Obituary Archive

LeRoy was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 24, 1940.  He graduated from Southern Illinois University and taught woodshop in Wheaton, Illinois.  Leroy, however, was an entrepreneur at heart and moved to Richmond, Wisconsin to create and design products for the craft and gift industries until his retirement in 2015.  He was known as a “Master Craftsman” in the miniatures industry and 2 of his dollhouses are on display at House on the Rock in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Although LeRoy lived in the Whitewater area for half his life he remained an avid Chicago sports fan. He cheered and jeered countless Bears, Cubs and Bulls games from his recliner.  He enjoyed playing horseshoes, bowling, softball, pool, and ping pong as well as mowing lawn in the sun and relaxing on the pontoon boat on Whitewater Lake with an icy beverage.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; 2 daughters, Lisa (Paul) Pope of Clinton, WI and Mindy Carlson of Janesville, WI; his brothers, Michael (Julia) Carlson of Whitewater and James (Sally) Carlson of Boca Raton, Florida; 2 step-daughters, Amy (Pat) Keelty of Fort Atkinson, WI and Katie (Bob) Vaughan of Frankfort, Illinois and 7 grandchildren, Carli and Peyton Pope, Jimmy, Paddy and Evie Keelty, and Charlie and Vinny Vaughan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Loretta (Hansen) Carlson and son-in-law Paul Pope.

We want to send a huge thank you to our Care Wisconsin team, Marquardt Hospice and all the staff at Sunset Ridge for treating LeRoy with respect and tenderness during his last months.  Friends of LeRoy are invited to share hugs and happy memories with his family at the Whitewater Lion’s Club on Whitewater Lake on August 4, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI assisted the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

She was born on November 16, 1949 in Cedar Rapids, IA, a daughter of Harold and Marie (Bigge) Schulte.  Susan was the 8th of 13 children growing up on the family farm in Watkins, IA.  She married Max Taylor April 22, 2012.  They made their home in Whitewater.  Max left embodiment August 5, 2016.

Susan was an analytical thinker and teacher of many things.  Her passion was to share her insights with others.  She enjoyed nature, reading, taking walks and visiting with family and friends.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her dog Bliss as well as with her grand-dogs Wilson, Bentley and Smokey. She was a loving mother of three daughters, Leigh Anne (Steve) Kohls, Annalea Madison and Kendra (Tyler) Bittner.  She cared deeply for her family with her daughters always in the forefront of her thoughts.

Susan is further survived by three grandchildren, Anna and Isaac Kohls and Madison Grindall; step-son Mark (Jill) Williams of Flagstaff, AZ; three step-grandchildren Ian, Mallery and Lindsay; eleven siblings, Arnold Schulte of Cedar Rapids, IA, Cecilia (Wayne) Becker of Marshalltown, IA, Janice Tranberry of Plymouth, MN, Vincent (Karen) Schulte of Norway, IA, Annabel (Walt) Oakley of Libertyville, IL, Francis Schulte of Amana, IA, Harold Jr. (Renate) Schulte of Amana, IA, Christine Volz of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jolene (Frank) Randall of Ames, IA, Brenda (Tim) Kapucian of Keystone, IA and Valerie Schulte of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law SueAnn Schulte of Phoenix, AZ; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents and one brother, Alan Schulte.

A celebration of her life is being planned for a later date in Iowa.

The Nitardy Funeral Home assisted the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Bobbi was born on November 2, 1942, in Elkhorn, WI to Walter and Bernice (Hurdis) Ferguson.  She graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1960.  Bobbi married Paul Sommers on November 3, 1962.  He preceded her in death on May 19, 1981. She was a legal secretary for Godfrey Law Firm in Elkhorn for 12 years.  Bobbi also worked as a Program Assistant in the Financial Aids office and the Theatre/Dance Department for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater until her retirement.  Bobbi enjoyed all Wisconsin sports, Nascar, crocheting and knitting.  She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

She is survived by her children; Tammy (Bill) Beaver, Fort Atkinson, Ken (Patricia) Sommers, Elkhorn; granddaughter, Carrisa (Alex) Matz; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Mary Strouse and brother Thomas Ferguson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  A private burial will take place at the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their loving care.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Born in 1926 in Whitewater, WI as the youngest child of Dr. Charles E. and Edith Dike. Connie spent her entire life in Whitewater.  She graduated from Whitewater High School and UW-Whitewater.  While in college she met and married John J. Arnold of Madison, WI in the summer of 1950.

Connie touched the lives of a number of parents and children as a primary education teacher for the Whitewater Unified School District for over 25 years.

After her retirement from WWUSD, Connie worked for 11 years at Old World Wisconsin, delighting visitors, and even herself, with historical stories.   Connie truly loved people and was fiercely independent.  As a member of the First United Methodist Church, she often would work on quilts and knitting projects for others.  She enjoyed golf, traveling, bridge and lunching with her friends.

She is survived by a daughter, Paula (Terry) Malone, a son, John D Arnold and a granddaughter, Pamela Constance Malone along with many nieces and nephews

She has now joined her family, along with her parents, Sisters: Catherine Taft, Arlene Watson, and Mary Dike;   Brothers: Kenneth Dike, Lawrence Dike, and Dr. Donald Dike as the last of a generation to pass.

A Graveside service will be Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Hillside Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice, First United Methodist Church, UW-Whitewater Foundation, or Wayland Academy of Beaver Dam.

The Family would like to send a Special Thank you to the staffs at Fort Memorial Hospital, Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek, Whitewater EMS and Whitewater Police Department for their assistance.

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

Harold was born on July 27, 1929, in Chicago, Il to George and Mae Holst.  He married Betty Jane Loshe on June 6, 1953. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2006.  Harold was employed as a machinist for Weiler Inc. from 1969 until his retirement in 1992.  Harold was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

He is survived by his children Robert Holst, Monroe, WI, Kenneth (Kathryn) Holst, Whitewater, Marianne (Kurt) Wallace, Whitewater, Brian (Sarah) Holst, Menomonee Falls, WI; grandchildren Robert Holst Jr., Susanne (Mike) Strothman, David (Cindy) Holst, Daniel Holst, Amy Holst, Christy Maltby, Lance Maltby, Adam Maltby, Britteny, Elisabeth, Julia and George Holst; 6 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son Wayne Holst.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 116 S. Church St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the church on Friday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. The family would like to thank Chad and Jenny at Mulberry Glen for their kindness and care.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

His passing occurred at UW-Hospital Neurosurgery ICU, surrounded by his family.

Clayton was the son of William and Margaret (McKenna) Friedl, and born on June 25, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI. Growing up in Whitewater, all of his schooling was completed within the community, from early years at the university school, (part of UWW), and finishing at the three level local high school. Clayton excelled in varsity football, becoming one of the captains his senior year. In 1958 while football captain he was elected the homecoming king, and graduated high school in 1959. During school and after graduation, Clayton, worked with his parents expanding Friedl Fuel and Cartage. They offered products to the greater Whitewater and surrounding communities including commercial and residential services for over six decades. He worked as dispatcher/driver for R&L Trucking, when an on-the-job injury changed his life forever and forced his early retirement. Clayton enjoyed lumber milling, going for coffee, dinners with family and friends, and peaceful days at the home he and Carol built on Moose Lake near Antigo. His favorite thing was to sit on his deck with friends, looking out over the lake, brandy old fashioned in hand, enjoying nature with meat grilling in the background. He took pride in the 21 types of wood that were featured in the house, most milled by him. Other notables; active on the Whitewater Fire Department for three decades and obtained his light aircraft pilots license.

Clayton is survived by his wife of nearly 22 years, Carol. Children: Debbie (Marc) Roe of Whitewater, Scott (Amy Kirner) Cross Plains, Tim Friedl of Whitewater. Step children: Debra (Steve) Owens, Diana (Leonard) Nickels, Bill (Wendy) Roth, Denise (Derek) Heydn, and Dawn (Rodger) Suprise. Grandchildren: Evan (Taylor Onsgard) Welter, Rachel (Cody Osborne) Welter, Violet Owens, Danielle (Aaron) Nowick, Jason, Justin, Christopher, and Christina Roth, Adrian, Victoria, Emily, Noah and Clara Heydn, Colton and Mckayla Suprise, and great grandchildren Kinsley and Beau Heydn and Nyssa Nowick. Clayton is further survived by his nephews Bill (Cindy Robers) Wendt and Douglas Wendt and his beloved dog Bailey.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents William and Margret Friedl, his sister and brother in law, Maureen and Douglas Wendt, son in law Randy Welter and beloved pets Brandy and Kelsey.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and staff at UW Hospital neurosurgery ICU, Med Flight, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Atkinson Fire Department, Ryan Brothers Ambulance and the Whitewater EMS. They would also like to thank friends and community members for all of their support.

The services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 N. Franklin Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 with visitation on Saturday from 9:30 am to 11 am at the Congregational United Church of Christ. Additionally, visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm on Friday, July 13, 2018, at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.

The Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is handling the arrangements. Details are posted at nitardyfuneralhome.com

Harriet was born in Whitewater to Harry and Anna (Rohloff) Hanson on October 11, 1932.

Harriet married Ronald Christophersen on September 26th, 1953. Harriet loved crocheting and was a “master” crocheter. She spent hundreds of hours crocheting afghans, blankets, and scrubbies. She loved watching sports. College Basketball was her favorite as well as watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. She loved northern Wisconsin and for many years the family camped in northern Wisconsin and eventually, she and Ronald purchased a small mobile home in Woodruff. She enjoyed fishing and socializing with her “up north” friends. She spent many weekends taking her granddaughter Melissa up north and introducing Melissa to the beauty and serenity of “up north”. In the latter years, Melissa purchased a mobile home in the same trailer resort. As Harriet was unable to drive herself up north, Melissa returned the favor and took Harriet up north to her trailer where she and Ronald made so many memories.

Harriet also loved her trips to Gulf Shores Alabama. For many years, she and Ronald took family vacations to Gulf Shores. Many memories were made and in 2016 she was able to spend Thanksgiving in Gulf Shores.

Harriet enjoyed a long and loyal working career. Harriet started working at Whitewater Electronics in 1955 as a production supervisor and in 1981, the company obtained new ownership and became Universal Electronics. She was retained by the new ownership and worked as a production manager, shipping supervisor, and customer service representative. She retired in November 2016 completing a very prosperous 61-year working career for the same company.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Lynn) Christophersen and Grandchildren: Melissa (Brent) Zanzinger, Dustin Christophersen, Beth (Tom) Parsons, Andy (Kylie) Kirchner. Great Grandchildren, Isaiah and John Zanzinger, Lacey and Tessa Christophersen, Ryan, Luke & Max Parsons, and Elliot Kirchner. She survived by her sister Mary Mack; several nieces and nephews.

Harriet was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Ronald; brother Donald and sister Margaret.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Fort Healthcare, Alden Estates, Jefferson EMT Service, Med Flight and UW-Madison Neurosurgery ICU doctors and nurses.

Visitation will be at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m on Thursday, July 12th. Services will be at 1st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater at 11 a.m. Friday, July 13th with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mary Jane was born on July 28, 1920, the daughter of Elmer and Clara Haylock. She lived her childhood in Edgerton WI and at age 17 met and dated her future husband Sam Vultaggio. In 1942 Sam entered the Army and was stationed in California. A year later Mary Jane and her mother Clara left Edgerton and the two women bravely drove from Edgerton WI to Yuba City California, where on July 23, 1943, she married Sam Vultaggio before he was deployed to active battle in WWll. During Sam’s 3-year absence, Mary Jane worked as a beautician in California. When Sam returned from the war in 1946 they returned to Edgerton, where Sam and Mary Jane ran a successful plaster company and started a family. Eighteen years later Sam, Mary Jane, and son Rick built and operated the Country Squire Motel and Supper Club until 1971. Upon Sam’s and Mary Janes retirement, they built a home in Whitewater and every winter danced their way across Nashville, Tenn., Texas, Las Vegas, and California.

After Sam’s return from the War, Mary Jane and Sam were inseparable, until Sam passed away in 2008. With the help of her beloved caregivers, Mary Jane continued to live in their Whitewater home until the day before she passed away.

Mary Jane’s legacy is her love of family. Her son Rick and wife Kathy. Three grandchildren: Tony (Michele) Vultaggio, Joe (Danna Hoffmann) Vultaggio, and Jenna (Ryan) Rebman. Four great-grandchildren: Brenden Vultaggio, Teegan Robers, Nolan, and Lyle Rebman and Jeff Vultaggio (preceded in death). Her extended family includes Jayden & Grayson Hoffmann, Caitlin Rebman, Krista Doerr (Tony’s sister), the family of her late brother Robert Haylock, her caregivers Mary Heather, Shawnda, Alyssa and Betty, Kay Robers for her help along with all those who she called her friends.

Mary Jane’s secret for her long life: Never think old!

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at 11:00 am at Living Savior Lutheran Church, 1661 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Milton Lawns Cemetery in Janesville.

Donna was born on March 6, 1934, in Pittsburg, Kansas to Roy Allen and Wilma Fern (Schneider) Sherwood. She graduated from Whitewater High school and then continued on to graduate from Evanston Nursing program as an RN.

On December 3, 1955, Donna married Robert “Bob” Frank Stevenson in Whitewater where they resided until their retirement. They moved to Las Cruces New Mexico and resided there for 20 years before returning to Whitewater in 2015 to be near family.

Donna spent most of her time as a homemaker, but in her free time she was an avid golfer, on her own, and before her husband’s passing they would golf together. She and Bob traveled extensively. Donna was a member of the United Congregational Church of Whitewater, a longtime member of the Whitewater Country Club and then upon their retirement at the Picacho Hills Country Club Las Cruces New Mexico.

She is survived by her children, Crystal (Paul) Singer of Whitewater, Scott (Nancy) Stevenson of Whitewater; grandchildren, Christopher (Sheila) Singer of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Audra Stevenson of Dallas, Texas, Angela Stevenson of Whitewater, LeAndra Stevenson of Dallas, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Connor Stevenson and Mackenzie Singer.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents Roy and Wilma Sherwood, and her brother Robert Sherwood.

A Memorial service will take place on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Fairhaven, 435 W Starin Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018, from 10 a.m. until time of service at Fairhaven, Whitewater, Wisconsin. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123, in honor of Donna.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the staff at Fairhaven.

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

Jeanette was born March 24, 1926, to Charles and Josephine (Ludwig) Osborn in Fond du Lac WI.

She graduated from UW-La Crosse in 1948 and taught for one year before marrying husband Eugene Kruchoski on June 18, 1949. Seven children in the next ten years to follow kept Jeanette forever busy.

Jeanette was a huge fan of working with her hands. She had a gift for baking, was an avid gardener, and was accomplished at both knitting and crocheting. Children and dogs always brought a smile to her face, they were both obvious soft spots in her heart as evident by her generous donations. Jeanette and Eugene enjoyed many international travels throughout the years always bringing home gifts from faraway places for family and friends.

Survived by children, Michael (Jill) Kruchoski of Albuquerque,New Mexico, Susan (Erv) Schachel of Wyndotte, Michigan, David (Juliet) Kruchoski of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Stephan (Dawn) Kruchoski of Central Point, Oregon, John Kruchoski of Whitewater, Wisconsin, Beth Krahn of Lodi, Wisconsin; sister, Lila Brown of Milwaukee; sisters-in-law Kathy Osborn of Fond du Lac and Alice Osborn; of Fond du Lac, brother and sister in law Robert & Edna Mae Kruchoski of Hibbing, Minnesota; ten grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, son Dennis, and six brothers & sisters.

Special thanks to The Glen at Mulberry and Fairhaven for the care she received during her last years, and Nitardy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jefferson County Humane Society.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

Friends may call after 9:30 AM on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at the church until the time of the Mass.

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