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Willett, Jean E.
(September 25th, 1927 - February 2nd, 2011)
Jean Elizabeth Willett (nee Hibbard) died on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. She was born September 25th, 1927 in Delavan, Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Florence Williams Hibbard. She graduated from Delavan High School in 1945 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1949 with a B.S., passing her state exam and becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist in 1950.
She was united in marriage to Dann Thomas Willett on July 9, 1950.
Jean worked briefly as an O.T.R. at the Home for Rheumatic Fever Children and maintained bookkeeping for the family business while simultaneously becoming a naturalist consultant for the Madison School System, where she taught outdoor education in the Madison School Forest for 25 years. She worked in Scouts for 16 years acquiring the title of "den grandmother," was active in women's groups and the choir of Trinity United Methodist Church, and assumed many leadership roles in 4-H and in the Dane County UW-Extension Homemakers (DAHCE). She loved to play the organ, enjoyed the outdoors in any capacity, participated joyously in Scottish country dancing the world over, and wrote about everything that touched her fancy. This included publishing two books -- Dear Mom: Why Raising Four Boys was Neither Boring nor Monotonous in 2004 and Dear Cousins in 2009.
Jean was preceded in death by George and Florence Hibbard, parents; Dann Willett, husband; Charles and Frank Hibbard, brothers; Timothy Willett, son; and Anthony "Tony" Willett, grandson. She is survived by her sons Andrew (Kayleen), Jason (Sara Watson) and Michael (Susan); daughter in-law Bobbie (Davenport)Willett; grandchildren Alessandra, Aaron, Martha, Allison, Trevor, Elara, Lucas and Michelle (Zachary) Perz; step-grandchildren Clay (Jill) Davenport, Erin Davenport, Erin Anderson, Hailey Anderson, and Britta Anderson; great step-grandchildren Collin, Helena and Jada Davenport; brothers-in-law Don Willett, Bill (Louise) Willett and Bruce (Phyllis) Willett; sister-in-law Adelaide Willett: and many, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Church service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin, followed by a memorial/remembrance service in the lower level.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church to pay down the mortgage or to the Dann/Jean Willett Fund at the Madison Community Foundation and designated for water quality projects.
Now....let the dancing begin!
Hedding, Beatrice J.
(August 9th, 1926 - February 3rd, 2011)
Beatrice J (Castagna) Hedding, age 84, died Thursday, February 3, 2011, at Attic Angel Place, Middleton WI. Bea was born in Janesville on August 9, 1926, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Jennie Castagna. She pursued her journalistic interests early in her career as a reporter, feature writer and page editor for the Janesville Gazette, and was also a correspondent for the Rockford Morning Star and the Beloit Daily News. In 1967, she joined the public relations department at Mercy Hospital, Janesville. She served as employment manager and retired in 1990 as vice president of human resources. Her 25 years working with the staff and medical professionals at Mercy was a very satisfying chapter of Bea's life and in retirement she enjoyed those memories and close friendships. She is survived by a son Michael of Janesville, a daughter Lynn Endicott of Madison, grandsons Eric Endicott and Kristopher Endicott, and great-grandchildren Lola and June Beatrice Endicott. Cress Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A private service for the family and friends of the family is pending at Attic Angel Place. Memorials may be made to Attic Angel Place, 8301 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton, WI 53563.
Davidson, Jo Ann S.
(April 10th, 1936 - February 4th, 2011)
MADISON -- Jo Ann S. Davidson, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011 at Hospice after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Jo Ann was born April 10, 1936 and was a lifelong resident of Madison, growing up in Shorewood Hills, graduating from West High in1954. She also attended UW-Madison. October 1, 1955 Jo Ann married Lloyd Davidson at Bethel Lutheran Church, where they have remained active members, and participated in Bethel's Married Couples Club. Some of her favorite activities and accomplishments included earning senior life saving certification, and being a member of Madison Figure Skating Club. Jo Ann enjoyed cooking, knitting, sewing, watching competitive skating and The Price Is Right on television.She raised Mastiff dogs for 10 years, with one winning Best of Breed at Westminster. Jo Ann loved to travel, having been to California, New York, Canada by train, and to New Delhi, India in 2009. Jo Ann worked for Manchesters for 7 years. For the past 23 years Jo Ann has worked at Wal-Mart West, having been there since the store opened. Jo Ann is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Lloyd Davidson, three children; Diane (Raymond) Hammill, Dawn (Gurdip) Bakshi, Andrew (Sylvia) Davidson, and four grandchildren, Ayla Hammill, Sarab & Tyler Bakshi, & Sydney Davidson. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents; Erma (Seamonson) Steenbock and Peter Seamonson, and daughter Darcy Davidson.A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:30 a.m., and luncheon to follow at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI 53703. Memorials can be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792.
Pharo, Ted Michael
(February 20th, 1978 - February 6th, 2011)
Madison -- Ted Michael Pharo, age 32, died Sun. Feb. 6, 2011. His companion, Ghost was at his side. Ted was born in Madison, Feb. 20, 1978, the son of Anna C. Nielsen and Jim M. Pharo. A life long resident of Madison, Ted received his GED in 2002 through Omega School with Madison Metropolitan School District. Ted had formerly worked with City of Madison Streets East, Valvoline, Car Care Clinic and A&L Landscaping. His current position with Smart Toyota was a source of great pride as Ted enjoyed and valued working with a skilled and friendly group of people. Ted was very active in BMX bicycle racing in the Madison area, as well as on the regional and national level. Ted was known and loved by a wide and diverse circle of friends. He cut a wide path in his community and will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by many. Ted is survived by his mother, Anna C. Nielsen of Madison; his father, Jim M. Pharo of Cambria; brother, Tim Pharo of Sun Prairie; sister, Tracy "TJ" Pharo-Kozak (Brad) of Stevens Point; brother, Terry (Alison) Pharo of Sun Prairie; brother, Nicholas Pharo of Cambria; nieces, Taylor and Tinley; nephew, Gavin; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and family members. Ted was preceded in death by his grandparents, Etlar L. & Sarah C. Nielsen and Robert P. Pharo and Virginia M. Pridmore; and step-mothers, Agnes and Marguerite Pharo; and nephew, Matthew Riley. Ted was also preceded in death by his truest companion, Rukis. The family would like to express a special thanks for the numerous friendships he made, and for the time spent playing games with him on his Playstation. He thoroughly enjoyed the company and companionships they gave him. A visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI 53703. There will be a visitation prior to service beginning at 12 noon. Memorials in Ted's name may be gifted to T. Pharo, P.O. Box 202, Stevens Point, WI 54481-0202.
Kurek, Frank L.
(April 5th, 1915 - February 6th, 2011)
Frank L. Kurek, age 95 died Sunday, February 6, 2011. A full notice with service times will be published at a later date.
Lund, Mae Luella
(May 15th, 1920 - February 7th, 2011)
Mae L. Lund, age 90, died on Monday, February 7, 2011 in the Friendship Circle, a caring and loving community at the Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton. From her birth in Hastings, ND on May 15, 1920 to her death on Monday she nourished people around her with love, faith, and music. She was born on a farm near Hastings, ND to Anna and Henning Stoneberg and was the third child of four children. By the age of five, Mae started playing the piano and by the age of 15 she taught piano. She continued playing the piano for 85 years. After graduating from high school as the valedictorian, she attended the North Dakota Teacher's College in Valley City. Following her training, she began her career teaching elementary students in Fromberg, MT. In 1942, Mae returned to school at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN to complete a B.A. degree with a major in English and a minor in Music. Two years later she taught high school English in McVille, ND. It was Mae's dimples and her devotion to God that attracted Willard Lund to her in 1942 at Concordia College. Mae and Willard married on September 15, 1946 in Hastings. Following Willard's ordination into the ministry, Mae and Willard served a number of congregations during their life together: first in Williston, ND; then Milwaukee, WI; then Chicago, IL; Janesville, WI; Madison, WI, and McFarland, WI. Left to honor Mae and remember her love are Willard, her devoted husband for 64 years; Mae's five children, Sharon (Bob), Jan (Rob), Steve (Kelly), Dave, and Marcia; Mae's five grandchildren; Courtney (Craig), Marcel (Izumi), Jesse (Katherine), Christopher, and Joe; three great-grandchildren: Emerson, Isabel, and Nash; Mae's sister, Rose (Rob); and many nieces and nephews. Mae is preceded in death by her parents, brother Hubert, and sister, Ethel. Mae will be remembered as a bright, shining light in various communities -- in the churches she served; as Youth Director at Grace Lutheran in Eau Claire, WI; in the teaching she did, in her day-to-day family interactions; neighborhood events; Bible study groups; as a choir director; and as a piano player in the Friendship Circle. Mae played tunes from the 1920s and 30s, hymns, and classical pieces on the piano with such flair and fun that it was impossible not to join in singing or simply listening to the music. As a piano teacher she drew the best music out of her students, magically at times. Most of all her life and her words told the story of God's love. Through her faith in Christ she encouraged others to grow spiritually and to love unconditionally. The Lund family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at the Skaalen Nursing Home in Stoughton, specifically those in the Friendship Circle for their attentiveness and loving care. Mae lived gracefully and died gracefully. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 11:00 am at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd. Burial will follow at Lower McFarland Cemetery. The family will greet friends at church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mae's name to McFarland Lutheran Church.
Hartridge, Merrillyn Leigh
(February 27th, 1922 - February 9th, 2011)
Merrillyn Leigh Hartridge "Lynn", a 4th generation Madisonian and beloved wife of the late Dr. Ted Hartridge, passed away from natural causes February 9, 2011. Born in Madison on February 27, 1922, she was the daughter of the late D.J. Leigh, Madison's elected City Treasurer serving for 27 years, and Florence (Hess) Leigh, active in many civic organizations and related to Madison's early German settlers.
During World War II, Lynn majored in Related Art at the University of Wisconsin, was secretary of the Women's Self Governing Assoc. and an active contributor in the Pan Hellenic Assoc. She studied art at the Corcoran in Washington D.C. and at Washington University in St. Louis, and her illustration and writing abilities landed her a senior level position as coordinator for the Art Advertising and Media Department at Auerbach Co., Salt Lake City, Utah.
When Lynn returned to Madison after the War, Mr. Morgan Manchester, upon seeing her portfolio of published writing and creative promotion concepts, hired her for his advertising department. Local writers Louise Marston, Lorna Wiffin and Mary Hopkins regularly wrote news items on her original art and merchandising ideas.
In the early 1950s, the pioneering days of television, Lynn produced educational programs for children on the Madison ABC affiliate WKOW-TV -- these at the urging of another TV pioneer, Louella Mortensen. Lynn wrote her own scripts, designed the scenery and created the puppet characters. Her opening theme, original piano tunes, lyrics and sound effects required her to sign with the ASCAP musicians' union. All were performed LIVE, even the commercials, and all had to exactly fill the 30 minute time slot! Her program was in TV Guide's Best Bets each week, and she earned great support from teachers and librarians. She was invited to speak to youth groups at schools and libraries on many occasions. Lynn also produced a homemaker's program for NBC-WMTV and an interview show with guests from the city, the state and the University of Wisconsin. She was a member of the National TV Media Council. In 1956, TV program director Jack Hanson, announced that one of Lynn's sponsors wanted to syndicate her nationally and have her series on film for multiple use -- they were not aware that her writing and art for TV had been professionally produced at home with her family. In 2003, WKOW's 50th year commemoration remembered Lynn for being on the "ground floor" of local TV with one of the first shows at the station to have a two camera format!
Lynn was a prolific writer and was twice elected President of the National League of American Pen Women, WI Branch, in Arts and Letters. As Contributing & Feature Editor of Madison Select magazine in the 1970s, she wrote a wide variety of history related stories on Milwaukee and Madison's newsworthy persons and places, often providing illustrations, ads and photos for the publication. Her interviews with aspiring presidential candidates, local officials, and foreign and American celebrities became featured articles in local and national magazines. She received the juried Shaw award for her written work as well as awards for her articles and published anthologies. In 1998, Lynn was presented the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Board of Curators' Nonfiction Book Award of Merit for Distinguished Service to History. Her well- researched biography, "The Anandrous Journey, Letters to a Mentor", detailed the turn-of-last-century South American travel adventures of professor and UW scientist Hattie Bell Merrill. As a Life Member of the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, Lynn was honored to have the introduction to her book on Merrill published along with period photos in the 125th Anniversary volume of the Academy's history.
Lynn 's artwork was recognized early on. She was one of three art students at East High School selected to design and paint the large scale wall murals that can be seen to this day surrounding the auditorium in Madison's Lapham School. In the 1960s, Lynn taught Adult Education credit courses in Art History at Madison Area Technical College and the "History of Basic Architectural Design" in the Home Economics Department there. She lectured on art history to State writers and artists' groups at the Wisconsin Executive residence and at the Wayland Academy and she gave art workshops and also classes on the use of illustration materials. In collaboration with the Director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Lynn presented the Academy's entire slide collection in celebration of our Nation's bicentennial year - "200 Years of American Art" - at various locations, including the Memorial Union's Great Hall. Lynn was on the Board of Directors of the Madison Art Association and an active member of the Madison Art Guild. She chaired the first Art Fair "on the Square" back when artists set up their displays on the Capitol grounds! That year, and in succeeding years, she took first place awards and was named "most popular artist" on the Square. She was recognized for her watercolors at Wustum Museum's annual Watercolor Wisconsin, and, in 1976, she won first place in the USA Annual Art Exhibition at the Kennedy Art Center, Washington D.C. During the 1970s she and a co-owner converted a landmark property into a two story gallery for artists and craftsmen to display their work.
Lynn was a Life Member and Board Member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League - as chairperson for the Pops Concert, Lynn was called upon to paint large scale scenery for that event. She provided art for the first Madison Arts Ball at the Lorraine Hotel and special drawings for the annual benefit show houses. She was also asked to create a large painted stage backdrop depicting Madison and the campus area for the Civics Club 50th Anniversary celebration at the Memorial Union. Later, she wrote the 75th year history for the Club.
Lynn was a member of the Dane County Medical Aux. Board and wrote a history of that organization and designed a mural for the pediatric ward at Madison Methodist Hospital. She wrote articles encouraging medical students to continue in their disciplines.
The history of our state and the preservation of its landmarks were always of great interest and concern to Lynn. She was dedicated to following Dave Mollenhoff's "Madison Inc." and his positive promotion of Madison. Not able to get to the AM meetings at the city Municipal Bldg. in her later years, Lynn was grateful for friends in the Madison City Landmarks Commission who sent her reports of all the meetings -- offering hope to an "old timer" -- especially appreciated were updates from one of Madison's most able historians, Kitty Rankin. As a life member on the Board of Trustees of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Lynn edited news letters and was chairperson for events including the benefit for the Cashin Collection and the Society's first Antique Fair held at Quivey's Grove. Her watercolors of historic UW campus buildings were sold for benefit in the Society's gift shop. Lynn served on the board of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (WI Chapter). She was an early member of Historic Madison Inc. and the Wisconsin Council of Writers. Her research of the history of Iowa Co. led to writing stories and poems that were published in the Uplands Anthologies -- a compilation of works by noted Wisconsin writers. Lynn donated period furnishings to the Dean House restoration Committee and contributed painted portraits of the Deans with accompanying history and photos to the Monona Historical Society. When on the board of the Dane Co. Republican Women, she wrote a Wisconsin bicentennial history and designed the State quilt. Her many hand water-colored patterns were embroidered by representatives from every county in Wisconsin. Lynn was a docent for the Wisconsin St. Executive residence where the quilt was displayed in the Reception Room.
Since 1971, Lynn and Dr. Ted managed a large Tree Farm in Iowa County. They were members of the American Forestry Assoc. and received awards for Soil Erosion Control and Trout Stream Management. Longtime friends know of Lynn's love of nature, working and walking the land with Ted, her calls to the birds and the joy of exploring habitats of flora and fauna with her grand children who, along with the trees, were just saplings at the time. She was a member of the Parkwood Hills Garden Club.
Lynn, a third generation member, was baptized and confirmed at Christ Presbyterian Church where she was in the choir and Service League. She was a Deacon in the 1980s. When living in Nakoma in the 1950s, Lynn was active in the Nakoma Welfare League, she was a choir member at Westminster Presbyterian Church and a counselor at their summer camp. She and Ted were members of Maple Bluff Country Club for 18 years where she chaired the Women's Organization (1980-1981). In 1986, Lynn and Ted moved from their home on Lake Monona to their home on Madison's west side where they have been long time members of Blackhawk Country Club.
Lynn enthusiastically shared her interests and abilities. She never failed to express her appreciation for the kindness and generosity of family and friends. She was loyal and maintained friendships over her lifetime. Her family will miss this truly "Renaissance" woman -- author, artist and preserver of family and City history. Given all her accomplishments, she never lost a sense of wonder in small delights.
Merrillyn was preceded in death by her husband Theodore L. Hartridge, her son Jonathan Wegner and her parents D. John Leigh and Florence Hess Leigh. She is survived by her daughter Lynnan L. (Thomas) Casper of Waukesha WI; daughter Cindy Hartridge of Vancouver WA and son Theodore A. (Melissa) Hartridge of Kalamazoo MI; grandsons Thomas Jon Casper of San Clemente CA.; Jeffrey Loring (Michelle) Casper of Minneapolis MN; Kristen Hartridge of Chicago; Theodore Hartridge of Boulder CO; Drew (Erika) Hettinger of Torrance CA and Julie (Eric) Davis of Washington D.C., great-grandchildren Caitlyn and Anna Casper, Adelaide and Basil Casper, Joseph, Colby and Emily Hettinger and nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the dedicated care-givers who supported Merrillyn during the time she required continuous home care. The family has established a memorial to honor Merrillyn at the University of Wisconsin Foundation, School of Medicine and Public Health -- Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic. c/o U.S. Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee WI 53278. Christ Presbyterian Church will hold funeral services March 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m.
