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Whitewater family mourns father and grandfather; Jim Bruynell passes away at age 84

(Reutebuch family submission) James John Bruynell, age 84, of Oceanside CA, went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 21, 2021. Jim was born to Erma and John Bruynell on September 18, 1936. He grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, attended Mishawaka High School and graduated in 1955. Jim was a proud and active member of every community he lived in. He served in the United States Army for 3 years and the majority of that time was spent at The Redstone Arsenal. He worked as an Engineer and a Sales Engineer for Dodge Manufacturing and Reliance Electric of Rosemont, Illinois for 44 years.

Jim Bruynell

He was part of the Cursillo Movement for over 60 years in Indiana and Illinois. Jim served in the Kairos Prison Ministry for many years, where he shared the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Moreover, Jim served weekly at Brother Benno’s, serving the poor and marginalized. If you couldn’t find Jim on a Saturday morning, he was out feeding the migrant workers a hot breakfast. Also, he had a special love for the Capuchin Franciscans who welcomed his family to Northwest Indiana and befriended them.

Jim was an avid, gifted joke teller and loved to share a smile with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and was especially fond of the family summer trips at Big Fish Lake. He cherished many memorable fishing trips with his sons and grandchildren. He could fix just about anything and got plenty of opportunities to so with his large family. He loved playing the drums and delighted in family musical sessions in Wisconsin. Jim was a dancing enthusiast and had so much fun on the dance floor. He never missed the opportunity to celebrate his family and was most proud of his nine cherished children, 21 grandchildren, and precious one great grandchild. His family was a priority in all he did.

Jim enjoyed ocean walks and oceanside meals with his beloved wife and best friend, Carol. They enjoyed traveling and visited most of Europe together. He adored waking up to the California sunshine daily, and he grew beautiful lemons. He delighted in mailing his family boxes of his prized California fruit. Jim was proud of his Belgian roots and the little Flemish community that he came from. He made sure his family knew their special Belgian blood and stories.

He made the best batches of Chex mix to share. He loved people, conversations, and sharing a meal. Jim was loved by so many. Jim was Santa for many decades and shared joy with many by helping to bring the magic of Christmas to his community.

His favorite hobby was his postcard ministry. He sent hundreds of postcards to loved ones and shared his faith, life lessons, and unique, funny sayings. Jim had a passion for connecting with people.

Above all, Jim was a follower of Christ. His retirement business card was Isaiah 41:18 “For I, the Lord thy God will hold your right hand saying, Fear not, I will help you.” This was the card he shared with as many as he could. In Jim’s final hours, all that could be heard, were the sweet words of gratitude to our dear father, grandfather, and husband for a life well lived.

Joy is one word to describe Jim’s life and legacy. As Trisha, his granddaughter, so beautifully recalled, “Grandpa, when I think of you, I think of joy. Joy that is generous and energetic, unwavering, and unconditional. Joy that is readily given and therefore plentiful – because it’s the kind of joy, it seems, that is replenished by the very act of sharing it with others. How lucky am I to have a Grandpa like that. To know joy like that. To have been loved like that.” Jim simply loved people and enjoyed meeting everyone. He wanted to know their story. As Jim’s son, Paul, so lovingly shared, “It’s been just hours since he left this earth, but I guarantee he has shaken hands with three quarters of heaven.”

Jim is survived by his loved wife of 30 years, Carol Bruynell; nine children: Jim (Marie) Bruynell of Haverhill, MA; Mary Sue (Tim) Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Tim (Heather) Bruynell of Anderson, SC; Beth (Mike) Ringel of Austin, TX; Amy Sky of Huntsville, Al; Tom (Kim) Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Carly (Ken) Kolanda of Maricopa, AZ; John (Madison) Brand of Monticello, IN; Paul (Mary Kate) Brand of East Hampton, CT; 21 grandchildren: Kara Bruynell of San Diego, CA; Laura (Dan) Brosnan of Beverly, MA; Trisha Bruynell of London, England; Ellen (Nick) Pantuosco of Clinton, MA; Alexis (Trevor) Parmentier of Round Rock, TX; Thomas (Jordan) Bruynell of Indianapolis, IN; Ryan Bruynell of Mountain View, CA; Christine Bruynell of Cary, NC; Angela Paolella of Pleasanton, CA; Zachary Ringel of Austin, TX; Cody Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Jeremy Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Michael Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Collin Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Luke Varghese of Anderson, SC; Ethan Varghese of Anderson, SC; Conor Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Whimsy Brand of East Hampton, CT; Grady Brand of East Hampton, CT; Remy Brand of East Hampton, CT; and Matthew Riordan of Haverhill, MA; one great grandchild: Oliver Brosnan of Beverly, MA and last, but not least: Baby Pantuosco to arrive in August 2021.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Gyrarmati; his mother, Erma and father John.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23 at 10:00 am. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at the Serra Center at Mission San Luis Rey, 4070 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057. A Graveside Service with the presentation of Military Funeral Honors at 12:00 pm at the Old Mission Rey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brother Benno’s, https://www.brotherbenno.org, in memory of Jim.

Brian William Grosskreutz, 64, passed away at his home in Whitewater on January 2, 2020.

Brian William Grosskreutz, 64, passed away at his home in Whitewater, WI, on January 2, 2020. He was born on September 25, 1955, to Richard and Beverly (Blaedow) Grosskreutz at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. He spent much of his childhood in Little Prairie and Palmyra before moving to Whitewater and graduating from Whitewater High School in 1973. On June 14, 1975, he married his wife of 44 years, Janet Marie Cooper, at North Lima Presbyterian Church in Whitewater.

Upon graduating high school, Brian went to work as an auto mechanic. He worked for multiple car dealerships throughout his life. He spent the last 13 years at Ketterhagen Motors, where he worked as a Service Writer Manager, before retiring in 2017.

Brian loved spending time with his family. He put his family first and did everything he could to make sure they were taken care of. He also enjoyed listening to rock music and watching TV, especially old Westerns. His sense of humor and willingness to help someone out or listen when someone needed to talk will be greatly missed.

Brian is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Kelly of Johnson Creek; parents, Richard and Beverly of Whitewater; brother, Steven (Patrice) of Whitewater; brothers-in-law, Walter Cooper, Jr. (Carol) of Big Fork, MN and John Cooper of Janesville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimberly; maternal grandparents, William and Orfa (Klix) Blaedow; paternal grandparents, Gustav and Hilda (Polensky) Grosskreutz; parents-in-law Walter and Elizabeth (Fisch) Cooper; sisters-in-law Sylvia (Cooper) Holbach and Carmella (Rose) Cooper; and nephew Aaron Grosskreutz.

A private family burial will take place at Little Prairie Cemetery on January 10, 2020.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Donna Mae Chamberlain, 85, of Whitewater was called to her home in Heaven on Thursday, December 12, 2019

Donna Mae Chamberlain, 85, of Whitewater, WI was called to her home in Heaven on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Linden Court Waukesha.

Donna was born on May 25, 1934, in Barre Mills, WI to Fred and Mary (Niedfeldt) Hemker. Donna graduated from West Salem High School in 1952 and Whitewater State Teachers College in 1956. On June 24, 1956, Donna married Richard Chamberlain at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Barre Mills, WI.

She was active in their church and was a teller at a local bank for 17 years.

She is survived by her children: Debra (Glen) Heuer of Pewaukee, WI, John (Wendy) Chamberlain of Green Bay, WI, Ruth Chamberlain of Waukesha, WI; 6 Grandchildren, 2 Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 116 Church St., Whitewater, WI. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mark Lee Grundahl, age 71, of Whitewater passed away at home on Monday, December 30, 2019

Mark Lee Grundahl, age 71, of Whitewater passed away at home on Monday, December 30, 2019.  He was born on June 22, 1948, the son of the late Amos and Isabel (Wright) Grundahl. Mark grew up on a dairy farm in Rock County where he was actively involved in 4-H and showing Jersey cattle. He received his B.S. in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  After 3 years working as a herdsman in the dairy industry he returned to academia, earning his Master’s Degree in Dairy Nutrition from the University of Georgia.  He went on to manage Jersey herds and teach at N.C. State University and Berry College in Rome, GA. Mark returned to school at UW Madison to get his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.  He worked in the veterinary field for 30 years.  Mark enjoyed watching and attending Badger basketball and football games.  He continued to be active in the Jersey cattle industry, owning and showing cattle for most of his life. Mark especially enjoyed his time watching his daughter, Sarah, showing her horses.

Mark is survived by his daughter, Sarah Grundahl; good friend and neighbor, Justin Meyers; sister, Nordis (Andy) Olson; nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Grundahl.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 noon, to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at the SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER, 1800 East Racine Street, Janesville, with a time of sharing at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Mark’s name to the Rock County 4-H Fair Alumni Association Scholarship Fund or the America Jersey Cattle Association Scholarship Fund. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family.  For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Scott A. Astin, age 66, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2019

Scott A. Astin, age 66, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2019.

Born in Fort Atkinson on June 21, 1953 to Albert and Ruth (nee Foelker) Astin, Scott is survived by his beloved wife Georgianne ‘Tutty’ (nee Lenardos), loving son Andrew, brother Charles (Barb), brother-in-law Robert Kraiss, sister-in-law Evie Lenardos, nephews Steven (Sandra) Zach and Justin Astin and many cousins and friends.

Scott A. Astin

During his retirement he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and especially vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL. Something very near and dear to his heart was the Brewer Community Foundation. Scott is known for his compassion, kindness, love, and above all his sense of humor.

There will be a gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin  on Monday, January 6th from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m., with a celebration of Life, to follow, at Alioto’s Restaurant on Mayfair Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Brewer Community Foundation, One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 or a charity of your choice.

Krause Funeral Homes and Cremation Services
(414) 464-4640

Jeffery Evans Nelson, 70, of Milton, passed away on December 10, 2019

Jeffery Evans Nelson
December 2, 1947-December 10, 2019

Jeffery Nelson, 70, of Milton, passed away at Oak Park Place of Janesville with loved ones by his side. He was born in Frankfort, IL to Marvin and Naomi Nelson. The family came to Wisconsin and settled in Whitewater from Indiana in 1952. Jeff then graduated from Fort Atkinson H.S. In 1966 and the following year was drafted into the United States Army, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War.

Jeffery Evans Nelson

Jeff became a plumber for Bryan Nelson Plbg. And later had a partnership with his nephew Brent under J & B Nelson Plbg out of Milton.

All the Nelson family, including Jeff, loved to play cards and he especially enjoyed golfing and bowling, having a “300” game once. Jeff could also be found heading to a casino to gamble when looking for something to do.

Jeff is survived by a sister, Sherry Plucinski and brother, Wesley Nelson both of Elkhorn and sisters-in-law Joan Nelson and Jeanette Nelson-Milleson, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that he was quite close to. Those who preceded him in death were both his parents, his brothers Dale and Bryan, sister Karen Dinsmore, and brother-in-law Robert Plucinski.

The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice of Janesville for helping with Jeff’s care near the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at The Real MacCoys, N1431 County Rd N, Whitewater, WI 53190.  Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Victor F. Shober, age 94, formerly of Whitewater, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 in Appleton

Victor F. Shober, age 94, formerly of Whitewater, WI, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 in Appleton, WI.

Victor was born on July 14, 1925 in Monroe, WI. He spent his early life in Southeastern Wisconsin and Whitewater with his parents, Harry O. and Martha L. (Wolfe) Shober. He graduated from College High and was inducted into the Army Air Corp on October 5, 1943. He served with the 8th Fighter Group in the South Pacific during WWII until he was honorably discharged January 6, 1946. He was a member of the VFW.

On June 12, 1948 Victor was united in marriage to Lorena May Adams at the Whitewater Bible Church.

Following their marriage Victor went to work for Hawthorne Melody Dairy. After completing his course work in Radio and TV electronics at the Illinois Technology Institute he opened his own TV and Appliance business, initially out of his home, then on West Main Street and eventually several locations. In the 60’s he branched out into real estate, fixing up properties for sale or rent, including apartment complexes, farms, recreational properties, motels, and hotels.

He and Lorena enjoyed gardening, hiking, boating, camping, and flying around the state to meet friends for breakfast. Victor loved flying and had various planes through the years such as Luscomes, Cessnas, and Pipers.

He had a deep faith, and church was a big part of his life. He was a past member of Whitewater Bible Church, Fond du lac Bible Church, and Bethel Baptist Church. Victor served as an elder, deacon, and trustee. He enjoyed attending missions and Bible conferences. He gave gifts to start churches in Southeast Asia and Central America and would supply pastors with reference libraries in Africa and a small Bible school and orphanage in Myanmar.

He is survived by his son Philip F. (Jan) Shober of Appleton, WI and family; Arnold F. (Megan) of Appleton, WI and their children Clara, Gretchen, Naomi, and Josiah; Alicia M (Brad) Coffey, Colorado Springs, CO and Charles (Kim) Shober of Fort Collins, CO.

Son Robert L. (Stacey) Shober and son Kolton Witkowski of Brandon, WI and Robert’s family, Jason W. (Sarah) Shober of North Fond du lac, WI and their children William, Dillan and Spencer; Mandy L. (Jeff) Griffin of North Fond du lac, WI and their children Haily, Eric, Hannah, and Tanner; and Robyn P. Shober of Lomira, WI and her children Carson, and Beau Grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lorena.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI. Friends may meet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. He will be laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.

Nitardy Funeral home is serving the family.
www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jon Anthony Feucht, 42, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Fond du Lac Lutheran Home

Jon Anthony Feucht, 42, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Fond du Lac Lutheran Home.

Jon was born June 17, 1977 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac the son of Alan and Janet Weber Feucht. Jon was a graduate of Waupun High School, class of 1996. He furthered his education and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in English writing in 2003 from Whitewater, and then a Master of Science in Education in 2008 also at UW Whitewater. Jon had been working on a Doctorate degree online with East Tennessee State University in Educational Leadership and Public Analysis. He was also working on his dissertation until his health prevented him from continuing. Jon was employed at UW Whitewater and also Blue Sky Designs Inc. On June 17, 2006 Jon married Sarah Faulkner. The couple resided in Whitewater until Jon’s health was failing and he since has resided at the Lutheran Home in Fond du Lac. He extremely enjoyed fishing, writing, and music with his favorite song being “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Jon wrote two books, “The Tan Car” and “Straight Talks From My Desk.” He also co-authored along with two professors from UW Whitewater, “Disability, Augmentative Communication, and the American Dream.” On the campus of UW Whitewater Jon founded the Authentic Voices of America Summer Camp for young augmentative alternative communication device users. The goal was for young people, ages 12-19 with severe speech disorders, to learn ways to use their devices while hanging out and having fun. In 2000, Jon received the Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports Award from Temple University in Pennsylvania where he was employed as a mentor. In 2017 Jon received the UW Whitewater Outstanding Alumni Award.

Jon is survived by his wife, Sarah Feucht, daughter of Jerry and Kathy Faulkner of Toledo, OH; father and mother, Alan and Janet Feucht of Waupun; brother, Jeff (Raelynn) Feucht of Fond du Lac; sister, Janeen (Tim) Patterson of Fond du Lac; niece and nephew, Brandon and Robyn Patterson; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jon was preceded in death by a stillborn brother, Scott Michael in 1970; his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Gladys Feucht; his maternal grandparents, Greg and Angie Weber; an aunt; four uncles; cousins; and several friends.

A celebration of Jon’s life took place Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 4 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Rev. John Radetski officiating.

Jon’s family would like to thank his aides, teachers, professors, attendant care providers, and a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Fond du Lac Lutheran Home and Marquardt Hospice for the care and compassion given to Jon. Thanks also to those who supported the Authentic Voices of America in the annual golf outing at Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, 244 N. Macy St. Fond du Lac WI 54935 or Marquardt Hospice, 1045 Hill St. Watertown WI 53098.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”-Jon’s way of life.

Werner Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsen.com for further information and to send condolences.

Rodney Dean Berg, 84, died peacefully at home on December 10th, 2019

Rodney Dean Berg, 84, died peacefully at home on December 10th with his wife and daughters at his side. He was born on December 13, 1934 to Chester and Irene (Sievert) Berg. He was raised on the family farm on Berg Road, Lima Township in Rock County. The second of four children, he went to Lima Center School then on to Whitewater High School graduating in 1952.

Rod joined the Wisconsin National Guard, then volunteered for the draft in 1954 and served in the army for two years in Europe. Upon his return, he worked on the family farm for a time, but his earlier interest in woodworking led him to the construction business in 1961.

Rodney Dean Berg

On June 24th, 1961 he married the former Donna Matson of Eagle River, WI. They made their home in Whitewater, raising two daughters there. He built an enviable reputation as a respected home builder, being hands on until he was 70 years old.

His building craft also led to building 2 boats, neighborhood floats and elaborate decorations for his daughter’s proms and homecoming dances. These included a stagecoach, carousel and paddle wheel boat to name a few. Always a car enthusiast, he built motorized cars for his kids as well as a Model T truck. In addition to all his building projects, Rod was a volunteer firefighter with the Whitewater Fire Department for 25 years, head usher and church council president at First English Lutheran Church. As Rod loved sports, he enjoyed playing softball, golf and went snowmobiling in his younger years. He then became a fan supporting UWW men’s athletics, and loved watching his daughters and later, granddaughter compete in sports. The family enjoyed many spring break trips to Florida.

Although he was known for his built in cabinetry in the homes he constructed, in retirement he took the furniture building to another level.  A charitable man, he donated many chests, often engraved, and other items to organizations around the community including Whitewater High School, UW-Whitewater, First English Lutheran Church, Milton FFA, Evansville FFA and even fundraisers for people he didn’t know. He was rewarded for some of this charity work when inducted into the UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame with the Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

Rod appreciated good music and enjoyed going to concerts. His interests ranged from ABBA to Engelbert, Tom Jones to Mickey Gilley and he looked forward to trips to Branson to see several entertainers in a few days’ time. 

Rod is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna of Whitewater, daughter Brenda Lowry and only grandchild, Logan Lowry of Appleton, and daughter Sandra Miller of Fitchburg. He is further survived by his sister, Audrey Kaasa, Phoenix, AZ, brothers Alan (Barbara) Berg, Dacula, GA and Bill (Cindy) Berg, LaCrosse, WI.  Cousin, Robert (Mary) Berg, Oak Park, IL and Cousin through marriage, Diana Berg (Richard dec.), Oak Brook, IL. Sisters-in-law Lolita Kachel, Whitewater, Bunny (Rolf) Grimsrud, Superior and Mia Matson, Poway, CA. He had several nieces and nephews and had the pleasure of seeing many of them, as well as his three siblings, just this past September.  He was predeceased by his parents, Chet & Irene, father & mother-in-law, John and Laura Matson, brothers-in-law John Matson and David Kachel, cousin, Richard Berg and both sons-in-law, Judson Lowry and Matthew Miller.

Rod was most proud of his farming roots, his service to his country, and his attention to detail in his construction of homes and later furniture. He treasured his family, friends, and work partners over the years. He enjoyed weeknight visits to local watering holes to catch up with friends as well as dinner out on Saturday night. His favorite night of the year became the ‘Rod & Wally’s Warhawk Auction’ that he started with his late friend, Wally Schilberg, 24 years ago.

The family sincerely thanks the many friends, family and neighbors for their calls and visits these last several months. Thank you to Drs. Kontny and Porter, and the nurses at SSM Health Oncology in Fort Atkinson for your tremendous care and concern for Rod. Many thanks to Agrace Hospice Care for helping our family keep dad at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church or the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI.  A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St, Whitewater, WI.  Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 10 a.m. until the time of services. 

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Bernhard “Sonny” Weinberg, Ph.D., passed away December 11, 2019 in his hometown of Rehovot, Israel at the age of 83

Bernhard “Sonny” Weinberg, Ph.D., passed away December 11, 2019 in his hometown of Rehovot, Israel at the age of 83.  He graduated from: (Whitewater) College High School, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin.  He went on to become a professor of  Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University and retired to Rehovot, Israel.  Leaving behind his wife and two sons.  He always believed that Whitewater, his birthplace, was the center of the universe.