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Pearl M. Grosskreutz, 95, of Whitewater and previously of Palmyra passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Fairhaven

Pearl M. Grosskreutz, 95, of Whitewater and previously of Palmyra, WI passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Fairhaven Retirement Community of Whitewater.

Pearl was born on August 11, 1924 in Palmyra, WI the daughter of Lawrence “Tink” and Mary (Holm) Carpenter. She married Edmund Grosskreutz on October 9, 1945 in Fort Atkinson, WI and the two would go on to enjoy 58 years of marriage together until Edmund’s death in 2004. Pearl was a fixture at the Palmyra Pharmacy for many years and spent most of her life in Palmyra until health issues preceded her move to Fairhaven. Pearl will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

Surviving are her sons, Harry (Lauren) McGavran of White Rock, NM, and Edmund (Sandra) Grosskreutz Jr. of Whitewater, WI, and her daughter Galen (John) Schilling of Palmyra, WI. She is also survived by four grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Edmund; a sister, Laura; brothers, Otto, Alvin, Charles, Richard, and John; and her half-sisters, Jenny and Celia.

Pearl will be laid to rest next to her husband in Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra, WI. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

2020 Optimist Trivia Night

On Friday, February 21, 2020, the UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club and the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club hosted the 7th Annual Optimist Trivia Night to raise funds for local community organizations. The event was held at UW-Whitewater in the Hamilton Room of the University Center from 7 – 10pm. Twenty-three teams – consisting of eight to ten members each – enjoyed ten full rounds of a variety of trivia questions, “brain food”, laughter, beverages, and raffle prizes. Questions ensured to test the participants’ history, movie, sports, pop culture, music, and academic knowledge. 

The Optimists could not have accomplished this large event alone. The event had the support of many local businesses serving as sponsors of individual trivia rounds, food, the “Friend of Youth” child care program, and bucket raffle items. The event was facilitated by over 40 volunteers.

The donated raffle baskets, participants, prize wheel, and sponsors led to just over $11,000 in gross proceeds for this year’s Trivia Night. The UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club has donated their share of proceeds to the following organizations: (1) $125 to the “Warhawks Inspired” Scholarship for students with disabilities; (2) $200 to the UC Student Success Campaign for UC student employee professional development; (3) $2000 to the Whitewater Unified School District Family Emergency Fund; (4) $450 to the Whitewater Food Pantry; (5) $250 to the Whitewater Community Space; (6) $500 – $700 to the Lincoln Elementary Courtyard Project (to be donated in Fall 2020).

In addition, the Service Learning and Leadership Seminar course, taught by Kim Adams, has been partnering with the UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club to create tie-blankets and birthday boxes to be donated to the Whitewater Community Space and the Whitewater Food Pantry. Several boxes of food collected at Optimist Trivia Night were also donated to the Whitewater Community Space and the Warhawk Pantry. In the future, the Student Optimist Club hopes to make a donation to the Warhawk Emergency Fund. On behalf of the Student Optimist Club and the Service Learning Seminar, we thank the community for their support.

The UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club presents a $125 check to the “Warhawks Inspired” Scholarship founder, Thomas Hamilton. Left to right: Stephanie Lutz, Alyssa Prodoehl, Ryan Shervey, Brooke Woodbury, Thomas Hamilton, Kim Adams, Heather Dennis. 

The UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club presents a $200 check to the UC Student Success Campaign. Left to right: Stephanie Lutz, Alyssa Prodoehl, Ryan Shervey, Brooke Woodbury, Kim Adams, Heather Dennis.

UW-Whitewater Student Optimist Club Treasurer – Brooke Woodbury – poses with three checks prior to mailing them to their respective organizations.

PBS Wisconsin Presents Special Broadcast with Updates on COVID-19 in Wisconsin – Sunday @ 10 a.m.

Here & Now

Here & Now Wisconsin COVID-19 Updates
10 a.m. Sunday PBS Wisconsin presents a special Here & Now broadcast with updates on the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Wisconsin. Frederica Freyberg will speak with Gov. Tony Evers about the pandemic in Wisconsin; the current “Safer at Home” order; and a lawsuit brought this week by the Republican-led legislature seeking to overturn the Department of Health Services (DHS)-issued order.

PBS Wisconsin can be seen on Channel 11 on Spectrum cable; for those who don’t have cable, you may watch https://pbswisconsin.org/watch-page/ – click on PBS Wisconsin Channel.

Here & Now  will also have a report from today’s protest against the “Safer at Home” in Madison. Also, Freyberg will speak with DHS Epidemiologist Ryan Westergaard about the outbreak in Wisconsin and ongoing efforts to quell its spread. And, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes will speak with Freyberg about advice and guidance her agency will offer to business owners so they can prepare for a gradual reopening of the state’s economy in the midst of COVID-19 with safety in mind.

Our Readers Share – Teri Holford’s Poem, “Hope Revealed” – Part of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild’s Hope Is The Thing Project

Teri Holford

Carol Holford shared with us a beautiful and timely poem, “Hope Revealed,” written by her daughter, Teri Holford, WHS ’81. Teri is an assistant professor and the Engagement and Curriculum Collection Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Her poem was written as a contribution to the “Hope Is The Thing” Project of the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild.

The “Hope Is The Thing” Project is a statewide, collaborative writing project committed to finding the hope in the heartache. Each day throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chippewa Valley Writers Guild members (and their friends!) will post a new piece of writing inspired by glimpses of hope observed in this difficult time.

You’ll find Ms. Holford’s poem at this link, and while you’re there why not enjoy some of the other poems by clicking on the “Hope Project” link at the top of the page?

Our thanks to Teri Holford for allowing us to share her poem and to her mother for proudly helping us to discover it, and also appreciation to the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild for sponsoring this meaningful project.

Our Readers Share: Have You Created (or Seen) a Timely Poem/Photo/Short Story/Drawing, Etc. That You’d Like to Share with Banner Readers?

Those of us who spend time on social media (Facebook, etc.) have had plenty of opportunities to contribute and/or view all sorts of expressions that have been inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting isolation and “free time.”  There have been thoughts shared about positive ways that our life might be changed going forward, suggestions for good ways to spend time at home alone or with family, ideas for things for children to do, online learning resources, or online arts resources – virtual museum visits, ballet, etc. There have also been some beautiful photographs of scenes and wildlife in our area. Those who aren’t on social media may not have had much opportunity to see this sort of thing, and they might appreciate seeing some of the “gems” without having to put up with the ads, the clutter, and the negativity that sometimes comes with social media.


We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. Please indicate whether you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter or if you prefer to remain anonymous.  At least for now, no more than two submissions per person, please.  Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!  

Walworth County Reports Increase in Overdoses, Domestic Violence & Mental Health Concerns During Safer at Home — Help is Available

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a public health alert on 4/20/2020 for Walworth County due to an increase in suspected opiod drug overdoses. These alerts are triggered when weekly overdose activity exceeds typical totals. From 4/12/2020 to 4/18/2020, Walworth County recorded four suspected opiod drug overdoses seen at hospital emergency departments.

In addition to rising opiod overdoses, jail bookings for domestic violence have increased, and contacts with the county’s Crisis Intervention Program are up 15%. “The Safer at Home Order and physical distancing have helped slow the spread of COVID-19, but we’re just beginning to see the behavioral health consequences of prolonged isolation and unemployment,” stated Amy Hart, Behavioral Health Division Manager. “People who may have never needed support for depression or anxiety may now be strained by a lack of connection.”

Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services is working to increase available emergency mental health services. These efforts include staff reallocation and applying for a University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health COVID-19 response grant. “There is a tremendous need for mental health and substance abuse services now, and we predict that this need will grow as restrictions are lifted,” stated Hart.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Health and Human Services urge people to stay socially connected and to seek professional help if needed. Walworth County’s Crisis Intervention program offers 24/7 crisis counseling, support, and service coordination. Services can be accessed by calling 262-741-3200. New Beginnings APFV provides services for people affected by domestic abuse. These services are available by calling 262-723-4653.

Happy Arbor Day: Announcing an Upcoming Free White Spruce Seedling Offer

As an activity to engage kids and their families during this quarantined time and as a revival of a 4th grade, school district tradition that his own children participated in, a Whitewater party is offering a white spruce seedling to any interested child/family.  While it was hoped that this offer could have coincided with Arbor Day today, prevailing social conditions will postpone distribution of the trees until sometime in the next two weeks.  The date and safe pickup location will announced soon in another Banner notice.   For now, happy Arbor Day and remember this.  The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago.  The second best time to plant a tree is today.

Doris Elaine Wutke, 94, Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at her home

Doris Elaine Wutke, 94, Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at her home.

Doris was born on September 28, 1925 in Whitewater, WI to Walter and Martha (Schmidt) Ludeman. She married Ivan Wutke on December 4, 1948 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Whitewater. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2000. Doris and Ivan operated a family farm in the Whitewater area. She was very involved at St. John Lutheran Church and volunteered for many things. She was active in the Whitewater Seniors in the Park and the Sunshine Club.

She is survived by her sons Roger (Gloria) Wutke, Whitewater, James (Sharon) Wutke, Whitewater; grandchildren Sarah McClellan, Brian (Quinn) Wutke, Andrew (Cindy) Wutke, Alyssa Wutke; great-grandchildren Erika, John and Rosalee McClellan, Chase and Jade Wutke, Aaron Topel, Axel and Layla Boero; great-great grandson Kory Munoz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Adele Gergen and Wilma Ludeman; nephew Richard Gergen.

A private burial will be held at Richmond Cemetery. The family would like to thank Home at Ease, Rainbow Hospice, Dr. Wedl, Whitewater Rescue and Rev. Rossman for the care and kindness they showed to Doris.

Online condolences may be placed by going to www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Rosalinda Martinez Receives Hometown Hero Award

Rosalinda Martinez, staff member for the Whitewater Unified School District and a member of Whitewater Unites Lives, was awarded the WUL Hometown Hero Award on Wednesday,  “For her devoted dedication to the families of Whitewater  during the COVID-19 Crisis and beyond, helping to provide basic needs and resources as well as delivering loving care to families in need.”

Rosalinda said, “I am blessed to know so many resources to help families and students.  I’m so happy to be a middle person to help those in need.  I just love how everyone is coming together.  It’s amazing!”

“Rosalinda Martinez is a beacon of hope for students and families in Whitewater. On a daily basis, Ms. Martinez gives her all to support the needs of the community while inspiring our youth to dream big and chase those dreams. Rosie’s compassion, courage, skill, work ethic, and altruism are unparalleled. Congratulations Ms. Martinez on your much deserved Hometown Hero Award,” said Director of Pupil Services for the Whitewater Unified School District Lanora Heim.

Hometown Hero Award Rosalinda Martinez

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.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Kieth Randall Seward, 86, Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Kieth Randall Seward, 86, Whitewater, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

Kieth was born on August 19, 1933 in Williamsfield, IL to William and Myrtle (Morgan) Seward. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. On September 3, 1960 he married Elisabeth Therese Ulbert. Kieth worked for Wisconsin Power and Light, Swiss Colony, Avonmore and Bytec. He served in the US Marine Corps. He served the Monroe, WI community as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club and United Fund, and as New Glarus Town Chair for 10 years.. Kieth enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Elisabeth, Whitewater; children Christopher (Carla) Seward, Mary (Michael Ebsen) Trelstad, Beth (Dan) Bowie, Daniel (Cheryl) Seward, Michael (Chauncey Dunn) Seward, Nicholas (Mike Horan) Seward; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister Joyce Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Elaine, Iolene and Barbara; brother Claire.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater with burial to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI. The family would like to thank the staff at Rainbow Hospice for their loving care. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice or to the Carbone Cancer Center- UW-Wisconsin.

Online condolences may be made through Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

A Message from the Whitewater Postmaster

To our valued customers:

Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, is presenting tremendous challenges to everyone. The Postal Service is proud that we continue to serve the American public during these difficult times, as we have throughout our history.

The safety and well-being of our employees and our customers are our highest priorities, and we would like to share with you some of the Postal Service’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies and ways in which, together, we can help to ensure the safety of our communities.

When interacting with our mail carriers:

  • Follow the 6-foot social distancing guidelines.
  • Allow the carrier to make delivery to the mail receptacle without interference, this includes centralized boxes and centralized mailrooms.
  • If you have children at home, please ensure they do not approach the vehicle. While we are so appreciative of all the letters and pictures they are making for our carriers, their safety is our top priority. A friendly wave from far away is always welcome.
  • Provide alternate locations for package delivery if not at home.
  • For required signatures, modified procedures have been adopted. Carriers will instead only request the customer’s first initial and last name while maintaining a safe distance.
  • Collect mail daily when possible.
  • As always, please keep dogs safely secured.

The Postal Service is taking these extra precautions for the safety of both customers and employees. For the mail itself, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization, and the Surgeon General have all stated there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through the mail and/or packages. More information regarding the Postal Service’s COVID-19 procedures can be found on www.usps.com.

For your convenience, postage stamps and package shipping (Click-N-Ship) are available online at www.usps.com. You can also digitally preview your incoming mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon by signing up for our free feature of Informed Delivery. Sign up at www.informeddelivery.com.

We appreciate your business and continued use of the mail. I know you are depending on us to stay vigilant and to deliver your mail and packages safely. And we are committed to continuing to serve you and keeping you connected during this challenging time. By working together, we can continue to flatten the curve and overcome the virus.

Sharon Benes

Postmaster