Jane Kroncke-Huegel

Madison -- Jane Kroncke-Huegel, age 94, passed away, Sunday, August 24, 2008.   Jane Louise Ashcraft was born in 1913 and grew up on Madison's east side.  As a sixteen year old she met a lifeguard, George Kroncke at "" Suicide Beach"".  After graduating from the UW Madison with a degree in Home economics specializing in making dinner reservations, George and Jane were married at the home on Lake Monona where they raised four children, Tom, Ann, Gretchen and Fritz. Jane also has 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She and George would boat out to Jack Burke's steakhouse and visit friends around both lakes.    Jane fought against the power company's increased hot water discharge into Lake Monona near BB Clarke Beach to protect her children from falling through the ice while skating.  The log boom that is still placed around the MG&E outlet off Livingston Street was a result of her efforts. Jane was also passionate about the Wisconsin Women's Movement and later became chair of the 5th Wisconsin Women's Day in 1965.    Jane entertained lawyers, judges and their wives often along with her neighbors, the Muellers and other lifelong friends. In 1986, her husband passed away.  Jane continued to be active with neighbors and eventually remarried to Bob Huegel, who also lived on Rutledge Street.  They had five happy years of marriage.  In celebration of her ninetieth birthday, Jane was photographed dressed in leather chaps riding a Harley.  She will be remembered for her loyalty to family and friends, sense of fun and love of a good Manhattan.   Graveside services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. or Shriner's Hospitals for Children. http://www.hospicecareinc.com  http://support.shrinershospitals.org.