Mathilda Gallagher

MONONA-Mathilda M. Gallagher, age 93, passed away at home on Sunday, March 18, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Nov. 3, 1918, in Roxbury, the daughter of Anton M. and Anna (Bronner) Breunig. Mathilda married Marlyn R. Gallagher on April 12, 1947 at St. Norbert Catholic Church in Roxbury. They were married for 50 years when Marlyn passed away in July of 1997. Mathilda was co-founder and office manager of the family business, Steel Forms Construction Inc., founded in 1952. She retired at the age of 84. A caring listener and unconditionally loving Mom, she so loved children. Her love of learning fed us all. Mathilda was a skilled euchre player who all wanted to team with at many family gatherings or up North at our family cottage. A devout Catholic, her faith carried all of us on. She was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she gave tirelessly. She was an active member of both the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries. We will miss her gentle, yet strong presence, the beautiful twinkle in her eye and her famous pies. She lived a good life and made all of us proud. Mathilda is survived by her children, Pam (Gerald) Van Slyke of Scottsdale, Ariz., Rick (LuAnn) of Arena, Ron Gallagher of McFarland, Patty (Michael) Marchant of Milwaukee, and Rod (Julie) Gallagher of Dane; 13 grandchildren, Maj. Bradley (Rena), Alicia, Curtis Van Slyke, Anthony (Kelly), Mitchel Gallagher, Janelle (Cpt. Brannon Askew) Gallagher, Gregory (Molly McGowan) Gallagher, Angela, Natalie, and Jared Marchant, Amy (Keith) Medema, Angela (David) Brahm, and Christopher Faherty; five great-grandchildren, Wesley, Nicholas, Madelynn, Caroline, and Natalie, and one on the way; sister, Salome Henn; and brother, Edgar Breunig. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and six brothers, Benno, Alphons, Gregory, Otto, Victor and Sylvester Breunig. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. Memorials may be made in Mathilda’s name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Endowment Fund. We are grateful for the tender care Mom received from Andrea and Carol this last year, and the outstanding Agrace HospiceCare team. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com Cemetery: Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Mathilda’s name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Endowment Fund. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding.