Obituary: Lois Arlene (Anderson) Benes, 88

Lois Arlene (Anderson) Benes, 88, of Whitewater (formerly of Middleton) passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her home, with family by her side.

Lois was born April 15, 1935, to her loving parents, Harriett and Randolph Anderson of Whitewater, WI. Lois lived and played on the ‘home farm’ through all of her growing up years, where she was fiercely protected and mothered by her older sister Gwen (Vandiver). She also had two older brothers, Berwyn and Vinton, whom she would help on occasion with the farm chores! Lois graduated from Whitewater City High with the class of 1953 and soon after graduation, married the love of her life, James W. Benes. After their marriage, Jim soon enlisted in the Army and Lois, along with their first born (Diane) stayed in Whitewater with her parents. After Jim’s military service was complete, the family moved to Madison for Jim to attend the UW Madison.

Lois spent the next 4 years with her growing family of 3 at Truax apartments, where she said were some of the best years of her life. This is where she got involved and would meet with 10-12 other women to discuss the stock market. They called themselves ‘Profits Preferred’ and even after she moved from Madison to Middleton, she still remained active watching the Dow!

Lois was a very compassionate and humble human being, who graciously followed the good Lord’s path he put before her. From country girl to city girl, to mother of three, to mother of many, she always answered his call …

From 1964 through 1986, Lois fostered over 60 infants and children. She always said she wanted a bus full of children and they couldn’t have been blessed with a better driver!

Her passion to help these foster children who arrived, or those she picked up directly from the hospital, was evident. You could hear the love when she spoke of them, and you could see the love when her family recently found items she had saved throughout the years, like their homework, crayon drawings, and first haircuts. Lois also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for a time, and was always up for ‘wheeling away’ in their motorhome for an Elderhostel adventure! Lois and Jim traveled to many places with the Elderhostel Program, along with some unplanned back road adventures that her husband always seemed to take her on! She thoroughly enjoyed all of these adventures and could tell you by memory, all the towns, dates, history and mishaps they encountered on each one of them!

Lois and Jim also belonged to the Westport Squares square dancing club for over 40 years, where they traveled to every State Square Dance Convention, not missing one in those 40 years! Square dancing was her passion and she acquired many lifelong friends over the years through their club. Lois’s conversations will be deeply missed, whether it was about the weather, the love of her country, or hearing the love she had for whomever she was talking with.

When the last allemande left was called, her 3 children Diane (Paul) Shiveler, Gary (Sherrie) Benes and Kay Benes, knew she was already ‘gussied’ up and waiting for her partner ‘Jimmy’ (DOD; August 2, 2023) to take her home …

Besides her 3 children, she also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters, 1 step great- granddaughter and two special foster daughters, Tamara and Julian.

She is also survived by two sister in laws, Marilynne (Jack) Albrecht and Sherri Benes (Kevin Coursey) along with many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Fairhaven Senior Services for their unending compassion and support, along with Rainbow Hospice.

The family has established an internship with KMLT in memory of their parents.

Memorials can be made to:
Kettle Moraine Land Trust
Memo: James W and Lois A Benes Internship
PO Box 176
Elkhorn, WI 53121

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Rodney “Mike” Sprague, 75, of Janesville

Rodney ‘Mike’ Sprague, age 75, of Janesville, WI departed this life on Monday, February 12, 2024.

Mike was born on January 29, 1949, in Geneva Township, WI, the son of Edward F. and Helen M. (Gerlach) Sprague.

He graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1968. Then went on to proudly served in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War, as a Light Weapons Infantryman. During this time he received numerous medals including; Vietnam Service medal with two Bronze Service Stars and Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster. Upon returning home with honorable discharge he met and married the love of his life Christine ‘Chris’ Hoefler on February 9, 1974. They went on to have two daughters Laura and Lydia.

He spent many years employed at Mastermold in Johnson Creek as a supervisor. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, being a “handyman,” telling sarcastic jokes and spending time with his dogs.

His love though was his family- attending their sporting events cheering them on and spoiling his only grandchild Gianna who called him Bapa.

Mike is survived by his wife Chris Sprague; two daughters Laura (Quincy) Hutcherson and Lydia Sprague; granddaughter Gianna Hutcherson; brother Robert (Linda) Sprague, sister Kathleen Ball; his dog Winnie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jerome and Ross Sprague; two sisters: A. Diane Crusan and Jeanne Flitcroft.

Mike will have a private burial with Full Military Honors at a later date. The APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.apfelwolfe.com

Obituary: Carl J. “Joe” Lange Jr., 63, of Fort Atkinson

Carl J. “Joe” Lange Jr., age 63, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2024 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville TN.

He was born on May 25, 1960 in Watertown, WI. to Carl J.T. Sr. and Arlene (Ward) Lange.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Fort Atkinson, WI. He attended Fort Atkinson High School.

On October 21, 2017, he was united in Marriage to Melissa Nelson.

Joe was a dedicated truck driver for W&A Distribution Services, Inc. of Fort Atkinson for 33.5 years. He has over 1.7 million miles logged during his career. He was very proud of his safe driving record of 32.5 years without an accident. 

Joe was happiest when he was relaxing and enjoying the simpler things in life. He enjoyed watching movies and gambling (especially scratch-offs). Joe was always willing to lend a hand and help others in their time of need. 

Joe is survived by his parents Carl and Arlene Lange of Fort Atkinson, WI. Wife Melissa Nelson of Fort Atkinson, WI. Son Corey Lange of Jefferson, WI. Daughter Kayla Doucette of Cottage Grove, WI.  Stepson Benjamin Pawlowski of Fargo, ND. Four grandchildren Archer Denault-Lange, Hailey Doucette, William Doucette, and Kyler Pawlowski.  He is further survived by his brother Jeffrey (Diana Bush) Lange Brooklyn, WI. Sister Kimberly (Mark) Gang Harshaw, WI. The mother of his children Jodi Lange of Fort Atkinson, WI. As well as many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Joe’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 02, 2024 at American Legion Post 166 Hall, 201 S. Water Street, Fort Atkinson, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Alvin (Al) George Grosskreutz, 91, of Marietta, GA

Alvin (Al) George Grosskreutz of Marietta, Georgia passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the age of 91. Al was born on February 17, 1932 in Watertown, Wisconsin where he grew up on the family dairy farm with his parents Gustav and Hilda and 14 siblings until he began his military service in 1949 with the U.S. Air Force. After tour of duty ended, Al began working for Lockheed Aeronautical in Marietta, Georgia in 1955 where he continued his support to the Air Force by leading the field service responsibilities for the C-130 and C-141 aircrafts. He enjoyed traveling the world in support of these aircrafts, including living in Libya for 4 years where he developed relationships that lasted his lifetime. Al retired from Lockheed in 1989 after 34 years with the company.

In his retirement, Al was active in the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and enjoyed collecting and repairing antique clocks. He also restored antique cars and loved “digging in the dirt” taking care of his yard and growing tomatoes. Al was also an emeritus with the Freemasons.

Al is preceded in death by his wife Doris, who passed in 2007, his parents, 8 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by his brother Dick Grosskreutz, and his sisters Shirley Matthews and Carol Fero, his daughters, Debbie Hunt and Gail Farnan, their husbands, Mark Hunt and Rob Farnan, and grandchildren, Heather Kampmann, Bill Hunt, Matt Farnan, Adam Farnan, and 3 great- grandchildren. Lots of nieces and nephew and 3 grand-puppies.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation service Saturday, February 10th at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park at 2950 Cobb Parkway N, Kennesaw, Georgia from 1-3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research activities related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Obituary: David (Dave) J. Schelb, 72, of Fort Atkinson

David (Dave) J. Schelb, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on January 27, 2024, at home with his wife by his side after a 10-year battle against Stage Four Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastases.

Dave was born on February 12, 1951, in Fort Atkinson to Marian (Obermeier) and Elmer Schelb. He married his soulmate Betty Wagie on August 25, 1984.

Dave (also known as Whale by his co-workers), worked at Jones Dairy Farm for 39 years, retiring in 2013. He served in the Army National Guard for eight years and was a member of Paul Frank Florine American Legion Post #116.

Dave and Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the USA as well as some destination vacations, visits to casinos, watching the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks, going to the Whitewater Wm. Graham American Legion Post #173 Cabin in Lake Tomahawk, playing cards and spending time with family.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Betty of 39 years, daughter Heather (David) Neustadt, son Ryan (Jessica) Schelb, grandchildren Conner & Jamison Neustadt, brother Donald Schelb, Mounds View, Minnesota, brother-in-law Bill (Jane) Wagie, sisters-in-law Mary (Russ) Rogers, Eileen (Fred) Laatsch, Dorothy (Stan) Waga, several nieces and nephews, and bonus sister and brother Sandy and Ron Troemel.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Schelb and Marian Lueder, sister Joan Laird, father and mother-in-law Walter and Jean Wagie, sister in-law Joan Wagie, and nieces Stacie Rogers, and Nicole Wagie.

Per Dave’s wishes a formal visitation will not be held, instead a Celebration of Life will be held on February 10, 2024 at the American Legion Dugout in Fort Atkinson from 11 to 2. A final farewell prayer and Military honors will take place at noon, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Rainbow Community Care (formerly known as Rainbow Hospice), St Jude’s, Camp American Legion Lake Tomahawk, Wi, or a charity of your choice in Dave’s memory.

Dave’s family would like to thank family and friends for all the support through his cancer battle. Special thanks go out to Dr. Shannon O’Mahar and the staff at SSM Dean Oncology in Janesville, Rainbow Community Care, and Dr. Stephen Riggs and the staff at SSM Fort for the amazing and compassionate care Dave received throughout his ten-year cancer battle.

Obituary: Linda Lou Snyder, 66, of Milton

Linda Lou Snyder, age 66, of Milton passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville.  Linda was born on October 12, 1957 to Kenneth and Joyce (Mitten) Snyder in Janesville, Wisconsin.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1976 and went on to work in the agricultural field.

She enjoyed bowling, playing pool, trap shooting and darts.  She was very involved with her family and loved her extended family with Mike for the last 32 years.

She enjoyed her flower gardens, knitting and crocheting.  She loved her Yorkies, and especially her gold Trans Am.

She is survived by her son Justin (Tina) Snyder, her significant other Mike, Brother Dale (Patty) Snyder, nieces Dawn (Dan Spell) Snyder, Jamie (Kyle Schnitzenbaumer) Snyder, Corey (Marcus Olson) Snyder, three great-nieces, three great-nephews and many great friends.

She is predeceased by her parents and one great-niece.

Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton. Visitation time will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Susanne Marie Siebert, 67

Born to Tom and Joan Bray in Schenectady, New York on August 6th, 1956, Susanne “Sue” (Bray) Siebert burst into heaven with a boisterous laugh on January 25, 2024.

Sue grew up in Clay, NY, a suburb of Syracuse. She loved her childhood there and would reminisce about times on the Finger Lakes and in the Adirondacks. In her teens, she sang and played guitar in the band The White Hat Special, something she talked about throughout her life.

In 1972, Sue’s family moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin with her father’s job transfer. She attended Brookfield East High School, graduating in 1974. While there she competed in gymnastics in the vault. After high school she briefly attended UW Whitewater, studying art.

In 1976 she married John Siebert, also of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Shortly after they began having children — Nate, Ben, and Luke. Sue was a stay-at-home mom when her children were younger, while also taking on commissioned paintings, selling crafts at fairs, and working jobs as a housekeeper and cleaner. She was quite active in several different churches, singing and playing guitar, and held VBS (vacation Bible school) in the backyard complete with puppet shows. As the boys got older, she worked as an administrative assistant, salesperson, and customer service rep. She made friends everywhere she worked.

Sue had an infectious laugh, often coupled with a quick snort, that brought energy to any room she entered.

She enjoyed traveling (but mostly to visit family) crafting, sewing, painting, cooking, playing guitar, growing flowers, watching birds, watching Hallmark movies, cousin sleepovers with the grandkids, talking to her dogs, and of course, the Packers.

She absolutely adored and loved her family and friends. The stories she told were almost always about them, and her favorite times were with them. She welcomed everyone into her home, always wanting to share a meal or have a party to celebrate just about anything.

She is credited with heroically saving her husband John’s life, being trained in and performing CPR after a massive heart attack from which he recovered completely.

Sue is survived by her husband, John Siebert of Brookfield; her parents Thomas Bray and Joan (Weaver) Bray; her boys Nathan (Natasha) Siebert, Benjamin (Nichole) Siebert, and Luke (Yazmily) Siebert; her grandchildren Loken, Jonas, Finn, Esten, Mason, Maddox, Grace, and Noah; her aunts Colleen Reddy and Kathy Markley; her siblings Mary (Bray) Walker, Tom (Kathy) Bray, Steve (Beate) Bray, Julie (Dick) D’Agostini, Lynn (Pete) Dickinson, Nancy (Ron) Epling; siblings-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends from all over.

She is preceded in death by her in-laws Glenn & Joan Siebert, uncle Jack Bray, brother-in-law Bob Walker, brother-in-law Dan Siebert, her niece Melissa Bray, and nephew Daniel Bray.

She will be greatly missed.

On February 26th, a visitation will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Christian Schools (New Berlin) attn: Business Office – Sue Siebert Memorial.

Obituary: Gregg Godfrey, 79, of Fort Atkinson

Gregg Godfrey, 79, of Fort Atkinson, passed away February 1, 2024 at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Gregg was born on October 25, 1944, to Spencer and Norma Godfrey. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1962. Gregg married his high school sweetheart, Jane (Henze), on April 10, 1965 in Whitewater. They had two children, Gregg M. and Darren. He worked at Chrysler for 30 years, raised calves, owned and operated many businesses including: Godfrey Dredging, A&W in Broadhead, a small resort on Lake Koshkonong, an amusement game vending route and the Owl’s Club.

Gregg loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He was kind, compassionate, caring, smart, resilient and a prankster who loved to make people laugh. Gregg was a true patriarch, a role model and his strength and wisdom helped to guide all of us through life.

He will be deeply missed by his family; sons, Gregg M. Godfrey of Texas and Darren (Mindy) Godfrey of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Carron (Gregg M.), Silver & Cole (Darren), great grandchildren, Jacksen & Landen, sister and brother. Gregg was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Godfrey and his parents, Spencer and Norma Godfrey.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., in Fort Atkinson. A visitation will take place from 2 p.m. until the time of service, followed by a celebration of life and luncheon at Lucy’s Hideaway (formerly known as Owl’s Club), 5847 E. County Road N, Milton, Wisconsin 53563. All welcome. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Shirley Sebranek, 90

Shirley Sebranek passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Fairhaven Retirement
Community in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

She was born on December 15, 1933, in Wiota Wisconsin, daughter of Orlean and Orpha Wahl. Graduated from South Wayne High School. She married Adolph Sebranek on August 19, 1956. They lived most of their lives and raised their family in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Shirley worked at the Pharmacy in Fort Atkinson for several years before it closed and then 27 years at Walmart in Whitewater in the clothing department.

She loved spending time with family and friends, especially with the grandchildren (playing games and spoiling them); as well as going to coffee with friends, bowling when younger, going out for dinner on Fridays, watching sitcoms (Raymond, Fraser, and the Golden Girls) and reality shows (The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and Survivor), and going to church and brunch on Sundays.

She is survived by children Alan Sebranek, Ron (Dawn) Sebranek; grandchildren Jacob, Dayne, Christa, Lukas, Trevor, and Eli; sister in-laws Nancy Sebranek and Sheryl Sebranek; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by husband Adolph Sebranek, daughter Barbara, parents Orlean and Orpha Wahl, brothers Roger (Ruthie) Wahl and Sammy (Vivian) Wahl, sister in-law Bessie (Joe) Fawcett, brother in-law Duane Sebranek, brother in-law Maynard Sebranek, and god-daughter Dawn Wirth.

Shirley just loved everyone. Always smiling and willing to help if she could. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 314 Barrie Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on Monday, February 12th . Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral to follow at 11:30. Memorials can be made to Fairhaven Retirement Community Christmas fund for all the wonderful nurses and staff that care for the residents of Fairhaven. We greatly appreciate all the care and assistance they provided for Shirley.

Obituary: Betty (Guge) McManaway, 85

Betty (Guge) McManaway passed on peacefully on January 29th, 2024.

She was born on May 16th, 1938 to Walter and Dorothy Guge of Elgin, Illinois as the first of five children. She married the love of her life, Ray (Ed) McManaway on February 16, 1957. In the months following their wedding, the two of them had quite the adventures. The week after their wedding they drove to California for Ed’s Army heavy vehicle training for 6 weeks. Upon finishing his training, they had less than a week to drive back to Chicago so he could catch a flight for him to begin his 18 months of active duty in Germany. Betty then worked for a few months to be able to afford to travel to Germany to join him. While over there, Ed had little time off, but they were able to road trip to various places. Their favorite trip was when they went to Paris and then the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. After Ed’s service they returned to Wheeling, Illinois to start their family. They built their own home that was not completed until the day they moved out. In 1974 they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin to start the next chapter of their life, farming and enjoying the country life. Upon moving to Whitewater, Betty held multiple different part time jobs, but her favorite one was as a mother and grandmother, always going to every game, concert, or event. She was able to do all of this while managing the books for the farm and keeping Ed in line.

Anyone who knew her knew she loved to be busy and always had to be doing something. She loved cooking, cleaning, golfing, gardening, and going on walks around the farm, even during the winter months.

She was predeceased by her brothers Joe and Leonard Guge; and is survived by husband, Ed; sons, Wally (Gina) and Gordy (Omlay); grandchildren, Erin and Thomas McManaway; brother, Al Guge, sister, Marilyn Bassler; and many nieces and nephews.

We wish to thank Stephanie and Jess from Hearthstone for their help over the past two years, John and Nancy Hoffmann for their life-long friendship and support and the numerous other friends, family and neighbors that visited or left an impact on her life.

A private family service will be scheduled for a later date. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com