Obituary Archive

Fran Killips Parks was born to Benjamin and Norma (DeMott) Killips on January 5th, 1960, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1962. She graduated from Whitewater High School as part of the Class of ’78. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Welfare at UW-Whitewater in December of 1984.

Fran married her high school friend, Howard Parks, on October 26, 1985, and the couple moved to St Louis, Missouri. They returned to Wisconsin in 1991, living in Whitewater, West Allis, Milwaukee, and Hartford. In 2006, the family offered to share their home with friends Mac & Thea McDonald. In 2010, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Mac passed in 2015.

Fran enjoyed many creative activities: quilting, sewing, crocheting, gardening, photography, wood carving, singing and interior design. That is to say, she liked to move the furniture around. She enjoyed camping and traveling, visiting Idaho, da UP, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming on family trips. The highlight of her adventures was 3 weeks with her dear friends Leslie and John in New Zealand in 2015.

Fran’s delight was her four children: Sarah, Abbie, Katie, and Charlie. She was very fond of her dogs, Autumn and Penny. Fran was a member of Adat Hatikvah Tzion, a messianic congregation, in Omaha.  She was vocal about her love for Yeshua and His Word and generous with her time in service to His people. She was known for her hospitality to friends, family and strangers alike, her puns and for her hearty, joyous laughter.

Fran passed on April 8, 2018, from cancer. She was preceded in death by her father Ben, mother-in-law Helen, brother-in-law Tony and two unborn babies. She is survived by her husband, her mother, siblings Ben, Mike (Sue), Liz (John), Patrick, Marc (Christine), father-in-law Gordon, brothers-in-law Alan (Jean), Frank, Chris (SO Caroline), Matt (Linda), sisters-in-law Katie and Elizabeth (Willard), 18 nieces and nephews, 4 great-nieces and nephews.

On April 12, 2018, a graveside service was held at Voss Mohr Cemetery, in Omaha.

In Whitewater, a memorial service and potluck will be held on Saturday, June 9^th, 2018 at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Howard and his children are very grateful to family, church family in both Wisconsin and Nebraska, and Howard’s employer for support of many kinds during Fran’s illness and the days since.

Memorials may be made to any charity or organization in honor of Fran and her spirit to give and support others.

She was born on September 9, 1953. Denise was a very kind, fun loving, opened hearted woman who enjoyed laughing with family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Brandon (Angeles) Garlock of Milton and Blake (Mahri) Garlock of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Alexis, Tess, April and Vanessa; a great grandson on the way; one brother and four sisters.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.

Following her wishes, private services will be held.

Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Margaret was born to parents Louis and Lorraine Kappel on December 19, 1927, in Madison, WI. In 1951, she married her Madison East High School sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Bailey. They resided together in West Milwaukee, WI, West Allis, WI and in 1968 they moved to their final family home in Whitewater, WI. Margie and Dick each retired from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1990 after long fulfilling careers. Through all those years there was also endless time spent with family and friends at John’s Lake in Wautoma, WI. In 2013, Margie moved to Lakeville, MN near her son Mark for the remainder of her years.

Margie’s family was blessed by a person that defined the true meaning of selfless love. Margie was a loving and devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She welcomed and included with an open heart all others that were part of the family. Her greatest joy was being with her family, spending time together, and watching each of them grow. She was very proud of them all. Margie’s kindness and generosity also touched many friends, relatives, and acquaintances throughout her life. Those people as well had a special place in Margie’s heart. She often shared special stories of wonderful times and experiences spent together. These memories will be with us for generations to come.

Margie is survived by her four children, Gregg (Debbie) Bailey, Liberty Township, OH; Mark (Heidi) Bailey, Lakeville, MN; Nancy Long, Simpsonville, SC; and Jane (Dan) Becker, Whitewater, WI. She has ten grandchildren; Mitch Bailey, Amanda Bailey, Kristen Olson, Nick Bailey, Tori Bailey, Brandon Long, Jordan Long, Casey Becker, Cody Becker, and Chad Becker and six precious great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; brother Herbert Kappel, and granddaughter Shelby Long.

The family is very grateful for all of the thoughtfulness and heartfelt condolences. A private burial is being held at a later date.

Any memorials in Margie’s honor can be directed to:

St. Croix Hospice, c/o Margaret Bailey Memorial, 7200 Hudson Blvd., Suite 230, Oakdale, MN 55128

or

UW-Whitewater Foundation, c/o Richard Bailey Endowment,  Hyer Hall 423, 800 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190

Dennis was born on September 20, 1960, in Rockford, Illinois to Robert and Kathryn (Kelzer) Gantz.  He graduated from Harlem High School in Rockford.  Dennis worked for Kunes Country Auto Group for over 30 years as an auto body technician. He was a kind man who would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He enjoyed fishing, shooting trap, restoring cars, NASCAR racing, and snowmobiling.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Gantz, Whitewater; step-daughter, Heather Freund; Oshkosh, mother Kay Lindquist; brothers Benny (Brenda) Gantz, Kenny (Angel) Gantz; sister Rose Gantz (Rick); nephew Jacob Gantz; niece Brooke Gantz; former wife Kathleen (Mark) Sumnicht.  He was preceded in death by his father; sister Margaret Gantz; step-father Ty Lindquist.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 550 N. Newcomb St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the family.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Ralph was born on May 9, 1931, in Kentucky to William and Virginia Lucille (Tyree) Barton.  He graduated from Boy’s Tech High School, Milwaukee, WI. Ralph married Alice Earsley Schuenke on March 13, 1965. She preceded him in death on June 14, 1994. He worked for the City of Milwaukee in their public works department.  He and Alice moved out to Whitewater after he retired and built their home which became known as Rebel’s Roost Ranch.  Ralph had a passion for horses, hunting, and guns. He drove a school bus for Lakeland.  He enjoyed driving all the sports teams from Palmyra to their games and became fond of all the children he got to know driving them to school.

He is survived by his children James (Betty) Schuenke, Merton, WI, Jan Lubasz, Whitewater; grandchildren, Christina (Justin) Meisenheimer, Nicole Lee, Sean Schuenke, Erik (Kathy) Schuenke, Dan Schuenke; great-grandchildren Tyler, Cody, Alex, Dylan, Savanna, Kaeline, Landon, Brayden, Gavin, Paxton; daughter-in-law, Rose Schuenke; several nephews and his niece, Gaye Lynn. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Richard Schuenke; grandchildren, Anthony Schuenke, Traci Lee Lubasz; brother, Charles Barton; sister, Gloria Cash.

The family would like to invite family and friends to celebrate Ralph’s life on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at 1:00 pm at his home.

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

Mike was born June 17th, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI.  He was the son of Donald M. & Mary A. (Dufrane) Simon. Mike attended St. Patrick’s Grade School, grades 1-8, and St. Mary’s Springs Academy & graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac in 1963.

Mike married Maureen H. Lawrence of Fond du Lac in 1965.  They settled in Southern WI shortly thereafter. Mike worked for the A&P Food Stores before getting his insurance license.

He sold insurance for Mutual of Omaha Ins. Co. before becoming an independent agent and owning his own business, Simon and Associates.

Mike was a proficient pool player in his early years, loved to play sheepshead and had a passion for golf.  He also enjoyed fishing, baking bread, and fermenting foods.

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maureen.  Sons: Daniel (Virginia) Simon of Fort Atkinson, Patrick Simon of Fort Atkinson, and grandchildren Morgan and Logan Simon of Fort Atkinson.  He is also survived by siblings: Donnie (Barb) Simon from Lomira; Peter (Nury) Simon of Belmont, CA; Louie (Barb) Simon of Paducah, KY; Marcia (Billy) Long of Sevierville, TN; Sharon (Rob) Sharp of Fond du Lac; Rosanne Kowal of Fond du Lac;  Karen (Jim) Gallagher of Menasha, sister-in-law Ronde (John) Zoelle of Fond du Lac; Brother-in-law Michael (Michelle) Lawrence of Omro; Brother-in-law David Lawrence Thailand; as well as many cherished friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law Dorothy Simon, a brother-in-law Leo Kowal, and a son Steven Michael Simon.

A celebration of life will be at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb, Whitewater, WI. on Saturday, May 12, 2018, starting at 10 am with a service following at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, direct donations to the American Heart Association (http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/) would be greatly appreciated or a charity of one’s choice.

www.nitaryfuneralhome.com

Robert was born March 27, 1949 to Lawrence and Barbara (Beguin) Ludeman. He graduated from Milton Union High School in 1967, and married Cora Maylord Ludeman on August 17, 1968, in Milwaukee, WI. Robert worked many jobs throughout his life, including working as a custodian at U.W. Whitewater, owning a pet and hobby shop in Whitewater, being a crossing guard for 19 years for the Whitewater School District until he retired. Robert enjoyed working with coins, guns and being a farmer. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his sons and cherished his time around his family.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cora; sons: Joseph, Karl, Raymond (Deana), and Wilford (Karen) Ludeman; brother-in-law, Herb Babcock; grandchildren, Kayla and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Nancy Branfort and Karen Babcock.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to time of services at the funeral home. There will be a private burial at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater at a later date. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

828 S. Janesville Street, Milton 608-868-2542

www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Robert’s family wishes to thank Rainbow Hospice for the great care that was given to Robert, to SSM Health for their care as well as for the rides given to him, and to their granddaughter, Kayla with all his love.

Born in Hubbell, Michigan, he was the youngest of Henry and Albertina (Gunville) Bilgen’s eight children. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gloria (nee Bonifas); three daughters, Rev. Vicki Fink (David), Neenah, WI; Karil Bilgen Curran, Lake Villa, IL; Jan Bilgen Craggs (Jay), Whitewater, WI; six grandchildren, Margaret Fink, Emily Steele, John Fink, Claire Curran, Caroline Curran, and William Curran; a great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School in 1945 as class president. He was drafted into the Army, where he coordinated efforts for troops returning home. In 1950, he completed his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from the Detroit Institute of Technology and married his high school sweetheart. His 39-year career with Allstate Insurance Company began in Detroit, where he was a Clerical Supervisor; when he retired, he was Senior Executive Vice President of Operations nationwide.

From a young age, one of Bill’s passions was music. He took organ lessons early on and continued his musical pursuits as an adult by installing a theater pipe organ in his home, bringing enjoyment to many. He wrote and helped produce an operetta about the Copper Country where he grew up, “Boomin’ Copper,” which was performed at the Calumet Theater in Calumet, MI. As a board member of Opportunity, Inc., in Northbrook, IL, Bill helped provide jobs for disabled adults. He has also registered a patent for harnessing wind energy.

Over the years, Bill and his family have enjoyed the home he designed and had built in Egg Harbor, WI. The deck looking out onto the water was a favorite spot for visiting with his wife, children, grandchildren, and a variety of friends. Many family gatherings and celebrations were hosted at “The Rock House.”

The family is grateful for the dedicated caregivers at Hearthstone Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center. Quick to appreciate Bill’s dynamic personality, they offered attentive care and light-hearted companionship.

A funeral service will be held on April 25, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI, Pastor Steve Hanson officiating. Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Moss Lake Cemetery, Isabella, MI.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

She was born in Janesville on June 2, 1944; the daughter of Harold and Elfie (Baker) Jensen. Peg graduated from Craig High School in 1962, and worked at her parents’ restaurant, the “Jensen Café,” in her youth. She also worked as the student employment supervisor in the UW-Whitewater library for about 30 years. Peg married her husband, Ken Conner, on September 1, 2007, and together they enjoyed traveling and volunteering their time at the Rotary Gardens in Janesville. Peg was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Conner; son, Ryan (Sara Gerend) Murray of Wheaton, IL; grandson, Jack Ryan Murray; and nieces, nephews, and friends.
Peg is predeceased by her parents; and brother, Fred Jensen.

Peg’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff members of Huntington Place and Agrace Hospice for all of their loving kindness.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Burial will follow to Oakhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, April 18 at the funeral home and will continue at 10:00 AM until time of service on Thursday.

Memorial donations can be given to the Rotary Gardens of Janesville or the Humane Society of Wisconsin.

For online obituary and registry, please visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

She was born in Milwaukee on June 20, 1952, the daughter of Jack and Janet (Biegler) Pickup.  She graduated from high school in Wayne, New Jersey and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Carroll College where she was a member of Chi Omega.  On August 30, 1975, she married Donald “Duck” Sura; he preceded her in death on September 19, 2007.  Julie worked for Dr. Jeff Eaves, DDS for 19 years and then for Family Vision Center in Burlington until her retirement earlier this year.  She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the church choir and bell choir. Julie enjoyed working out at Curves but her pride and joy was her family.  She never missed any of her children or grandchildren’s performances and the last show she was able to see was her granddaughter Charlotte performing in Jack and the Beanstalk.  She will be forever missed by all who knew her.

She was the proud and loving mother to Shannon (Joe) Hajewski of Whitewater, Erin (Steven) Sura Flurry of Fond du Lac, Brianne (Zach Pierce) Sura of Whitewater and Shane Sura of Okinawa, Japan, cherished grandmother of Charlotte and JoJo Hajewski and sister of Jack (Deb) Pickup of Barrington, IL.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to her husband, Donald, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 12:00 p.m. until time of the 2:00 pm memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 810 North East Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.  Memorials in Julie’s name are appreciated to the American Cancer Society, N19 W24350 Riverwood Dr. Waukesha, WI 53188.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family.  For further information please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.