Joan E. Kraege, 89, Whitewater, died on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at her home.
Joan was the daughter of Clifton and Rose (Henderson) Henderson and was born on November 7, 1931 in Whitewater, WI. She was a great-granddaughter of the first settler in Cold Spring Township, Alexander Henderson, 3 miles east of Whitewater in 1837. On September 1, 1954 she was united in marriage to Fred Kraege and their entire life has been spent in Whitewater. Being physically handicapped since her birth, she enjoyed her life caring for her friends of the universe: parakeets, turtles, tropical fish, abandoned cats, pigeons, chickens, and her joys of the later years were the returning robins from the south. She was proud of her indoor violets and her rosebush named “Seven Sisters” for over 50 years. She enjoyed traveling and seeing much of the country in her younger years. Joan liked to have lunch with her friends in the city for over 20 years.
Joan is survived by several cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; sister, Vivian, and brother Allen. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
(WUSD press release) — WUSD was proud and excited to welcome students back for face-to-face instruction, on Monday, January 18. Students began the day with cheerful greetings from their teachers and classmates.
Second semester begins on Monday, January 25, 2021. Parents were previously given the following options for second semester (January 25-June 8, 2021). Elementary students can continue a fully virtual or in-person model. Middle/High school students can return in-person or fully virtual with live streamed classes taught by our WMS/WHS teachers, or the continuation of either the JEDI or Edgenuity platforms. Our families were offered the ability to continue instruction virtually; however, 73.2% opted to return in-person.
We will continue our plans to utilize mitigation measures such as using masks, encouraging hand washing, social distancing, and quarantine when exposure occurs. We are advocating for options for our staff to be vaccinated and have kept our staff updated on planning and progress of the options as they become available.
By pulling together as a community, we can continue to support our students and the strong tradition of excellence at WUSD.
Best, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty District Administrator
Banner note: Our thanks to Tom Ganser for the following photos taken on Monday at Lincoln Elementary.
James “Jim” Coleman, 83, Lima Center, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Mercy Hospital Janesville. Jim was born on April 19,1937 in Lima Center to Ed and Diana Schneider Coleman. He graduated from Whitewater High School. Jim married Catherine Coleman on February 24,1968. Jim was a carpenter and retired after 18 years at Mercy Hospital.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years; children Joe of Lima Center; Dan (Karen) of Milwaukee and granddaughter Esterly; he is also survived by his brother Mike (Kay) Lima Center and brother-in-laws Rusty Coe, Washington State and Fred McCann, Janesville plus wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers and 5 sisters.
Per Jim’s wishes there won’t be any service. Monroe Funeral Home of Delavan is assisting the family. ◦
Brent A. Kepp, of Whitewater, WI passed away on January 13, 2021 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison due to complications to a recent diagnosis of AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Lynne was by his side. Brent was born in Edgerton, WI on September 21, 1952, the son of LeRoy and Margery (Bretzman) Kepp. Brent was a graduate of Whitewater High School and also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Brent recently retired from Lloyd’s Plumbing & Heating, where as a Master Plumber he co-owned and operated this family business with his brother-in-law, Lloyd La Reau, also a Master Plumber. In the 40 plus years, he made close relationships with those he worked with, indeed his second family.
In the summer months, Brent enjoyed being outdoors, working the landscape around his home that he and Lynne derived much pleasure from. All who knew him would agree that he was an analytical thinker and there wasn’t any problem he couldn’t solve, whether he was at home or at work. He was also an avid reader with knowledge in many areas. He was passionate about ancient Indian civilizations. He made many friends in the archaeological societies that he joined.
Brent is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynne; his sisters, Sharon La Reau of Harshaw, WI, and Wendy McConnell of Whitewater, WI; his brother, Michael Kepp of Chandler, AZ; many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Lloyd La Reau and David McConnell and his sister-in-law, Garnet Kepp.
A private celebration of Brent’s life will be held at a later date. Anyone who wishes may make a donation in Brent’s name to Echo Inc., a non-profit organization in Janesville, WI, dedicated to helping those in need. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME www.henkeclarson.com
(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) The Whitewater Responds Team members, made up of Terrie Parenteau; Barb Dickens; Deb and Dave Gamble; Kelli Danielski; Jessie, Ethan and Colin Dugan; and Traci and Nick Wilson, are Hometown Heroes for, “The Whitewater Responds Team members at First United Methodist Church have prepared and distributed over 8,000 free, take-home microwavable meals since the start of UW-Whitewater’s fall semester. Though these meals are given to many university students, they also feed families and community members. This ministry is in response to the needs of students and community members during these COVID times.”
The nomination includes: “The Whitewater Responds Team is small but powerful. They prepare nutritious meals, complete with yummy desserts. All meals are prepared in the FUMC kitchen and are prepared with love. All meals are home-cooked. The team works all week – and often on the weekends – to prepare take-home meals for distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (The smells coming out of the church kitchen are heavenly.) The team not only cooks, they also meet and greet the folks coming through the church parking lot to pick up meals at the ‘take-out window.’ Even during these times of physical distancing, relationships are formed in the giving and sharing of meals.
All are welcome to receive meals. No questions are asked. No identification is required. If you’re hungry, you are invited to join in the feast. Our role model is Jesus: he fed the 5,000 simply because they were hungry.
Kelli Danielski and Nick Wilson
This ministry is sustained with gifts from the FUMC congregation and community members. Oftentimes we receive donations from parents of UW-Whitewater students, thanking Whitewater Responds for their nurturing and nutritious care.
Jessie and Ethan Dugan
Whitewater Responds took a hiatus during the month of December to allow the team a rest and to review and reassess the needs of the community.” Banner note: The meal distribution continues to be paused while the church kitchen is undergoing a major renovation.
Barb Dickens
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Dave and Deb Gamble
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
(Roberta’s Art Gallery submission ) Roberta’s Art Gallery warmly welcomes distinguished Warhawk alum and faculty member Mutope Johnson in his exhibit Blue Through Brown Eyes: The Art of Mutope Johnson.
Blue Through Brown Eyes: The Art of Mutope Johnson will be at Roberta’s Art Gallery from January 13 – February 26. This exhibit starts during UW-Whitewater’s winter break, and starting Monday, January 18, the gallery will return to its usual hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday. Come see the art before spring semester kicks off or stop by when you’re on campus. The exhibit is also available on the gallery website.
Mutope Johnson
Join Roberta’s Art Gallery for a virtual reception to learn more about the experience and insight Mutope Johnson’s art offers on Wednesday, February 10 at 5 p.m. through Facebook live. Johnson describes his artwork as “reflections of African-American history and culture where they become a useful artistic tool for presenting visual art in a format that promotes meaningful discourse about art, cultural identity and cultural conservation.”
Mutope Johnson earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from UW-Whitewater, and then earned his Master of Fine Arts Degree from UW-Milwaukee. He now works as a Lecturer in the Department of Art and Design at UW-Whitewater and is a coordinator of inclusive excellence and diversity for the College of Arts and Communication at UW-Whitewater as well. Johnson recognizes, “The power of the arts can add a tremendous value to all of our lives when artists choose to tell our own stories and share what we’ve created.” Come see artist Mutope Johnson’s creations at Roberta’s Art Gallery to see the stories told through his artwork.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits and workshops each semester by collaborating with the artists–both locally and regionally. Many of our events will be held virtually this semester.
Roberta’s Art Gallery prides itself on all of their exhibits being free and open to the public. This means anyone: whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone wanting to support the artist, stop on by to support a fellow Warhawk! For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu or visit our website.
Per Lyle Hollingshead, the annual lot owners and directors meetings of the Cemetery Association of Whitewater will be held at Hawk Bowl, 1398 W. Main St., Whitewater on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. for election of officers and other business. The association is responsible for Hillside and Oak Grove Cemeteries.
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes Request for “Class B” Beer and Liquor License for Taqueria La Estrella RRJ Inc., Juan Marchan Arroup, Agent. (Sale of Las Chicas to Juan Taqueria La Estrella RRJ), 1170 W. Main Street, Whitewater. https://zoom.us/j/92427623156?pwd=cHlxV2lRTVRwVU5LZ1F0MXNHdXZCUT09 Passcode: 642229 Or Telephone: Dial US: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 924 2762 3156 Passcode: 642229
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes authorization of CDBG application for water tower project, siting of new water tower, adoption of replacement sign ordinance, and presentation of 2020 annual report and 2021 management plan. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/91862337248?pwd=a3c4V29MRkkrc2UzaGJINjYyL0hvZz09 Meeting ID: 918 6233 7248 Passcode: 993804 Or participate by phone +1 312 626 6799 US Meeting ID: 918 6233 7248 Passcode: 993804
City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes no smoking in parks discussion Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/573645661 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 573-645-661
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m. Click here for the agenda. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/267003085 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 267-003-085
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Board Meeting – Thursday @ 10:00 a.m. Agenda: Discussion and idea gathering session regarding possible city tax incremental financing distrrict extension or changes. Citizens are welcome, and encouraged to join us via computer, smart-phone or telephone. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/925849581 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 925-849-581 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/635977541
