Life Events

Obituary: Steven Alan Meisner, 62

Steven Alan Meisner, 62, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI following a brief illness.

Steve was born on April 17, 1962, in Beloit, WI to LaVerne and Judith (Kutz) Meisner. He married Barbara Lindl on May 19, 1985, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Steve was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band. He first picked up a squeezebox at age five. After mastering the accordion, he took on the trumpet, tuba, bass guitar, button box, and occasionally drums and banjo. During his over 50-year career he performed with the nation’s top accordionists, polka icons and musicians, sometimes averaging over 250 performances annually. He has either produced, performed on or created nearly 50 projects, including LPs, CDs, singles, jingles, commercials, movies, and videos – including appearing as a guest on other artists’ recordings. He appeared in two movies, countless times on radio and on national, regional and local television. His tireless effort resulted in numerous awards from nearly every polka and ethnic organization including the International Polka Association (IPA), National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Iron World Polka Hall of Fame, Maryland Accordion Club, and many others.  

If he wasn’t entertaining audiences with his music, he was spending time with his wife, 3 children & 6 grandchildren, working on his many classic cars, enjoying life on Whitewater Lake, by the pool or on his boat, bird and squirrel watching from his favorite couch in his sunroom, or having a Korbel at his tiki bar with family and friends. His immense love for his family and friends was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone out in time of need, give sound advice, answer any question or just listen and talk. Everyone knew that Steve was a true friend and would always be there for them. He was a surrogate father and brother to so many as well as a true one-of-a-kind friend to all. As such his care for all had lovingly been dubbed “MeisnerCare” by those close to him.

He is survived by his wife Barb Meisner, Whitewater; children Whitney Meisner, Whitewater, Lindsey Meisner (Nik Martin), Whitewater, Austin Meisner (Madison Holverson), Whitewater; siblings Daniel Meisner, Vashon, WA and Michelle (John) Bush, Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Jacob & Rosalia Copeland (Whitney Meisner) along with Sam, Eli & Jack Martin (Lindsey Meisner & Nik Martin). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date to be determined and posted on his website www.stevemeisner.com. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Mary Elizabeth Westrick, 87, of Mesa, AZ

MARY ELIZABETH WESTRICK

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother on Monday, May 21, 2023 at the age of 87. Mary and Buck resided at Fountain of the Sun, Mesa, AZ for 20+ years. Buck preceded her in death in 2019.

She was born on September 3, 1935, spending much of her life in Whitewater, WI where she was employed at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for many years as the chancellor’s secretary.

There was not a sporting event that she did not enjoy.

Preceding her in death by her daughter-in-law Kelly (Dan) Westrick. She is survived by her sons Jeff (Doreen), Waterford, WI and Dan Westrick, Partyville, WI and daughter Tami (Mike) Mikkelsen, Mesa, AZ. Five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sisters Ruth (Herb) Polzin, Janesville, WI and Mesa, AZ, and JoAnn Rowland, Delavan, WI and brother Doug Ridge, Whitewater, WI.

If so desired, donations may be made to Fountain of the Sun Friendship Church or a charity of your choice.

Obituary: John R. Burrows, 66, of Milton

John R. Burrows was born in Bryn Mawr, PA, on October 16, 1956, the son of Robert Nelson Burrows and Marion Jauch Burrows.  As a child, John was reluctant to speak, first entering the world of speech when he was three and a half years old; he never stopped after that point, always ready with stories, anecdotes, and commentary on things around him.  He was a happy boy, artistic from the start with a fertile imagination, boundless creativity, and artistic talent.  When he was in the third grade his family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, and he became fascinated with the history of the region, eventually working during the summers at Old World Wisconsin in nearby Eagle, Wisconsin, after it opened in 1976.  He also became interested in puppetry during his grade school years, and as a sixteen-year-old obtained on his own initiative a summer internship at Pelham Puppets in Marlborough, England.  That experience spurred his interest in marionette theater and British culture.  He soon convinced his father to build a stage for puppet performances and he developed shows that he performed at schools and shopping malls, to the delight of children and adults alike.  As a boy, he played piano, learned to play the organ, and purchased a pump organ which he took to Grinnell College to the astonishment of his dormmates.  There, he fell in love with the study of art and architectural history, which began a lifelong interest in and passion for Victorian culture.

John went on to complete graduate studies at the University of Virginia in architectural preservation and was hired as South Dakota’s preservation historian, a short-lived career given the draconian policies against support for the arts implemented by then President Reagan.  He then found employment in the business world, working for the historical design merchant Bradbury and Bradbury in Benicia, CA (near San Francisco), where he began to design period wallpaper patterns.  After several years he moved to the Northeast, settling in Boston and becoming a “historical design merchant” in Victorian furnishings—carpets, lace curtains, and wallpapers.  He founded his own company, “J. R. Burrows and Co.” and opened his first store on Newbury Street in Boston, later moving the store to a Federalist Period home he bought and restored in Rockland, Massachusetts, where the company thrived from the late-1980s until 2021.  During that time John developed a relationship with Grosvenor and Wilton Company in Kidderminster, England, promoting their authentic reproductions of high-end wool carpets using original looms and patterns from the mid-19th century.  He advised and oversaw the installation of period carpets, wallpaper, and other furnishings in historic buildings like Villa Louis, a stately mansion in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and in churches as diverse as Trinity Church on Copley Square in Boston and the reconstructed Mormon Temple in Nauvoo, Illinois.  He also oversaw carpet installations for two rooms in the White House (the Blue Room and the Lincoln Bedroom, during the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, respectively), and provided carpets and lace curtains for the interiors of Steven Spielberg’s 2012 “Lincoln” movie.  Hundreds of historical homes and buildings in cities and towns across the United States bear the imprint of his creative work as a restoration designer.  He received numerous awards and accolades for his work in historical restorations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Victorian Society in America.

John interested himself in everything Victorian and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the history and culture of that period—in England and in the United States.  Over his career, he spoke frequently at civic groups and academic conferences, always drawing others into his passions and curiosities.  During the 1980s John became involved in “vintage dance groups,” and participated in dance events throughout his life, enjoying a weeklong dance gathering at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island a week before his untimely death. 

John was a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ rights and causes.  In 2001 he was instrumental in founding “Bear Week” in Provincetown, Massachusetts, an annual event occurring each July that attracts more than 10,000 gay men for a week of celebration and conviviality.

In June of 2021 John moved back to the Midwest, settling in an 1880 Victorian home (which he named “Brackets Cottage”) in Milton, Wisconsin, fourteen miles from Whitewater, where he grew up and where his mother still lives.  Over the last several years, they enjoyed many days together as he rekindled his love of America’s “heartland.”  John died peacefully in his sleep in his Milton home on Saturday, May 20, 2023.  He is survived by his mother, Marion Burrows of Whitewater, Wisconsin; his siblings David N. Burrows of Oriental, North Carolina, Mark S. Burrows of Camden, Maine, and Linda Jauch Jennings of Falcon, Colorado; and his former husband Christopher Ricciotti of Montville, Maine.  Memorial services will be planned for Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Rockland, Massachusetts, at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Patricia Jean Keske (Moker), 80, of Brocton, IL

Patricia Jean Keske (Moker), wife, mother, mother-in-law, grand and great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to many, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 80. Patricia (Pat) was born in Menominee Township, MI, to Jennie Slawinski Moker and Steven Moker. After moving with her parents to Milwaukee, WI, she graduated from Messmer High School in May, 1960. In 1962, she married Russell D. Keske whom she continued to love for 60 years. Together they raised four children. Pat later returned to school and received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Pat was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Peter’s Church in East Troy, WI, for the majority of her life, where she volunteered in the school library and The Clothing Center Thrift Shop. Many mornings you could find Pat in her living room reading her Bible. In 2015, Pat moved with Russell to Brocton, IL, where the family farming business was relocated. Pat enjoyed her new friends in Illinois, especially those made at her new parish, St. Aloysius, in nearby Paris.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Jennie Slawinski Moker and Steven Moker, her sisters, Delores Menacher and Virginia Adams. Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Russell D. Keske, her children and their spouses, Susan and Mark Green, Mary and David Coy, Jean and Dana Wheeler, and Russell David Jr. and Kim Keske, her brother and his wife Steve and Barbara Moker, her 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Chip, Dillon, Anna, Alex, J. J., Joseph, Andrew, Allissa, Naomi, and Tim, her great grandchildren, Landon, Nora and Wilder, and many other beloved relatives and friends. Pat’s family thanks Twin Lakes Rehab and Health Care in Paris for their compassionate care of Pat.

In honor of Pat’s life, there will be a visitation on Thursday, June 1st, at 9:00 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 N. Main St., Paris, IL. In memory of Pat, we will be donating benches to her favorite beach, Booth Lake Memorial Park, P.O. Box 442, East Troy, WI, 53120. Attn: John Kendall (note: In Memory of Patricia Keske).

Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com

Obituary: William “Bill” Bush Fardy, 90, of Mequon

William Bush Fardy of Mequon, Wisconsin went to heaven on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Bill died peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou. He is survived by his children: Kari Dunham (Jeff), Jill Stock (Alex), Dan Fardy (Jeanine), and Mike Fardy (Rachael). Proud Papa of MacKenzie, William, Michael, Ava, Erin, Reilly, Gunnar, and Gretchen. Great Papa of Shea and Finn. Bill is further survived by his sister Pat Roberts, cherished nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents Mike and Helen, his sisters Jeanne Trewyn and Nancy Fardy.

Bill was born on February 13, 1933 in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was the second of four children. The Fardy family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1945. Bill was an Altar Boy at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and excelled in sports, particularly baseball and football. After graduating from high school, Bill attended Whitewater Teacher’s College- now University of Wisconsin Whitewater.   He then took a break from college to play professional baseball for the White Sox “Farm Team.” After an injury that hindered his baseball career, Bill was drafted in the Army. Bill completed his term in the Army, and then returned to college at Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. Bill played football and baseball in college, and later got inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and soon got married to Mary Lou (August 1958). Bill and Mary Lou started their teaching careers and family soon after getting married. Mary Lou taught elementary school in Zion, IL and Bill taught high school close by (in Waukegan, IL). Teaching opportunities moved them to Whitewater (WI), Wrightstown (WI) and Horicon (WI) where Bill continued teaching, and Mary Lou cared for their kids Kari, Jill, and Dan which were born during this time. In 1964, Bill became an FBI Agent, which resulted in a move to Houston, TX (1964) then Los Angeles, CA (1965) where they had their 4th child, Mike. During Bill’s time with the FBI, he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Criminology. Bill was involved in many high-profile FBI cases, and was selected to the FBI Swat Team, to include active SWAT team duty for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Bill was active in the kids’ many sports and activities, including coaching and umpiring baseball. The Fardys spent 14 years living in Southern California before moving back to Mequon, WI in 1978. After Bill retired from the FBI, he became the Director of Security for First Financial Bank. Bill was all about family. He enjoyed golfing, Brewer games and tailgating, entertaining with family and friends. And of course, he was a devoted Packer fan. They could pull off so many fabulous family traditions: camping & beach trips with other FBI families, holidays, Thanksgiving in Big Bear, attending the kids’ and grandkids’ events. Most of all he just loved being with his family and friends, always taking care of others.

Bill’s retirement years included travel, annual trips to Gulf Shores, a passion for golf with Mary Lou and his many friends. Bill and Mary Lou attended the kids’ schools and sporting events, and regularly attended Sunday Mass. Mostly, he was happiest surrounded by family.

Visitation Tuesday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Milwaukee Fallen Heroes in Bill’s name appreciated. 

The Fardy family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Jean (a devoted caregiver and friend), Newcastle Place, Holding Hands, and Heartland/ProMedica Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.

Obituary: Alton Schallock, 99, of Tomah (Updated)

Alton Schallock, age 99, passed away on May 11th, 2023 at the Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse.  Alton was born on November 15, 1923 in South Dakota.  He was the son of Arthur Schallock and Tina (Strohman) Schallock. Alton and his parents briefly lived in Canada before relocating to Jackson, Wisconsin where he attended school.  Alton joined the Civilian Conservation program as a teenager.  He also worked as a deck hand on a Great Lakes ore carrier for several years.  Alton served in the Pacific theater during World War Two.  After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a degree in Forestry.  He was united in marriage to Jane Mocker on April 24th, 1954.  She preceded him in death in 2014.  They resided in Whitewater, WI for over 40 years until Alton retired as a Forester from the Department of Natural Resources.  He is survived by his son, Robert Schallock.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 3rd at the Hooverson Funeral Home in Sauk City, WI.  Burial will be in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery.
hooversonfuneralhomes.com

Editor’s note: Revision made on 5/24 at 1:20 p.m. to indicate Mr. Shallock had been living in Tomah, not Sauk City. Hooverson Funeral Home told the Banner that, “He had been living in Tomah, with his son, after his wife died [in 2014]. Prior to that he lived in Whitewater. Services here [Sauk City,] with burial on original family plot of his wife’s family.”

Obituary: Heather Marie Anderson, 42

Heather Marie Anderson, 42, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.

Heather was born on November 28, 1980 in Grand Junction, Colorado to Suzette (Hoeper) and Alan Weckerly Jr. 

On July 19, 2003 she married Robert Anderson.

She enjoyed many things such as spending time with her family and kids, Nursing, being around people, and of course shopping.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Anderson; parents, Alan Jr. (Patricia) and Suzette (Hoeper) Weckerly; grandparents, Joan Hoeper and Alan Weckerly Sr.; children, Alissa and Alex Anderson; brothers, Chris (Daisy) Weckerly, Sean (Jessie) Weckerly, and Travis Weckerly; stepsister, Elizabeth (Sean) Brickley; sisters-In-Law, Michele (Thad) Elmore and Angela (Johnathan) Atkielski; brother-in-law, Steven Anderson; father and mother-in-law, Glen and Lynn Anderson.

Heather was proceeded in death by her grandpa, Vernon Harper; grandma; Diana Weckerly, and grandpa, Vinton Anderson.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 4 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI. Friends may call to the church prior to the service from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Obituary: Richard T. MacCoy, 75

Richard T. MacCoy, age 75 of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 15, 2023.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Rick will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Bobbers Island Grill, 750 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, and we ask everyone to wear a “Hawaiian Shirt” in memory of Rick.

Rick was born on September 29, 1947 in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Mayson and Maribelle (McNamara) MacCoy. After high school Rick proudly served our country in the US Army and serving a tour over in Vietnam. He married Nancy Nelson on June 22, 1996 and the couple enjoyed 26 years together. Rick spent most of his life in the hospitality industry running The Real MacCoys Restaurant in Delavan, Wisconsin. In 2004, Rick purchased a vacation home in the Wisconsin Dells area. Rick and his wife, Nancy, spent many years back and forth between the two towns running the business and enjoying life to the fullest making many friends along the way. In 2016, a fire destroyed the restaurant but the namesake lived on, as Rick reopened The Real MacCoys in a new building and location in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Shortly after that, Rick decided to hand over the operation of the business to his wife, Nancy telling her, “Make more money and don’t break anything!” and retired to the Wisconsin Dells area full time.

Anyone who knew Rick, knew he had a huge heart. He would welcome anyone that needed a place to stay, an ear to listen to, company to grab a bite to eat with, a cocktail to toast with or just a laugh to have with. Rick really would do anything for anyone he would come in contact with and will be greatly missed by all those lives he touched. Rick also enjoyed his time with his grandchild “his buddy” Chase and his beloved cats and guinea pig.  

Rick is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his daughters; Angie (Adam) Brown, Kristie Maccoy, Kelly (Jimmy) Beard and Sally Wilcox. He is also survived by his brother Denny, sisters Pam (Tom) Krugler and Mary Ellen Murry; his grandchildren Jordan Brown, Joshua (Amanda) Brown, Hayley (Jake Harmelink) Brown, Spencer Beard, Samantha Beard, Chase Wilcox, James Wallace and Rachelle Smith; great-grandchildren Lillian and Scarlet. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Obituary: Linda Sue Travis, 69

Linda Sue Travis, 69, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Mercy Hospital in Lake Geneva, WI.

Linda was born on June 30, 1953 in Fort Atkinson to Erwin and Jeanette (Moyer) Travis.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1971 and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UW-Whitewater.  Linda worked for the Salem School District as a middle school teacher for 27 years.  She enjoyed gardening and travel when she could.  Linda was a lifelong Grange member and spent years of service at the Twin Oaks homeless shelter giving back to the community she loved.

She is survived by her brother Neal Travis, Whitewater; nieces and nephews Nathan Travis, Rachel Travis, Trent Travis, Chad Loomis and Shane Loomis; friend, Scott Cannon.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Louise Loomis and Joan Travis.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  A private burial will be held in the South Koshkonong Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in Linda’s name.

Obituary: Gerald Wm. Mallmann, 72

Gerald Wm. Mallmann, 72, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Our House Senior Living. He was surrounded by friends.

Jerry was born on November 10, 1950 in Sheboygan, WI, the son of William H. and Wilma M. (Jahn) Mallmann. He grew up in Sheboygan where he was confirmed at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and graduated from high school in Sheboygan. Jerry enjoyed his youth in Sheboygan and especially his many family summer vacations, traveling by car stopping to experience the many roadside attractions the era had to offer.

Jerry furthered his education at Madison College where he received his degree in the culinary arts. Jerry used his skills to open several area restaurants by helping to create their menus, writing their production specifications and training kitchen staff members. In the 1970’s Jerry took a job as chef at Alpine Valley Resort in East Troy, WI. He retired from the contracted food service at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at the end of 2016.

In retirement, Jerry enjoyed Sunday brunches with friends, morning coffee with “the boys” and Saturday morning trips to the farmers’ market in Madison. Jerry also had a thirst for all things related to Wisconsin’s rich history.

He is survived by his friend, James Allen of Whitewater, a special caregiver, Brittany Waits and many friends. Jerry was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Whitewater.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, William and Wilma Mallmann.

Jerry will be laid to rest next to his parents during a private service in Wildwood Cemetery of Sheboygan, WI.

Special thanks for the angel-sent folks at Rainbow Hospice and the caregivers at Our House Senior Living Center in Whitewater, WI.

The Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is assisting with the arrangements. To place an online condolence, visit gibsonfuneral.com.

Memorials in Jerry’s honor may be made to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, PO Box 260050, Madison, WI 53726-0050 (888)748-7479.