Memorials
This page is dedicated to honoring the memories of our classmates who have passed away. We also may include memorials to our friends that we knew in gradeschool and junior high school.
If you know of a classmate who has passed who is not listed here, you can add a new memorial with a photo by clicking the Add Memorial button.
You can also write a tribute or leave your comments about those already listed on the page. Please note that approval may be required prior to publishing.
Scott Irwin Dickinson
1953-11-30 2003-06-23
Dickinson, Scott VERONA
Scott Dickinson, age 49, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2003, at University Hospital, Madison, from complications related to a fall.
He was born on Nov. 30, 1953, in Stratford, the son of Dwaine and Donna Dickinson. Scott was a 1972 graduate from West High School. He graduated from. Edgewood College with a B.S. in art education in 1980.
Scott was an independent artisan in ceramics as well as an art instructor. He retired in 1999 from teaching art at East High School. Scott was active in Golden Gloves boxing in the late 1970s and was a member of the West High School baseball team that went to...
Marsha Schwartz (Weiner)
2002-01-30
Schwartz, Marsha Weiner. DELRAY BEACH, FLA.
Marsha Weiner Schwartz, age 47, passed away, Jan. 30, 2002, in Delray Beach, Fla., where a memorial service was held. The cause of death is unknown.
She attended West High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was a loving and caring person who touched many lives. She always read to, listened and helped others. She worked for hospitals recruiting respiratory and pulmonary therapists until going into a jewelry business.
Scott Westervelt
1953-10-21 2001-11-13
Westervelt, Scott R. MADISON
Scott R. Westervelt, age 48, died at University Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, following a heart attack.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1953, at Madison General Hospital (Meriter) and lived most of his life in Madison. He attended Midvale, Van Hise and Madison West High schools. He loved sports and lettered in track, cross country, hockey and swimming. He also attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., and graduated from UW-Whitewater in accounting. He attained CPA status and practiced in Madison and Sacramento, Calif., where he lived for 16 years and became a staff accountant in mergers and acquisitions for Pac Tel Cellular. <...
James Teasdale
1954-02-10 2001-09-22
Teasdale, James Edward MADISON
James Edward Teasdale, age 47, died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2001, with his beloved fiancee, Sharon Murphy, by his side. The cause of death was cancer.
He graduated from Madison West High School in 1972. He joined in partnership with his brother, Bill, to run the family business, The Silver Dollar Tavern. Jim was always there with a helping hand for friends and strangers alike. He will, be missed by many.
The family would like to extend a deepest thanks and appreciation to Drs. James F. Cleary and Dr. Lisa Illig for their skillful and compassionate care of Jim, as well as all the wonderful peopl...
Kathryn Benforado
1999-10-14
Benforado, Kathryn "Kathy"
WALTHAM. MASSACHUSETTS.
Kathryn "Kathy' Benforado, age 44, died on Thursday. October 14, 1999, from complications related to scleroderma.
Memorial contributions in Kathy's memory may be made to Tunefoolery, c/o North Charles Mental Health, Inc.,54 Essex St., 1st floor, Cambridge, MA 02139 or Convivium Musicum, c/o 17 Chester Place, Sommerville, MA 02144.
http://new.convivium.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2002-Kathy-Benforado-Concert.pdf
This concert is dedicated to the memory of Kathy Benforado, our fellow singer and friend, who died on October 14, 1999. Kathy touched many lives...
Martha Lippitt (Laughter)
1954-02-01 1999-10-10
Lippitt, Martha MADISON
Martha Lippitt. age 45, died on Sunday, October 10, 1999, at her home, after a two year struggle with breast cancer.
Martha was born on February 1, 1954 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Clyde and Doris Laughter. She moved to Madison in 1964 and graduated from Madison West High School in 1972.
She married John Lippitt. the son of Roger and Barbara Lippitt in Madison on August 31. 1973.
For 26 vears, she lovingly devoted her life to her husband and children. For many years, she did volunteer work in the community, through the Madison West YMCA.
...
Barbara Jean Anderson
1954-11-13 1994-04-08
Anderson, Barbara Jean MADISON
Barbara Jean Anderson died Friday, April 8, 1994, at the age of 39, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born November 13, 1954 to Lawrence and Edith Sue Anderson. She had previously worked at University of Wisconsin Hospital and as a travel agent in California, Madison and Colorado. Barbara was very active in her church, helping instigate new programs and working with the vouth as well as elderly.
We will miss her upbeat attitude, her creativity, and her ever present sense of humor. Her family wishes to thank all who kept her in their thoughts and prayers over the ye...
Thomas M. Gates
1991-11-22
Thomas M. Gates, age 37, died on Friday, November 22, 1991, at the University Hospital.
Tom attended West Junior High School, before moving out of town.
He is survived by his parents, Robert M. Gates and Lera R. Gates; two daughters, Freya and Erin; and, a brother, Robin.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 1991, at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. There will be no visitation.
Online obituary - https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal/115440602/
Tribute to his family - https://vimeo.com/661262294
David Joseph Carter
1954-01-06 1991-02-27
Carter, David Joseph MADISON
David Joseph Carter, age 37, died on Wednesday, February 27, 1991 at University of Wisconsin Hospital, from pneumonia, a complication of AIDS/HIV.
He was born January 6, 1954, in Madison and was a lifelong Madison resident. He was a graduate of West High School and the U.W. Madison.
David worked in banking all of his life. He was a member of Temple Beth El and was on avid environmentalist.
Memorials may be may to the building fund of Temple Beth El.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86380596/david-joseph-carter Find the gravesite here
View Memorial and Tributes
Robert (Bobby) Skinner
1953-09-15 1990-12-21
Skinner, Robert "Bobby" MADISON
Robert "Bobby" Skinner, age 37, died on Friday, December 21, 1990 from cancer.
He was born September 15, 1953 In Madison. Bobby was a graduate of West High School.
The family suggests memorials be mode to the American Cancer Society or to the donors choice.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75556043/ Read the full obituary here
Robert Joseph Watson
1954-02-20 1990-02-28
Robert Joseph Watson died on February 28, 1990, in Madison, at the age of 36.
No obituary has been located, but a record was found in the U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
He enlisted in the US Army on 20 Nov 1972 and was discharged on 12 Mar 1973.
If you have any information, including whether he was a classmate, please add in the "Tributes" below.
William Byron (Bill) Selbo
1954-04-09 1985-08-29
Selbo, William Byron LAKE MARION, ILLINOIS
William Byron Selbo, age 31, died from accidental drowning on Thursday, August 29, 1985, in Lake Marion, Illinois.
He was born in Madison on April 9, 1954.
William will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75555246/ Read the full obituary here
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86591056/william-byron-selbo
Find the gravesite here
Stacy Andreas Poole
1954-06-13 1983-12-03
Poole, Stacy A. MADISON
Stacy A. Poole, age 29, died on Saturday, December 3, 1983, as a result of a car accident.
He was born on June 13, 1954, in Madison, and has been a life long resident. He was a graduate of West High School in 1972, and at the time of his death was attending MATC in Madison. He is survived bv his fiance, Leslie-Anne Endres of Madison.
Accident Kills Madison Man
A Madison man died and three people were injured early Saturday after a car was struck broadside by another auto at Gammon and Mineral Point roads. Stacy A. Poole, 29, of 2649 Van Hise Ave., died from chest injuries shortly after arriva...
John Jay Fruth
1954-04-26 1983-05-12
Fruth, John J. MADISON
John J. Fruth, of 910 Oakland Avenue, died on Thursday, May 12, 1983, at the age of 29, following an automobile accident. He was born April 26, 1954, in Madison.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76174431/ Read the full obituary here
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/97869468/john-jay-fruth Find the gravesite here
Michael G. Buffo
1954-01-15 1981-12-05
Buffo, Michael G. MADISON
Michael G. Buffo, age 27, died on Saturday, December 5, 1981, at UW Hospital, as the result of severe electrical burns suffered in October, 1981.
Mr. Buffo was born on January 15, 1954, at Glen-Ellyn, Illinois and was married to the former Rebecca Youngs on June 24, 1978. He was a 1972 graduate of West High School. He was a roofing foreman for the D. C. Taylor Roofing firm.
Survivors are his wife; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Buffo of Madison; two brothers, William Buffo, Jr. of Madison and Thomas of Madison; two sisters, Mrs. Charles (Leslie) Danielson of Grand Junction, Colorado and Elizabeth of Madison;...
Mary Stehle
1954-07-23 1979-05-30
Stehle, Miss Mary M. MADISON/WAUKESHA
Miss Mary M. Stehle, oge 24, of 2404 Mucklestone Court, Waukesha, died May 30, 1979, from cancer.
She was born July 23, 1954, in Itasca. Illinois. Mary was a Junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
She was a Madison resident with her family for 22 years and graduated from West High School in 1972.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75557166/obituary-for-miss-mary-m-stehle-madison/ Read the full obituary here
Laurie E. Webber
1954-03-10 1979-04-25
Webber, Laurie E. MADISON
Laurie E. Webber, age 25, residing at 1119 Jenifer Street, died on Wednesday, April 25, 1979, at a local hospital. She may have died as a result of a fall from a ladder.
She was born on March 10. 1954 in Madison and was a graduate of West High School. She was employed at Jade Construction Company. She was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75560148/ Read the full obituary here
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/140733043/laurie-e.-webber
Find the gravesite here
Martin P. (Marty) Coogan
1976-10-01
Coogan, Martin P. MADISON. Martin P. Coogan, age 22 of 6201 Hammersley Rd., died on Friday, October 1, 1976, from suicide.
He was born In Madison, and was a life-long resident. Martin graduated from Madison West High School in 1972, and was a member of the Honor Band and Concert Choir. He had attended Madison Business College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was a member of the A.A.U.
Family suggests memorials be made to the United States Olympic Committee.
George Allen Albright
1954-09-13 1976-08-15
Albright, George A. MADISON-MIDDLETON
George A. Albright, age 21, of 5201 Shawano Terrace., Madison, died on Sunday, Aug. 15, 1976, from injuries sustained in a fall in downtown Madison.
He was born on Sept. 13, 1954, in Madison, and was currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Agricultural Engineering. For the past 3 summers, he had been employed by the Wis. Dept. of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. He had graduated from Madison West High School In 1972. He was a member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church, Middleton.
Student Dies in Parking Ramp Fall
College...
John L. Lobenstein
1954-10-27 1975-03-07
Lobenstein, John L MADISON
John L. Lobenstein, age 20, of 4505 Windigo Trail, died on Friday, March 7, 1975, at a local hospital. The cause of death is unknown.
Born October 27, 1954, at Racine, he was a student of the University of Wisconsin. He had attended Edgewood and the College ol St. Thomas.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75531155/ Read the full obituary here
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/144598173/john-l-lobenstein Find the gravesite here
William Karl Aberg
1954-07-10 1974-09-02
MADISON – William K. Aberg, age 20, of 3226 Lake Mendota Dr., died on Sunday, September 1, 1974, in an auto accident.
He attended West High School and was a student at MATC. He was a partner In Flash Enterprises. Mr. Aberg was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church.
Survivors Include his parents, Attorney and Mrs. Robert K. Aberg of Madison; a sister, Cynthia of Madison, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Lillian R. Wagner of Madison.
Funeral services will be held at the FRAUTSCHI FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, The Rev. Robert Borgwardt officiating. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Park....
Steven Alder
Steve died in the 1980s while in his 30s, in Taipei.
Apparently, his body was cremated within 24 hours of his death, before any investigation was conducted.
Photo is from the senior class party.
Laurie Beckwith
MADISON - Laurie Ann Beckwith, age 66, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare, surrounded by family. She was born on Nov. 25, 1954, in Madison, the daughter of Alfred and Donna (Fleischer) Beckwith.
Laurie was a kind, caring soul who enjoyed live music, photography, and crafting. She enjoyed spending time with her close friends during their "Birthday Club" celebrations. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Laurie is survived by her sons, Jason (Diana) Villarreal, Joshua (Michelle) Villarreal and Jeremiah (Megan) Villarreal; grandchildren, Korin, Erin, Sean and Alaura; siblings, James (Kay) Bec...
Nick Cochems
MADISON—Nicholas J. Cochems, age 62, passed away at home on Oct. 1, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. The cause of death was melanoma.
He was a man of integrity and kindness with a quick wit that was sure to make people laugh. Family was his number one priority in life. He was an amazing man who cared for loved ones and friends, always supporting those who needed a shoulder in a difficult time.
Nick was born in Madison, Wis. and graduated from Madison West High School and the UW-Platteville, with a bachelors in Accounting. He was the Business Manager for the Madison Surgery Center for 18 years, where he developed many deep and lasting relat...
Charles Doll
MIDDLETON - Charles "Zeke” Doll, age 65, of Middleton, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Zeke was born on May 6, 1954, in Madison,
the son of Stanley and Lois Doll. He graduated from West High School in 1972. Zeke met the love of his life, Mary Anne Peshak on St. Patricks Day, 1973. They were married on April 19, 1975, in Madison. They moved to Middleton in 1977 where they raised their three children, Matt, Marcy and Mike.
Zeke was employed at Frank Liquor Company for 46 years. He enjoyed being a part of the Frank Liquor family. He was also employed at Tyrol Basin Ski Hill in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin for many ye...
James Hatfield
Hatfield, James Ralph “Jim” III
MADISON—James Ralph “Jim” Hatfield III, age 67, died peacefully at home on Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2020, with his loving wife, Cheryl, and their dogs by his side. He died from complications of heart failure.
He was born on Jan. 26, 1953, in Madison, the son of James Ralph Jr. and lone Hatfield.
Jim graduated from Madison West High School in 1972. He grew up on the west side of Madison and had a very happy, carefree childhood. His summer days were spent running around the nearby environs and backyard ravines with his many friends and neighbors. Halloween was an especially fun time for...
Ronald Krogstad
Krogstad, Ronald W. "Ron"
MADISON - Ron Krogstad, age 66, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 22, 2021, in Madison, from complications due to COVID-19.
He was the beloved husband and best friend of Karen (Talasek), loving father of Amy and Andrew (Courtney), and adoring grandfather to Calvin and Parker. He will also be missed by his cocker spaniel, Wilson.
He was born on Oct. 20, 1954, in Fond du Lac, to Roland "Rollie" and Irma (Sorensen) Krogstad.
Ron grew up in the Madison area and graduated from Madison West High School. He worked as an appliance salesman in the Madison area for over...
Olivia Naeseth
Naeseth, Olivia Louise
MADISON
Olivia Louise Naeseth, age 39, of 4909 Sherwood Road, Madison, died on Wednesday, August 11, In Mount Horeb, due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis.
She was born on March 31, 1954, In Madison, the daughter of Gerhard and Milma (Petrell) Naeseth.
After attending the University of Wisconsin, she served for some years os administrative secretary on a research protect at the University of Wisconsin Institute of Environment. She then joined the staff of the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance as staff assistant, serving there until Illness forced her retirement.
Olivia...
Barbara Pauline Newcomb
Barbara predeceased her father, who passed away in April, 2022.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/madison/name/eldon-newcomb-obituary?id=34899778
John North
No obituary has been found for John. He may have died on June 14, 1995.
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Thomas R. Parent
Parent, Thomas R. "Tom" RIVER FALLS MADISON
Thomas R. "Tom" Parent, age 52, of River Falls, formerly of Madison, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2006.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 20, 2006, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at CASHMAN MORTUARY, River Falls. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, at 10 a.m. at ST. BRIDGET CATHOLIC CHURCH, in River Falls.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77959846/obituary-for-thomas-r-parent-aged-52/
Kurt A. Peters
MADISON / NORTHFIELD, Minn.
Kurt A. Peters, age 64, of Northfield, Minn. died at home with his spouse Lise by his side, on Nov. 13, 2018. He struggled with grace and humor for more than three years with a rare thyroid cancer.
Kurt was born in Madison, to Dr. Henry and Jean Peters. He graduated from Malcolm Shabazz High School in 1972; earned a BS in geography at UW-Madison and an MA in Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul.
Kurt was a naturalist and educator. He worked for 24 years for Belwin Outdoor Science, a unique program of the St. Paul Public School district, introducing urban children to natural sc...
Steven P. (Steve) Thorson
1954-08-11
Thorson, Steven P. "Goldy" HARLINGEN, TEXAS/ MADISON
Steven P. "Goldy" Thorson, age 51, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2006, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Steve was born on Aug. 11, 1954, in Madison, the son of Lester and Barbara Thorson. He attended Randall Elementary School, West Jr. High, Madison Community School (MCS), and graduated from Malcolm Shabazz High School.
Steve was a talented musician and liked to play guitar and sing with his friends; he was a member of the bands Sal Sax, and The Gibraltar Rock Ramblers. In 1985, he moved to Harlingen, Texas, to be closer to his family. Steve enjoyed fishing the waters...
Janet Weiss
No obituary has been found. Her mother's 2018 obituary mentions that she was predeceased by her daughter Janet (https://www.channel3000.com/lee-weiss/).
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