Carlene A. Riley
June 02, 1935 - April 06, 2020
Obituary
MADISON/OREGON - Carlene Ann (Thornton) Riley, age 84, of Madison, passed away at home, on Monday, April 6, 2020. She was born on June 2, 1935, in Madison, the daughter of Ralph "Rufus" and Eleanor (Spilde) Thornton.
Carlene graduated from Oregon High School in 1953. She married Edward Riley Jr. on Dec. 31, 1969. After high school, Carlene began her career with Wisconsin Power & Light in Madison and later transferred to the Oregon location, retiring in 1992. Carlene was an avid Packers fan. She was an excellent piano player and loved her canine companions.
Carlene is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Culp of Oregon; nieces, Karlene (Rick) Huckstadt of Lodi and Karen Culp of Madison; nephew, Steven (Cynthia) Culp of Oregon, Wis.; great-niece, Faith Majors-Culp; brother-in-law, Kenneth "Bud" Ricker; nieces, Lori (James) Evans, Linda (Jimmy) Lavender and Lisa (Michael) Young all of Alabama; many cousins, other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends, including her very special friend, Sharon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; parents; infant sister, Cecilia Thornton and sister, Rita Ricker; brother, Dale Culp; and brother-in-law, Robert (Vera) Riley.
Per Carlene's request, there will be no funeral. Burial will be in the Lutheran South Cemetery in Stoughton. Memorials may be gifted in Carlene's name to Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice. A heartfelt thank you to Alice, her wonderful caregiver and companion for the last five years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515
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EP
Eliot Protsch
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Carlene was one of the best Administrative Assistant I have ever had and as she was my first back in 1985, she became the standard for others that followed. Carlene was so much fun to work with, she had an incredible work ethic, was very dedicated to her employer and was loved by all of her fellow employees. Many were trained by her over the years, her irreverence was infectious, her wit impressive and her empathy for customers and fellow employees most notable. Carlene and I stayed in touch over the years. I, like many others who knew her, watched Alzheimer’s take its toll. Sharon Tarkenton deserves a special acknowledgment for helping Car out as Alzheimer’s began its onset. I treasured my occasional lunches or dinners with Car and Sharon when I was in Madison as three retirees reliving our fun times together at Dane Cty District back in the late 80s. I can hear a voice from Car as I type this telling me to shut up and sign off, thus I do so, but with great respect for a person I always considered a dear friend!
Eliot Protsch