Robert C. Walsh

MADISON-Robert C. Walsh, age 84, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home. He was born on May 2, 1926, in Melham, S.D., the son of James B. and Anna Walsh. At an early age, the family moved to Fullerton, N.D., where Roberts father accepted a position as a grain buyer and elevator manager. Robert attended school there, and in 1942, enlisted in a government program named "National Youth Administration" and learned to be a machinist (a trade he followed his entire life). After a brief employment in St. Paul, Minn., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1944. After "boot" training in Farragut, Idaho, he served on an LST in the South Pacific for nearly two years. He continued on in the U.S. Navy following World War II and retired as a master chief petty officer after 20 years of service. He served on other ships as well, notably the U.S.S. Fargo CL-106 and later the U.S.S. Enterprise CVAN-65 (the worlds first nuclear powered aircraft carrier) for five years. After retirement he came to Madison and was employed by the University of Wisconsin Nuclear Engineering Department for 30 years, retiring in November 1994. He was employed as a machinist and welder, and assisted many students in their thesis projects. Robert is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Mary; children, Cecelia "Punk" (Peter) Mueller, Bob Walsh, Rena (George) Yoder, Tom (Reigna) Walsh, and Teri (Scott) Schuricht; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and brother, Warren (Ardie). He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, James. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011, and also from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the food pantry of donors choice. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the food pantry of donors choice. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011, and also from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011.