Obituary Archive

Bruce was born on August 9, 1950, in Sheboygan to Virgil Karl and Shirley (Kline) Hogue.  He graduated from Concordia High School.  On March 27, 1976, he married Katherine Margaret Moraski.  They spent eight years in Caledonia before moving to Whitewater.  Bruce was a self-employed mechanic for a couple years and then worked at Converse Equipment for 10 years, and Briggs and Stratton and Generac for 15 years.

In his free time, Bruce enjoyed working on cars, antique cars, ATVing, snowmobiling, watching NASCAR and playing Santa Claus for children’s events.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Kathy of Whitewater; children, Corey Wayne (Toni) Hogue, Erin Renee (Chris) Such; grandchildren, Brianna Hogue, Jaxon Hogue, Paige Such; and very special grand puppy, Lola.

He is predeceased by his parents, Virgil and Shirley; sister, Vicki; and in-laws, Larry and Lois Moraski.

No Formal Services are planned at this time.

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

Shirley was born to Alma (nee Madsen) and Verge Dow in San Francisco, California on June 10, 1936.  After the end of WWII, the Dow family moved to Rogue River, Oregon where she graduated from high school.  She always considered herself to be an Oregonian; this was reinforced when she earned BA and MA degrees in Physics from Oregon State University.

Her first teaching position was at the Yakima Valley Junior College in the state of Washington.  After a couple years, she went on to Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan for additional graduate work in physics and a part-time teaching appointment.  She left Wayne State in January 1963 for a position as an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department of (what is now) the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  She was on the faculty here until her retirement in 2000.  At UW-W she did a lot of work with prospective elementary teachers in a physics class emphasizing hands-on, activity-oriented science instruction.  Shirley also developed and taught a popular course: Physics of Sound & Music.  In 2000, She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

At Whitewater, in 1965 Shirley met a newly hired physics instructor, Frank Stekel.  After working together for several years, they were married in August 1967.  They were still working together right up to the present time.

After retirement, Shirley became a Master Gardener.  She had a special interest in prairies and was a volunteer at Rotary Gardens in Janesville in the presentation of programs for elementary school students.  Shirley loved nature, animals (especially cats) and travel.

She was preceded in death by parents as well as her daughter, Sharon, in January 2017.

She is survived by her husband, Frank D. Stekel of Fort Atkinson; daughter, Sandra and husband, Tim Schmidt, of Bristol; brother, Wayne, of North Granby, Connecticut; sister, GeRee’ Lane, of Jacksonville, Oregon; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Joe and Carol Stekel of Bangor; special friends, Virginia Epps and Karen Helwig, both of Whitewater; other relatives and friends as well as her fellow Rotary Gardens volunteers,

Burial will be in the Cold Spring Union Cemetery next to her daughter, Sharon. This family ceremony and a memorial gathering will be held later this summer.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to either the Jefferson County Humane Society or the Rotary Gardens of Janesville, WI.

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

Bill was born on August 21, 1955, in Fort Atkinson to Harold William and Edith Grace (Uglow) Rabenhorst.  He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973.  Bill enjoyed bowling, history and reading, friends and family, farming and taking day trips to get away from the farm.  Bill liked to road farm and shoot the breeze with the neighbors. He also enjoyed riding his Harley. He loved his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Malone (Bo) Klietz, Whitewater; grandchildren Tyler Rabenhorst-Malone, Scarlett and Karleigh Klietz; Sister, Ellen (Lou) Rowland, Fort Wayne, IN,  many nieces and nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Kenny and Larry Rabenhorst and sister Roberta “Bobbi” Litten.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018, at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church 145 S. Prairie St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018, from 5:00- 8:00 pm at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190 and on Friday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank the Monday, Wednesday, Friday Dialysis team in Fort Atkinson for the last 13 years, Jim and Jack for the live transplant of kidneys, Agrace Hospice Care, the inpatient doctors and nurses at the UW Hospital and their specialty clinics, many family and friends, neighbors for coming in to help with the farm and house chores, the Baptist church family that brought food and comfort to us and the many prayers from the community.

She was born on October 8, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Earl Franklin Forbush and Mildred Ella Ogle.

Cora spent her entire professional life in education. She received her BS degree from UW La Crosse in 1948, her MS degree from UW Madison in 1952 and her Ph.D. from UW Madison in 1971.  In 1967 Cora attended the University of Colorado for 1 year of coursework. She began her career in Oconomowoc public schools, teaching Physical Education to students in grades 1-12 during 1948 and 1949.  Cora moved to Milwaukee in 1950 and taught PE and Health at Bayview High School for two years.  Cora became Dean at Carthage College, Carthage, IL during 1952-1956.  Cora was hired as Associate Dean – Women at UW Whitewater in 1956 and retired 32 years later in 1988. Cora was an avid outdoors person and thoroughly enjoyed her YMCA Camp Manitowish (Boulder Junction, WI) experiences.  She served in counseling and administration roles and participated in camping and chapel activities including navigation of the over 1300 lakes in Villas County, Canadian fishing, and canoe tripping.   Cora is remembered fondly by the Camp staff and is recognized as a memorable role model for the younger campers. She participated in social/honorary fraternity and sorority activities in her spare time.  Cora was also an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Elkhorn, WI.

Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

She is survived by her seven nieces, five nephews, and several close friends. In addition to her parents, Cora was preceded in death by her four sisters and one brother.   Her closest friend Clayton Droullard recently passed away as well.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI with Pastor Joyce Rich officiating. Friends may call after 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at the funeral home until the time of the services.

A service of celebration of life, love, family, camp, church and friendship ties will occur shortly after Labor Day on the Camp Manitowish grounds where her ashes will be spread behind the Pinewoods Chapel as Cora requested.  Also, at Cora’s request, in lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Cora’s name and may be given to Camp Manitowish in Boulder Junction, WI or Bethel United Methodist Church in Elkhorn, WI.

Cora’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Fairhaven Senior Services, Whitewater, WI and a special thanks to close friends Mike Ciardo, Char Anderson and Rob Droullard and their families who went above and beyond in all they did for Cora.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

He was born on Nov 11, 1922, in Milwaukee to John and Bertha (Messerschmidt) Wagie. His parents passed away when he was a young boy; he then spent the majority of his youth living in the Milwaukee Lutheran Home and various foster homes.

Eugene moved to Whitewater at age 15 where he lived with his foster parents, George and Elsie Luedtke, working on their farm with three of his brothers. He attended Whitewater High School, graduating in 1941. There he met his future wife, Kay Ebert, at the Armory roller skating rink.

Eugene joined the US Army, where he served from March 1946 to September 1947. While serving at White Sands Proving Grounds, NM, he married Kay Ebert on June 19, 1946.

After the Army, Eugene and Kay returned to Coloma, WI to work in her parents’ restaurant. They then returned to Whitewater, where Eugene worked a variety of jobs, including 32 years with Hawthorn Melody Dairy. After retiring from the dairy, he worked 18 years part-time at the Whitewater Country Club. Eugene was an avid golfer and a member of the country club for over 40 years. He was especially proud of the hole-in-one he scored at age 79! He also enjoyed bowling and cards.

Eugene was very active in the Whitewater community, serving as an usher and treasurer at St John’s Lutheran Church; President of the Lion’s Club; Honor Guard at the American Legion; voting poll volunteer; and tremendous blood donor – giving over 13 gallons in his lifetime!

Eugene was preceded in death by Kay, his wife of 56 years, and his 7 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his 5 children (and spouses): Carol, Dave (Sue), Dennis (Ann), Terry (Maryellen), and Sandy (Ron); 8 grandchildren and their partners/spouses; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St, Whitewater, on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 3 pm to 6 pm, followed by a memorial service. Eugene will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Kay the next day in a private family burial.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunset Ridge Jefferson and Rainbow Hospice for their loving care, professional expertise, and gentle compassion during Eugene’s last months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Eugene’s honor to Rainbow Hospice, 147 W. Rockwell, Jefferson WI 53549.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

February 13, 1938 – June 5, 2018

She was born on February 13, 1938, to John R. and Nora Monahan.  At the time of her birth, Eileen’s mother passed away, and John raised her with the help of Eileen’s beloved “Aunt Gena” – Virginia (Monahan) Deignan of Lake Geneva.   Later, her father married Louise Clarke, who became her mother in every sense of the word.  Louise brought with her son Joe, and John and Louise eventually had a daughter together.  It was Eileen’s little sister Martha who dubbed her “Nini”, or simply “Neen” as she has been known ever since.  Eileen grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated from Evanston Township High School.

Later, she graduated from Quincy College in Quincy, Illinois, and began teaching English in Chatsworth, Illinois.  Eileen loved her career as a teacher, so after taking some years off to raise her family – as well as getting certified to teach Special Education – she taught several places in southern Wisconsin, including Traver, Pell Lake Star Center and Mukwonago, and then ending her career as a Learning Disabilities teacher at Phoenix School in Delavan.

Eileen married Daniel J. O’Sullivan on June 18, 1960, and together in Lake Geneva they raised 3 daughters.  They were divorced in 1979, and Daniel passed away in 1982.

Eileen also had a flair for the dramatic – she spent time teaching drama and putting on plays at her schools, as well as appearing in community theater productions.  In later years, she was thrilled to be able to share this interest with her grandson Nathan as he pursues a career in the arts.  Eileen’s other grandson, Dan, made her happy in so many ways as well.  With him, she shared a home as he grew up, as well as a love of animals and technology.  She would proudly boast of her personal desktop technician and loved to learn from his computer prowess.

And if you ever got her started talking about the TV show “Survivor”, you’d better be ready for all of the facts.  Under the screen moniker “Coolhand Eddie”, she ran an online Fantasy Survivor tribe, and had several trophies to show for her ability to “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast.”  She was also a rabid football and baseball fan and tried never to miss a televised game.  A Brewer game at Miller Park a couple of years ago, courtesy of her daughter Cathy and son-in-law Tom, was a recent highlight – as (oddly) was the Cubs winning the World Series in 2016.

Eileen loved the outdoors and made her home in a tranquil part of the Kettle Moraine Forest.  There she would mow acres of land, feed the birds, help a local feral cat rescue organization, and gaze at the constellations.  For as long as she could, she maintained gardens; in a recent conversation with a chaplain, she said that she always felt closest to God when in her flower garden.

Eileen is survived by her daughters: Joann O’Sullivan, Whitewater; Cathy O’Sullivan (Tom) Kavanaugh, Sauk City; and Theresa O’Sullivan Fosbinder (Madison).  She is further survived by her grandsons Dan (Alexi) O’Sullivan and Nathan Fosbinder. She also leaves behind several beloved pets who will miss her kindness and kindred spirit – especially her dearest Foggy.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Rodríguez Monahan; her mother, Nora (Liston) Monahan; her stepmother Louise Clarke Monahan; her step-brother Joe (“Sug”) Daniels, and her sister Martha Monahan Jones Bromley.

Whether the Brewers win or the Packers lose, or the Cubs sneak into the rotation, Eddie will forever be watching from her flower garden.  We will miss you, Weather Gma.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at 12 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI. 53190. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 11 am until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Cat Inc., P.O. Box 447 Whitewater, WI 53190 – commcat.org, or ActBlue LLC – www.actblue.com.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

She was born March 20, 1920, in Cudahy, WI.

Annabelle (“Tootsie”) was preceded in death (1996) by her beloved husband and soulmate of 54 years, Dr. Anton S. (Tony) Dorn. She was the precious Mom of Candy Rezin, Lehigh Acres, FL; Linda Smith, Milwaukee; and Mark Dorn, Whitewater. Mom was the “Grammie Award” of Heather, Shantee’, Shane, and Shiloh; and Great Grandma to Caleb, Ashton, Marcus, Andre, Sean, Kevin, Caitlyn, Bailey, and Toree.

Annabelle was the quintessential Mom: loving, kind, nurturing, compassionate, clever, smart, and sweet. Mom loved her family, was fond of Tweetie Bird, and, to an extent, WAS Tweetie Bird. There was not a mean bone in her body. Her children’s memories growing up in the home she made brim with love, happiness, and awe. And, with much love, when we think of Mom, we say “Awww…” Mom had a smile that enamored her to everyone.

Annabelle enjoyed living on 55th Street in Milwaukee, where she raised her family; sunning at the winter home on Fort Myers Beach, FL; and relaxing at the summer cottage on North Lake (Waukesha County, WI). After Dad’s passing, Mom was proud of her apartment at Mulberry Glen, Whitewater, where she lived independently for 18 years. The past four years Mom was happy and appreciative of the loving care she received at Our House Senior Living, Whitewater.

Mom will rest with Dad later this summer at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. A memorial for family and friends will be announced at a later date. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staffs of Our House Senior Living, Whitewater, and Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson, for their love, care, and devotion to Mom.

Proverbs 31-25-30: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed: her husband, also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

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

Phyllis was born June 21, 1925, to Raymond and Alta (Sleep) Chamberlain in Palmyra, Wisconsin.  She lived most of her life in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  She graduated as valedictorian from Whitewater High school in 1943.  She then attended and graduated from Whitewater State Teacher’s College (now UW-Whitewater) in 1947.

Phyllis married William Masterson, her high school sweetheart, in 1947.  Together, they spent 61 years together and had three children.  For 23 years, she taught math at the junior high and high school in the Whitewater school district.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, PEO Sisterhood and the Retired Teachers Association.  Phyllis enjoyed music, reading, knitting, weaving, crosswords and loved her family dearly.

She is survived by her three children, Kim Masterson of Whitewater, Karla Goodman of Severna Park, MD, and Bruce (Debbie) Masterson of Whitewater; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased in death by her husband, parents and daughter-in-law, Pam Schmitt-Masterson.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 145 Prairie St, Whitewater, WI 53190.  A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at First United Methodist Church, Whitewater, WI.  Her cremains will be interred at Hillside Cemetery.

Memorials can be made in her memory to Fairhaven Foundation, 435 W. Starin Rd., Whitewater, WI 53190.

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

Marilynn was born June 28, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of George Byron and Ruth Quinn (Hurd) Baxter. She attended the State University of Iowa in Ames and graduated in 1958; she then did post-graduate work at University of Edinburgh in 1960 and the School of Actors Company in NYC in 1963; She received her MA from University of Wisconsin in 1965 and her PhD in 1973; She did post graduate work at Lee Strosberg and was Director of Actors Workshop 1968; Marilynn was Instructor Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater 1964- 1967. She was communications faculty and director at Parkside Players University of Wisconsin at Parkside, Kenosha in 1967. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.

Dr. Baxter was always a theater buff and she enjoyed acting as well as directing. She did free-lance commercial work in Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Marilynn joined the Daughters of the American Revolution as a junior on April 15, 1967, and was a member for 51 years. She was a member of Kenosha WI Chapter DAR and was Chapter Regent 1974-1977 Dr. Baxter was Past Vice President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) 1990- 1993. She was Wisconsin DAR State Regent 1986-1989. When Marilynn became State Regent, a member of the Kenosha Chapter wrote a song in her honor, “Marilyn Our Marilyn” Her NSDAR services included being a member of the Long Range Planning Commission 1998-2007, Chair of this Commission 2004-2007. In addition, she was Chair of the Wisconsin Room 1989-2001, member of Speakers Staff 2001- 2013, She also served as Vice Chair (VC) American Heritage Committee – Literature and Drama 1998-2001, VC National Defense Committee 1998-2001, VC DAR Scholarship Committee-Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi-MBA Scholarship, VC North Central Division Historic Preservation 2010-2013. Dr. Baxter was a life member of the National Officers Club, NSDAR. While she was WSDAR Regent she organized a membership survey and printed a membership directory, encouraged all members to utilize computer technology and use videotapes and TV to promote DAR. One of her projects was designing a traveler’s decal which was sold in the NSDAR Store. The English lantern clock is the oldest clock in the DAR Museum’s collection; it dates from 1690 to 1715, coinciding with the reign of William and Mary of Orange, who were Dutch. The Dutch tulip motif appears in the middle of the dial and on the central fret above the face, flanked by the coat of arms of England. Lantern clocks were the first readily available domestic clocks in England. The clock which is on display in the Wisconsin Period Room, DAR Museum, was a gift to the room from Dr. Marilynn Baxter. Dr. Baxter supported Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters serving as chair of the Long Range Planning Commission. In addition, she served on the WSDAR State Board as Chaplain and Curator. Baxter’s ancestors were with the Pilgrims who sailed from England to the colonies in New England. It was from these ancestors she qualified to become a member of Patriotic Organizations including General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Colonial Dames of America, National Society of Magna Charta Dames, Plantagenet Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Marilynn’s commitment to Colonial Dames of America – Wisconsin included being a longstanding board member, Honorary President, and past Region II Museum Property Chair, Lady of Dumbarton, and Chair of Historical Indian Agency House, Portage Wi Committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

DAR Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home, Kewanee. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Graveside Services will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Kewanee. Pastor Dan Craig will officiate. Memorials may be made to Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters, 1824 State Road 33, Portage, Wisconsin 53901.

Please leave a memory or online condolence for Marilynn’s family and friends at www.schuenemantumblesonfuneralhome.com