DENESE HATHAWAY

Denese Brendall Hathaway, age 80, of Oshkosh, passed away Friday, October 16, 2009 at Aurora Medical Center. She was born May 14, 1929 in Burke, SD; daughter of the late Dewey J. and Myrtle L. Brendall. Because her father was transferred while working for International Harvester Company, she spent grade school in Algona, IA and Austin, MN; and Junior High and High School in Mason City, IA. Denese is remembered for her beautiful soprano voice, and in state music competitions, she was a perennial winner throughout her high school years. She was featured soloist at many weddings, funerals, and civic concerts. She is also remembered for her sharp wit and contagious sense of humor. Denese was a loving and sympathetic wife and mother. She married Roger G. Hathaway on June 19, 1950, at the First Methodist Church in Mason City. During their marriage, they lived in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. Denese and Rogers family lived in Neenah for 30 years and in Oshkosh for the past ten years. Denese was a member of the DAR. She served Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Theda Clark Medical Center Auxiliary. She was a long time member of the Neenah chapter of Kings Daughters, and served on the Board of Directors of the Silvercrest Home. She was both a member and an associate member of the Neenah Womens Tuesday Club. Denese was also active in other civic and political groups. Denese is survived by her husband, Roger; daughter, Celeste (Habighorst) Hathaway, Oshkosh; son, Craig (Dawn) Hathaway, South Lake, TX; granddaughter, Jodi Habighorst, Cadillac, MI; grandson, Jon (Shannon) Habighorst, Brookfield, granddaughter, Paige Hathaway and grandson, Mason Hathaway, South Lake, TX. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Travis John Habighorst, and other relatives and friends. Per Deneses wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service for Denese will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home with the Rev. Martin Ruge officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Deneses honor for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society and the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and praise to the excellent staff at Aurora Medical Center, Second Floor West, and the Aurora VNA and its staff: Marlene, Laura and Tammy, for their outstanding support and care. The family deeply appreciates all this wonderful help.