Obituary Archive

Bernard (Ben) Jean Lucien Chaput of Whitewater passed away on Friday, November 15, 2019

Bernard Jean Lucien Chaput

April 27, 1946 – November 15, 2019

Bernard (Ben) Jean Lucien Chaput of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and children on Friday November 15, 2019. Ben was born to Lucien and Therese Chaput in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. After graduating high school he attended St. Paul’s College and received a BA with majors in English and French Literature in 1968. That same year, he was hired by Great West Life Insurance Company and married the love of his life Patricia Louise Hogan. Together they raised 5 beautiful children: Lisa, David, Jennifer, Julie and Matthew.

In 1982, he was given the opportunity to head up the company’s individual operations for its US home office in Denver, CO where he moved his family. In 1988, Ben took a job with Washington National as the Chief Underwriter and moved his family to Chicago, IL. In 1993, the company moved their operations to Whitewater, WI. Ben and Pat bought a home in the Scattered Oaks subdivision by Whitewater Lake, where they enjoyed many family occasions, lake days and watching their grandchildren grow.

Ben is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Patricia; children, Lisa (Richard) Pye, David (Cindy) Chaput, Jennifer Chaput, Julie (Brett) Todd, Matthew Chaput; Grandchildren, Emma and Trevor Wielert, Carly and Olivia Pye, Michael, Benjamin, Elise and Sam Chaput, Elena Chaput, Chloe and Colin Todd, Capri and Charlotte Chaput; Sisters, Paulette (Ray) Brunet of Victoria, BC, Simone (Craig) Cameron of Winnipeg, Manitoba; brother-in-law, Louis (Penny) Hogan of Calgary, Alberta; Godfather, Uncle John (Flora) Poirier of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and many nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Rainbow Hospice Care, for their compassionate care; Unity Health Point Meriter Hospital, Intensive Care Unit Oncology, The Carbone Cancer Center and UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ben Chaput will be held Saturday November 30, 2019, at 12 PM at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH. Visitation will take place from 11 AM until the time of mass at the church. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Gerald Wynn, 85, Whitewater, passed away last year on November 6, 2018 in Sun City, AZ.

Jerry was born on October 18, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Nora (Walsh) Wynn. He graduated from Chicago Vocational School in 1951. On June 7, 1958 Jerry married Hildegard “Hildy” Schwab in Chicago. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2005. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1954 and was stationed in Korea. Jerry was employed as an electrician for 39 years and was a member of the IBEW #134. Jerry was a member of the Whitewater Lions Club and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. He enjoyed many years around Whitewater Lake and in Arizona. He traveled often to Aughaward, Mayo Ireland to visit his dearest cousins John and Mary Murphy. He was very close to his niece Myra Kay Wynn.
He is survived by his children Mark Wynn and Kelly Smith; granddaughter, Nora Wynn; brother Arnold Wynn. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings Gertrude Wynn, Mary Louise Denny, Ann Peterson, Catherine Wynn, Frances Rymus, and Joseph Wynn.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A Prayer Service will follow at 3:30. Burial will be in the Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Whitewater Lions Club.
www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Robert Shuman, 87, formerly of Cold Spring, passed away on November 3, 2019 in Laguna Hills, California.

Bob was born at home in Cold Spring Wisconsin on April 17, 1932. He passed away on Sun. Nov.3, 2019 at hospital in Laguna Hills, CA with his loving daughters: Sherri and Sue and their husbands: Craig Johnson and Robin Curry. Dad also, left behind his beloved daughter Sandy Ballard and her husband Steve and son Jeffrey. They had been with Bob for over a week coming from Hershey, PA and Saudi Arabia while he seemed to be rallying. He had fallen and broken his leg then had a heart attack and the surgeon put in stents but he lost his battle when his kidneys failed. He also left behind his younger brother David in Michigan and numerous nephews and nieces.

Bob’s parents were Meta Elsie and Charles F. Shuman who passed before. He also had 2 older brothers Charles and Neil. His sisters were: Louise and Doris both older. He worked hard doing chores on the farm in Wisconsin where he slept upstairs in an unheated room and used an outhouse. He had many friends from Whitewater which he has kept since grade school. He excelled at sports and especially enjoyed football. He lettered in 3 sports in high school. He graduated from UWMadison in Animal Husbandry. Bob was an officer in his fraternity Sigma Gamma Rho and Future Farmers of America. He met his wife Ann at a dance in his senior year and her freshman.

Bob was in the army for 2 years after college – one year in Korea. When he got leave for a week he married Ann in Milwaukee in 1956. They had 3 girls in 3 and a half years and Bob was co-owner of a dairy farm. Unfortunately, he lost his hand in a corn picker accident but he continued as a herdsman for 20 years on various farms in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He had 2 hip replacements the second round caused a career ending. He moved out to California and remade himself with his cousin’s help- Owen and Kitty. He worked at the San Onofre nuclear plant for 16 years retiring and buying his own home in Oceanside. In retirement he loved square, line dancing and Tai Chi;

He made many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie of his neighbors and friends in Minooka, Whitewater and Oceanside. He was active in the Methodist Church and fully enjoyed the activities of the Del Obispo Terrace assisted living for almost 2 years.
He especially loved the bingo, exercise and going out for lunch. He overcame a lot of pain to keep going but never complained with his COPD, arthritis, frozen shoulder and blocked heart arteries. He cherished his 3 grandchildren in California seeing them frequently including holidays, weddings and Disneyland – Erik, Ryan and Jake. He even managed to bestow his love on 3 grandchildren: Amber, Ava and Brandt.

Mary Shea Peters, 72, passed away on October 16, 2019.

Mary Shea Peters

Mary Shea Peters passed away peacefully on October 16, 2019 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.  During her final days, she was surrounded by many family members who helped to care and comfort her as she made the transition to being with her Lord and Savior, as well as other loved ones, in heaven.

Mary was born in Dodgeville, WI on August 20, 1947 to Leone (Wiest) and James Francis Shea.  She graduated from Dodgeville High School.  She was married to Roger Flanagan for 26 years and was blessed with two children, Kari and Kathleen.  She married the love of her life, Ralph Peters, on March 5, 1997 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI.  They were blessed with 22 years together until Ralph’s passing on October 3, 2019.

Mary pursued different careers throughout her life including legal assistant, real estate agent and executive assistant.  She is retired from WD Hoard & Sons.

Mary is fondly remembered for her strong faith, her love and enjoyment of her family, her close family ties and her dedication and loving care for her husband, Ralph.  Mary was proud of her Irish Heritage, enjoyed Irish Music especially the Irish Rovers and loved to collect family recipes.  Everyone loved Mary’s krispie treats.

Mary is survived by her daughters: Kari Flanagan of Mukwonago and Kathleen (Marc) Harris of Salem, South Dakota, her step-children, Ralph (Ilse) Peters Jr. of Fort Atkinson, Marian (Eric) Jacobsen of Menomonie, and Kurt (Rebecca) Peters of West Bend.  Mary is also survived by her brothers and sisters including Jim Kiley of Rowlette, TX, Janet McGuire of Verona, John (Diane) Shea of Barneveld, Pat Shea of Madison, Carol Higgins (Ken Laufenberg) of Dodgeville, Julie (Lyle) Farnsworth of Fort Atkinson, Mike (Sharon) Shea of Dodgeville.   Finally, she is survived by 15 grandchildren:  Amber, Allison, Kailey, Benedict, Kirsten, Nicole, Sarah, Shanna, Michelle, Amber, Brittney, Stephanie, Sean, Kellie, Katherine, 18 great grandchildren, her Godmother, Glady Starry, her Aunt, Margaret Wiest and her brother-in-law, Thomas Peters.

Preceding Mary in death was her beloved husband, Ralph Peters, her step-daughter, Debra Jean Peters, her parents, Leone (Wiest) and James Francis Shea and her grandchildren Faith, Michael, Joy, Hope, Andrew, Claire, Grace and Lucy Harris, sister-in-law, Myrna Kiley, brother-in-law, Paul McGuire, nephew, Paul James McGuire and her sister in law, Carol (Edward) Van Cleave.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Funeral services will begin right after the visitation at 11 am. 

Memorials can be made in Mary’s name to the charity of one’s choice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Robert A. Riedel, 81, of Palmyra passed away on October 11, 2019

Robert A Riedel, 81, of Palmyra passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019. Robert was born on December 17, 1937 in Edgerton to Clarence and Lillian (Elsing) Riedel. He spent his young life working on the family farm and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1955. In December of 1959, he married Judith Smith at Fort Atkinson. They have three children, Timothy, Sandra, and Daniel.


Bob started his career as a semi-truck driver and then later became a diesel truck mechanic. Bob was a member of the local Lions Club and Snowmobile Club. His hobbies include, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, racing cars, tractor pulls, NASCAR races, and Packer Games.

He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother, and great-grandson. Bob is survived by, his three children, seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.


A celebration of life in Bob’s memory will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Squidy’s II Bar and Grill in Palmyra from 1PM until 4PM. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson and the staff of Dycora Nursing Home in Fort Atkinson. The family would also like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice Care of Jefferson for their exceptional care.
Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family with arrangements.
www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Sclyndia “Sindy” Kay Leibbrand, age 62, of Delavan, WI died on October 11, 2019

Sclyndia Kay Leibbrand “Sindy” age 62 of Delavan, WI died on October 11,
2019 at Mercy Hospital of Janesville.  Sindy was born on March 25, 1957,
daughter of the late Mickey and Caroline Hagg.  Sindy married David
Leibbrand in Cloudcroft, New Mexico on October 28, 1997.  Some of
Sindy’s favorite things were being a fitness instructor, downhill
skiing, the beach, and the color red.  Sindy is survived by her husband;
David; children; Whitney (Lance) Petrie, Samuel Liebbrand, and Willem
Leibbrand; grandchildren; Aiden, Westlee, and Kamden Petrie.  She is
preceded in death by her parents; a son; Todd Keenan McAlees; a sister;
Sabrina Hagg and father-in-law, Wilbur Leibbrand.  A Visitation for
Sindy will be held at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and
Crematory 730 N. Wisconsin Street Elkhorn, WI on Saturday October 19,
2019 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
directed to The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation 302 Ridgefield Court,
Asheville, NC 28806.  Online guestbook can be found at
www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Christian Daniel Valdez, 7, Whitewater, passed away as a result of an accident.

Christian was born on April 22, 2012 in Fort Atkinson to Israel and Ana (Jimenez Tagle) Valdez. He was a second grader at Lincoln Elementary School in Whitewater. Christian loved playing with his brother, sister, cousins and his cat. He was a happy child who loved giving his mother hugs and kisses. He is survived by his parents and siblings Erick and Brianna. He was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater. A visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Donations may be made to the family.

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

Paul Zimmerman, age 93, long-time resident of Whitewater, passed away on August 29, 2019

Paul H. Zimmerman was born in Nebraska on April 27, 1926 to Rev. Walter and Helena (nee Rich) Zimmerman. He joined sister Ruth (Ewoldt), brother Kenneth and they were soon to welcome baby sister Betty Lou. Having lived in several Methodist parsonages as a child, Paul told stories of crawling under the pews to the back of the church to escape worship services as his father preached and his mother accompanied hymns on the piano. He was, however, generally a dutiful son and, with sister Betty Lou, would hurry home to set the type for newsletter publications of his father’s sermons, thoughts, and musings.

Walter bought one of the first automobiles in their county in Nebraska, which may have inspired Paul’s lifelong love of cars. He worked on cars as a teen, and after his time in WWII in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, he met and married Clarice Benn of Ord, Nebraska. They moved to Michigan where Paul worked as a mechanic at a Massey-Harris tractor plant.

Tragedy struck the family as Paul’s mother, father, younger sister as well as a foster child died in a private plane crash in Kansas. Paul, Clarice, and their first born child Marsha returned to Nebraska where they lived and farmed the rental farm belonging to Clarice’s parents Henry and Julia Benn. After their son Ron, daughters Laurel and Colleen were born, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Paul began his career working in sales. After a transfer by Freeman Shoe Company to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin (T.E. Aherns) and then to Dubuque, Iowa (Roshek Department Store), daughter Rhonda was born. By that time, Paul was a housing inspector for the city of Dubuque. After retirement, the family moved to Epworth, Iowa where Paul found it difficult to stay retired, so he worked as a security guard at Kennedy Mall in Dubuque. Later years found them in Whitewater, Wisconsin and a few years after Clarice died in 2007, Paul moved to the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King, Wisconsin.

Over the years, Paul enjoyed playing on a bowling team, golfing, working on cars and watching the Green Bay Packers. He kept things organized, clean and consistent in his car, his garage and in his home. He passed along some of those interests to his children and grandchildren.

At the age of ninety-three, Paul passed on to the next great adventure when he died on August 29, 2019. Many thanks to the staff at King for their loving care throughout his time there, and to those who participated in the Red, White, and Blue ceremony at the time of his passing. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sisters, his wife Clarice and son-in-law James Rooks. Mourning his loss and celebrating his life are his children Marsha (Tony) Starcevic, Ronald (Donna) Zimmerman, Laurel Rooks, Colleen (Peter) Kwong, Rhonda (Daryl) Pollock, ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service of Remembrance will be at King Veteran Cemetery, Waupaca, WI at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2019.

Julian Lee Stinson, Jr., age 71, passed away on September 18, 2019

Julian Lee Stinson Jr., 71, Whitewater passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI.

Julian was born on November 22, 1947 in Americus, GA to Julian and Gladys (Hart) Stinson. He married Anne D’Antonio on November 21, 1983 in Apple Valley, CA. In 1997 they moved to Whitewater where Julian worked for the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. He was a huge Warhawk football fan and never missed a game. He enjoyed fishing when he was younger, softball, and gardening. Julian played and sang in a gospel group named The Lighthouse Messengers for many years. He was a member of the Highlands, New Jersey and Whitewater Lions Clubs and his guilty pleasure was watching every episode of the soap opera Days of Our Lives since 1965.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anne of Whitewater; son Jay Stinson, Chicago; daughters Chandra (Mike) Wiesner, Americus, GA and Ashley Stinson, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister Janice (Art) Whitington, Americus, GA; mother-in-law Carol D’Antonio, Atlantic Highlands, NJ; brother-in-law Ralph (Missy) D’Antonio, Atlantic Highlands, NJ; sister-in-Law Carolyn (Howard) Lazerson, Jackson, NJ. and many other cherished relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190 and on Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church.

As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to the Whitewater Dream Fund. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Janesville and Rainbow Hospice for their care of Julian.

“No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away.”

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Carol Ann Gevaart, age 82, passed away on September 10, 2019

Carol Ann (Clossay) Gevaart, age 82, a former long-time Janesville resident passed away on September 10, 2019 at Fort Health Care, Fort Atkinson. She was born on March 29, 1937 in Jamaica, NY, the daughter of George and Marion (Law) Clossay.

Carol was a phenomenal woman, wife, mother and grandmother. She knew no strangers and was a friend and “light” to so many. Throughout her youth she lived in Glens Falls NY, Elkhart IN and Marinette WI before starting her college education. She attended Lawrence University in Appleton WI, where she met her husband, and graduated from Ball State in Muncie IN, where she was a sorority sister and member of Delta Zeta. Professionally, Carol specialized in communicative disorders.  She also attended Clark School for the Deaf in Northampton MA. Carol completed her Masters’ Degree in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. She was a member of: the WI State Teachers Association since 1960, the National Speech, Hearing & Language Association, and the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). Carol was a Speech Pathologist in the Milton school system for over 27 years.

Carol was married to Goodrich “Jack” Gevaart in Augusta GA on July 2, 1960. Carol coordinated many family outings and adventures that included camping trips throughout the United States and Canada during the summer months. She was a proud, energetic and enthusiastic cheerleader for all the kids’ and grandkids’ athletic and performing arts activities. Carol enjoyed traveling with Jack and had fond memories of trips to Europe and Canada. Her last big vacation was in 2007 when the entire Gevaart family (kids and grandkids) enjoyed a cruise to Alaska.

After Jack’s passing, Carol spent six years living and receiving care at Fairhaven Retirement Community. She enjoyed the numerous resident activities including political discussions with other residents, spiritual services, watching Turner Classic Movies, arts and crafts activities. She enjoyed visits from all of her grandchildren and frequently adorned her door and walls with Marcela and Trayton’s artwork. She kept photos of her family throughout her room and would proudly share stories to anyone willing to listen. The halls and walls at Fairhaven will never be the same without her.  

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Goodrich “Jack” Gevaart and her parents George Clossay and Marion (Law) Clossay. She is survived by her children Mark G. Gevaart (Cindy) Fort Wayne IN, Glen A. Gevaart (Melinda) Portage MI, Gretchen M. Gevaart-Torres (Alex) Elkhorn WI and her grandchildren Goodrich Jack Gevaart II, Neely Gevaart, Tyler Gevaart, Lauren Gevaart, Jacob Gevaart, Trayton Torres, Marcela Torres, all of whom will miss her very much.

Carol is now enjoying renewed life, free of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) with the body of Jesus.

Visitation will be Saturday September 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a service to follow at 11 a.m. at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home at 1010 N. Wright Road Janesville WI.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in Carol’s honor be made to the Fairhaven Employee Fund or the Fairhaven Foundation at 435 W. Starin Road, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home

www.henkeclarson.com