Obituary Archive

He was born on August 19, 1944, grew up on a farm in Cold Spring then moved to Milton at the age of 16.  He started driving milk truck at the age of 18, met and married the farmer’s daughter, and love of his life, Nancy.  On September 11, 1965, they were united in marriage and celebrated 53 years together.  They moved to Whitewater after getting married and started their life as farmers.  In 1975, they moved the family to New Glarus where he continued driving truck and farming until Parkinson’s Disease forced him into retirement.

In retirement, Wayne found a new meaning and purpose through volunteering at the New Glarus Home, New Glarus Grade School, and delivering Meals On Wheels. He also started his much-loved collection of red tractors which he was very proud of and showed to anyone who visited.  Wayne loved watching old westerns, listening to his old cassette tapes of classic country, gospel, and polka, and never missing his Friday night fish fry. Wayne was a gentle caring man with a quiet presence.  He had a deep strong faith and love of God as a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.  His love of family was evident throughout his life.  Wayne loved watching his kids and grandkids in sporting or school events, when the family gathered together, and when the grandkids would visit.

Though he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease since 2000, his vision was to raise money for a cure and raise awareness.  He spent 5 years spearheading “All Shook Up for Parkinson’s”, a fundraiser held in New Glarus with proceeds going to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.  During this time, $55,000 was raised and donated through hard work and dedication to a cause that was dear to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lillian, brother Elson, and sister Rhonda.  He leaves behind a loving family including his wife Nancy, 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Lynnette (Bill) Gmur (Jakob and Josef), Whitewater, WI, Duane (Kelly) Kreklow (Tyler, Breanne, and Jaden) New Glarus, WI, Tracie (Mark) Bateman (Mason and Acacia) Holmen, WI, Michelle (Rob) Mohr (Tanner and Beckett), Green Bay, WI.  He also leaves behind two sisters La Dana (Bruce) Frank, Milton, WI and Claudette Kreklow, Milton, WI, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other family, and many lifelong friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2018, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1603 16^th Ave., Monroe, WI with Pastor Nathan Strutz officiating.  Burial will be in the Swiss Church Cemetery, New Glarus.

Relatives and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 6^th Ave., New Glarus, WI.

The family would like to thank the staff of UW Palliative Care for their compassionate care of Wayne.  Also recognizing the special people in Wayne’s life who helped in times of need including Denise Swanson, Rudi Feller, John and Holly Eglsaer, Ron White, Gregg Smith, and Ron and Jane Pierce.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com

She was born in Fort Atkinson on March 31, 1950, the daughter of Loren and Evora Koch.  She was raised in Hebron and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1968.  Kathryn worked for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for over 30 years until her retirement in 2011.  Her interests included traveling, reading, and devoting time to her church.  She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Whitewater for many years and later St. Peter’s in Fort Atkinson.

Kathy married Bruce Flood in 1973, and they had two sons, Andrew (Heather) of Evansville, and Jason (Leah) of Whitewater.  Andrew teaches at John Muir Elementary School in Madison, and his brother serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, currently stationed at Fallon Naval Air Station, NV.  Kathy particularly enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Devin (12), and grandson, Ethan (8).  She is also survived by a very large and loving extended family, including two brothers, Allen Koch and Stanley (Joan) Koch; two sisters, Dorothy Koch and Linda (Richard) Koch; and sister-in-law JoAnn Koch.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers Eugene, Don, and Vernon Koch; and sister-in-law Darlene Koch.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Merchants Ave., Fort Atkinson.  In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Marie was born on February 21, 1933, in Prairie Du Chien, WI to Henry and Evelyn (Walker) Graul.  She graduated from Wauzeka High School in 1952.  She earned her Rural Teaching Degree from Whitewater State Teacher’s College. She taught in a one-room school at Famechon Ridge School in Eastman, WI and at Springbrook School in Whitewater. Marie married Wilfred Roe on July 31, 1954, in Eastman, WI.  She grew up on a farm and after she married Wilfred, she worked alongside Wilfred on their family farm as well as raised nine children.  Marie was active as a 4-H leader and had her children involved in many activities in the community.  She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Whitewater.  Marie loved to bake and cook and her grandchildren were her joy. She loved the role of taking care of her family, both immediate and extended family.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Wilfred; children Debra (Brett) Borden, Royal Oaks, CA, Denise (Russell) Riley, Chandler, AZ, David (Janelle) Roe, Whitewater, Diane (James) Holtz, Janesville, DeWayne (Cheryl) Roe, Chetek, Dale (Tammy) Roe, Whitewater, Douglas (Brenda) Roe, Iron Ridge, Donna ( Brett) Banner, Oconomowoc, Dawn Nell,  Watertown; 19 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; brother Everett (Roxana) Graul, Janesville; sister Evelyn (William) Doan, Kearny, MO  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers William and Bernard Graul.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.  Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Fairhaven Senior Living, Whitewater, Congregational United Church of Christ or to the Alzheimer Association.  The family would like to thank the staff at Fairhaven Senior Living for the compassion that they have shown in taking care of Marie and Wilfred.

Susan was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on August 26, 1945. Susan is survived by her two daughters Jamie Nicole Chesser and Jennifer Sue Parrish of Colorado; her son-in-law William Jason Chesser; her grandchildren William Henry Chesser, Hadley Nicole Parrish, and Vera Rose Chesser. Susan was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Wickingson and Arlene Freeman; her husband Charles Benjamin Parrish; and her brothers Robert and Thomas Wickingson.

Susan was a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother. Her two daughters knew nothing different than to reach for the stars in life because Susan taught them no mountain was too high and their dreams could become their reality. “Ain’t no mountain high enough.” – will certainly be one of her legacies. Her grandchildren were the love of her life. She bestowed upon them irreplaceable values including understanding, patience, love, gratitude, and tenderness. Susan was a devout Christian, attending church routinely throughout her life. Her faith was demonstrated in every aspect of her life including her work ethic, her friendships, and the relationships with her family. She held several jobs during her life with her favorites being mother, homemaker, nanny to her grandchildren, and companion and helper to the elderly.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held on December 8, 2018, at 10:30 am in the Highlands of Denver – Highlands United Methodist Church located at 3131 Osceola St. Denver, Colorado 80212. After the celebration, a gathering with refreshments will be held in the church fellowship hall.

The family is grateful for all personal sentiments and gifts from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Susan’s name to the March of Dimes, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 673667, Marietta, GA 30006. Susan was a devoted member of this organization and will no doubt continue her march in heaven.

For more information, to share a memory, or provide condolences to Susan’s family, please sign the guestbook at www.HoranCares.com.

She was born in Eaton, NY to William and Marie (Elliott) Mulks on September 21, 1927.  She was a 1945 graduate of Janesville High School.  Bea married Lawrence Jacobs on April 9, 1949. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2017. She and Larry farmed most of their married life. Together Bea and Larry had two sons; Daniel (Sally) Jacobs, Atlanta, GA and Gordon Jacobs, Fort Atkinson, WI.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers Edward (WWII) and Donald; sister Dorothy (Mulks) Kerley.  She has a surviving sister-in-law Billie Mae (Runyard) Mulks, Mesa, AZ.  Bea was a great mom, friend, and inspiration.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at 11:30 am at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:30 am until the time of the service.

Tom was born on June 15, 1944, in Milwaukee. He graduated from Whitewater High school in 1963 and served in the Army National Guard for a year. He then joined his Father at the Whitewater Register, aka Coe Printers and Publishers.

When Tom and his brother in law Russ Saunders sold the paper in 2001, it marked the end of the 128-year family owned business.

Tom was a member of the Whitewater Fire Department from 1968 to 2004, and his run included some time as Chief. He had a passion for sports and loved attending Badger and Warhawk sporting events.

Tom is preceded by his father Charles, mother Helen, and sister Pat.

He is survived by his sons Charlie and Steve, 4 granddaughters, Alyssa, Ashley, Angela, & Jenna, nephews, a niece, and many cousins.

A visitation will be held from 3-6 PM, followed by a service on Friday, November 9th at the Whitewater Fire Department, 312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, WI.

The family is requesting no flowers.

She was born on April 11, 1928, in Rochelle, Illinois to Oliver and Margaret (Frye) Rainwater.

On February 26, 1955, she married Roger Beckman.  Following their marriage, they lived in Rockford, Il and Morris, Il before retiring to Whitewater, WI in 1987.

Virgene worked for Illinois Bell and the Rockford Board of Elections.

She enjoyed entertaining friends and family, campfires and country life. She especially enjoyed playing bridge (and winning).

Virgene is survived by her two sons, Gary Beckman and Gordon (Mia Tatic) Beckman; grandchildren, Alex, (Becca) Olivia, and Ana; Sister Kathleen (George)

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roger Beckman and 8 of her brothers and sisters

A Memorial Service will take place at 12 pm on Friday, November 2, 2018, at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, Wi.

Memorials to the Whitewater Lions club and the American Heart Association

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice, Brightstar, and Visiting Angels for their special care and family support over the last year of our parents lives.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

She was born January 28, 1925, in Helenville, WI to Joseph and Sadie (Neipert) Walther.   On November 3, 1962, she married Willard Krohn, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

She worked for Schweiger Industrial of Jefferson WI, Clinton Power Co. of Whitewater, and Whitewater Electronics, and volunteered at the Food Pantry in her retirement.  Ruth was a life-long active member of Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Ruth was a great baker and loved to share family meals after church on Sundays. The holidays would not have been complete without her apple pies, pumpkin bars, and Christmas cutoff cookies!  Ruth enjoyed sewing and took pride in mending the family’s clothing.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Mavis (William) Salske of Whitewater, WI,  grandchildren Lori (Danny) Ross of Sun Prairie, WI, Sheri (Harmen II) Tjaarda of Scottsdale, AZ, and great-grandchildren MacKenzie, Alexandria, Harmen III “Trae”, Bobbi, and Jacob.  Ruth is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Ruby, and brother Royal (Katherine) Walther.

A Service will take place at 12:30 on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI.  Burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.

Memorials to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI.

The family would like to thank the Richard Walther family and Carol, Marion, and Sue from Brookdale Manor for all your love and support.

The Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Lee was born on January 5th, 1925, in Anderson, IN, daughter of Gabriel and Louise (Kincherson) Precup.  She graduated from Anderson Senior High School in June 1943 and with a nursing science degree from Ball Memorial/Ball State University in Muncie, IN in June 1948.  As a registered nurse, Lee practiced various types of nursing care including hospital duty, occupational nurse, industrial nurse, and school nurse.  Lee met her future husband, Lewis William Stoneking in St. Louis.  They were married for 57 years until his death in December 2006.  Lee belonged to many nursing organizations and was a member of the Congregational/UCC Church in Whitewater.  She was also a member of PEO, the Alpha Club of the Women’s Federation Organization of Whitewater, and the Women’s Congregational Circle at church.  Lee had volunteered in the churches she attended and was a volunteer at Fort Atkinson Hospital in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Lee is survived by her four loving children:  Lewis (Rhonda) Stoneking of Hartland, WI, Leslie (Lourdes) Stoneking of San Antonio, TX, Lisa (Victor) Simone of Los Angeles, CA, and Lori (Bob) Cunningham of Fitchburg, WI.  She was blessed with five wonderful grandchildren:  Stephanie (Stoneking) Billmyer, Michael Stoneking, Alanna Stoneking, Max Simone and Natasha Simone.  In addition, she enjoyed three very active great-grandchildren:  Emma and Matthew Billmyer and Ethan Stoneking.  Lee is also survived by her sister Priscilla McCullough of Tucson, AZ, sister-in-law Frances Precup of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and several nieces, nephews and cousins in Indiana and Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Congregational/UCC Church youth program, the Fairhaven Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at the Chapel of Maplewood Cemetery of Anderson, IN.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the chapel.  Also, a celebration of her life will be held at Fairhaven in Whitewater on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 1:30 PM.

Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family.  To place an online condolence, please visit www.olsen-gibson.com