Obituary Archive

Fred was born on November 6, 1948, in Oconomowoc, WI to Michael and Anna (Skolka) Cerkoney.  He graduated from Wilmot High School in 1967.  Fred served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1967-1971. He also graduated from DeVry Technical College.  On January 24, 1970, he married Susan Rydin at St. John Catholic Church, Twin Lakes, WI.  Fred was employed as a systems engineer for NCR for over 35 years.  He traveled often for his job and this allowed him to do what he loved most which was to take his family on many vacations.  Fred was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who adored and was adored by his 9 grandchildren. He was a humble man who often helped others anonymously.  He enjoyed traveling, working on old cars and excelled at athletics.

He is survived by his wife Susan, Janesville; children Stephanie Luebke, Stoughton, WI, Jason (Jodi) Cerkoney, Rio, WI; grandchildren Aaron, Justin (Katie), Megan, Lindsey, Riley (Greg), Rhandyn, Rance, Regan, Ella; siblings Dan (Marge) Cerkoney,  Milwaukee, Terry (Joe) Finze, McHenry, Il, Mike (Jenny) Cerkoney, Burnsville, MN; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe Cerkoney; sister-in-law, Gayle Cerkoney.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  A visitation will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018, from 5:00pm-7:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the American Porphyria Foundation.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Jean was born in Dixie, West Virginia on January 18, 1941, to Lawrence Cogar and Arbutus McGonigal.  She was 13 when she moved to Whitewater, WI.  On February 20, 1960, she married the love of her life, Dale Truman at Whitewater Bible Church.  Jean worked at Schultz Bros. for 10 years.  In 1989 she went to work at Walmart until her retirement.  In 2009 they moved to Fort Atkinson.  She loved the Packers, sewing, and crafts.  She especially loved spending time with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Vickey (Ed) Stauff, East Troy, WI, son Jeffrey (Kristine) Truman, Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Nathan Stauff, Nicholas (Kim) Stauff, Jessica Strang, Amanda (Max) Zastrow, Emilee Truman; great-grandchildren, Paige and Riley Stauff, Harrison and Eillee Stauff, Elliott and Asher Strang,; nephews nieces and other relatives and friends.  Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenny Cogar; sister, Juanita Colson.  As per her wishes, there will be no formal memorial service. A family celebration of Jean’s life will take place at a later date.

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

Tom was born on January 28, 1932, in Rochelle, IL to Paul and Hoyt (Harrison) Flanders. He graduated from Walnut High School in 1950. Tom graduated from Monmouth College with a degree in physics. He also served his country in the United States Marines as a pilot. On October 2, 1954, he married Nancy Forsyth in Des Moines, Iowa. Tom was employed as an engineer in the food industry and worked for many years for the Beatrice Food Company. He enjoyed sailing, bird watching, international traveling, and scuba diving. He was also a Master Gardener.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters, Roberta Flanders, Woodridge, IL, Leslie (Richard) Balcerak, Vero Beach, FL, Stacy (Harold) Dunbar, Vonore, TN; granddaughters, Kelly and Jillian Dunbar. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Theodore “Jim” Fisher and an infant son.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time.

As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the Janesville Rotary Gardens. http://www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

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

She was born October 28, 1928, to the late Arthur and Otelia (Heir) Webb in Bloomer, WI.  Millie graduated from Bloomer High School as Valedictorian.  She earned her undergraduate degree from UW Madison, Magna Cum Laude.  She then attended law school at UW Madison and received her Master’s degree in Biology from UW-Whitewater.  She married James A. Van De Bogart on November 20, 1950, in Bloomer, WI.

Millie worked at the UW Enzyme Research Laboratory in Madison for several years as a research assistant.  After she and Jim moved to Whitewater, she taught Biology to Nursing Students at Milton College.  She then taught Jr. High Science at Whitewater Jr. High until her retirement.  Millie loved traveling with her daughter and friends, reading, gardening, canning and making wine.  She enjoyed walking, swimming and being outdoors.  She was active in the Community of Christ the Servant Church and many clubs in Whitewater.  In 2009, Millie suffered a debilitating stroke and moved to Fairhaven Nursing Home.

She is survived by her four children and the spouses; James E. Van De Bogart (Nancy) of Beloit, WI, Thomas F. Van De Bogart (Donna) of Lafayette, CO, Clay A. Van De Bogart (Susan) of Lakeville, MN, and Mary L. Golike (Bob) of Burnsville, MN, as well as her nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her sister, Eunice Berg of La Crosse, WI.  She was predeceased by her husband James A. Van De Bogart, her parents, her brother and sister-in-law George and Laverne Webb, and her brother-in-law Marion Berg.

A Celebration of Life for Mildred Van De Bogart will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 201,8 at Fairhaven Nursing Home, 435 Starin Rd., Whitewater, WI.  Gathering of friends and visitation will be at the Fairhaven Fellowship Hall from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with the funeral following.  In lieu of flowers the family, asks that memorials be made the Whitewater Food Pantry of Special Olympics.  Please share a memory or a condolence with the Van De Bogart family on our website.

BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, Beloit, WI is assisting the family, www.brianmarkfh.com

Lorraine was born on July 27, 1926, in Fort Atkinson to Loyal and Malinda (Buchholtz) Kump. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from the Fort Atkinson High School in 1944.

On August 18, 1945, she married the love of her life Louis Krieser in Fort Atkinson. Louis passed away August 28, 2011.

She was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In August of 2017, she was awarded a distinguished award of 65 years of membership.

Lorraine was a stay at home mother to raise five daughters. She spent many hours crocheting making things for her family and friends. The crocheted hangers she made were a big hit with everyone. She was on a Lutheran bowling league for many years. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting with Louie and her family.

Lorraine was strong in her faith and was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.

Surviving are her five daughters, Connie (Doug) Zimmerman of Whitewater, Sherry (James) Rodgers of Mukwonago, Colleen Brahmstadt of Fort Atkinson, Debra (Gary) Zebell of Fort Atkinson, and Wendy (Michael) Taylor of Fort Atkinson; 12 grandchildren, Deanna (Dennis) Karbowski, Leslie (Bev) Zimmerman, David (Jamie) Rodgers, Rebecca (Noel) Schrotenboer, Steven (Jackie) Brahmstadt, Mark (Kalli) Brahmstadt, Kevin Brahmstadt, Vicki (Brian) Aarstad, Pamela Hansen, Timothy (Jodi) Zebell, Jamie (Jacob) Stedman, and Chad Belzer; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister Verna (Arnold) Schlegel of Waukegan, Illinois and a sister Carrie (William) Viola of Mukwonago.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband Louis; her brother Mervin Kump; a grandson Brad Zimmerman; and a son-in-law George Brahmstadt.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

The Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

She will be greatly missed by her family who loved her dearly. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice and Reena Assisted Living for all the care they provided to Lorraine and her family.

If desired memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice Center, 1225 Remmel Drive, Johnson Creek, Wisconsin 53038 or to Bethany Lutheran Church, 404 Roosevelt Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.

Born in Cicero and raised in Berwyn, Illinois, by first-generation Czechoslovakian immigrant parents, Joseph and Marie Svec, Joe went on to establish a career in academics as Professor of Theater Arts. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Arts, English and History at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and his Master’s degree in Theater Arts at The University of Wisconsin in Madison where he wrote his dissertation, “Czech Theater 1918-1938”. He then taught briefly at Minot State University, North Dakota and Valparaiso University, Indiana before returning to Cornell as Professor of Theater for the duration of his career. In addition to directing and designing sets for all college productions, he established a summer community theater and a well-loved student-directed children’s theater program.

During his summer months off from teaching and directing theater, Joe’s interests in architecture and history were employed in the restoration of historic homes in Mt. Vernon. He took great pride and care in rehabilitating them to their original appearance and greatly contributed to the preservation of Mt. Vernon’s beauty and appeal. After retirement, he embarked on his final project, restoring an Opera House in West Branch, Iowa.

He also had a deep passion for music and visitors could expect to hear the local classical music station played throughout the day. He enjoyed collecting vintage recordings, eventually selling to customers worldwide.

He married colleague, Karen Coburn, who had assisted him often with his musical theater productions. After retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling, residing for many years in Tucson, Arizona with several extended stays in Prague, Czech Republic and eventually settling in Karen’s hometown of Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Joe is survived by his wife, Karen, two sons from a previous marriage, John Svec and Joe Svec III (Teresa), and grandchildren Joe Svec IV, (14) and Thalia Svec (11) all of Iowa City, Iowa.

Joe was a kind, generous and creative man, and will be dearly missed.

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

Norm was born on September 5, 1936, in Milton Wisconsin to Norman and Janet (Anderson) Crosby.  He attended Whitewater High School. Norm married Stephanie Thompson at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater, WI.  They recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. If you asked him what made his marriage successful he would say, “Yes dear”. Norm was so in love with Stephanie and would do so many special things for her.  Norm worked for 48 years for Crepaco in Fort Atkinson which became APV Crepaco in Lake Mills.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Atkinson.  He and Stephanie were very active at the church.  Norm was a family man that enjoyed supporting his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie; loving children, Kathleen Godfrey Cordio, Fort Atkinson, James Godfrey, Whitewater, Stephen Godfrey, LaValle, WI, Phillip Godfrey, Verona, WI, Susan (Gabriel) Hall, Baraboo, WI; grandchildren Frank Cordio, William and Garrett Godfrey, Ashley Kutschenreuter,  Ben and Cassandra Godfrey, David, Grant and Gavin Hall; 8 great-grandchildren; brother Stanley (Carolyn) Godfrey, Fountain City, WI; close family friend, William Malsch.  He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father David Godfrey, grandson, Joshua Cordio; brothers Ronald and Thomas Godfrey.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1660 Endl Blvd, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 4:00-7: 00 pm at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI and on Wednesday from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the family for future designation to charities to be determined. The family would like to thank the medical staff at Fort HealthCare emergency room and helicopter staff, EMT’s and St. Mary’s MCIU staff for their care. A special thank you to Father Peter Auer, Monsignor Duane Mollenberndt, and Father Pat of St.Mary’s for their compassion and caring.

Leonard was born June 9, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Harry Sr. and Violet (Wilks) Plucinski.  He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953 and enlisted in the United States Army from 1957 -1960.  Leonard married Carolyn Groshek on December 2, 1961.  Len was employed at Hough Mfg. in Janesville and later at Weiler Co. in Whitewater working in the field service and product engineering depts.  Len worked at Waukesha Fluid Handling as a technical writer-illustrator from 1991 until his retirement in 1999.  He was actively involved with the Lauderdale LaGrange Volunteer Fire department and served as captain of the rescue squad from 1960-1974.  He served on the LaGrange town board from 1973-1974.   He was a member of the Whitewater Lions Club from 1984-until his time of passing, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and Birch Sturm Fellowship Award.  Len enjoyed playing guitar and harmonica; he shared his talent with St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Folk Group, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Choir, proud district song leader for the Lions Club 27-A1 for 21 years,  and especially enjoyed playing with his friend Terry Lee.

Len is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Whitewater; children, James (Wendy) of Fort Worth, TX, Gregory (Lissa) of Lexington, KY, and Donna (Mark) Cuyler of Cudahy, WI; granddaughters, Mayah and Susannah; brother, Harvey (Phyllis) of Elkhorn; sisters-in-law, Sherry Plucinski and Charlotte Guzman.  Len was loved and will be remembered by other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harry Jr. and Robert; brother-in-law George Guzman.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 30, 2018 at Haase Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home 320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 919 W. Main from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.

Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider memorials to illnesses that affected Len or organizations that are dear to him:  the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Palmyra, Lauderdale LaGrange Fire Dept. or Whitewater Lions Club.

Online obituary, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.Haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Jon was born in Madison on December 22, 1948, to John W. and Helen M. (Orlowski) Witkins.

Jon farmed in Palmyra for over 50 years.  He had been named the winner of the Wisconsin division of the National Corn Growers Association corn-growing contest, winning the award with an impressive 178.07 bushels per acre.  He also scored well in the Palmyra Future Farmers of America corn shows and other exhibits.  Jon also drove his Peterbilt truck for the Canning Co. in Fort Atkinson for many years.

Jon graduated from Palmyra High School in 1967.  He enjoyed mechanics and farm machinery.  Jon was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting.

Jon will be dearly missed by his partner of many years, Evelyn Portman.  Jon and Evelyn spent many years together, farming and enjoying life.  Jon is also survived by his sister, Ann (Ron) Rein of Fort Atkinson; nephew, Brian Rein of Fort Atkinson; niece, Tammy (Michael) Boyd of Footville; two great-nieces, Lilly and Brooke Boyd; and other relatives and friends including very special friend of 15 years, Jerry Laxton, whom he stopped by every night after the farm to talk about his day.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (Orlowski) Witkins.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 4 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 313 Main St., Palmyra, WI 53156, with Reverend Steve Blyth officiating.  A visitation will take place on Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Loft Assisted Living.

Nitardyfuneralhome.com