Wisconsin State Journal Sunday, May 19, 2024 A23 00 1 OBITUARIES Please see OBITUARIES, Page A24 Donald David Pfahler Jr. 23, 29, 2024 David Pfahler 80, of Madison, WI, passed away on April 29, 2024, after a valiant battle against Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Don was born on April 23, 1944, to Donald David Pfahler Sr. and Mae Genevieve Pfahler (nee Bevirt) in Milwaukee, WI. Don spent the first two years of his life living with his mother and maternal grandfather in Milwaukee, while his father was deployed to Europe, serving in WWII.
He met his father for the first time in 1946 when Donald Sr. returned from war. early years were spent in Beaver Dam, WI, where he was raised with his younger brother, Dick, and sister, Jane. The family moved to Madison in 1959 where Don attended Madison West High School, graduating in 1962. Don was a talented athlete and a varsity letter winner in football, basketball and baseball.
He met several friends at West with whom he remained close for the rest of their lives, including Dale Johnson, Tim Van Galder, Hank Cuccia and Brekke Johnson. High school reunions for decades included games of Euchre in backyard, often with their high school football coach Burt Hable, reminiscing and keeping each other laughing with their non-stop jokes and antics. Don attended the University of and then the University of There he played baseball and graduated in 1968. He continued his studies at Marquette University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1972 and becoming, as he often remarked, lonely warrior in the battle against tooth After graduating from dental school, Don returned to Madison to start his dental career and raise his two children, Madelaine and Evan. He first practiced on Midvale Boulevard with Harris Keel and then founded Madison Family Dental Associates (MFDA) in 1981 with another Madison dentist, Ron Schmidt.
daughter Lori Veerman joined them in 1987. Ron retired in 1997 and Lori practiced alongside Don until he retired in 2008. Don was fortunate to work with two wonderful dental assistants for many years, Tammy Wise and Connie Flood, and with whom he remained close after his retirement. Don loved practicing dentistry and was a wonderful, kind dentist who could talk to and calm anyone who sat in his chair. He took great pride in his MFDA family and was known for his dedication to the business and the associates who made it successful.
The best part of his job was always the people, his patients and his colleagues. His ability to remember details about life, the names or careers of their children and spouse, where they last went on vacation, or some other detail was legendary. Of course, they were also the best audience for his non-stop jokes and practical jokes. (Who remembers his fake teeth that would come out at funniest While many know that Don was indeed the real tooth fairy, he was so much more than that! He was a beloved father to his children, Madelaine and Evan, always supporting their various adventures and endeavors and providing them with absolute unconditional love. No matter where his children would go, Don was always visiting and exploring and encouraging them to find their own paths and further their interests.
He exemplified the love and support that a father has for his children. He taught them that a sense of humor will get you through just about anything, working hard feels great and gives you a true sense of accomplishment, an ice cold beer at the end of the day tastes great, an afternoon nap is one of the best pleasures in life, family and friends always come first, and you can never tell your child that you love him or her enough. In 1995, with his children grown, Don met the love of his life, Linda Dawson. Don and Linda were a match made in heaven. They traveled frequently together and shared a passion for food, a highlight of which was a special dinner at in Madison.
When Don met Linda Dawson, he also met her wonderful young children, Sam and Emma. After a 24-year courtship, Don and Linda were finally married in 2019. Linda passed away from COPD in March 2021 with Don by her as he always was. In addition to his family and career, Don loved sports. When he was a young dentist, he started playing tennis.
He was a member of the John Powless Tennis Center and Cherokee Country Club where he regularly played tennis with Peter Karofsky and Jon Friedberg and collected victory trophies from local tournaments. He took a weekly tennis lesson with Pat Klingelhoets for decades and enjoyed supporting the Wisconsin Badgers Tennis Team at Nielsen Stadium. Although Don had a lifelong passion for tennis, he took up golf upon retirement and proved he was talented on the golf course too! He loved playing with Greg Samuels, took weekly golf lessons with Larry Tiziani at Cherokee, and got a thrill from hitting balls alongside Steve Stricker on occasion. Don died peacefully at home, with Madelaine and Evan at his side, shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday. He was overjoyed to see his five grandchildren the weekend before he passed away as well as family and his dear friends who joined us to celebrate his milestone birthday.
The love that was shown, the stories told, and the memories made those last weeks of his life meant so much to him and will be forever remembered by his children. Don is survived by his adored children: Madelaine (Chuck Saxon) Pfahler and Evan (Laura Lee) Pfahler; his stepchildren: Sam Lundsten and Emma (Sam) Vincent; his cherished grandchildren: Isabelle and Nic Saxon, Beckett, Brett, and Ellis Pfahler; his sister, Jane (Dick) Hemberger; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Pfahler. Don is also survived by his beloved dog, Archie, who he and Linda adopted in 2017, and provided a loving home (and lots of treats) that any dog would cherish. Don is also survived by his amazing friends: Greg Samuels, Peter Karofsky, Jon Friedberg, Eddie Saur and the Breakfast Boyz, who met for breakfast and coffee every Wednesday, rain or shine, or Covid (when they met via Zoom) and more recently in living room. Their friendship over decades meant so much to Don and to his children.
Their support when Linda was sick and more recently when he was sick has meant more than Madelaine and Evan can adequately express. They also proved to be an endless source of jokes. Don was predeceased by his parents; his younger brother Dick; and his wife Linda Dawson. Services will be held at Cress Funeral Home on June 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The family requests that those who love Don consider a donation to a worthy cause to it forward in some meaningful as his wife Linda said.
The following organizations are suggested: The PKD Foundation (pkdcure.org), Underdog Pet Rescue (underdogpetrescue.org), Smiles for Life (smilesforlife.org), Club Madison (gildasclubmadison.org), and World Central Kitchen (wck.org). Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com. Cress Funeral Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road, Madison (608) 238-3434 Lyle F. Hird 28, 19, 2024 F. Hird was born on July 28, 1929 in Cuba City, WI, to Wilbur E.
Hird and Genevieve McKenna Hird. Died in Madison, WI, on January 19, 2024. Lyle attended UW-Platteville until he was drafted into the US Army. He served in Korea during the Korean War. When he returned from military service, he married Carol Steiger in 1953 in Potosi, WI.
They moved to Madison where he continued his college studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lyle completed his BS degree in Civil Engineering graduating Magna cum Laude. He was a lifelong supporter of UW sports, with a particular love of Badger football and basketball. He and Carol had football and basketball season tickets for over 50 years. They traveled to numerous Wisconsin football bowl games with highlights being two Rose Bowls in Pasadena, California.
Lyle had a 30-plus-years career with Strand Associates Consulting Engineers in Madison, rising to President and sole owner in 1970. His work on engineering projects took him all over Wisconsin and surrounding states with impact on many communities. He was a member of multiple professional and technical societies related to engineering. He retired in 1984. He was a longtime member of St.
Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Madison and St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Lyle was a lifelong, avid golfer. He was a member of Nakoma Golf Club in Madison, for over 50 years including a term as President of the club. Upon retirement, Lyle and Carol spent winters in Naples, Florida at Paw Country Club.
Lyle loved playing golf (especially if a bet was involved) and recorded two holes-in-one over the years as well as shooting his age when he was 85 years old. For 50 years, their lake cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma, WI, provided summer fun for family and friends. He enjoyed traveling in the US with annual trips to Las Vegas. Over their 70 years of marriage, he and Carol went on many overseas trips to Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. He was predeceased by his parents, Wilbur and Genevieve; sisters: Tanyia Lee Gaffney Paula Bogaski, Rosemary Gille, Carol Heivilin; and brothers: Joseph Hird A and Charles Hird.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters: Ellen Hird (Ken Kohl), Jane Mortell (Paul); and sons: Steve (Sue), Roger (Mary) and Mark (Mary Kay). He has twelve grandchildren: Stephanie White (Lyle), Michelle Kohn (Ben), Scott Hird (Liz), Carolyn Mortell (Jason Levine), Jackson Mortell (fiancee Terri Pous), Vanessa Hird (Lukas Pitzl), Katherine Frederickson (Ben), Joe Hird, Jack Hird, Bob Hird (Maria), Dan Hird and Chris Hird. He also has five great-grandchildren: Leo, Max and Ella Kohn and Hannah and Harper White. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison.
There will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at Nakoma Golf Club. Contributions in name may be made to Edgewood High School, Madison, WI, edgewoodhs.org/support/make_a_donation; or Agrace Hospice, Madison, WI (www.agrace.org/donate/). Special thanks to Agrace Hospice, All Saints Assisted Living and Oakwood Village Skilled Nursing facilities for their compassionate care.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com. Cress Funeral Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road, Madison (608) 238-3434 Donovan Stennis Cassidy Williams 1, 5, 2023 ST. PAUL, Stennis Cassidy Williams, age 57, of St. Paul, MN, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Health Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He was born on Jan.
1, 1966, in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert Clarence Williams and Shirley Stennis Williams who instilled in him an appreciation of knowledge and sharing education. He was the oldest brother and an explorer and adventurer at heart. Donovan met Gregory Paul Williams Cassidy online in December 2001 and after many adventures and fun-filled years together they were united in marriage on May 28, 2022, in the heart of St. Paul, MN, in a private and beautiful ceremony. Prior to meeting his husband, Greg, Donovan attended the University of Madison in Madison, WI.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish Education. Donovan followed in the footsteps of his parents, maternal grandparents and great-grandfather by becoming a teacher. He worked in the Madison Metropolitan School System, the Milwaukee Public Schools System, the Minneapolis School District before completing his career at Stillwater Area Public Schools. During professional career he was unique in completing not just one but two degrees. The first in computer education at Colombia University and the second a Master of Arts in Spanish at Middlebury College.
Donovan was a teacher by genetics and by nature, he enjoyed sharing knowledge with his students and his loved ones. A simple way to find something out was to pose a question about a topic to him and you would shortly have a relevant article or history of the topic in your inbox. Donovan ultimately retired from teaching due to the physical and logistical pressures of needing both a kidney and heart transplant, which slowed him down but did not stop his adventures. Never one to be idle, Donovan explored life to the fullest. He loved to travel and was on a quest with his husband Greg to visit every state in the USA.
He also loved to travel internationally, with Mexico being one of his favorite destinations as it incorporated travel and his love of the Spanish language. He played both the piano and trumpet, much to the delight of his Mother and consternation of his brother. He was active in Boy Scouts and 4-H. Two interests that he developed and nurtured early in life were computers and Shows. These interests developed in different aspects of his life.
His interest in computers led Donovan to achieve a degree in computer education and incorporate this expertise into his professional career, for a time, as both a Computer and Spanish Teacher. His love of Shows took deep root in his life as he loyally attended the Wisconsin Film Festival, the Free Range Film Festival and other film festivals in the Minnesota area. Many of his friends remember fondly his attendance and hosting of the Oscars Parties. He was active in the community, with his family and friends. A few examples are that he volunteered with Kidney Transplant support groups as a Facilitator and participant.
He also pursued hobbies in gardening, computers, and traveling. Donovan was an original He loved to try new restaurants, especially Mexican cuisine, but was open to just about anything. He definitely had opinions on what was good and what was not and loved to share and compare notes with others on their food exploits. adventures continued even in his own home as he was an avid and adventuresome cook. He perfected his art at a young age on the unsuspecting taste buds of his younger brother, parents and friends as he experimented with new concoctions and recipes.
His kitchen was his and The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. They would also like to express their gratitude to nephrologist, Dr. Rajiv Shah, for his many years of devoted care to Donovan over the last fifteen plus years. His knowledge and support were invaluable to the family and his dedication and friendship to Donovan as a patient were unparalleled. Tragically the love of life, Gregory Paul Williams Cassidy of Minneapolis, MN, passed away shortly after Donovan.
Donovan is survived by his brother, Rodger Stennis (Sandy) Williams of Fitchburg, WI; aunts: Carol Pickett and Barbara Puckett of Chicago, IL; cousins: Harlan Williams of Houston, TX, Bretton (Stephannie) Williams and LaNelle (Mounir) Williams of Columbus, OH, Chris Puckett, Eric Puckett, Thomas Deneral Brown, Carol Felicia (Kevin) Davy of Chicago, IL; a host of family members and cherished in-laws. He is also survived by the of his Costa. A Celebration of Life to celebrate the lives of Donovan and Greg will be held on June 1, 2024, in Fitchburg, WI. A repast will take place during the Celebration. In order to properly plan, please notify Rodger Williams at if planning to attend the Celebration of Life.
Flowers and cards are welcome in memory of Donovan. Alternately the family will be starting a fund to support movies in honor of love of his favorite independent film festivals: contributions, flowers or cards may be sent to Rodger Williams, 5738 Schumann Drive, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Eilee Quinn Heikenen-Weiss 28, 29, 2023 Quinn Heikenen- Weiss was born on Aug. 28, 1984, in Corvallis, OR, to Jill Heikenen and Tim Weiss. She lost her life in a tragic car accident on Oct.
29, 2023. Eilee grew up in Madison, WI. As a child, she was curious and kind, and always had a huge smile on her face. She loved animals and had many pets, including hermit crabs, rats, and the more conventional family dogs and cat. As Eilee grew up, her curiosity led her to pursue work in journalism and adventure travel.
She was a producer at WBEZ in Chicago from 2008 to 2015. She returned to public radio as a producer for WUWM in Milwaukee just weeks before the accident. Eilee led adventure travel trips in the US, Central and South America, and Thailand for Backroads from 2012 to 2023. Her humor, empathy and endless curiosity about humanity served her well in both work and her personal relationships. Eilee was passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities and always strived to make the world a better place.
She loved to learn about the cultures of the places she visited, especially through their cuisine. Eilee was generous, outgoing, vivacious, and made friends easily all over the world. She loved to dance. She was beautiful, inside and out. Her laugh was loud and legendary.
Her friends and family describe her as a of with a with ability to be utterly and completely and a of connecting with anyone and everyone and approaching all topics with final act of generosity was donating her organs to give eight other people a chance to continue their lives. She is gone far too soon and she will be missed immensely by all whose lives she touched. Eilee is survived by her parents, Jill Heikenen Tim (Barbara) Weiss; aunts and uncles: Janice Heikenen, Chris (Evelyn) Heikenen, and Brian (Joani Freitas), Tom (Barbara) Weiss, and Melody Altomare; many cousins and their children; countless loving friends from childhood and throughout her life; and her dog, Moo Shu. She was predeceased by her adoring grandparents; and beloved Uncle Gary. There is a celebration of life planned for Aug.
28, 2024, on what would have been her 40th birthday. Please contact celebrate.eilee@gmail.com as soon as possible if you are interested in attending. Further details will be provided to each interested participant. Joyce V. Huber 14, 10, 2024 May 14, 1938, in Madison, WI, daughter of Norbert Nicklaus and Marjorie Katherine Verthein, died peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 85, on her farm in Hartland, WI, with loving family by her side.
Joyce graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison, WI, in 1956 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Business Education in 1960. While at the University she was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Her future spouse, Jim Huber, was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and in 1958 Joyce was chosen as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. This honor, of which she was proud, represented the ideals and standards of who Joyce was and how she lived. Following graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Huber, in June 1961.
Joyce taught business classes at Monona Grove High School while Jim attended Law School at UW-Madison. Growing up in Madison, Joyce and Jim created lifelong friendships and spent many weekends, for decades to come, attending Badger athletic events and spending time with their Madison friends. In 1963, Joyce and Jim moved to Frankfurt, Germany with their two young children, Kathy and Michael. Jim served in the army for two years and Joyce took care of the children and taught typing to the Upon returning to the states, they settled in the Milwaukee area where Joyce was active in the Junior League and volunteered for years at a school for the deaf and blind. Joyce developed many dear and lifelong friendships during those early days in Milwaukee.
In 1972, Joyce and Jim moved to the family farm in Hartland, WI, and for the next 50-plus years the farm became a gathering spot for family and friends. Joyce was a gracious hostess and worked tirelessly to throw a good party, creating special memories that span generations. She especially loved hosting extended family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and friends and family for annual Memorial Day and July 4th picnics on the farm. The summertime picnics brought many of Joyce and Milwau- kee and Madison friends and their young families to the farm, where kids would line up for the three-legged, wheelbarrow and gunny sack races only to be followed by the much-anticipated and horseback rides, and of course a full picnic spread. In her later years Joyce loved hearing how fun and meaningful those parties were to so many people.
Joyce was a 25-year volunteer for the Milwaukee Polo Club where she was a critical part of its success. She organized much of the behind-the- scenes activity for the Sunday games. Overseeing the concession stand, including the sale of polo club T-shirts and hats were just some of her addition to cooking for and hosting picnics for the corporate sponsors and their guests. Saturday evenings during polo season, Joyce would often host visiting polo teams at the farm for dinner parties, welcoming all into the Huber family home. For more than 15 years Joyce and Jim hosted young polo players from Argentina and Uruguay for six months of the year as the players pursued professional polo careers.
Many became close friends of Joyce and Jim and are still connected to the Huber family today. In between Joyce kept up some of her other activities. She enjoyed playing tennis, was a long-time member of the Kettle Moraine Garden Club, and a substitute teacher at Arrowhead High School for ten years. On occasion she would even ride a horse on the farm. She also proved to be a proficient salesperson, earning a pink Buick Regal with Mary Kay Cosmetics in the early She was ahead of the curve in homeopathic wellness, encouraging family and friends about the merits of essential oils, goji juice and herbal supplements.
She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and in recent years she especially enjoyed shopping for them at Costco and through the Vermont Country Store catalog. In fact, she had already purchased the Christmas presents for 2024 and 2025. Another recent highlight was attending her 67th Edgewood High School reunion in Madison, WI, last fall. Joyce was practical, she had a great sense of humor and was quick to laugh. She had little desire for material things and never complained or asked for anything for herself.
The last few years Joyce was cared for by a wonderful team of caregivers to whom the family is incredibly grateful. The caregivers brought joy and humor and love to her days and took her on many outings. She was at peace on the farm, often sitting at her kitchen table visiting with family or friends who stopped by, working on a puzzle or a word search, and enjoying the view of her gardens and the many colorful birds outside her window. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Huber. She is survived by her children: Katherine Coakley (Kevin), Michael (Rebecca) Huber, Thomas Huber and Susan Huber; her grandchildren: Carly (Max) Brunclik, Tori (Logan) Rogers, Margaret Coakley, Jack Coakley, Claire Huber, Mara Huber, Tommy Huber, Louisa Huber, Davis Miller; and great-grandchildren: Tucker, Tatum, Margot and Crew Brunclik.
Joyce is further survived by her siblings: Susan Huber, Norberta Paynter, and John (Jeanne) Verthein; brother-in-law, Dan (Pat) Huber; and many nieces, nephews and their spouses who will miss her. A private burial was held in Clinton, WI. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, at St. Teresa of Calcutta in North Lake, WI, W314 N7462 WI-83 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m.
until the time of Mass. A celebration of life will be held following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Foun- dation of America as her late husband, Jim, suffered from Disease; or if you prefer, a charity of your choice in name. pril 14, 5, 2024 Service for Tanyia Gaffney, Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Foster Funeral Service, 2737 Coho Madison. Share condolences at www.fosterfuneralhomes.com Susan (Sue) Ruth Goldstein 29, 10, 2024 (Sue) Ruth Goldstein, 84 of Madison, WI, died Friday, May 10, 2024.
Sue was born November 29, 1939, in New York City. She attended Hunter College in NYC, becoming a public school teacher for more than 20 years, teaching in New York City, Evansville, Madison and Appleton, WI, and Chestertown, MD. In 1979, Sue returned to Madison and launched a successful career in real estate with First Weber until her retirement in 2023. She loved being a Realtor, helping people find the house that would become their home. Her favorite clients were first time homebuyers, and she used her teaching skills to help people work through the home buying process and learn how to care for their new home.
Sue was very proud of being a New Yorker and never losing her Bronx accent. She loved the New York Yankees especially the Joe DiMaggio era, although she was in the stands when Derek Jeter passed Lou Gehrig for the all time Yankees hit record in 2009. Additionally, Sue was known for her baking (pumpkin breads, cookies, mini cheesecakes to name a few), her quilts (often sewing for charity auctions) and of course, Scrabble. Her Wednesday Scrabble Club was sacred. She also was a committed volunteer, involved in everything from helping to teach newly-arrived immigrants English to delivering meals for seniors.
Sue is survived by her children: Amy (Dan) Weiss of Minnetonka, Andy Goldstein of Madison; grandchildren: Max, Zoe, Jacob and Ellie; a brother, Kenneth; niece, Irene; and loving extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edith Lax; and brother, Michael. Sue had a wide circle of friends and stayed in touch with friends from as far back as kindergarten. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth El in Madison.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Sharing Active Independent Lives (SAIL) or Jewish Social Services of Madison are appreciated. Link for service at Temple Beth El: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCpWBgayaL6d-Wb3lDPPCy7g Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com. Cress Funeral Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road, Madison (608) 238-3434 Allan White Allan White passed away May 17, 2024. A memorial visitation will be held June 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM 12:00 Noon at the Richardson Stafford Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com..
