Obituaries

MIDDLETON–Darlene Helen (Acker) Endres, known affectionately as ‘Darce” to friends and family, passed away age 76 on June 26, 2023 at Russell Manor in Ripon. Darlene was born on Sept. 2, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph Acker Sr. and Elizabeth (Ziegler) Acker. She lived a life full of passion and friendship, touching the lives of those around her with her vibrant spirit.

Darlene graduated from Middleton High School in 1964. Prior to her retirement, she worked at the University of Wisconsin as a data processor and as an accountant and tax preparer at H&R Block.

Darlene will be remembered for her gentle and friendly nature and the joy she found in her family, friends and hobbies. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, golfing, listening to music and dancing. She was a huge Packer fan and loved to travel. 

MIDDLETON–Holy Wisdom Monastery will celebrate its 70^th anniversary with an event planned on July 9.

The monastery has seen some changes over the years and its prioress of 43 years, Sister Mary David Walgenbach, gave some history of the space last week. 

The monastery began as a Catholic high school when the original building was constructed in 1956.

“It used to be farmland,” said Walgenbach, who came to the monastery in 1959 and has been there ever since.

Bishop William P. O’Conner, who lived across the road from where the property sits on CTH M. brought in three Sisters of St. Benedict from Sioux City, IA to help start the school.

“It was a school for girls, a grade was added every year until 1959,” said Walgenbach.

The school was only in existence for seven years and closed in 1966.

MIDDLETON–Syrie Schmitz, 71, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2023. She was born on Nov. 7, 1951, in Iron Mountain, MI, the daughter of Stanley and Marjorie (Meyers) Nestingen.

Syrie graduated from James Madison Memorial High School, then continued her studies at UW-Oshkosh, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She was united in marriage to Thomas Schmitz on Aug. 15, 1981, in Madison.

Syrie worked as a teacher for the Madison Area Metropolitan School District for over 25 years before her retirement, primarily working at the school now known as, Vel Phillips Memorial High School. She enjoyed knitting, reading, volunteering and especially spending time with her family and friends.

MIDDLETON­–Nancy Acker-Skolaski, 68, of Waunakee, lost her long and courageous battle with cancer on June 6, 2023. She was born April 3, 1955, to Walter J. and Magdalene (Ziegler) Acker. She graduated from Waunakee High School in 1973.

After they spent many years working for Felly's Flowers and Greenhouses, Nancy and Stan took over her father’s orchid business in 1990 and spent 17 years working side by side, providing gardening tips and smiles to all their customers. Nancy's incredible floral design skills were sought after for weddings, proms, and many other special occasions.

MADISON–Judith A. "Judi" Green, 79, of Madison, passed away on May 30, 2023. She was born on March 3, 1944, in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of Harvey Fairchild and Dorothy Krause.

Judi graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1962 and went on to earn her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1966. In 1967, Judi married the love of her life, Douglas Green.

Judi dedicated her life to helping others, working as a social worker for Dane County. Throughout her distinguished career, she was highly respected by the Dane County Human Services and made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.

Judi had a passion for the arts and frequently attended performances at The Overture Center. She was an avid ballroom dancer and could often be found showing off her latest pair of dancing shoes on the dance floor.

MIDDLETON–Marilyn Mullin Carien, 78, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2023. The daughter of George and Peggy Mullin, Marilyn was born in Bridgeport, CN.

Marilyn was a much-loved instructor at Madison Area Technical College (also known as Madison College) and a life-long musician who lived in Madison and the Middleton area for about 55 years.

After living in Connecticut for many years, Marilyn and her family moved to Kentucky, and later to Schenectady, NY, where Marilyn graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1962. She graduated from Cornell University in 1966, and she and her former husband, John Carien, moved to Madison in 1967. She received a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983.

CROSS PLAINS–Paul Joseph Hady, age 84, passed away at home on May 5, 2023. He was born on July 7, 1938, in Watertown, the son of Jerome and Margaret (Stoll) Hady.

Paul graduated from Middleton High School in 1956. After high school, he went to work at Pet Milk in Middleton, for a short time. He was married to Marjorie (Haas) on June 30, 1960, and was a devoted, loving husband of 62 years. He started working at Kalscheur Implement Company in Cross Plains April 1959, until being drafted into the US Army in 1961. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in St. Louis, MO. Paul had three months of Medic training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. After medic training, he was stationed in Germany for 18 months; as a medic, returning home in September 1963. Paul completed his service in 1967, where he resumed his place of employment at Kalscheur Implement. He became part owner in 1981 and worked for 50 years, retiring in 2009 at the age of 71.

MIDDLETON–James (Jim) Loren Kallsen, 85, of Middleton, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 24, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born on April 29, 1937, to Louis Bernard Peter Kallsen and Ruby Gwendolyn Kallsen (nee Wilson) in Pipestone, MN. Jim graduated from Jasper, MN, high school and went on to study at St. Cloud State University. After college he began a career in banking in St. Paul, MN, and La Crosse. In 1959, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Pat) Getrude Angell, and they went on to have two children together, Kevin and Kent.

DANE–David Peter “Dave” Esser, 52, died tragically on April 17, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. He was born on Oct. 22, 1970, to Michael Peter and Kathleen (Bowar) Esser. 

Dave grew up in Middleton, spending most of his childhood time on the Esser family farm. He loved helping Gramps Gilbert Esser, Great Uncle Leo and Uncle Tom. Dave attended school in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District and graduated from Madison Memorial High School. He then went on to technical school and received his degree in auto mechanics. Dave worked for Aring Equipment for 20+ years. He developed a love of driving and cars at a young age. If it had wheels and could go fast, he wanted to take it for a spin. Tread marks could be found in several parking lots and back country roads. He also enjoyed taking a motorcycle and snowmobile out for spin as well. 

MIDDLETON–Mary Cleone (Coyle) Carlson passed away holding her daughter’s hand on Easter morning, April 9, 2023, at her home in Waunakee. Mary was born on Dec. 2, 1942, to Leo and Clara (Stoppleworth) Coyle in Madison. She grew up in the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood on West Lawn Avenue, attending both Blessed Sacrament School and Edgewood High School (Class of 1961).