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Obituary: Dora “Pat” Grace Platner, 94

Dora “Pat” Grace Platner, 94, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022 surrounded by love.

Pat was born in Whitewater, WI, at the family home on April 8, 1927 to Richard G. and Artemesia (Gibson) O’Connor. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1945 and Pestalozzi Froebel in 1947 with a degree in education. Pat taught kindergarten in Milton for one year, something she spoke about often in her later years. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Donald J. Platner on November 6, 1947. Pat was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater and the Altar Society.

Pat leaves behind quite a legacy. She is survived by her children: Janet Bishop, Teta Hoerman, Tim (Donna) Platner, Mary O’Connor, Sue Latini (Dennis Darrah), Ann Wood, Nancy Platner, Nic (Linda) Platner, Dik Platner (Sharon Faust), Sam (Inna) Platner, Dan Platner; Grandchildren: BJ Bishop, Andy Bishop, Patty Pellmann, Stacy Fermanich, Cory Pellmann, Megan Borchardt, Katie Cerda, Erin Platner, Kelly Platner, Shawn O’Connor, Shanna O’Connor, Lea Newman, Brody Newman, Blake Lewis, Max Platner, Bruce Miller, Jasmine Miller, Lacy Croswell, Angel Patrick, Nikolai Platner, and Sasha Platner. She is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, brothers Tony and Jim, sons-in-law, Ronald Wood and Jim Hoerman, grandsons, Charlie Stull and David Lewis.

Pat was a kind and gentle soul. If you knew her, you loved her. She was always quick to help anyone in any way she could. Some have described her as a force of nature. She always had a smile and a hug. Donations in her memory can be made to Agrace Hospice, who provided loving care and comfort to not only Pat, but to her family as well. The loss here on earth is great, but we know she is reunited with so many loved ones, with a clear mind and healthy body.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the service.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Interim Chancellor’s State of the University : Stable Finances, Four New Initiatives, Chancellor Search Begins in Fall

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Speaking to a rather modest sized in-person audience for the State of the University address in the Young Auditorium on February 28, Interim UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Jim Henderson indicated that the finances for the school year are expected to be “about even.” This, he stated, was good news, in that the institution does not anticipate having to use the $4.5 million that had been set aside to cover an anticipated deficit for the year. Instead it will be added to the $11 million that had been placed in reserve for deficits in future years. Additionally, $8 million is in a tuition reserve in case enrollment doesn’t meet projections in the future. The current year’s better-than-expected performance is thanks to the receipt of COVID related federal money, restrained expenditures due partly to a number of vacant positions, and the biggest incoming class in four years. It is anticipated that next year’s incoming class will be even larger. Henderson believes that this financial stability, together with a number of other factors, including the development of a new strategic plan, has the university on a path to hire a “first rate chancellor who will stay for an extended period.” Recruitment will begin immediately in the fall, and according to a newly adopted Board of Regents’ policy, the process will be more inclusive, including representatives from all four shared governance groups.

Four Initiatives Have Been Adopted

  • With the strong encouragement of all four shared governance bodies, Learning Communities will be reinstated beginning in fall of 2023. A popular concept at many universities in recent decades, learning communities are still an option offered to incoming students at UW-Madison. According to UW’s website, “Embedded within various residence halls, our learning communities are residential spaces that bring together faculty, staff, and students around a specific focus. Exclusive seminars and class sections, events, and connections with instructors and staff help make a large university feel smaller and more intimate.”
  • Mental health support for students and staff will be enhanced, as needs are identified by an upcoming survey.
  • Recruitment and retention of Black students: In 2012, African American students represented 4.8% of the enrollment; that has dropped to 4%. A particular focus will be directed to prospective students from the Milwaukee, Madison, Beloit, Racine and Kenosha areas.
  • Recruitment and retention of Hispanic students. While the number of white students graduating from high school in the area has been falling, there has been an increase in Hispanics.
  • Henderson particularly stressed the importance of retaining students. “If a first generation college student drops out, that means we’ve lost several more generations of students from that family,” Henderson lamented. Much of the loss of enrollment during the pandemic has been the result of sophomores and juniors not returning to school.

Henderson acknowledged that media coverage of the university in recent years has been especially focused on the turnover of leadership. With the appointment of Ann Stadler to the new position of Chief Marketing Officer, the word will be getting out about all the good news, for example:

  • The university graduates more teachers than any other school in the state.
  • The MBA program is ranked #1 in the state.
  • The football team drew the highest attendance in Division III this past season.

The event included recognition of employees who have reached employment anniversaries, as high as 35 years. Those employees who reached 25 years of service are entitled to choose a captain’s chair or rocking chair compliments of the UW-W Foundation.

Death Notice: Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Lawrence, 99

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Lawrence, 99, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

A memorial service will take place at 2 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater.  A visitation will take place from 1 PM until the time of service.  A burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Richmond Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Rosemary Schoenfeld Wagner, 78


Rosemary Schoenfeld Wagner, age 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 11, 2022, at home. She was born on September 23, 1943, in Park Falls to the late Adeline Hildebrandt and Orthel Schoenfeld.

In 1958 Rosemary met and married the love of her life, Walter Lawrence Wagner Sr. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage in Whitewater and enjoyed many years of retired life by traveling, gardening, snowmobiling, and spending time with their family.

She is survived by her husband and children, Walter Wagner Jr. (Trinka), Julie Rock, and Robert Wagner (Marylou); six grandchildren, Tracy Wagner, Andrew Sarow (Bri), Kristen Czech (David), Bruce Sarow (Tera), Louann Wagner, Robert Wagner, Melissa Wagner, Emily Wagner; seven great grandchildren, Jaelynn Wagner, Ripley Czech, James Sarow, Eliza Sarow, Beatrice Sarow, Weston Czech, Tallulah Sarow; and one brother, Ben Schoenfeld (Suzie). Rose was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Schoenfeld (Josephine).

Thank you all for the cards and condolences. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Milwaukee Rescue and Salvation Army.

FREE Campus & Community Meals Continue/Comidas de Espaguetis GRATIS Continuan

The Congregational UCC, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, continues to host the free Monday night carry-out spaghetti meals through December 19th, 2022, excluding the Monday holidays—Memorial Day – May 30th, Independence Day – July 4th, Labor Day – September 5th, and Christmas – December 26th. For more information, contact Patty Harmon at the First English Lutheran Church office, (262) 473-5076 or Margie Hammerl at the Congregational UCC, (262) 473-4101.

La congregación UCC ubicada en 133 S. Calle Franklin, en Whitewater continuará ofreciendo cenas de espagueti para llevar todos los lunes hasta el 19 de Diciembre del 2022, con excepto el lunes feriado, (Conmemorativo) Memorial Day – 30 de Mayo, (Independencia) 4 de Julio – 4 de Julio, (dia del Trabajo) Labor Day – 5 de Septiembre y (Navidad) Christmas – 26 de Diciembre. Para más información contacte a Patty Harmon en la oficina de la Iglesia Luterana (262) 473-5076 ó a Margie Hammerl en la Congregación UCC (262) 473-4101.

Local Students Graduate from UW-Madison

Editor’s note: The following information was received from UW-Madison.

  • Zachary Brantmeier, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Computer Sciences and Philosophy
  • Nathaniel Jeppsen, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish
  • Milena Maroske, School of Education, Bachelor of Science-Kinesiology, Kinesiology

Just over 1,800 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison during a commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center on Dec. 19, 2021.  The ceremony for doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s, and professional graduate marked a sweet return to an in-person celebration at the Kohl Center following a one year pause and a virtual winter commencement in December of 2020 due to COVID-19.

About 1,240 of them took part in the ceremony at the Kohl Center. Total attendance, including graduates, was 5,954. The ceremony was livestreamed so that friends and family from around the world could join in.

“I believe everyone’s journey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and today, all those emotions and tears are justified,” student speaker Jai Khanna told his fellow graduates from the stage.

Keynote speaker Manu Raju, CNN’s chief congressional correspondent, described how he decided, as a UW-Madison freshman, to take a chance and try something new as a sports reporter for The Badger Herald. It was a risk worth taking, he said, just like the bold decision his parents made to immigrate to the U.S. from India. Yet Raju, who earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from UW-Madison in 2002, cautioned that risks won’t always lead to rewards, at least not ones that are always readily apparent. He said his own career has been filled with its fair share of disappointments. “As someone who has been humbled by having my hopes dashed repeatedly, I know it takes a great deal of courage to view our mishaps as bellows that can nourish, rather than extinguish, the embers of our ambition,” he told graduates. “But that courage to continue is precisely what characterizes the University of Wisconsin and its alums. For as we know, fortitude isn’t always necessarily found in the throes of a fight, but in one’s ability to withstand the wake of defeat.”

Wrapping up some unfinished business, the university recognized two people who were conferred honorary degrees virtually at last year’s winter commencement. V. Craig Jordan, a groundbreaking cancer researcher, accepted the honor in person. Michael G. Moore, a pioneer in the field of contemporary distance education, watched the ceremony via live stream.

Chancellor Blank told graduates that a college degree is the best investment they will ever make, and that to have finished their degrees while living through a life-threatening pandemic that disrupted every aspect of life was no small thing.

For more information about UW-Madison, visit http://www.wisc.edu. View the ceremony at https://www.wisc.edu/commencement/ and read about it at https://news.wisc.edu/look-at-us-now-graduates-reclaim-kohl-center-traditions-for-2021-winter-commencement/.

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library “Memory Cafe,” Saturday, March 14

MEMORY CAFE
OUTDOOR GAMES INSIDE
March 14 – 10:30 AM
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Community Room

Our Memory Café fun is not dependent on the weather, because we will stay warm and dry
inside! Join us to play Ring Toss, Bucket Ball, Toss Across (bean bag tic-tac-toe) and Lawn Bowling!

Registration is requested.

To Register:
Visit librarymemoryproject.org and click on events.
For questions or to register over the phone, please call Suzanne at (262) 473-0530.

What is a Memory Cafe?
A Memory Cafe is an informal social gathering for those living with early-stage memory loss and their care partner. Please visit librarymemoryproject.org for more information

Obituary: Harold E. “Charlie” Brown, 84, of Palmyra

Harold E. “Charlie” Brown, 84, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

Charlie was born on December 18, 1937 in Chilhowie, VA the son of Charles and Annie (Hagy) Brown. He grew up in Davis Valley, VA and graduated from Rural Retreat High School. After high school, Charlie faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force. On April 25, 1964, Charlie was united in marriage to Helen Peardon at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Waukesha, WI. The Lord blessed their union with two loving sons, Dave and Dan. Charlie worked as a plumber for the majority of his working career and was a member of the Plumbers’ Union for over 35 years. He excelled at his work and was very skilled. Faith was also a very large part of Charlie’s life. He was a very involved member at St. Luke’s for many years, serving on the Amigo Maintenance Team and also as an usher. Charlie was also a Freemason and a member of the Eastern Star. For leisure, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers. The most important thing in Charlie’s life was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was happiest spending time with his family. He gave good advice and made sure all his family felt loved and cared for. He will be sincerely missed.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Brown of Palmyra, WI; his sons, Dave (Connie) Brown of Palmyra, WI, and Dan Brown of Whitewater, WI; his dear grandchildren, Lynnette, Sheri, Danielle (Ryan), Josh (Crystal), Nate, Robby, and Andrew; his great-grandchildren, Arianna, Leah, Caleb, Zachary, Evan, and Alexis; and his sister, Gaye Brown of VA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Elbert, Howard, Robert and Ray, and his dear great-grandson, Isaac.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may consider donating to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Waukesha in Charlie’s name.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). The Rev. Steve Bogie will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Harold will be laid to rest with full military honors in Melendy’s Prairie Cemetery during a private family service at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Middle School Announces 2nd Quarter Honor Roll

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Middle School.

WMS 2nd Quarter Honor Roll -Students from 1st and 2nd quarter Honor roll were treated to ice cream sundaes for their outstanding work in receiving a 3.00 GPA or higher. The * in front of the name means the student received all A’s. Congratulations to everyone who made the list.