Lynn Binnie

Obituary: Suzanne (Ogden) Inglefield, 85, of Fort Myers, FL

Suzanne (Ogden) Inglefield, 85, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Fort Myers, Florida.

Sue was born in Akron, Ohio and during her youth had several hometowns in the US and abroad while traveling with her parents and younger brother as her father served as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. She graduated from Washington Lee High School in Virginia and attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in Double Bass and was certified to teach K-12 Music, Elementary Classroom, and had a minor in Botany.

After graduating from Eastman, Suzanne began her 30+ year teaching career in 1962 as an elementary teacher at the Woodland School in Stow, Ohio. During this time, she also played double bass in the Akron and Columbus Symphony Orchestras. After relocating with her husband, Howard, and young daughter, Cindy, to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1966, Sue joined the Whitewater High School faculty as Vocal Music Director where she led numerous choral groups, swing choir, taught music theory class, gave private vocal and piano lessons, and left an indelible impact on her students. Sue’s choral performances were known for their difficult repertoire, precision, and musicality. “Mrs. I” always believed that her high school students could rise to the difficulty of professional works including Beethoven’s 9th Ode to Joy, Norman Dello Joio’s Jubilant Song or Aaron Copland’s Ching-A-Ring Chaw with encouragement, determination, and hard work. As a result of her professionalism and dedication to quality, her choruses were invited to perform with regional orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Choir was invited to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City. She retired in 1995.

Sue and her husband, Howard, were avid travelers. They were both past Presidents of the Wisconsin Badger Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) and Sue was a 4-Star Mariner on Holland America. Rarely was there a summer when they weren’t travelling cross-country together in their motorhome, taking a cruise, or driving to a local national park just to camp. She navigated the family motorhome over every interstate in the nation, visited every state and most of the National Parks. She was equally comfortable in the Captain’s Dining Room on the cruise ship or in the canoe of the tribal chief paddling down the Amazon River. She loved experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and the Green Mountains of New Zealand.

Sue was also an excellent seamstress, a lifelong birder, a generous philanthropist to numerous organizations, and was a devoted naturalist. She was an active volunteer for Audubon Florida’s EagleWatch program and logged hundreds of hours monitoring her assigned eagle nests near her home. However, what most will remember about Sue is her kindness and her openness to everyone. She is the mother most kids wish they had. She would not criticize but always encourage. She thrived on details and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. When any question came up, she would quickly consult Google because she couldn’t stand not knowing the answer. Those who knew her well, unanimously think of her as vivacious, enthusiastic, and full of life.

Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Howard Inglefield, and is survived by a brother, Charles L. Ogden, Jr. of Fort Myers, Florida; by two daughters, Cynthia Sullivan and her husband Timothy of Fort Myers, and Sylvia Hatcher and her husband Nathan of Plant City, Florida; a granddaughter, Kristin Olson Kraus and her husband Steve of Fairbanks, Alaska; and two nieces, Brigid Ogden of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Marie (Ogden) Repec and her husband Eric of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with their three children.

The family will hold a private memorial service near her home in Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society by mail to: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741; or online at: https://support.bestfriends.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=memorial_gift

Seniors in the Park Presents Barbie

“Barbie”
Tuesday, December 12, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Fantasy) Rated PG-13; 
1 hour, 54 minutes (2023).

This NOT your childhood Barbie! It’s a clever, droll take on beauty, perfection, and feminism.

Stars Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (Ken). Directed by Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird,” “Jackie,” and “Little Women”).

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. There is no charge to attend.

Obituary: Vicki E. Jako, 74, of Jefferson

Vicki E. Jako, 74, of Jefferson, WI and previously of Palmyra, WI passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023 at her home.

Vicki was born on March 11, 1949 in Watertown, WI the daughter of Ronald and Phoebe (Vick) Nufer. She grew up in the Chenequa area and then moved to Palmyra where she would spend the majority of her life. Vicki graduated from Palmyra High School in 1967. She was blessed with two children, Stephanie and John. Vicki worked in a few different capacities during her working years. She owned and operated Willson’s Sports in Palmyra for a number of years with her first husband Mike Willson. She also worked at True Value in Whitewater and most recently worked for Standard Process in Palmyra. Vicki was strong and did what was necessary to provide for herself and her family. She had a number of physical ailments during her life that she overcame to work and support those around her. Vicki was united in marriage to her current husband, Michael Jako, at their home in 1990 and the two would go on to enjoy over 30 years of marriage together. Vicki loved to work outside in her yard and tend to her gardens. She was also content indoors sewing, crocheting or reading a good book. A talented cook and baker, Vicki made sure to keep those around her well fed. She also had a special connection with animals. In her younger years she enjoyed riding her horse, and she also loved her pet cats dearly. Vicki was a loving wife, mom and grandma and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her loving husband, Michael Jako of Jefferson; her children, Stephanie (Craig) Pagenkopf of Sullivan, and John (Teresa) Willson of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren, Carter and Caden Pagenkopf and Melanie Willson; and her siblings, Peggy Mickel of Whitewater, Dan (Sharon) Nufer of Monroe, and David (Julie) Nufer of Whitewater. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Vicki is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials in Vicki’s honor may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Vicki will be laid to rest during a Graveside Service at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, WI.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

UW-W December Commencement Set for Dec. 16

By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing and Communications

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, as proud families and friends gather for the 2023 December commencement ceremony.

Approximately 620 students will cross the stage to receive their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Chancellor Corey A. King, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center. 

This year’s commencement speaker is Barbara Kreisman. Since earning a Bachelor of Science in journalism and a minor in English in 1972, she has served in professional roles at Dell Computer, where she worked for 12 years in strategic human resources, organizational development and staffing, and in faculty and leadership roles at the University of Denver, where she spent more than 17 years as associate dean of the Executive MBA Program for the Daniels College of Business. Kriesman calls herself a retirement journeys Sherpa — someone who helps individuals transition to retirement at a time they may fear losing their identity, network of colleagues, importance, power and influence.

The student speaker is Patrice Achu, who is earning his Doctorate of Business Administration. A native of Cameroon, Achu will be receiving his third degree from UW-Whitewater, completing an educational path that includes a BBA in accounting in 2010 and an MBA in project management in 2020. He joins May 2023 graduate Eric Barber as one of two Warhawks in the school’s history to earn a DBA and two other degrees from UW-Whitewater. He is currently North American comptroller for Kerry Group, a public food company headquartered in Ireland.

The ceremony will recognize 45 undergraduates from the College of Arts and Communication, 145 from the College of Business and Economics, 136 from the College of Education and Professional Studies, four from the College of Integrated Studies, 144 from the College of Letters and Sciences, and six degrees that are not college-specific, for a total of 480 undergraduate degrees. The School of Graduate Studies will award 140 degrees, including 130 master’s degrees and 10 doctorates.

The graduating class includes 3 international students, 64 military veterans and 141 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 74 self-identified students with disabilities will receive degrees.

Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWWTV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement.

Seven UW-W Football Players Earn All-Region Honors

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

Seven Warhawk football players represent the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on the 2023 All-Region 6 teams announced by D3football.com Wednesday. UW-Whitewater’s contingent consists of five First Team selections, one Second Team honoree and a Third Team pick. 

Senior defensive back Egon Hein became a three-time All-Region selection with First Team honors this season. A two-year team captain, Hein is a semifinalist for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy and William V. Campbell Trophy. The First Team All-WIAC pick returned from injury to appear in seven contests. A lockdown defender frequently tasked with shutting down top receivers, Hein registered 22.0 tackles including 2.5 for losses while adding a pair of interceptions and five pass breakups this season.

Also representing the Warhawk defense with First Team honors this season, linebacker Joey Antonietti received his first All-Region nod. The sophomore led UWW in total tackles (90) and interceptions (4) while adding 5.5 tackles for a loss on the season. He ranked among the top ten in the WIAC in interceptions per game and tackles per game in 10 regular season contests.

Tamir Thomas was one of the top running backs in the nation all season. Through regular season games, Thomas ranked eighth in rush yards per carry (7.29) in Division III. In 10 games this season, Thomas averaged just under 100 yards per game, adding 12 rushing touchdowns including an 85-yarder. He added 75 yards on seven receptions with one receiving touchdown. On average, Thomas was responsible for 7.8 points per game in the regular season. The junior became the third fastest Warhawk back to reach 1,000 rushing yards hitting the milestone on his 139th carry (11th game this season) – the fastest since 1997 for UWW.  

Bolstering the Warhawks’ lucrative run game were offensive guard Alex Pethan and center John Pekar – both were First Team All-Region 6 selections this season. The pair helped UWW post phenomenal numbers in the ground game with 2,595 rushing yards, averaging six yards per carry for the regular season. In 706 drop backs, Pethan and Pekar combined to allow just one sack. Through the 10-game regular season slate, UW-Whitewater led the WIAC and ranked eighth nationally in rushing offense (259.5 yards per game). UWW also led the WIAC in fewest sacks allowed (.90 per game) while holding second in total offense (464.4 yards per game). In conference contests only, the Warhawks averaged 1.7 yards more per carry and had 528 more rushing yards than any other team. 

Matt Burba, a junior defensive tackle, earned Second Team All-Region 6 honors this season. In 10 games played, Burba registered 30 tackles including 7 for losses. He added 2.5 sacks for a total loss of 33 yards while forcing one fumble on the season. The 2023 First Team All-WIAC selection helped lead the league’s top defensive team (293.1 yards per game allowed), top scoring defense (18.0 points allowed per game) and best fourth-down defense (36.8 conversion percentage). 

Mason Stepanski added Third Team All-Region 6 honors for special teams play. The sophomore was a Second Team All-WIAC pick this season. Stepanski tallied 27 tackles, the majority coming on special teams coverage. He helped lead the WIAC’s third-best kickoff return defense (16.22 yards per return allowed). 

Fire in Business Park Contained with Minimal Damage

According to a press release from the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department, at approximately 7:44 p.m. on December 7 the department responded to a possible structure fire at 840 Executive Drive in the business park. Firefighters arrived on the scene at HyPro, Inc. within approximately five minutes, reporting heavy smoke and fire from the rooftop. Mutual aid was requested due to the size of the structure and the potential for the incident to grow. The fire was brought under control by 8:25 p.m. Damage was contained to one HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit. Whitewater Fire and EMS was assisted by Jefferson Fire Dept, Lauderdale LaGrange Fire Dept, Lakeside Fire Rescue, and the Whitewater Police Dept.

Home in Town of Lima Destroyed by Fire

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

According to a press release from Whitewater Fire and Rescue, the home at 9707 N. McCord Road in the Town of Lima, Rock County, was totally destroyed by a fire on the morning of December 7 that originated from a pellet stove. Per the Rock County Tax Database Search, unless there was a relatively recent transfer, the property is owned by Rafael Rodriguez and Ana M. Rodriguez.

The release, prepared by Assistant Chief Ryan Dion, includes the following:

At approximately 853 AM on Thursday December 7th, Whitewater Fire and EMS responded to a structure fire in Lima Township, Rock County. The owner of the home had a pellet stove for heating that was in operation on the first floor. The owner reported leaving the residence for approximately 40 minutes and returned to find smoke and flames issuing from the home. The fire department arrived at the property situated approximately 5 miles south west of the City of Whitewater fire station in just under eight minutes from the time of dispatch. A high volume of smoke was issuing from the home, and flames could be seen coming from the exhaust port of the pellet stove, extending the structural elements of the roof assembly. An aggressive interior attack was initiated. Crews were able to extinguish the origin fire in the stove rapidly, however the fire had extended into the attic/roof area prior to arrival. MABAS alarm 12-6 was requested to the 2nd alarm, and eventually reached the 5th alarm for water tenders. The absence of hydrants in the rural area, and the over 500-foot setback of the dwelling from the road hindered firefighting efforts.

Once confirmation was made that the structure was unoccupied, crews began a defensive attack. The fire was declared under control at 1130 AM, and crews continued to extinguish hot spots until approximately 1236 PM. The home and contents are a total loss.

Whitewater Fire and EMS would like to thank the over 23 fire departments that assisted from Walworth, Jefferson, Waukesha, Rock, and Dane Counties. We also extend a thank you the Racine Fire Bells for rehab assistance, and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office for scene control.

Editor’s note: The website for the Racine Fire Bells describes them as “fire buffs,” and includes the following description of the “rehab assistance” that they provide:

“Another aspect of fire buffing is providing a mobile Rehabilitation (Canteen) service for area fire departments.  Over sixty groups throughout the United States and Canada respond with local fire departments on all working fires, Haz Mat incidents, and other emergencies for the purpose of providing food, water, and temporary shelter from the environment for fire fighters and fire victims alike.  At times when a major fire keeps fire fighters busy battling the flame for an extended period of time, buffs and their Rehab Units supply a hot or cold meal, a cooling drink or a hot cup of coffee, air-conditioned or heated shelter from the elements, and a moment’s diversion from the dangerous job they face.  On occasion Rehab Units have been used as Command Posts in unusual and unique situations since they often times have the necessary radios and cellular telephone equipment to allow an incident commander to coordinate the ongoing activity.

What is a fire buff?  A unique individual with a special interest in the fire service and the fire fighters who protect us 24 hours a day.”

Obituary: Carl Birk, 94, of Fort Atkinson

Carl Birk, 94, of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away December 1, 2023, after a short illness.

He was born to parents Carl “Pat” Theodore and Ina Bell (Marsden) Birk, on March 1, 1929, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Fort Atkinson and graduated from high school there in 1947. He worked for Waterman, Fuge & Associates in Fort Atkinson as a draftsman. He became certified as a plumbing and electrical designer from the University of Pittsburgh, and started his own business, P & E Systems, in 1969, specializing in plumbing and electrical design.

He married Margaret (Baird) Birk on November 1957. They were together 58 years before her passing in 2016.

Carl was proud of his service as a sergeant in Company C, 2nd Battle Group, 128th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Division Red Arrows from May 1947 to August 1966. In 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, he was deployed for six months to Fort Lewis in Washington. He volunteered as a gun coach for the Fort Atkinson rifle team in the early 1970s. Additionally, Carl belonged to three veterans’ organizations: Co. C 128th Infantry, Old Timers, and the Red Arrow Club of Southern Wisconsin, and attended many reunions for these groups throughout the years.

He was an active member of the Royal Order of the Jacks in Fort Atkinson for many years, helping with the annual banquets and pancake breakfasts along with other social activities for the group. One of his favorite pastimes was playing the penny slot machines at Ho-Chunk Casino, enjoying many trips to the Madison and Wisconsin Dells locations. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, playing cards (Poker, Euchre, Bridge, and Sheepshead) and Cribbage, reading Western novels, and eating out at his favorite restaurants (Stagecoach Inn, Red Lobster, Outback, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP to name a few).

Carl is survived by his son Carl Birk (Myrna), and daughters, Karen Birk (Paul Behling) and Barbara Birk as well as his granddaughters Dana Behling, Kirby (Caleb) Birk Attwell, and Isabel Birk; and brothers, Ed (Lorraine) Birk and Jim (Vicki) Birk along with nieces Jenny (Steve) Schroeder, Jamie Birk, Kelly Birk, and Stacy (Jennae) Tomlinson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, LeRoy.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Chris Patrick from Visiting Angels, Oak Park Place, and Rainbow Hospice for helping Carl.

The family requests that people make donations to the National Guard Educational Foundation (https://www.ngef.org/donate/online-donation/) in lieu of sending flowers.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family. To view the obituary online please visit www.Nitardyfuneralhome.com

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: 1998 Christmas Display in Main Street Shoppes

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we feature a Christmas display in the Main Street Shoppes building in downtown Whitewater. The photo was taken by George Scharfenberg in December 1998. The Main Street Shoppes was once the Schultz Brothers “dime” store that was renovated into offices and shops in the 1990s.

Join us next week for more holiday images from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)