Alice Mae (Bredeson) Zweifel passed away on February 10, 2025, surrounded by family at Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg. Born on September 5, 1940, to Adolph and Leona (Lord) Bredeson, Alice was one of nine siblings and grew up on the family farm. She excelled academically, graduating as Valedictorian from DeForest High School in 1958 before pursuing higher education at UW-Platteville, where she earned her degree in secondary education, majoring in English and minoring in Spanish and Art.
Despite receiving a scholarship to Harvard University for graduate studies, Alice chose not to attend due to the financial burden. A charter member of the Iota Rho chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, Alice began her teaching career at Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin. She married Frederick W. Zweifel on August 10, 1963, and together, they moved throughout southern Wisconsin, with Alice continuing her teaching career wherever they went.
Her contributions to education did not stop there; she established the Belleville Nursery Center for preschoolers and worked as the publicity liaison for the Wisconsin Council for Gifted and Talented. Alice co-authored the book “Gifted Kids” published in 1979. She later served as the Director of Education at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and became involved with various ministries, completing a two-year Mini-Seminary to become an Associate in Ministry.
A passionate genealogist, she compiled extensive ancestral research, contributing valuable resources to local historical societies. Alice is survived by her husband, Frederick, her sons Bennet and Kyle, and their families. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 1, 2025, at the Spring Prairie Lutheran Church. The family requests donations be made to the Spring Prairie Lutheran Church or the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library.
Mary J. Kaye, aged 90, of Madison, passed away on February 8, 2025. Born on August 19, 1934, Mary was the daughter of LeRoy and Ruth (Roberts) Willard and graduated from Cambria High School. Mary cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Brian Kaye; her daughter Patricia Everhart; and sons Richard and Jim Everhart, along with their spouses and children. A private service will be arranged later, and condolences can be sent through Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care.
William Gene "Bill" Wiedenbeck, aged 89, of Cottage Grove, passed away on February 5, 2025, at Oak Park Place in Madison. Born on June 15, 1935, Bill led an active life, pursuing various hobbies from pottery to photography and music, even playing bass trombone with community bands.
He graduated from Madison East High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bill had numerous careers, including work with Western Union and the Department of Transportation. After retirement, he founded Wiedenbeck Consulting Ltd. Bill was also heavily involved with Bethel Lutheran Church and nurtured his children’s artistic talents.
He is survived by his children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Diane, whom he married for 61 years, passed away in 2018. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church. The family expresses gratitude to the caregivers who supported them during his final days.
These three individuals, Alice, Mary, and Bill, leaves behind rich legacies of love, teaching, and community involvement, and their contributions will be remembered by all who knew them.