Gail Bogdanow

Gail Fruth Bogdanow passed away on August 3, 2025, after a brief illness. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on March 3, 1939, she was the fourth child of Joseph Fruth and Irene Harrington Fruth. Gail graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1957.  She met Richard Bogdanow (Dick), a fellow resident of the Greenbush neighborhood of Madison, at a dance.  They were married in May of 1960.  Gail worked for the State of Wisconsin as a secretary until her first child was born.

Gail is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dick, and her children Richard, Jr., Janet (Tom) Wanamaker, Paula (Keith) Schmid, Jerilyn (Steve) Cunningham, and Mary Bogdanow (John Stephenson); five grandchildren: Dan and Maddie Wanamaker, Evan and Dana Schmid, and Brian Cunningham. 

A 62-year resident of Verona, Gail was a member of the St. Andrew Church, serving as the Religious Education Program secretary in the 1970’s and 80’s. She also served on the local election board for over 35 years and was one of its original chief inspectors.  Gail was a member of the Early Birds Ladies’ bowling league, and an active participant at the Verona Senior Center. She loved playing dominoes with her grandchildren and was a regular at card games and bingo at the Senior Center. She was an avid reader and knitter, and a devoted sports fan, following UW football and basketball, the Packers, Brewers, and professional tennis. Gail was especially proud to be the grandmother of a professional pianist, a two-time Olympian and university coach, two Eagle Scouts who are becoming civil engineers, and a US Marine who served in Iraq. 

Gail was preceded in death by her brother Gerald Fruth and his wife Beverly, her sister Josephine and her husband Dennis Rodgerson, her brother Marvin Fruth and his wife Beatrice, five nephews, and two nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew Church, 301 North Main Street, Verona, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Lunch will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to remember Gail by donating to the Badger Prairie Needs Network, 1200 East Verona Avenue, Verona, WI, 53593. Their website is bpnn.org.

To view Gail’s obituary, or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.