Lynn Binnie

Obituary: Susan (Sue) M. Anderson, 79, of Fort Atkinson

Susan (Sue) M. Anderson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother of Fort Atkinson, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Blue Grotto/Vista West of Madison on Feb 23, 2023.  

Sue was born on March 15, 1943, in Chicago to John and Lillian (Lewis) Krismanick. Sue met the love of her life, Ronald (Ron) Anderson when they were 19 years old and married on July 20, 1963.  Together they explored the world, raised a family, and built a business (Anderson Machining Service, Inc. in Jefferson and Whitewater) that touched and supported many in the community over their 58 years together.  Sue’s motto in business, and life, was the “golden rule.”  She always considered how her actions impacted people around her in a positive way.

To know Sue was to be treated to her incredible warmth, generosity, and intelligence.  Sue loved a challenge, from teaching herself how to program CNC machines, to piecing thousands of quilt pieces, to her daily sudokus. No one in her family would doubt that she would succeed at anything she put her mind to.

Above all, Sue loved spending time with her family.  The consummate hostess, she and Ron made whipping up a feast for 20 look effortless.  In quieter moments, she was never happier than watching the sun go down over a body of water at the end of the day with her beloved husband.  Whether at their home on the Rock River, over Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or on the gulf coast of Florida while hunting for petrified sharks’ teeth, Sue loved a good sunset.  More recently Sue and Ron would head to the “friendship bench” in Santa Monica, where they would watch the sun drop below the Pacific Ocean horizon and return home with stories of strangers who became friends as they sat on the bench with them and took in the colors at the end of the day.

 Sue is survived by her daughter Julie Anderson, sons Erik (Corina) Anderson, Matthew-Drazy (Laetitia) Anderson, and Kyle (Shawyn) Anderson, brothers John Krismanick and James Krismanick, sister Marian Gralski, grandchildren Ian, Seadna, Serra, Declin, Esme, Severn, and Luna. She is preceded by her loving husband Ronald (Ron) Anderson in 2022 and her brother Joseph Krismanick in 2020.  Sue is also survived by many, many photographs of sunsets she has taken over the years, from the curled and fading photos on peel-apart film to digital photos galore.  None truly compare to the beauty and light she brought to all around her.  We will hold her in our hearts and think of her with every technicolor twilight.

A small family ceremony is planned at Nitardy Funeral Home 1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Sue will be interred at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.  Please feel free to add a photo of a favorite sunset on the tribute wall in Sue’s honor.  Online Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Lake Mills Fire Chief Todd Yandre

 
Gov. Tony Evers on February 24 ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023, in honor of Fire Chief Todd J. Yandre of the Lake Mills Fire Department, who passed away in the line of duty on Feb. 15, 2023.  

“Chief Yandre was by all accounts a caring and loyal friend, mentor, coach, husband, father, and grandfather who was dedicated to serving his community. Chief Yandre served the Lake Mills Fire Department for more than four decades, first as a volunteer firefighter and eventually becoming chief of the department,” said Gov. Evers. “Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with the Yandre family, his wife, Monica, his children, Jordan and Catherine, his grandchildren, and all of his friends and family at the Lake Mills Fire Department. He will not be forgotten.”

Chief Yandre graduated from Lake Mills High School and later earned his degree in emergency management with an emphasis in fire safety from Lakeshore Technical College. He joined the Lake Mills Fire Department in 1981, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1995 and chief of the department in 2019. 

Services for Chief Yandre will be held on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023, in Lake Mills. 

Executive Order #188 is available here and will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sun., Feb. 26, 2023. This order is in effect concurrently with Executive Order #187 and flags should remain at half-staff through Fri., March 3, 2023, in accordance with Executive Order #187, available here. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Armageddon Time

Tuesday, February 28, 1 p.m.

(Drama) Rated R (language); 1 hour, 54 minutes (2022)

A deeply personal coming-of-age story about the strength of family and the generational pursuit of The American Dream. Starring Anne Hathaway, Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Strong and Banks Repeta. 2023 AARP Movies  for Grownups Best Intergenerational Film Nominee. 

Obituary: Beulah M. Rogers, 91

Beulah M. Rogers passed away peacefully in her sleep at Our House in Whitewater on February 22, 2023.

Beulah was born on November 11th, 1931 in Shullsburg, WI to Raymond and Gladys Alexander.  When the family relocated Savanna IL, Beulah met her future husband Ralph (“Trigger”) Rogers.  They were married on February 12, 1949 and relocated to the Whitewater area soon after.

Beulah worked at several locations, retiring after 25 years from UW-Whitewater Esker Hall at age 78.  Besides raising their six children, Ralph, Beulah and extended family made many wonderful memories at their second home away from home Up North near the Lake Tomahawk area.

The loves of Beulah’s life were her grandchildren….and shopping.  She actively attended and supported each of their extracurricular activities while endlessly spoiling them with her shopping sprees.

Beulah was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her son Gary, granddaughter Stacie and grandson Justin.

Beulah is survived by her daughter Jean Vining (Rich Ott), sons Les (Sandy), Russell (Mary) , Rick (Jackie) and Ken (Lynne).  She is further survived by grandchildren Vikki (Sam) Nielsen, Ron (Jessica) Vining, Dan (Nani) Rogers, Derek (Angela) Rogers, Jeremy (Kristen) Rogers, Ryan Rogers, Marissa (Greg) Rogers, Brandi (Brandt) Hemsath, Aimee Rogers, Ben (BobbyJo) Rogers, Lindsey (Tony) Pennuto, Josh (Savanna) Rogers; 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren with the 3rddue in June.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Kendra, Sarah, Gretchen and staff at Rainbow Hospice in addition to all of the staff at Our House for giving Beulah and her family such kind and compassionate care.

Per Beulah’s wishes, private family services will be held.

WHS Sophomore Dies Sunday, Teammates Play in His Honor Monday

Photos from the WHS Facebook page

According to a story in the Daily Jefferson County Union, “Monday’s Whitewater High School basketball game versus Evansville was about much more than who won or who lost. Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Navejas Jr., a sophomore WHS basketball member, died unexpectedly Sunday.

“We were really wanting to cancel this evening, but the family said to go forward in his (Ricky’s) honor,” Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty said. A moment of silence was held before the games began Monday night. Basketball players wore shirts in memory of Ricky warming up before the game and on the sidelines….

Tears were shed, hugs were given, and Whitewater’s community came together to support one another Monday night after a devastating tragedy.”

Here’s the post that appeared on the high school Facebook page on Tuesday:

Teary eyes, full hearts. Last evening, Whitewater came together for Ricky. Your generosity was tremendously moving and raised almost $3000 for the family of Ricardo (Ricky) Lopez-Nivejas Jr. The stands and the gyms were packed; our community, students and staff grieved together, as a family.

So many Thank yous…

Thank you to Ricky’s family for having the intuition to know that this is what our school community needed.

Thank you to our community for your generosity.

Thank you to the students who helped to set up a beautiful memorial for Ricky.

Thank you to our coaches for ensuring our students were supported and could honor Ricky’s memory yesterday.

Thank you to Aropa Designs for printing the amazing turn around in T-shirts for our students.

Thank you to our counseling and pupil services staff that gave of themselves tirelessly to assure our students and staff were okay.

Thank you to our staff for supervising and supporting while also grieving.

Thank you to the administrative team who worked tirelessly to support everyone.

Thank you to Evansville Community School District for your understanding and sportsmanship.

During this difficult time, it was heartening to see everyone come together to support one another. We will continue to accept donations for the family at the HS office through Friday, February 24th. Thank you so much. 🫶🏼

#24foreverwhippet

#1family

#whippetnation

WHS Players “A Murder is Announced” Really Does Open Tonight

Join the WHS Players for Agatha Christie’s, “A Murder is Announced,” February 23 at 7:00 p.m., February 25 at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. or February 26 at 2:00 p.m. in the WHS Auditorium. Tickets are $7 per student and $10 per adult. Reserve your general admission tickets by calling the box office at 262-472-8178. The Saturday matinee performance is a makeup for the canceled Thursday evening performance, so if you didn’t have tickets for Thursday but you’re interested in that performance be sure to check ahead of time to make sure there are enough seats.

We hope you can come out to support these talented performers. Dress rehearsal photos are compliments of Tom Ganser.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Rooftop View c.1900

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we present a “rooftop” view, one of several in the society’s photo collections. Prior to aerial photography, rooftop views were very popular. This one was taken around 1900 from the top of the old Bower’s New Metropolitan Block in the middle of the south side of Center Street. Originally a three-story building, the Bower’s Metropolitan Block had a photography studio on the third floor during the 19th and early 20th centuries and a number of rooftop views in the collection appear to be taken from this building.

This view looks northwest with the three-story Pratt Institute building in front of the Congregational Church building at the top-center of the image. Beyond that is the large Old Main building of the Normal School (UWW) situated on one of the taller points of the city. In the foreground are the cream brick business buildings of the north side of Center Street.

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

(5135P Whitewater Historical Society)

Gov. Evers Announces Passing of Former Wisconsin Gov. Tony Earl

Governor orders US, Wisconsin flags to fly at half-staff as state mourns loss
Gov. Tony Evers today announced the passing of former Gov. Tony Earl, the 41st governor of the state of Wisconsin. After suffering a stroke this past weekend, Gov. Earl was hospitalized, spending his remaining days surrounded and loved by his daughters and close family. Former Gov. Earl passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thurs., February 23, 2023, at the age of 86. Former Gov. Earl is survived by his four daughters, Julia Earl, Anne Earl, Maggie Earl Shore, Kitty Earl-Torniainen, and 11 grandkids: Lucy, Eamon, Jack, Ben, Ash, Henry, Deirdre, Will, Silja, Aili, and Kai.

Gov. Evers today also signed Executive Order #187 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff effective immediately as the state of Wisconsin honors former Gov. Earl’s service and contributions to the state. 

“It has been an extraordinary honor and a privilege to know former Gov. Earl, and Kathy and I are heartbroken today to announce his passing,” said Gov. Evers. “A formidable leader and public servant, trusted colleague and mentor, and a good and loyal friend, Tony was well-liked and respected by so many. Tony was always a staunch defender of our state’s proud traditions, including conservation, and his passing is a significant loss for our state and for all who had the fortune of meeting and serving with him. His wisdom and wit will be well missed. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to his daughters and his family during this tremendously difficult time, and we join the people of Wisconsin in mourning the loss of former Gov. Earl.”

“The family is tremendously grateful for the love and support we’ve received,” said former Gov. Earl’s four daughters, Julia, Anne, Maggie, and Kitty in a statement. “Our dad would have been honored by the outpouring of gratitude expressed by all. He would encourage anyone he knew to actively engage in positive change.”

The Earl family also expresses its profound gratitude for the exceptional care he received at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. 

Former Gov. Earl was the 41st governor of the state of Wisconsin, serving as governor from 1983 to 1987. A Navy veteran and graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Chicago Law School, Gov. Earl served as an assistant district attorney in Marathon County from 1965 to 1966 and as the Wausau City Attorney from 1966 to 1969. In October 1969, Gov. Earl was elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly via special election and was reelected in 1970 and 1972. While in the Wisconsin State Assembly, he served as majority leader beginning in 1972 through December 1974. Following his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Gov. Earl served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration from 1974 to 1975 and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from 1975 to 1980, serving under the administrations of Govs. Patrick Lucey, Martin Schreiber, and Lee Dreyfus. 

Former Gov. Earl’s lasting legacy is marked by his devout support of stewardship and conservation during his time both as governor and as secretary of the DNR. In addition to serving on several boards and commissions, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Subcommittee on Energy, Clean Air and Climate Change, the Center for Clean Air Policy, and the Great Lakes Protection Fund, in 2019, Gov. Earl was honored with the renaming of the Peshtigo River State Forest as the “Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest.”

Former Gov. Earl was a Wisconsinite through and through—known for his authenticity, his wit, and his kindness, he has remained revered and respected by colleagues throughout his long career in public service, even decades after his time in office concluded. He was also known for pursuing pragmatic policy solutions with comity and respect despite party affiliation, his passion for and commitment to good governance, his leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion, especially for LGBTQ Wisconsinites, women, and communities of color, and being an outspoken critic of polarization and money in politics. Former Gov. Earl was also an active and engaged community member, including serving with distinction on the Board of Directors for the Joyce Foundation.

Executive Order #187 is available here and effective immediately until sunset on March 3, 2023. Executive Order #187 also orders flags to be lowered to half-staff on the date of former Gov. Earl’s future celebration of life. Details for the celebration will be released by former Gov. Earl’s family at a later date.

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

Fort Memorial Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin announced it has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“It is a great honor to be awarded Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year,” said Michael Anderson, MD, President and CEO of Fort HealthCare. “We are driven by our mission, vision, and values to deliver the highest quality of care, and receiving this award each year is a testament to the dedication everyone has at Fort HealthCare in serving our community and patients.”

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

UW-W Invites Public to Spring Diversity Forum 2023; Two events may be streamed

Schedule of Events

Theme Summary: The Chancellor’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence is pleased to center this Spring 2023 Diversity Forum on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. The forum will feature panel discussions, a photographic exhibit, an opening keynote by Lydia X.Z. Brown, and more.

Keynote Speaker: Lydia X.Z. Brown

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Event Time: 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Virtual Event Details:

Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar, 
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=mfd398af950def0784c9741e150d0b2c3

Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Forum2023

Physical Listening Location Available: University Center 259

Description: The 2023 Spring Diversity Forum will center on disability justice and encouraging opportunities for learning, reflection and community building. Join us by welcoming the keynote speaker Lydia X.Z. Brown, an advocate, organizer, educator, attorney, strategist, and writer, whose work focuses on addressing state and interpersonal violence targeting disabled people living at the intersections of race, class, gender, sexuality, faith, language, and nation.

About Lydia X.Z. Brown, click here.

Closed captioning services will be provided.

Film: Code of the Freaks

Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Location: University Center 76, Summer’s Auditorium
Event Time: 3:30PM to 5:30PM

Description: Code of the Freaks is a documentary that examines the representation of disabled people in Hollywood movies. A discussion will be moderated after the viewing with two special guests from the University of Illinois Chicago, film writers Alyson Patsavas and Carrie Sandahl.

Documentary Trailer 

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for the film.

Conversation with Author Dr. Sami Schalk

Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 11:00AM to 12:15PM

Description: Dr. Schalk is an Associate Professor of Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Her interdisciplinary research focuses broadly on disability, race, and gender in contemporary American literature and culture, and she is the author of the books, Bodyminds Reimagined and Black Disability Politics. Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Schalk on her recent book, that explores how issues of disability have been and continue to be central to Black activism from the 1970s to the present.

About Sami Schalk, click HERE

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present.

Diversity & Inclusivity Award Reception

Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Location: University Center 275, Old Main Ballroom
Event Time: 12:30PM to 1:15PM

Description: The Diversity and Inclusivity Awards are awarded to UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students who have made outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on our campus. Each award has been named after distinguished faculty and staff at UW-Whitewater, each of whom spent their careers promoting and supporting equity, inclusion and diversity on our campus, including Dr. Fannie Hicklin, Dr. Roger Pulliam and Mr. John Truesdale. The fourth award is designated for UW-Whitewater students and student organizations who have made exceptional efforts to support inclusivity and diversity at UW-Whitewater. Join us as we honor and celebrate inclusive excellence in action!

Virtual Option Details:

Click HERE for link or copy and paste the following text to the URL address bar,
https://uww.webex.com/uww/j.php?MTID=m977346fb3756ae205a446d778cca0515

Webinar password if requested, but not needed: Spring2023P

American Sign Language interpreter(s) will be present, and closed captioning services will be provided for individuals who attend virtually.

Disability History Exhibit

Dates: Tuesday, February 15 to March 5, 2023
Location: Lenox Library, UW-Whitewater at Rock County

Description: This disability history exhibit enlists photographic storytelling and archival images from advertising and the press to narrate, across 23 vivid panels, the centuries of struggles and victories fought and won by disabled persons in the United States, and the intersection of these struggles with religion, society, medical care, capitalism, scientific advancement, and their part in the broader human condition. Courtesty of the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education for the State of Alaska.

More information on the pieces, click HERE

Content Warning and Language Disclaimer: This exhibit includes disturbing information and images regarding the historical treatment of individuals with disabilities. Please take care while reviewing. Additionally, text and images from this exhibit come from primary sources that may be racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise offensive. The language is retained in this exhibit to document the ways in which disability has been viewed in these social and historical contexts.

If in need of accommodation(s), please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements. Please contact edi@uww.edu.