Wisconsin State Journal from Madison, Wisconsin • 8

a Wednesday, January 27, 1999 OBITUARIES DEATH NOTICES Banks, Nancy 86. Davis, Robert Campbell, 73. Ohio Deakman, Ida Marguerite. Madison.St Stougnion Eberle, Arthur 73. Jones, William 80 King, John 90.

Kraus, Izetta 80. McElhatton, Ralph 83 Radmer, Norman 79. Rae, Leone 90. du Chien Richards, James 71. Myers, Fla.

Rundhaug, Marvel, 82 Dodaevi Thousand, Pearl Horeb Walsh, Sharlene "Kay," 56 Walsvick, Genevieve Westphal, Gertrude, 83. Zentner, Joan E. "Jo," 75.......... Roy Deakman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

on Friday, January 29, 1999 at NAZARETH HOUSE CHAPEL, 814 Jackson Street. Father Gerard Healy will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the chapel.

Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Stoughton 873-9244 Eberle, Arthur E. MADISON Arthur E. Eberle, age 73, died on Monday, January 25, 1999 at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 5, 1925 to Edward and Mary (Lensing) Eberle. He is survived by; a sister, Catherine (Ralph) Brown; five step children, Angela, Floyd, James, Cleve, and Wesley; a niece; and seven nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor, who died in 1980; and his second wife, Doreen, who died December 12, 1998. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 South Owen Drive, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 1999 with Father Kenneth J. Fiedler officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Jones, William H. MADISON William H. Jones, age 80, of Madison, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 25, 1999 at his home.

He was born on June 16, 1918 in Monroe and had been a long time Madison resident. worked for Bancroft and Milwaukee Journal Newspapers for over 25 years until his retirement. Survivors include, a sister, Belva Garvoile of Rock City, Illinois; a brother, Cecil (Alice) Jones of Monroe; two sisters-in-law, Helen Jones of Brodhead, and Pauline Jones of Juda; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois; a dear friend, David Saulka; and many other close friends. He was also survived by his Freddie and Johnnie. Preceded by parents, George and Dorretta (Porter) Jones, six services will at the RYAN brothers; and three, sisters.

Funeral FUNERAL HOME, 2418 North Sherman Avenue at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 1999. Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. Id King, John J. MONONA John J.

King, age 90, died on Tuesday, January 26, 1999. He was born on November 21, 1908 in Madison, the son of John and Mary (Staub) King. John worked for the University for 25 years, then worked for the Post Office for about 20 years. He later worked for Famous Footwear for about 6 years, then he retired. John and his wife Geraldine celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in December.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Leonhardt) King; four children, Marilyn (Merton) Newton, Richard (Sharron) King, Jeanne (Don) Brill, and Don (Marie) King; eight grandchildren, Robert (Bonnie) Newton, Greg (Mary) Newton, Russell Brill, John Brill, Debra Cline, Jeff King, Diane (Charles) Olson, Jason King; and fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by infant sons, John Robert, and James Michael; a grandson, Michael James Newton; three sisters; three brothers; and his parents. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29, 1999 at 11:00 MONONA LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, with Reverend William J. Pekari presiding. Entombment will follow Memorial Park.

Friends may call on Thursday, January 28, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive. Kraus, Izetta W. MUSCODA Izetta W.

Kraus, age 80 of Muscoda, died on Monday, January 25, 1999 at the Riverdale Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Muscoda. She was born on August 22, 1918 in Richland County, the daughter of Matt and Mabel (Nerby) Chitwood. She was united in marriage on June 1, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa to Richard "Dick" Kraus, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1995. Izetta belonged, to the White at Church, and she to Cross, play cards and ballgames. She is survived by her son, Robert "Bob" (Joy) Kraus of Blue River; son-inlaw Scott Henderson of Fitchburg; four grandchildren, Gary (Carol) Burlington, Kentucky, Sara Kraus of Blue River, Heidi Henderson Douglasville, Georgia and Brian Henderson of Fitchburg; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Avis Caverly of Federal Way, Washington.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Vicki Lynn Henderson, and Linda Luann Kraus; three brothers, Vivian, Clifford, and Keith Chitwood; and a sister, WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL Obituary Information: Marci Rosen, (608) 252-6320 Bonnie Strang. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 1999 at the UNITED CHURCH OF MUSCODA, PRESBYTERIAN. Elder Doris M. Gebhart will officiate.

Burial will be at the Basswood Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, January 28, 1999 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the GODAGER FUNERAL HOME of Muscoda, or on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

at the funeral home. GODAGER FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements. McElhatton, Ralph BLUFFVIEW Ralph E. McEl- hatton, age 83, of Bluffview, rural North Freedom, died on Monday, January 25, 1999 at Sauk Prairie 1 Memorial Hospital. He was on July 12, 1915 in Moline, Illinois, the son of the late James and Christine (Gertson) McElhatton.

He was a United States Army veteran, having served during World War II and was united in marriage to Irene F. Faust on September 28, 1940. He was retired from the University of Wisconsin. Ralph had a good sense of humor, loved people and made friends easily. He enjoyed playing the organ and harmonica and entertaining senior citizens at nursing homes and elderly housing units; and loved gardening, fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Irene McElhatton of Bluffview; two sons, Timothy McElhatton (Barbara Armstrong) of Milwaukee, and Terry McElhatton (Theresa Foss) of Madison; a granddaughter, Tammy McElhatton; a great granddaughter, Taylor Brook Stewart; three brothers, Lawrence McElhatton Montello, Raymond McElhatton of Fond du Lac, and John McElhatton of Kewauskum; three sisters, Marie Stangel of West Bend, Margaret Backus of Fond du Lac, and Marion Peterman of Campbellsport; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, and a sister. Funeral services will be held at GNEWIKOW-HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 1999 with Father La Verne Meier officiating. Burial will follow in the Sauk Prairie Cemetery.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Norman M. Norman M. Radmer, age 79, died on Tuesday, January 26, 1999 the Shady Rest Elder House in Marshall. He was born February 25, 1919 in Port Washington, Wisconsin and was the son of Erich and Catherine (Lenz) Radmer.

He married the former Dolores Kelk on July 27,1946 in Waukegan, Illinois. Norman a member of the B.P.O.E., Loyal Order of the Moose, Eagles Club, V.F.W., American Legion, and the Holy Name Society. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Dolores of Marshall; a son, Donn Radmer of Milwaukee; a daughter, Lillie Radmer of Marshall; and three sisters, Celia Wenzel of Milwaukee, Eleanor Schaff of Milwaukee, and Dorothy (Carl) RasMilwaukee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and five sisters. A memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 1999 at ST. VINCENT PALOTTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 201 N. 76th Milwaukee.

Friends may call from noon until the time of the services at the church on Friday, January 29, 1999. family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to HospiceCare, 2802 Coho Ste. 100, Madison, WI 53713. Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 608-837-5400 Rae, Leone M. PRAIRIE DU CHIEN Leone M.

Rae, age 90, of Du Chien, Wisconsin, died Prairida January 25, 1999 at the Prairie Du Chien Health Care Center. She was born October 9, 1908 in Springbrook, Iowa, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Scheckel) Schmidt. She married Clarence "Buzz" Rae on August 29, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. He preceded her in death in January of 1985. She is survived by five sons, Barney (Jan) of Leesburg, Florida, Peter (Barbara) Rae of Marshfield, Wisconsin, Bill (Pat) Rae of Orlando, Florida, Dale Rae of Albequerque, New Mexico, and Steve (Bonnie) Rae of Oregon, Wisconsin; two daughter, Mary (Ivan) Hoffland of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and Trudy (Gary) Kass of Marinette, Wisconsin; a sister, Mildred Dagnon of Wauzeka Wisconsin; 22 grandchildren; a and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; and four sisters. Funeral services will be Friday, January 29, 1999 at 11:00 A.m. at ST. GABRIELS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Reverend William Gerut officiating, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Friends may call at the church on January 29, 1999 from 10:00 a.m.

until time of services. The GARRITY FUNERAL HOME of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Prairie Health Care Center and St. Gabriels Parish. Richards, James L.

MYERS, FLORIDA James L. Richards, age 71, died on Monday, January 18, 1999 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was born on October 16, 1927 in Platteville, Wisconsin and, after graduating from high school in Platteville, attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He married the former Charlotte Hilleshiem on October 14, 1950, and raised three children with her.

After retirement, he split his time between their home in Madison and their winter home in Florida. Jim was very proud of his family and loved to have his family Evidence tampering possibility in 45 deaths around him. He was especially happy when he could spend time with his granddaughter, Celia. His family and a wide circle of friends will remember Jim with a great deal of love. He may be best remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

Jim is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his daughters, Jane Richards of Middleton, and Ann (Ron) Ravel of Middleton; a son, James Richards of Middleton; his granddaughter, Celia Ravel of Middleton; and his brother, Daniel Richards of Plano, Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews. His parents, Earl and Marjorie Richards; and his sister, Margaret Richards-Belshaw, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 29, at 10:30 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund for students majoring in special education is being established in Jim's name.

If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears however measured or far away -Henry David Thoreau Cress Funeral Home 238-3434 Rundhaug, Marvel in Dodgeville is serving the family. Thousand, Pearl E. MOUNT HOREB Pearl E. Thousand, age 94, died Monday, January 25, 1999 at the Ingleside Nursing Home.

Pearl was born July 19, 1904, to Frederick and Sophia Cliffgard Thousand. She was a graduate of the Platteville Normal School in 1924, and taught in several one room schools. She eventually received a BS Degree for Platteville. Pearl retired from teaching in 1969. All of her students say nearly the same thing about her, "She was a very good and she is very proud of being remembered this way.

During her retirement she was a guide at Little Norway, and was a greeter in one of the Antique shops in Mt. Horeb. Pearl was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a 50 year member of the Verona Eastern Star and was a Past Worthy Matron. Survivors include two nieces, Sherry Huseboe of Ripon, Wisconsin, and Sandy (Randy) Hilgers of Monona, Wisconsin; also great and great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Edna Sharer; a brother, Glenn Thousand; a brother-in-law, Ted Sharer; and a sister-in-law, Ruby Thousand.

Eastern Star Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 1999 followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. from the ELLESTAD FUNERAL HOME in Mt. Horeb. Friends may call.

from 11:30 a.m. on Thursday until time of services. The family would like to thank all her former students and DODGEVILLE Marvel Rundhaug, age 82 of Dodgeville, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at the Medical Care Facility in Dodgeville. Marvel was born January 2, 1917 in Daleyville, Wisconsin, the son of Syver and Hannah (Milestone) Rundhaug, and was raised in Daleyville. On May 12, 1942 he married Helen M.

Lins of Spring Green. They farmed in the Mt. Horeb and Mineral Point areas before settling in Dodgeville in 1948. Marvel loved the land, farming and spending time with his family. He was a member of St.

Joseph's Catholic Church in Dodgeville. Marvel is survived by his wife, Helen; four daughters, Mary Ellen (Stan) Hahn of Cedarburg, Marlene Rundhaug Madison, Joan (Craig) Witz of Oregon, and Karen (Mark) Sherman of Waunakee; two sons, LeRoy (Julie) Rundhaug of Reedsburg, and Ron (Karen) Rundhaug of Dodgeville; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Mable Knutson, Emma Olson, Hazel Olson, Selma Schraepfer, and Orville Rundhaug. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 29, 1999 at ST. CHURCH in JOSEPH'S Dodgeville, at CATHOLIC 11:00 a.m., Father Henry Kalschever officiating.

Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. Burial will be at St. Jo. seph's Cemetery in Dodgeville.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. For as long as there memory, they'll live on in the heart. Love always, your family. The MCGINLEY FUNERAL HOME families that sent cards and for the visits, through of out Ingleside, the and years and Ingelha- to ven for their wonderful care. Walsh, Sharlene "Kay" MADISON Sharlene "Kay" Walsh, age 56, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 25, 1999 in a Madison hospital.

She was born on July 7, 1942 at Cassville, the daughter of Bernard J. and Ruth A. (Phelps) Walsh. She enjoyed helping her friend, Jim Kluever, Christmas House on Jenifer Streble. She is survived by her son, Ronald R.

Walsh of Madison; her daughters, Robin Walsh Rouse of Cassville, and Michelle Walsh of Madison; her grandchildren, Bobby, Katie, Justin, Terry, Stacy, Nicole, Joseph, Tosha, Christina, and Andrew; her mother, Ruth A. Walsh of Cassville; brothers Robert and Terry Walsh, both of Cassville; a half-brother, Michael Walsh; a half sister, Marsha Walsh Tojar; a special friend, Joe Seiger; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; brother, Patrick Terry Walsh; and a sister, Patsy J. Holden. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m.

on Friday, January 29, 1999 at the SCHROEDER CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Avenue. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Schroeder Cress Funeral Home 249-6666 Genevieve I.

MADISON Genevieve I. Walsvick, age 84, died on Monday, January 25, 1999. The former Genevieve Ida Helmke was the daughter of Robert and Ida Helmke. She was born in the Township of Windsor on May 26, 1914. She was baptized and confirmed at the North Windsor Methodist Church which her family attended.

She grew on a 200 acre farm on the Windsor, prairie. She her brothers and sisters went to Maple Grove School which was built on the family farm. She graduated from DeForest High School in 1932. After graduation she worked as an apprentice in a beauty shop. Mrs.

Walsvick worked for many years at Oscar Mayer, then in 1964 she worked at Demco Library retiring in 1980. She married Lewie Walsvick on March 27, 1937, he preceded her in death on February 7, 1977. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Richard at birth, and David age 18; a grandson, Derek Walsvick age 18; three sisters, Edith Hughey, Alice Kampen, and Feru Hackbart; two brothers, Ernest Helmke, and Herbert Helmke. In 1940, she became a member of Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church. Survivors include a son, Duane Walsvick; a daughter, Dolores (Charles) Austin; three granddaughters, Dawn (Gary) Keys, Austin, and Denise Walsvick; two grandsons, Dale (Joan) Austin, and Dahn (Teresa) Austin; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, sistersin-law, brothers-in-law, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 28, 1999 a.m. at EASTSIDE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2310 Independence Lane, with Reverend Glen F. Schmiege presiding. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m.

until time of services at the church. Memorials can be made to Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church. GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME 5203 Monona Drive is assisting with arrangements. Westphal, Gertrude COLUMBUS Gertrude Westphal, age 83, of Columbus, died on Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at University Hospital in Madison. Arrangements are pending.

ZEIDLER FUNERAL HOME Columbus, Wisconsin Zentner, Joan E. "Jo" BELLEVILLE Joan E. "Jo" Zentner, age 75, of Belleville, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at Manor Care in Madison. She was born on August 29, 1923 in Madison, the daughter of Al and. Anna (Faber) Schmelzer.

She 1941 graduate of Madison West High School. On August 16, 1947 she was united in marriage to Cloyance "Clancy" Zentner Madison. She was employed at" First National Bank, General Casualty Insurance and B.J.'s Hair Salon, and owned and operated with her husband Zentner's Family Restaurant in Belleville. Jo was a member of the Swiss United Church of Christ, ior New Glarus and the Belleville SenCitizens. Survivors include husband, Cloyance "Clancy" Zentner of Belleville; two daughters, Kay (Don) Hale of Clinton and Jane Rea of Mauston; three grandchildren, Jamie (Nikki) Ladwig of Mauston, Jason Ladwig of Madison and Melissa Ladwig of Mauston; a great grandchild, Taylor Ladwig; and a sister, Catherine Capicik of Alabama.

She was preceded in -death by her parents; a brother, Herb Schmelzer; and a sister, Eleanor Merton. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29, 1999 at 11:00 a.m. at SWISS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, New Glarus. The Rev. Marlea Waber officiating with burial in the Belleville Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 1999 at the ZENTNER-BEAL FUNERAL HOME, New Glarus. LEGAL NOTICES Continued from previous page STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY ORDER GIVING NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN M. STERN An application has been filed for informal administration of the estate of the above named person, domiciled in Dane County, Wisconsin, whose post office address was 6201 Elmwood Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562, and all interested persons have waived notice.

IT IS ORDERED THAT creditors' claims must be filed on or before April 26, 1999, or be barred. BY THE COURT: David A. Flesch Probate Court Commissioner January 22, 1999 Attorney Bruce A. Tammi 405 East Lincoln Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 PUB. WSJ: January 27, February 3 and 10, 1999 By Robert H.

Reid Associated Press Banks, Nancy R. Nancy R. Banks, age 86, was born on June 19, 1912, the seventh child of John Anthony and Nannie Bolton Reneau in Pontotoc, Mississippi. She departed this life at home in Madison on January 23, 1999. Nancy was a 1931 graduate of Beloit High School.

In Beloit, she was a member of St. Matthias United Methodist Church serving at various times as a financial secretary, superintendent, teacher, church historian, and lay delegate to annual conferences and was President of the United Methodist Women's Organization. In Oklahoma City, she member of Quayle UMC and the UMW. Nancy. enjoyed baking and reading and also wrote poetry, some which was published by the National Library of Poetry: "The On the Threshold of a Dream, Volume III, 1992; and "Winter Outstanding Poets of 1994.

She was preceded in death: by her parents; her husband, her sisters, Josephine, Gertrude, Mildred and brothers, John, Jesse, William and Robert. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Robert and wife, Janet of Madison, her daughters, Nancy J. Banks and Judith B. Rhodes, both of Oklahoma City, her grandchildren, Anthony C. Scott and wife, Patsie and Darrell Banks all of Oklahoma City, Carla B.

Phillips (Vincent) of Atlanta, Georgia; greatgrandchildren, Tandon Scott of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Courtney Scott of Beloit, Michelle Moore of Stevens Point, Kallie Kirk and Alexandra Stanger of Madison; a brother, Attorney Andrew R. Reneau of Brown Deer; sisters-in-law, Frances Reneau (Jesse) of Beloit, Naomi B. Sells of Decatur, Illinois, a brother-in-law, Jasper Banks of Taylorville, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. Nancy was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who constantly gave her love, wisdom and time and she will be sorely missed. Special thanks to Hospice Care of Madison, Reverend Mary Council-Austin, Pastor Salca UMC of Fond du Lac, former pastor and friend of the deceased.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 29, 1999, Reverend Mary CouncilAustin officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may made to Hospice Care of Madison or the United Methodist Women's Organization. Davis, Robert Campbell CLEVELAND, OHIO Robert Campbell Davis, age 73, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, died on Monday, January 25, 1999. He was the beloved husband of Lois L. (nee Dutton) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; and the dear father of Leigh C. Davis of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, January 31, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. in the AMASA STONE CHAPEL (on the CWRU campus), 10950 Euclid in Cleveland, Ohio. Reception to follow in Tomlinson Hall. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Kelvin Smith Library, Tribute Gifts Program, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106. BROWNFORWARD FUNERAL HOME of Shaker Heights, Ohio is in charge of arrangements.

Deakman, Ida Marguerite Ida Marguerite "Nana" GoodsonDeakman was taken to heaven on Monday, January 25, 1999. Marguerite was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Herbert and Ida (Leeds) Catlin. She worked as a governess in the Chicago area for many years, and loved to recite her own poetry and sing to her greatgrandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Gayle Arndt; five grandchildren, Christine (Paul) Hartnett, Jacob Arndt, David Arndt, Marguerite Smail, and Mark (Laurie) Arndt; fifteen greatgrandchildren; and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur Goodson; her hero brother, Herbert Catlin and second husband, PRISTINA, Yugoslavia Finnish forensic experts investigating how 45 ethnic Albanian villagers were killed may be unable to determine whether they were massacred or shot in battle because of the possibility of evidence tamper-: ing, the lead pathologist said Tuesday.

The remarks by Helena, Ranta suggest the world may never learn for sure the truth of the Racak village killings, which sparked international outrage and renewed calls for NATO action against the government Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. The U.S. chief of the international peace monitors, William Walker, has accused Serb police of killing the civilians and called the slayings a massacre. Yugoslav authorities claim the dead were els killed in battle. They ordered Walker expelled for his comments but froze the order after strong international pressure.

Ranta stressed Tuesday thatshe was not accusing anyone of tampering with the bodies, but said the possibility could not be ruled out. The bodies, including a boy and three women, were moved without supervision first by ethnic Albanians to a mosque in Racak and later by Serb police to the Pristina morgue. In addition, Ranta said Yugoslav authorities had already conducted autopsies on about a third of the bodies before her team arrived. "The problem as we see it, it is difficult to reconstruct the 'chain of custody' over the bodies," she. said.

"There is a possibility of contamination and a possibility of fabrication of evidence." Ranta said some of the bodies tested positive on paraffin tests, indicating they may have fired a weapon. But paraffin tests are widely discounted in U.S. courts because tobacco and fertilizers often give the same results as gunpowder. The dead were mostly farmers in a region where smoking is nearly universal among males. The chief prosecutor for the international war crimes tribunal for Yugoslavia, Louise Arbour, said last week she would take very seriously any evidence of tampering with the bodies.

She said such an' act could be seen as displaying "consciousness of guilt" by the perpetrator. Yugoslav authorities have permitted the Finnish team, sponsored by the European Union, to examine the bodies but have refused to permit the U.N. war crimes tribunal to conduct an on- site investigation. Non-orthodox Jews suffer a setback New York Times JERUSALEM. Efforts by the conservative and reform Jewish movements to gain official recognition in Israel suffered a setback Tuesday when the Israeli Parliament passed a bill intended to bar non-orthodox Jews from the country's powerful religious councils.

Although the bill's practical effect is still to be tested, it has fueled the debate on religious pluralism in Israel and on the role of religion in the Jewish state. Leaders of the small conservative and reform movements here, who have been been chipping away at the orthodox control of religious affairs in Israel, warned that the legislation would cause a rift with Jews abroad, most of whom are not orthodox. "I am deeply concerned that this legislation will alienate diaspora Jewry, two-thirds of the Jewish people, from the State of Israel," said Rabbi Ehud Bandel, president of the conservative. movement in Israel. "The Parliament has said that there is only one legitimate Judaism in Israel: Orthodox Judaism." Israel's Sephardic chief rabbi lashed out at the Reform movement, saying it had led to the loss of more Jews by assimilation than in the Holocaust.

"We know that the one-way street sanctioning assimilation is the Reform system, the Reform conversion, the Reform synagogue," said the rabbi, Eliahu Bakshi-Doron. Facing the prospect that strictly orthodox lawmakers would block approval of the state budget if the councils bill was not passed, the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mustered just enough votes to pass the bill, 50 to 49 with one abstention. Suspended budget discussions resumed after the vote, which followed a stormy debate that lasted late into Monday night and ended Tuesday afternoon..