PRAIRIE
Esther E. Voigt, age 98, died on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the Lighthouse in Sun Prairie. She was born on April 16, 1911, in Lyndon Station, and was the daughter of Otto and Josephine (Gregor) Kreyer. She married Herman Voigt on July 26, 1930, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mauston. They resided at Mauston seven years before moving to the Richmond and Woodstock area for 15 years. In 1952 they returned to Wisconsin and lived on the present Voigt farm until her death. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and its Ladies Society, and the Gingerettes Homemaker Club. She was employed at Wisconsin Porcelain Company for 24 years. She is survived by her two sons, Donald (Neva) Voigt of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Robert (Sue) of Sun Prairie; three granddaughters, Cindi (Sam) Peterson of Darien, Rebecca (Jason) Isaacson of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Ashley Voigt of Madison; three great-grandsons, Tyler, Shane and Daniel; and a sister, Evelyn Zillmer of Columbus. Also surviving are her many nieces and nephews, other relatives and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman; two brothers, Ozzie and Carl; a sister, Leona; two grandsons, Michael and Daniel; and a great-grandson, Tommy. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at PEACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 232 Windsor St., in Sun Prairie with Pastor Luke Werre presiding. Burial will be in Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Monday.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home Sun Prairie (608) 837-5400


Send flowers/gifts | Donate to charity | Book of Remembrance | Print