Obituary: Gerry Fox - Class of 1967

MADISON — Mr. Gerry D. Fox, age 37, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 17,1987. He was born on June 11, 1949, In Fort Worth, Texas. Survivors include his wife, the former Margo Pollock; a son, Sean of Madison; his parents, Robert and Erma Fox of Madison; four brothers, Robert (Raven) Fox of Scottsdale, Arizona, Barry, Terry, and Peter, all of Madison; a sister, Patti (Allan) Anderson of Madison; and his grandmother, Shallle Rogers of Blythevllle, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at the JOYCE FUNERAL HOME, 540 West Washington Avenue, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, with the Reverend Eugene Bailey officiating. Burial will be In Sunset Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 22, 1987. 

Gerry Fox's class year is based on information in the 1967 Tychoberahn, where he is listed amongst the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Marvin Mazursky - Class of 1952

MADISON - Marvin Mazursky, age 40, of 7110 Colony Drive, died on Friday, March 14, 1975 after a long illness. Born in Madison, he was a lifelong Madison resident. He was a life insurance underwriter for the New York Life Insurance Co. He graduated from Madison Central High School where he participated in football and was a city 440 yd. dash champion. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he received the National Defense Award Medal. Mr. Mazursky was a member of Temple Bethel. Survivors include his wife, Sharon; his mother, Mrs. Oscar (Rose) Mazursky of Los Angeles; two sons, Mark and Brent; a daughter Shana all at home' two brothers, Larry of Phoenix, and Charles of Los Angeles; and two sisters, Mrs. Frank (Linda) Kurtz, San Francisco, and Mrs. Guy (Beverly) Claudy of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bernard, who died in Vietnam in 1968. Funeral services will be held at the FRAUTSCHI FUNERAL HOME, 3160 Speedway Road at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 17. The Rabbi Manfred Swarzensky officiating. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tribute and Memorial Fund of Temple Bethel or the Wisconsin Heart Association.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 15, 1975.

Notes: Marvin Mazursky's class year is based on information in the 1952 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included among the graduating seniors. This obituary was reproduced as it originally appeared; however, "Temple Bethel" is a reference to Temple Beth El.

Obituary: Lillie Moesner - Class of 1894

Memorial services for Miss Lillie E. Moessner, Little Rock, Ark., a former Madison resident who died Jan. 31 in Little Rock, will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Frautschi funeral home, 120 E. Wilson st., here. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

Born in Madison, Miss Moessner was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and was a member of the Half-Century Club of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. She formerly taught at various Wisconsin and Chicago high schools.

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 4, 1960. At this time, obituaries were written by newspaper staffers, not families.

Note: Lillie E. Moessner's class year is based on information in the Madison Public Schools Annual Report (1901-1902), where she is listed as Lillie Moesner [sic] a Class of 1894 graduate.According to Forest Hill Cemetery records, she was 84 when she died.

Obituary: John C. Corscot - Class of 1900

Corscot Services Set for Saturday

Funeral services for John C. Corscot, 69, of 1144 E. Johnson st., a retired purchasing agent who died Wednesday in a Madison hospital after a long illness, will be held in the Masonic temple at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Episcopal services will be conducted by the Rev. John H. Keene, rector of Grace Episcopal church, and the Masonic rites will be conducted by C.B. Lester of Madison lodge No. 5.

A Knights Templar escort will be present at the services. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

Mr. Corscott had been an active Madison Mason for 48 years. In addition to being a member of lodge No. 5, he was the oldest past presiding officerin Madison Chapter No. 4, the Madison Council No. 3, and the Robert Macoy Commandry No. 3.

He also belonged to the Zor Shrine temple and the Madison consistory. He was a lifelong member of grace Episcopal church.

Four years ago Mr. Corscot retired as purchasing agent of the Madison Gas and Electric Co., and organization he was connected with for 47 years.

He was also assistant secretary-treasurer of the Provident Loan and Building assn.

Mr. Corscot was a lifelong Madison resident. His father, the late John H. Corscot, at one time served as mayor of Madison and was city clerk for 20 years.

On May 9, 1906, he married Ruby Peck of Madison. Mrs. Corscot survives with his sister, Catherine M. Corscot, Madison.

The body was taken to the Fitch-Lawrence Funeral Home. The family has requested that flowers be omitted.

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 19, 1951. At this time, obituaries were written by newspaper staff members, not family.

Note: John C. Corscot's class year is based on information in the 1900 Tychoberahn, where he is listed among the graduating seniors. There were no senior photos in this first yearbook: The only photograph is one of the old Madison High School building, taken by John Corscot (see scanned image below).

Obituary: Joseph Lynn Klassy - Class of 1967

Crash Splits Car;
2 Men Are Killed

The traffic deaths of two young Madison men, killed about 4 a.m. Wednesday when their Corvair split in half crashing at the South Beltline-Park St. interchange, were rules "accidental" by Coroner Clyde Chamberlain Jr.

Killed were: Danny John Waller, 18, the driver, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Waller, 124 N. Hancock St. Joseph Lynn Klassy, 19, the passenger who was married and had an infant son, and lived with his widowed mother, Mrs. Donald (Inez) Klassy, 717 Mayfair Ave.

COUNTY POLICE said the Corvair, apparently traveling at high speed, struck a solid metal guardrail at the westbound exit from the Beltline to S. Park St. and careened topside into a cement-embedded metal pole holding the big, green highway-route sign.

The pole split the car, with the two sections landing about 52 feet apart, Policeman John Detra reported.

Both yong men, who were not wearing seat belts, were thrown from the car. They were pronounced dead upon arrival at a Madison hospital from severe head and neck injuries.

Chamberlain sid it was not known where or to where the young men were travelling.

Their deaths raised the Madison and Dane County traffic toll this year to 34.

Both Waller and Lkassy had been students at Central-University High School.

FUNERAL SERVICES for both young men are pending at the Schroeder Funeral home, 3325 E. Washington Ave.

Waller's survivors, besides his parents, include three brothers and a sister at home, Richard, Terry, Michael, and Janet, and two other sisters, Mrs. Kenneth Russell, 1418 Loftsgordon Ave., and Mrs. Richard Edmark, Racine.

Klassy is survived by his wife, Lila, and a son, Jospeh, who lives in Madison; his mother; two brothers, Romaine, 5402 Temple Ct., and Stephen, with the navy submarine service; a sister, Mrs. Mark Moffat, Battle Creek, Mich., and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jones, Stoughton, and Henry Klassy, New Glarus.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 31, 1967. At this time, obituaries were news stories written by newspaper staff, not family. Submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967).

Obituary: Anton J. "Tony" Motisi - Class of 1951

Anton J. "Tony" Motisi, 26, a former Central High School and Whitewater State College athlete was found dead of hanging in his South Milwaukee residence Sunday.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Motisi, 1414 Whenona dr.

The Milwaukee County medical examiner's office said that Motisi was dead when found by South Milwaukee Police Sunday afternoon.

Motisi was a teacher at South Milwaukee High School, and assistant coach of football, basketball, and track there.

He was married to the former Mary Leone Fessenden of Janesville. They lived with their two children at 622 Milwaukee ave., South Milwaukee.

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 4, 1960. At this time, obituaries were written by newspaper staffers, not families.

Note: Tony Motisi's class year is based on information in the 1951 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Elizabeth Armstrong - Class of 1890

Funeral services for Elizabeth Armstrong, 82, of 1224 W. Dayton st., who died at a Madison hospital Saturday, will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Grace Episcopal church.

The Rev. Nicholas Couletsis, associate rector, will officiate, and the burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

A lifelong resident of the city, Miss Armstrong is a member of a pioneer Madison family. She has lived her whole life at the Dayton st. address.

Miss Armstrong's father, John, came to Madison from Belfast, Ireland.

She was a graduate of the old Draper school and of Madison high school, now Central High school.

Miss Armstrong was an active member of Grace Episcopal church for many years.

Her survivors include a sister, Mrs. A.W. Shumway, Edgerton, and several nieces and nephews in the Madison area.

The body is at the Fitch-Lawrence funeral home.

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 28, 1952. At this time, obituaries were written by newspaper staffers, not families.

Note: Elizabeth Armstrong's class year is based on information in the Madison Public Schools Annual Report (1901-1902), where she is listed as "Lizzie" Armstrong, an 1890 graduate.

Obituary: Frances M. Abaly - Class of 1901

Miss Abaly Rites

Funeral services for Frances M. Abaly, of 202 W. Gorham st., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Abaly, pioneer Madison residents, who died Friday in a Madison hospital after a long illness, will be held Monday at 9 a.m. at the Fitch-Lawrence Funeral Home and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Raphael's Cathedral.

The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward M. Kinney will officiate. The rosary will be recited at 8 Sunday night. Burial will be in Resurrection cemetery.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted.

Miss Abaly was a nurse and secretary for many years for Dr. W.C. Abaly, her uncle, a former Madison physician.

Miss Abaly was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the former Madison Central High school. She also attended the former St. Regina academy and St. Raphael's grade school.

She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. W.J. Hobbins and Ollie Abaly, both of Madison, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mayer and and Winifred Abaly, both of Milwaukee, and a brother, Donald, Milwaukee.

The above was originally published in the Obituaries section of the Wisconsin State Journal on May 2, 1953. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Note: Frances Abaly's class year is based on information in the Madison Public Schools Annual Report (1901-1902), where she is listed among the graduating seniors in the Class of 1901.

Obituary: William Penn Lyon, Jr. - Class of 1877

SKETCH OF WILLIAM PENN LYON
From the San Jose Mercury Herald of November 14, 1931

William Penn Lyon, business manager of the Mercury Herald (San Jose, California) for more than a quarter century and one of the best known newspaper executives on the coast, died suddenly at O'Connor sanitarium yesterday of a heart attack.

Mr. Lyon had been in ill health for the past two years. Three weeks ago he was removed to the O'Connor sanitarium for a complete rest, and appeared to be recovering his strength.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin August 23, 1861, the son of Chief Justice and Mrs. William Penn Lyon, as a lad he went with his family to Madison, Wisconsin, when his father was elevated to the supreme bench. He received his primary education in Madison schools and then entered the University of Wisconsin, from he he graduated with the class of 1881. Later, he graduated from the law school also.

Following his graduation he was employed by the Chicago Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at their head offices at Milwaukee. Later he became associated with E.A. and J.O. Hayes, publishers of the Mercury Herald, then young attorneys in their law business in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Possessing unusual ability in financial matters, Mr. Lyon next joined with the Hayes brothers in their mining operations in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, and for several years had charge of the office and financial work of the firm.

Shortly before the turn of the century he came to California and later married Miss Ellen Chynoweth. Later the couple returned to the mines for a short time, returning again to California to make their permanent home. He acquired the fruit ranch on Monteroy road jsut south of Eden Vale, where he made his home, and where he has resided since.

Mr. Lyon helped to organize, and was for some years was manager of the Eden Vale Fruit company, which was later sold to the Sanitary Fruit company; the latter firm discontinued operations after running for a short time.

More than a quarter century ago Mr. Lyons became business manager of the Mercury Herald, a position he held up to his death. His wife died in February 1928.

Mr. Lyon is survived by his son, William Penn Lyon III; his sister Mrs. J.O. Hayes; and two grandchildren -- Patricia and William Penn Lyon IV.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, of Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, Rotary, San Jose Country and Commercial clubs, and of the True Life Church.

A keen business executive, and deeply interested in the newspaper business, he enjoyed an extensive friendship among the largest advertisers of the country. In pursuit of his duties he made annual trips to the eastern business centers, making contact with scores of prominent business men.

In June of this year (1931) Mr. Lyon enjoyed a visit to Madison, where he attended the fiftieth anniversary of his graduating class. He often spoke of the experience with enjoyment.

An enthusiastic golfer, and characterized by a gift for friendship, he had a wide circle of friends who thought of him with affection and esteem. His loss will be a great one.

Submitted by MRS. CLARA LYON HAYES and published in The Wisconsin Alumni Magazine (June 1932)

Note: William Penn Lyon Jr. is listed in the Madison Public Schools Annual Report (1901-1902) as a member of the Class of 1877.

Obituary: Danny John Waller - Class of 1966

Crash Splits Car;
2 Men Are Killed

The traffic deaths of two young Madison men, killed about 4 a.m. Wednesday when their Corvair split in half crashing at the South Beltline-Park St. interchange, were rules "accidental" by Coroner Clyde Chamberlain Jr.

Killed were: Danny John Waller, 18, the driver, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Waller, 124 N. Hancock St. Joseph Lynn Klassy, 19, the passenger who was married and had an infant son, and lived with his widowed mother, Mrs. Donald (Inez) Klassy, 717 Mayfair Ave.

COUNTY POLICE said the Corvair, apparently traveling at high speed, struck a solid metal guardrail at the westbound exit from the Beltline to S. Park St. and careened topside into a cement-embedded metal pole holding the big, green highway-route sign.

The pole split the car, with the two sections landing about 52 feet apart, Policeman John Detra reported.

Both yong men, who were not wearing seat belts, were thrown from the car. They were pronounced dead upon arrival at a Madison hospital from severe head and neck injuries.

Chamberlain sid it was not known where or to where the young men were travelling.

Their deaths raised the Madison and Dane County traffic toll this year to 34.

Both Waller and Lkassy had been students at Central-University High School.

FUNERAL SERVICES for both young men are pending at the Schroeder Funeral home, 3325 E. Washington Ave.

Waller's survivors, besides his parents, include three brothers and a sister at home, Richard, Terry, Michael, and Janet, and two other sisters, Mrs. Kenneth Russell, 1418 Loftsgordon Ave., and Mrs. Richard Edmark, Racine.

Klassy is survived by his wife, Lila, and a son, Jospeh, who lives in Madison; his mother; two brothers, Romaine, 5402 Temple Ct., and Stephen, with the navy submarine service; a sister, Mrs. Mark Moffat, Battle Creek, Mich., and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jones, Stoughton, and Henry Klassy, New Glarus.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 31, 1967. At this time, obituaries were news stories written by newspaper staff, not family. Submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966).

Obituary: Elmer W. Ellefson - Class of 1903

E.W. Ellefson
Dies of Stroke

Elmer W. Ellefson, 62, of 2030 Winnebago, st., East side lumber dealer and and member of a well known East side family, died today at a Madison hospital of a stroke which he suffered Wednesday.

Born June 1, 1885, at Lake Preston, S.D., Mr. Ellefson came to Madison at the age of 15 with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Ellefson. he father founded the Ellefson Lumber Co., which the son has operated.

Mr. Ellefson was active in the East Side Businessmen's assn. He was also a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and its Brotherhood, Masonic Hiram Lodge No. 50, the Madison Consistory, and Zor Shrine Temple. He also belonged to lumbermen's groups.

Mr. Ellefson graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1907. Before that he attended Central High School.

Mr. Ellefson formerly also operated a lumber yard at Highland.

Survivors are his wife, Hilda; two daughters, Ruth, Washington, D.C., and Marion, formerly a stewardess on the United Airlines and now taking post-graduate word at the University of Wisconsin; and two sisters, Mrs. Nels Kleven, Minneapolis, and Elsie, employed as a secretary in the governor's office. A brother, Edward, died two years ago.

The body was taken to the Gunderson Funeral Home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 17, 1947. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families. A small photograph of Ellefson appeared on page one at the bottom of the second column. The obituary was on page 4.

Elmer Ellefson's class year is based on information in the Annual Reports of the Madison Schools, 1901-1904.

Click on the image to enlarge it in your browser window.

Obituary: Frederic J. Goff - Class of 1910

Maj. Frederic Goff

Maj. Frederic J. Goff, 66, of 2617 Commercial ave., a retired Army officer, died Wednesday in a Madison hospital after a long illness.

Maj. Goff was a veteran of both World Wars. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Madison Masonic Lodge No. 5, and the Madison Consistory.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Frederic Jr., 1350 Morrison st., and Richard, 2037 Helena st.; a sister, Mrs. A. J. Struck, Schroeder, rd.; and six grandchildren. Another son, Wallace, was killed during the Korean war.

Private funeral services will be held Friday in the Gunderson funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 3, 1957. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Frederic J. Goff's class year is based on information in the 1910 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors. He was the business manager of the Tychoberahn.

Obituary: Frances Weaver

Frances Weaver Funeral Tuesday

Funeral services for Frances Weaver, 24, 637 E. Dayton st., who died Saturday, will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Fitch-Lawrence Funeral Home. Elder Robert Thomas, Chicago, of the fourth episcopal district of the African Methodist church, will conduct the services. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

Miss Weaver had been employed as a cosmetician at the William Busch beauty salon. She become ill while at work Thursday and was taken to a hospital.

Miss Weaver was born in Madison and received her education in Madison grade schools and in Central high where she was graduated in 1922. She was also a graduate of the Madison Beauty school.

Note: The above was originally published in the Obituary Section of the Wisconsin State Journal on March 10, 1947. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

The graduation date for Frances Weaver is obviously a typo. If she was 24 in 1947, she was probably born in 1922 or 1923. I've been unable to determine when she graduated, but it was probably in the early 1940s.

Obituary: Dr. Albert Tormey, Sr. - Class of 1910

Dr. Albert Tormey, Sr., 79, of 1228 Sherman Ave., one of the outstanding surgeons in the history of Madison and a physician here for over 50 years, died Thursday in a Madison hospital.

Dr. Tormey was a well-known athlete both at the old Madison High School and at the University of Wisconsin, and was recently named to the Madison Sports Hall of Fame. He was to have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame June 3. He will now be enshrined posthumously.

Dr. Tormey was born in Madison in 1891. His parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Thomas Tormey, were early pioneers in the city.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1914 with a bachelor of arts degree and received his M.D. degree in 1917 from Washington University in St. Louis. He served his internship at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and Augustana Hospital in Chicago.

He was a veteran of World War I, serving in France with the rank of captain. From 1925 to 1939 he was a major in the Wisconsin National Guard.

He was elected to the American College of Surgeons in 1925 and was a past president of the Dane County Medical Society. He served several terms as a delegate to the State Medical Society and headed its Committee on Health and Welfare for many years.

He also served as chief surgeon for the Madison Gas and Electric Co., and the Wisconsin Power and Light Co., and was district surgeon for the North Western Railroad.

He was a vice president and the medical director of the National Guardian Life Insurance Co.

Dr. Tormey was an enthusiastic backer of University of Wisconsin athletics and served as president of the National "W" Club in 1949-50. He also was an alumni member of the U.W. Athletic Board for four terms, 1939-43.

Dr. Tormey was a member of the 1909 Madison High School football team that won the state championship and a key player on the 1912 University of Wisconsin football team which won the Big ten championship.

Dr. Tormey's greatest individual athletic feat came in track, where he set a world record for the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. His time still stands as a Wisconsin record.

Dr. Tormey's hobbies also included golfing and traveling.

While he was in school he was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, and Sigma Sigma social medical fraternity.

He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Madison Club, Maple Bluff Country Club, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

In 1921 he married Beatrice Barnes who died in 1932.

Dr. Tormey is survived by one son, Albert Jr., a physician in Temple, Texas; three daughters, Beatrice, Madison; Mrs. Robert Higgins, Dallas, Texas; and Mrs. William Keefe, Milwaukee; and two sisters, Julia, 1228 Sherman Ave., and Mrs. James T. O'Hora, 1917 Regent St.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Frautschi Funeral Home, 120 E. Wilson St., where the rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the UW Athletic Department, or to the donor's favorite charity.

Originally published in The Capital Times on May 29, 1970.

Note: Albert Tormey's class year is based on information in the 1910 Tychoberhan, for which he served as manager.

Obituary: Joseph Beld - Class of 1934

Joseph S. Beld, 58, of 2029 S. Park St., was found dead Sunday (July 8, 1973) at home.

Death was attributed to natural causes.

He was a lifelong Madison resident, and was a bartender at the Golden Pheasant Tavern for 25 years.

He was a veteran of World War II, and was a member of the VFW and the Eagles Club.

Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Henry Faust, 169 Talmadge St.; and Mrs. Robert Haessig, Raymond Rd.; and four brothers, Ambrose, 602 Falcon Circle; Fred, 2038 E. Mifflin St.; Stephen, 617 Charles Lane; and William, 3514 Concord Avenue.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Schroeder Funeral Home, 3325 E. Washington Ave., where friends may call from 6 to 9 tonight. Military graveside rites will be held Wednesday at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Note: The above was originally published in the Obituary Section of the Wisconsin State Journal on July 10, 1973. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Joseph Beld's class year is based on information in the 1934 Orange and Black yearbook, where his senior photo is included among those of the June graduates.

Obituary: Claire Arnold - Class of 1941

Claire Arnold Rights
Planned Thursday

Funeral services for Clair Arnold, 27, of 28 N. Paterson st;, former Central High School athlete who died at a Madison hospital Monday night after a long illness, will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Joyce funeral home and at 9 in St. Patrick's Catholic church.

The Rev. A.V. Grace, pastor, will officiate and burial will be in Calvary cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 8 tonight in the funeral home.

Born in Madison, Mr. Arnold played tackle on the Central high school football team and was graduated in January 1941. A veteran of World War II, he served three years with the 334th field artillery, 87th division, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

He was an officer of the Iron Brigade chapter 126 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post here.

Surviving are his wife, the former Catherine Friedel, a son, Dennis; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Arnold; two brothers, Glen and Rodney; and two sisters, Joyce and Arlene, all of Madison.

Note: The above was originally published in the Obituary Section of the Wisconsin State Journal on December 27, 1950. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Obituary: Stanley Allyn - Class of 1909

Stanley C. Allyn of National Cash Register Dies

Led in Postwar Expansion of Industry Overseas

Board Chairman as Concern Moved Into New Fields

By BURTON LINDHEIM

Stanley Charles Allyn, who retired at the end of 1961 as chairman of the board of the National Cash register Company, died Saturday night in Greenwich (Conn.) Hospital at the age of 1979. He lived in Dayton, Ohio and also had a home in Greenwich.

Mr. Allyn was president of the concern from 1940 to 1957, when he became chairman of the board. He was credited with a key role in diversifying the company into accounting, bookkeeping, adding machines and the computer field.

He also also led in expanding overseas operations from under $20-million annual sales in 1940 to 20 times that in 1961.

Mr. Allyn, who was often described as "Mr. Energy Unlimited," was a model of the traveling capitalist who flew about the world, spreading American ideas and ideals. Until his retirement, the ruddy, white-haired businessman averaged five trips abroad each year, traveling 100,000 miles.

Found Travel Essential

"You can't learn about world conditions sitting on the banks of the Miami River in Dayton," he once said.

"We're not going to compete with foreign producers just by yelling for tariffs," he added. "It's going to take hard work. If we get fat and lazy, we'll wind up a second-rate nation."

He believed in adapting his products to foreign tastes. N.C.R.'s bookkeeping machines for the Middle East, for instance, made entries from right to left as the Arabs do. He believed also in hiring natives of each country to run his business and in extending to them many of the fringe benefits the American workers enjoy. To help teach United States customs and business practices, he invited thousands of foreign businessmen to the company's seminars in Dayton.

Not content with operating a world-wide business, he took on a variety of public services that would have taxed the abilities of several men.

Headed Charity Agencies

He served a president of the Community Chests and Councils of America in 1950. Later, he was on an American advisory committee fro the economic rehabilitation of the Scottish Highlands and serves as a trustee of the Institute of International Education. In 1955 he was campaign chairman for the National Red Cross.

In 1956 Mr. Allyn headed the United States delegation to the UNESCO Conference at New Delhi, where he declared: "The basic conflict in the world is not socialism versus capitalism. It is the conflict of freedom versus the lack of freedom."

In the same year, he was admitted to the French Legion of Honor "for promoting the economic welfare of France." In 1957 he was name to the United National Commission for UNESCO and representing the United States at the United Nationals Economic Committee for Europe in Geneva.

Wanted Ideas Pushed

In 1958, addressing the National Foreign trade Convention here, Mr. Allyn said:

"It is something of a paradox that while American products are universally popular, by no means the same thing can be said of American ideas. Perhaps we should examine the methods we are using to sell freedom to the rest of the world. That is the most important sale we have to make."

Mr. Allyn was trained by John H. Patterson, N.C.R.'s founder, an eccentric genius sometimes credited with being the father of modern salesmanship

Mr. Allyn, who was born July 20, 1891, in Madison, Wis., had just graduated from the University of Wisconsin when he went to Dayton to attend a wedding. He visited the plant of the National Cash Register Company and became so impressed that he applied at once for a position.

He started clerking as $20 a week and his duties soon brought him into contact with Mr. Patterson. Mr. Allyn had been an usually brisk walker. Peering out of his office, Mr. Patterson notice this purposeful stride and remarked to an associate:

"That young man has the most efficient walk I have even seen. Let's keep our eye on him."

Mr. Allyn transferred to the sales department. He became Mr. Patterson's protégé and was sent on selling trips to New York and abroad. He became controller in 1917, a director in 1918, treasurer in 1926 and executive vice president and general manager in 1931.

Bearing with Mr. Patteson was somewhat unnerving for his executives. He like everyone to be on the job at 6:30 A.M. He insisted the executives wear vests and join him in his food fads. he heard that Bulgarians lived long because they ate garlic.

"One day," Mr. Allyn recalled, "we were all ordered to eat garlic. Bowls of garlic buds were placed around the office and every meal taken with Mr. Patterson reeked of the stuff."

Eye on Civilian Needs

After he became president of the concern, Mr. Allyn obtained large Government contracts. During the war he took N.C.R. into defense work but made sur it would be ready for the boom after the war.

When the Nazis surrendered, Mr. Allyn set up a factory in Augsburg, and another in Dundee, Scotland. Some years later, he established a plant in Oiso, Japan and put up others in Sweden, France and Brazil.

Mr. Allyn had served as a director of the First National City Bank of New York, the Armco Steel Corporation, Mead Corporation and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.

He received the Presidential Certificate of Merit and the Navy Award for distinguished public service. He held honorary degrees from four universities.

Surviving are his widow, the former Patricia Turnbull; three children by a former mariage, Charles Stanley Allyn of Dayton, the Rev. Compton Allyn, an Episcopal minister of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Thomas E. Sunderland of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a brother two sisters, and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday at Christ Episcopal Church in Dayton.

Originally published in The New York Times on November 2, 1970. The transcription is faithful to the print version and therefore contains some typographical errors.

Note: Stanley Allyn's class year is based on information n the 1909 Tychoberahn, where he is pictured among the graduating seniors. He is also listed as the senior class president for the fall term.

Obituary: Harry Caird - Class of 1926

Harry Caird, Story Writer,
Dies, Aged 25
U.W. Graduate Was Author of Children's Stories, Journal Contributor

Harry Caird, Jr., 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. harry Caird, 305 Norris ct., died Monday at a Madison hospital after a long illness.

He was graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1930 and has been a features contributor to the Wisconsin State Journal and the Milwaukee Journal in addition to writing children's stories for John Martin's Child Book, a children's magazine. He was born May 24, 1907 at Macon, Ga. and was a graduate of Madison Central High School.

While at the university Mr. Caird majored in art and advertising. He helped organize the Beaux Arts club, played a role in the production of "Cyrano de Bergerac," and was a charter life member of the Wisconsin union. He was fond of yachting and patricipated in the 1932 July 4 races here.

Besides his parents he is survived by a sister, Dorothea.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 pm at the Frautschi funeral home and the body will be taken to Milwaukee for cremation Thursday. Honorary pallbearers will include Schofield Carpenter, George Harb, John Helgeson, Athol Patterson, Clarence Schultz and H.S. Hutchinson, all university classmates.

Originally published as a news story on the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal on April 11, 1933.


Note: Harry Caird's class year is based on information in the 1926 Tychoberahn where his photograph is inlcuded among the those of the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Daniel L. Meysembourg - Class of 1967

Pfc. Meysembourg
Killed in Action

Marine Pfc. David Daniel L. Meysembourg, 18, of 117 S. Marquette St., was killed in action March 11, in the area of Quang Tri, Vietnam.

Born in Rice Lake, he had lived in Madison for 17 years.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Meysembourg, who were notified Sunday of his death.

He joined the Marines in July 1967, and had been serving in Vietnam since Jan. 19.

He was a 1967 graduate of Madison Central High School and a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his parents; three brothers, Jerry 2319 Milwaukee St.; Michael and David at home; a sister, Sandra, at home; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Theresia Oettinger, Rice Lake; paternal grandfather, John L. Meysembourg, Menomonee Falls.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Ryan Funeral Home, 2114 N. Sherman Ave.

Note: The above was originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 1968. At that time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families. Danny's name is listed incorrectly in the article. Below is a copy of the page from the March 30, 1968 issue of The Capital Times listing the date for the funeral (about halfway down the second column from the left). It has the correct name, the name listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

Obituary: Perry Fess - Class of 1906

Perry Fess, 84, Hotel Owner, Dies

Perry T. Fess, 84, of 1840 Yahara Pl., the last of the Fess family to own the 113-year old Fess Hotel, 123 E. Doty St., was found dead at his home Sunday (Apr. 22, 1973).

Deputy Coroner Donald Scullion said he died of natural causes.

The Fess Hotel, which was recently purchased by the Hovde Realty, Co., was built in 1860 by George Fess, an English immigrant. Perry Fess was the third generation of his family to own and operate the hotel.

Fess was a road contractor, and was also a well-known baseball player for the defunct Madison Blues baseball team.

Surviving are his wife, Alice, at home; a daughter, Miss Barbere Fess, Mill Valley, Calif.; and two sisters, Mrs. Madeline Mehlig, Sarasota, Fla.; and Miss Marie Fess, Madison.

The funeral is tentatively set for Thursday. Arrangements are being handled by the Frautschi Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd.

Note: The above was originally published in the Obituaries section of the Wisconsin State Journal on April 23, 1973. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Additional notes: Perry Fess's class year is based on information in the 1906 Tychoberahn, where his photograph appears among those of the graduating seniors. The article accompanying this obituary was published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 3, 1973, several weeks after Perry Fess died. In addition to providing some additional background information, it demonstrates how widespread and influential the achievements of Madison Central High School alumni have been and continue to be: Both the photographer, George Stein, and the illustrator, J.P. Schmelzer, are Central alumni.

Obituary: Richard Widmann

Succumbs to Long Illness
Richard Widmann Dies;
Ex-Madison Fire Chief

Richard Widmann, 76, Route 1, McFarland, former Madison fire chief from Jan. 1, 1939, until his retirement Oct. 1, 1944, died today in a Madison hospital after a long illness. Mr. Widmann had resided in recent years with his son, Ray, McFarland police chief since April of this year and former Blooming Grove police chief and Madison police officer.

Richard Widmann was a past president of the Wisconsin Paid Fireman's Association. He was a member of the Madison Fire department from Oct. 15, 1917, until his retirement. He served at Central, No. 2, and No. 5 stations. On May 1, 1930, he was appointed an inspector, and on Oct. 1, 1936, chief to succeed John Lahm who retired on pension.

After he became chief, Mr. Widmann was instrumental in establishment of a new school of instruction for firemen, designating Fireman Leonard Sime to attend the Milwaukee Fireman's School preparatory to becoming head of the Madison school.

Mr. Widmann was born in Madison June 15, 1884, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Widman who with four older children had come from Germany about two years earlier. He attended Madison public schools and Madison (now Central) High School. Subsequently he worked as a switchman and brakeman for the North Western Road for a time, served two years in the Madison police department, and then returned to railroad work for another period.

He was married June 6, 1907, to Lenore Gregerson of Baraboo. Among his survivors, besides his wife and his son, Ray, is a daughter, Mrs. J.F. Tilleman, Elmhurst, Ill.

The body was taken to the Fitch-Lawrence funeral home, 62 University ave.

Friends may call there from 5 p.m. Sunday until the time of services. The family said donations may be made to the Cancer Fund.

Masonic funeral services will be conducted Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Masonic Temple here by Commonwealth Lodge No. 325, Madison, and burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery.

Originally published on July 30, 1960 as a page one news story in The Capital Times.

Obituary: Albert M. Bagley

Albert M. Bagley, 62,
Dies in Miami, Fla.

Albert M. Bagley, 62, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William R. Bagley, died Wednesday at Miami, Fla.

Born in Madison, Mr. Bagley was a graduate of Central high school where he was one of the leading athletes of the track team. Years ago he was connected with the former Steinle Lathe Co. On 1913 he was married to Florence Lalor, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Lalor, town of Dunn. She died in 1940. He was married to Hazel Hovland, McFarland, in 1942

Survivors are his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Fred W. Miller and Mrs. Fred Gage, both of Madison; three sisters, Mrs. William T. Evjue and Lucille Bagley, Madison, and Mrs. L.A. Rowland, Waterloo, Ia.

The body is expected to arrive in Madison Friday.

Note: The above was originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 29, 1947. At that time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Obituary: Thomas E. Coleman - Class of 1910

THOMAS E COLEMAN,

LEADER IN GOP DIES

Funeral Thursday for Industrialist
By LLEWELLYN G. ROBERTS

Thomas E. Coleman, 70, president of the Madison-Kipp Corp. and a dominant figure in Wisconsin and national Republican affairs for three decades, died of cancer at his home at 735 Farwell dr. shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

His wife, Katherine, the family physician, and day nurse were with Mr. Coleman when he died.

Funeral Thursday

He had been hospitalized several times in the past several months bur remained alert and in good humor to the hour of his death.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m.Thursday in St. Paul's Catholic Chapel, 723 State st. Members of the family requested that flowers be omitted.

The Fitch-Lawrence funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Coleman is survived by his wife, the former Katherine Head; two sons, Reed, 427 Summit rd., and Dr. Thomas H., Denver, Colo.; a daughter, Mrs. Katherine Foley, Winnetka, Ill.; a sister, Mrs. Leo Luenschloss, 418 Marston ave.; and 15 grandchildren.

A brother, Joseph A. Coleman, who had been vice-president of Madison-Kipp Corp., died four years ago.

Only One Office

Thomas Emmett Coleman held only one elective public office in his life -- president of the village of Maple Bluff.

But for a period of more than 30 years he exerted a stronger and more continuing influence on the Republican party in Wisconsin than any other individual.

He was "Mr. Republican" of Wisconsin virtually from the time he plunged headlong into the successful campaign of Walter Kohler Sr. for governor in 1928 until his active participation waned in the late 1950s.

Mr. Coleman's political ability and diligence (and called it drudgery") extended to national political affairs.

He was a presidential delegate for Harold E. Stassen in 1948.

He was floorleader in Chicago in 1952 in the valiant by unsuccessful bid of the late Sen. Robert A. Taft (R-Ohio) for the GOP presidential nomination at the National convention.

National political writers hailed him as a man of "political precision" with an uncanny knack of analysis of the political future.

He was known in many quarters, particularly by members of the opposing political parties, as "Boss" Coleman.

It was a title he disliked, but it lent him national prestige.

Furthermore, it was not a fair title. He had positive views. He never used a soap-box to espouse them. His greatest weapon for his cause was logic, and it was the only weapon he use.

He was not vindictive in situations where he was often in a position to exert himself to the detriment of others. The title of "Boss Coleman" in his case was completely opposite to the prototype of a political boss.

His Advice Sought

In a room, at a convention, on the street, at his factory, people sought him out. He never shouted his beliefs. He never made reprisals, although there were times when it was within his politically elected power to so do.

Mr. Coleman held certain powers in the party during two terms as state chairman and when he served as treasurer of the State Republican voluntary organization.

But his advice was sought and respected even when he did not hold one of the top offices in the state GOP voluntary group.

Mr. Coleman was the fountain from which the voluntary organization itself sprang. He was the leader in the movement to have the party endorse candidates for the office, a provision still in the voluntary organization's constitution despite occasional attempts to eliminate it.

The voluntary group was formed because the statutory Republican committee was limited by law in campaign expenditures.

Endorsement backer

Mr. Coleman fought successfully for endorsement because he believed the party should unite financially and generally behind a qualified Republican "regular," because Progressives and others were getting on the ballot under the Republican label.

It was his political formula to work to elect a candidate, not to defeat someone running against the candidate he favored.

He lost with disappointment, but he lost gracefully. After Dwight Eisenhower was nominated over Taft at the 1952 convention, Coleman was asked to and accepted a plea to aid Arthur Summerfield as Mr. Eisenhower's campaign manager. Summerfield later became postmaster general under President Eisenhower.

The Early Days

Mr. Coleman was born in Aurora, Ill., Feb. 23, 1893. His father was then branch manager of the McCormick farm implement firm there.

He was 2 years old when his father was transferred to Madison and the family lived in the old Fourth ward and later on Johnson st.

Mr. Coleman graduated from Central High School, where he played football and was a member of the track team. His father was made an official in the main office of the McCormick firm the year Tom graduated from high school.

The family moved to Chicago, where Mr. Coleman was graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in letters and science four years later.

While living in Madison, the elder Coleman had acquired some stock and later the presidency of Madison-Kipp Corp.

15¢-an-Hour Work

Each summer while he was in college Thomas Coleman returned to Madison to work at a punch or drill press at the Madison-Kipp for 15 cents and hour 55 hours a week.

When he finished his university work he worked as a coast-to-coast salesman for Madison-Kipp. In 1918, four years out of college, he became vice-president and general manager, in actual charge of the concern.

He succeeded his father as president of Madison-Kipp upon the latter's death in 1927.

The Madison-Kipp Corp. manufactures zinc and aluminium die castings, lubricators, and air-operated grinders.

The Political Years

Soft-spoken, slightly under six feet and slender, Mr. Coleman dressed conservatively and appear the exact opposite of the politician cartoonists usually draw.

From the time he volunteered his services on behalf of Walter Kohler Sr. in 1928 (at a time he did not know the elder Kohler personally), the Republican party made increasing use of the hard-working Madison Republican.

He became campaign director of the second Walter Kohler Sr. campaign in 1930, when Philip LaFollette was elected.

For many years Mr. Coleman served on the regular GOP organization's finance committee. Money was scarce and sometimes an entire campaign had to be run (for all the candidates) on less than $12,000, a sum which today would scarcely make a dent in television advertising for one candidate.

Resigns From Committee
Mr. Coleman finally resigned from the finance committee in the famous GOP "circus" tent convention near Baraboo on the Ringling farm in 1951. There was an intra-party disagreement and when Mr. Coleman walked out several other Republican leaders walked out with him.

Two weeks later the state charimanship was literally trust [sic] upon him. He insisted on resigning that post four years later, despite blandishments that he remain at that post.

In 1942 Mr. Coleman suggested that the party "ditch" Gov. Julius Heil, who was seeking nomination to a third term. The suggestion was not followed. Heil lost.

In 1950 Mr. Coleman was picked as one of the 24 national leaders working toward election of more Republican congressmen. This work brought him closer to Taft.

After Mr. Taft's death, Mr. Coleman headed a group to raise money for a memorial structure to the late senator in Washington, D.C.

A Fisherman

Mr. Coleman was an avid dry fly fisherman and made frequent trips to the northern part of the state with friends on fishing trips.

But he often told reporters that some of the finest fishing anywhere was the fishing off his lakeshore home on Farwell dr. in Maple Bluff.

After the 1952 presidential election Mr. Coleman's active participation in politics became less pronounced.

But at the state convention in 1956 he was one of the leaders in the movement to draft former rep. Glenn R. Davis (R-Waukesha) for convention endorsement over incumbent U.S. Sen. Alexander Wiley (r-Wis.), who was seeking reelection.

The draft succeeded and David got the endorsement. Wiley won the nomination, but there was general agreement the nomination would have gone to Davis except for Democratic crossover votes and 20,000 votes which went to an ultra-conservative from Milwaukee, Atty. Howard Boyle. David lost the nomination by 11,000 votes.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal as a front page news story on February 5, 1964.

Note: Thomas E. Coleman's class year is based on information in the 1910 Tychoberahn

Obituary: Alfred Patek - Class of 1876

ALFRED PATEK, DIED RECENTLY IN DENVER, A BRILLIANT STUDENT AT OUR UNIVERSITY NEARLY FORTY YEARS AGO

Alfred B. Patek, who died in Denver recently, was an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, class of '80, a brilliant fellow, and prominently connected with the publications of that institution in the late 70's. His home was in Milwaukee.

For a number of years he was with the New York World and the Hearst newspapers, going to Colorado in 1900 as managing editor of the Denver Times. During intervals he was managing editor of the Denver Post, editor of Denver Municipal Facts, secretary to the governor, and state immigration commissioner.

One of the historic scoops which illustrates his uncanny news sense occurred in connection with the Titanic disaster, when he was managing editor of the Denver Times. The wire that the Titanic has struck an iceberg reached Denver at 2 a.m. and was later discounted by denials, which reported that the great ship had met with a narrow escape but was afloat.

In spite of opposition from his entire staff, Patek insisted that one of the great stories of the century had "broken" and he "played it up" as few stories have been played up before or since. When the Times went on the street, it contained eight solid pages of test and pictures relative to the disaster, while contemporaries carried a scant half-column report of rumors. Despite the misgivings of his associates, Patek staked his reputation as a newspaperman that his intuitions had served him correctly -- that the Times had scooped the west on a great story. Five minutes after the papers were on the streets, a flash came over the wires confirming the disaster.

Mr. Patek's daughter, Florence Patek, is a well known newspaper woman of Chicago.

Among Mr. Patek's classmates at the university were Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Swenson, Judge A.L. Sanborn, C.F. Lamb, Justice R.G. Siebecker, Mrs. J. H. Hutchinson, *Dr. Maria Dean, who died recently in Montana, Dr. John M. Dodson of Chicago, *Dr. H.B. Favill, recently deceased, H.J. Desmond, distinguished catholic editor of Milwaukee, the late president C.R. Van Hise and F.K. Conover and A.E. Deming.

Originally published in The Madison Democrat on Thursday Morning, July 24, 1919.

Notes: Alfred Patek's class year is based on information in the 1901-1902 Annual Report of the Public Schools of the City of Madison, Wis.

*Also members of the Madison [Central] High School Class of 1876

Obituary: Clifford J. Kinder - Class of 1936

Clifford Kinder

Clifford J. Kinder, 51, of 1117 Drake St. was dead on arrival Tuesday (Feb. 24, 1970) at a Madison hospital after becoming ill at home.

Mr. Kinder was employed at the Liquor Store, 1313 Northport Dr.

He was born in Boscobel and lived in Madison since 1923. He was a World War II veteran.

Surviving are his wife, the former Shirley Stickle; three daughters, Mrs. Reginald Schwoch, Gurnee, Ill.; Mrs. Michael DuBois, 1713 Loftsgordon Ave.; and Mrs. James Clifcorn, 1854 Spaight St.

Two sons, Jerome, Eglin Air Forced Base, Fla. and James, at home; his mother, Mrs. Anson Kinder, 1117 Drake St; a brother, Chester, 900 Schultz PL; and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Joyce Funeral Home, 540 W. Washington, Ave.

Note: The above was originally published in the Obituary Section of the Wisconsin State Journal on March 20, 1970. At this time, obituaries were still "news stories," written by newspaper staff, not families.

Clifford Kinder's class year is based on a list of Madison Central High School graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 1936.