After returning to school, she worked for the State, having numerous brief jobs that created many silly stories: at DILIHR, University Hospital, and the UW-Madison Graduate School, where she retired in 2011.
Category: Obituaries
Frederick “Fred” M. Burger
He also worked at the University of Wisconsin as a cook and caterer.
Badger Hockey’s “first lady” Martha Johnson passes away at 88
Martha Johnson, wife to “Badger Bob” Johnson and mother to current UW Women’s Hockey Coach Mark Johnson, has passed away at the age of 88.
Dr. Bernard Z. Friedlander
Dr. Friedlander held faculty positions at Fenn College, Cleveland State University, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, before spending the bulk of his career as Research Professor of Human Development in the Psychology Department at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
David Allen Dean
Dave had been recruited to become an Assistant Dean in the College of Letters and Science at UW-Madison. He was instrumental in bringing their department into the computer age.
Donald D. Peterson
Donald entered and completed the carpenter apprentice program and dedicated his career at the Physical Plant (carpenter shop) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Donald worked at the UW for 31 years and retired in June 1999.
Buddy Melges, American Sailing Champion, Dies at 93
He worked and sailed with his father and was a talented basketball and football player for Badger High School in Geneva Lake. His studies at the University of Wisconsin, however, were cut short when he was drafted into the Korean War.
Douglas Jones Obituary (1936 – 2023)
Upon his return from the service he started his apprenticeship with the Steamfitter Union, Madison Local 394 working for Johnson Controls and later University Wisconsin Madison until he retired.
Minnesota food science pioneer Hong Sik ‘Peter’ Park dies at 86
Noted: He earned a Ph.D. in food science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972.
UW organ transplant pioneer Hans Sollinger remembered for legacy, energy
Dr. Hans Sollinger, the former chair of transplantation at UW-Madison who pioneered a pancreas transplant technique and developed an anti-rejection drug taken by many transplant patients, died Monday at his home in Madison.
Dr. Hans W. Sollinger
He earned his medical degree at the Medical School of Munich in 1973 and PhD at the University of Munich in 1975. Later that year, an immunobiology research fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison brought him to the US, and eventually he stayed for his surgical residency and transplantation training. During his career, Dr. Sollinger revolutionized the field of transplantation.
Rosemary Douglas
Rosemary worked at the University of Wisconsin as assistant to the vice chancellor for 25 years retiring in 1985.
Dr. Guillermo B. de Venecia
Guil retired Professor Emeritus after 42 with the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin. His academic accomplishments during his time contributed greatly to the field. In 1971, he was the first to identify and describe ophthalmological conditions that were later observed during the AIDS epidemic. His research and clinical practice focused mainly in the areas of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathies.
Mary L. (Kahn) Risberg
Mary initially worked for the UW Hospital Cardiovascular Research Department, and was instrumental in assisting with some of the early successes of Dr. Charles Crumpton. Using her excellent typing skills, Mary typed hundreds of doctoral theses for graduate students over the years. She advanced her career as the hospital grew, eventually retiring in 1991 as an administrator with the UW Hospital Department of Medicine.
Robin (Riley) Snowden
Robin moved to Madison and became the Operations Manager at the Radisson Inn and Conference Center in 1987, where she met her husband. They were married in 1990, then she worked for UW-Madison in the Department of Information Technology for 20 years.
Lawrence John Bugge
After his retirement from Foley and Lardner, Larry enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor at the UW-Madison Law School for 11 years. Larry was passionate about teaching and was recognized for his outstanding work with the Warren H. Stolper Award, an honor that acknowledges excellence in teaching on the part of the Law School’s professors.
Professor Emeritus John J. Uicker Jr.
He taught Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 40 years and founded their Computer Aided Engineering Center (CAE). His teaching and research specialties were geometric modeling and computer-aided design; including the kinematics, dynamics, and simulation of articulated rigid-body mechanical systems.
Edward Corcoran
In 1997, Ed retired from his position as Employment Relations Manager at UW-Madison.
Dolores Mae Sirek
Dolores held a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UW-Eau Claire and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from UW-Madison, where she worked for the Division of Continuing Studies as a Teaching and Learning Technology Consultant.
Opinion | Gordon Derzon — A crucial Madison leader for 50 years
He already was a rock star at running hospitals and had options, but agreed to become chief executive officer of the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics (the predecessor to UW Health.) The mammoth hospital we see today on Highland Avenue opened five years after he arrived. Derzon navigated its evolution for 26 years before retiring in 2000.
Ruberta Harwell Weaver, inaugural first lady of the UW System, dies at 106
Ruberta Weaver, the inaugural first lady of what’s now called the University of Wisconsin System and a prominent supporter of husband John Weaver during his presidency, died March 29 at her California home. She was 106.
Gene Lawrence Dewey
He started his career as a Junior Librarian at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, and was later appointed Head of Acquisitions at SUNY Buffalo. Gene then became Head of Acquisitions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, until his retirement in 1996. Always active, he held various board and committee positions for many community organizations. Gene received the Librarian of the Year Award for 1991 by the University of Wisconsin, and received a Governor’s Special Award in 1996 for 27 years of dedicated service to the State of Wisconsin.
Joseph “Joe” Corry
Upon returning to Madison, he took up his longtime role in the UW administration serving in many capacities, chairing and coordinating several committees governing academic admissions, financial aid and continuing education. Ultimately, he was appointed Associate Vice Chancellor by Chancellor Irving Shain.
Scott Phillip Kramer
He then joined the UW-Madison School of Business academic staff as a Senior Lecturer, teaching International Business and Human Resources Management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels until his retirements from the University in 2000 Scott enjoyed gardening, fishing, tennis, traveling, hiking and camping.
Wisconsin state archaeologist James Skibo remembered for curiosity, enthusiasm after fatal diving accident
James Skibo, Wisconsin’s state archaeologist and a well-known figure in the field, died recently in a scuba diving accident in Lake Mendota. He is being remembered for his curiosity and enthusiasm.
Robert (Bob) Thaddeus Aubey
Bob retired from the UW Business School in 1994, being granted the position of UW Professor Emeritus. A UW professor for 38 years, Bob mentored countless students as they pursued their educational ambitions and was the business fraternity counselor for Delta Sigma PI for 20 years.
After fatal diving incident, state archaeologist remembered for ‘passion and enthusiasm’
As the state’s archaeologist, he was an ambassador of antiquity, sharing history and artifacts with community groups and members of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Skibo, who took on the role in 2021 after a distinguished career with Illinois State University, also worked closely with other archaeologists and the state’s Indigenous communities, especially after the remarkable discovery of two ancient canoes in Lake Mendota in 2021 and 2022.
Norbert L. Haas
Norb worked for 48 years for the University of Wisconsin Physical Plant as a plumber.
Gisela Kutzbach
As UW faculty in the College of Engineering for twenty years, Gisela became Director of the Technical Communication Program, where she taught engineers effective write skills.
Karen Eriksson
After her career as a med tech, Karen received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Continuing, Adult, and Vocational Education from UW-Madison where she worked as a project assistant at UW-Extension.
John Goodwin Webster
They moved with their four children to Madison, WI, where John spent 50 years of enjoyable teaching and research in biomedical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bernie Wyatt, a critical member of Barry Alvarez’s first Wisconsin staff, passes away at 84
When Barry Alvarez decided he was ready to leave his post at Notre Dame and accept the challenge of taking over the University of Wisconsin football program, one of the men he targeted to join his first UW staff was Bernie Wyatt.
Leonard Ellis Ross
He came to Madison that year as a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin until retiring emeritus in 1992. Never one to tout his achievements, he authored many articles and book chapters, won teaching awards, and completed important research on the effects of alcohol when flying.
Helen Schubert, longtime Chicago PR executive, dies
Noted: Born Helen Celia Schubert in Wisconsin, Schubert grew up outside Cedarburg, just north of Milwaukee. She received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and journalism in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also wrote for the student newspaper.
Barbara White Obituary (1930 – 2023)
She was employed at U.W. Housing and the Mendota Mental Health Institution for over thirty years as a Food Service Manager and was active in the American Dietetic Association at the local, state, and national levels.
Grace Bernhard Obituary
During her years of employment, Grace was Executive Secretary to the Organic Chemistry Chair, UW Madison, retiring in 1993.
Dale Schlough Obituary
Dale had a long and very successful career in agricultural research at the University of Wisconsin and abroad. He was a great leader who was held in high esteem by all who worked with him. He retired as Director of Agricultural Research Stations at the UW College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 1999.
Donald Anderson Obituary
Don was a life-long advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a teacher at the UW-Madison School of Social Work, Community Outreach coordinator at the UW Waisman Center, and founder/board member of Create-Ability, Inc.
Scott Johnson, Playfully Inventive Composer, Is Dead at 70
Noted: Daunted by the serialist compositional style that held sway in academia, Mr. Johnson turned to visual art. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in art in 1974 and then drove a cab in Madison for a year to finance his move to New York City in 1975.
Kathryn Ann “Kathy” Thomas
From secretary to the UW-Madison Dean of Students LeRoy Luberg to front office manager at Kohl’s Grocery Store, followed by working closely with Dane County Executive, Jonathan Barry, and Wisconsin Division of Community Services Administrator, Eloise Anderson, and finally as a Grants Administrator and Prevention Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Kathy applied empathy, collaboration, and common sense problem-solving to everything she did.
Sharon L. McCarthy
She was employed with UW Madison for 35-plus years until she later retired from there.
Barbara Meyer White
She was employed at U.W. Housing and the Mendota Mental Health Institution for over thirty years as a Food Service Manager and was active in the American Dietetic Association at the local, state, and national levels.
Leland C. “Lee” Lemens
Lee worked as an electrician at UW Madison retiring in 1992, and a member of IBEW Local 159, for 65 Years.
Nancy A. Schensky
After 32 years with the State of Wisconsin she retired in 2012, at the age of 78, as an administrative assistant from the University Office of Biological Safety.
Lauren Beatrice Edelman
Before Berkeley, she taught at the University of Wisconsin Madison in sociology.
Rebecca Blank, Who Changed How Poverty Is Measured, Dies at 67
At the Commerce Department, she attained the post of acting secretary briefly in 2011 and again from 2012-2013. She left to become chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she tangled with state Republicans who were trying to cut funding. One achievement was her creation of a scholarship program for Wisconsin students from poor families.
Bert I. Gordon, whose B movies gained a cult following, dies at 100
When he was 9, his aunt gave him a camera and he began making home movies. He later filmed football games and school events while attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and moved to St. Paul, Minn., to make TV commercials and corporate films.
Bert I. Gordon, Auteur of Mutant Monster Movies, Dies at 100
Bert Ira Gordon was born in Kenosha, Wis., on Sept. 24, 1922, the son of Charles Abraham Gordon and Sadeline (Barnett) Gordon. He became interested in film as a boy, when an aunt gave him a 16-millimeter movie camera for his birthday. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison but dropped out to join the Army Air Forces during World War II.
Bert I. Gordon, Cult Filmmaker Behind ‘The Food of the Gods’ and ‘Empire of the Ants,’ Dies at 100
Born on Sept. 24, 1922 in Kenosha, Wis., Gordon was gifted a 16-millimeter movie camera at a young age. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and dropping out to join the Army Air Forces during World War II, Gordon married Flora Lang, who would become a frequent collaborator on his features. The two had three daughters, Patricia, Susan and Carol, before divorcing in 1979.
John Delmar Deering
John had a lengthy career in law enforcement for the UW-Madison Police Department, retiring as detective.
Susan Stanford Friedman
She served as Director of the UW – Madison Institute for Research in the Humanities, chaired the UW English Department, was a founding member of the UW Women’s Studies program, and published widely in modernist studies, narrative theory, feminist theory, women’s writing, migration and diaspora, world literature, religious studies, and psychoanalysis.
Theodore Arthur Peterson
He worked on the Northern Highland State Forest before being hired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison as State Extension Forester. His 39-year tenure was varied, challenging, and fulfilling. He was recognized for service by the International Forest Products Research Society and given Distinguished Service Awards by U.W. Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame on September 2, 2019.
Walter Mirisch, legendary Hollywood producer, has died
Walter Mirish was born in New York on November 8, 1921. He worked for an aircraft manufacturer during World War II before studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Harvard Business School.
Some Like It Hot and West Side Story Producer Walter Mirisch Dead at 101
Mirisch, a Harvard Business alum and University of Wisconsin, Madison graduate, also produced classics such as Pink Panther (1963), Hawaii with Julie Andrews (1966), Dracula (1979), and Fiddler on the Roof (1971).
Theodore Arthur Peterson
He worked on the Northern Highland State Forest before being hired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison as State Extension Forester. His 39-year tenure was varied, challenging, and fulfilling.
Walter Mirisch, Oscar-Winning Producer of ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ Dies at 101
Born in New York City on Nov. 8, 1921, Mirisch received a B.A. in history in 1942 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, winning a graduate fellowship in history. Despite his scholarly bent, he loved movies, hoping to get into the entertainment industry, but with no film schools in existence, he chose to attend Harvard to study business.
Walter Mirisch dies aged 101 as Steven Spielberg pays tribute to ‘trailblazer’
Mirisch was born in New York in 1921 and before studying at the University of Wisconsin worked at a bomber plane manufacturer.
Walter Mirisch, Oscar-winning producer, dead at 101
Walter Mortimer Mirisch was born in New York City on Nov. 8, 1921. After studying at City College of New York, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1942 and a graduate degree in business from Harvard in 1943.
Walter Mirisch, Oscar-winning producer, dead at 101
Walter Mortimer Mirisch was born in New York City on Nov. 8, 1921. After studying at City College of New York, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1942 and a graduate degree in business from Harvard in 1943.
Danny (Dan) G. Woolpert
He was hired as the Administrator for the Research and Development Center for Cognitive Learning in 1966, and was instrumental in the design and construction of the Ed Sciences Building on the UW Campus. He later worked as an Administrator with the UW Madison Civic Engineering Department.