Life Events

Editor’s note: The memorial service time has been changed to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.

Stephen Thorngate, 99, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, died in his sleep on November 29, 2025. He was born on July 15, 1926, in Shanghai, China, to George III and Helen Shaw Thorngate, who were medical missionaries in nearby Liuhe. Upon graduating high school in Alfred, New York, in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and served mostly on hospital ships in the Pacific. Returning to the United States after the war, he attended Milton College in Milton, Wisconsin, Alfred University in Alfred, New York, and medical school at Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. He did his residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In the course of his long career as a general surgeon, he served the communities of Monterey, California; Hyden, Kentucky; Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Park Falls, Wisconsin. Doc, as he was often called by his friends and acquaintances, loved to sing, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He sang in barbershop choruses in most of the communities he lived in. He often came up with clever spontaneous quips, which were then added to his collection of predictable (and highly quotable) comments. He was a lifelong learner, particularly interested in Biblical archaeology and history of any kind.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly seventy years, Beverly Burdick Thorngate; his parents; his three brothers, George Thorngate IV, David Thorngate, and Philip Thorngate; his beloved in-laws, Russell and Dora Burdick, Marjorie and Wayne Munns and Joan Case; and great-granddaughter Cora Jane Thorngate-Gales. He is survived by his four children, Diane Griffith (Paul), Stephen Thorngate II (Lisa), Patricia Thorngate, and Russell Thorngate; thirteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for Stephen at The Connecting Church, 720 E. Madison Ave., Milton, WI 53563, on December 13 at 1:30 PM. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Milton is assisting with arrangements.

Maribeth “MB” McLaughlin entered into Eternal Life on Monday, December 1, 2025, age 75. Survived by her daughter Molly McLaughlin (Matt) and her grandsons Jacob and Zachary, and her sister Cathy (Jamie) Heber. Further survived by her fond nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Rosemary Goeglein, brothers Eugene “Buff” and Wally, and sister-in-law Mary.

Visitation to be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial Mass to begin at 11:00 AM.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Bradley “Brad” Dean Wessels, DDS, age 69 of Appleton, WI passed away on November 15, 2025.  A memorial visitation will be held for Brad from 2-3 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna, WI 54130 with a memorial service led by his sister, Carol at 3 PM. Brad will be laid to rest privately with his parents at Redeemer United Church of Christ Cemetery in Sussex, WI.  For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

Norman Lee Lauer, age 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton. Norman was born on October 21, 1952, to Willis and Virginia (Godfrey) Lauer in Edgerton, WI.

Norman (“Norm”) cared for and loved others with deep generosity. His ability to strike up a conversation with almost anyone was rooted in his joy in human connection. He was good-natured and had an excellent sense of humor, no matter the circumstances.

After graduating from Whitewater High School, Norm built the dairy operation on the family farm in Milton, WI. He cared deeply for the well-being of the animals and approached farming with careful planning and strategy, even within an unpredictable market and economy. His four children grew up surrounded by the same strong agricultural communities of his youth, including Rock County 4-H and the Whitewater FFA program. Through his example, he cultivated in his children a thirst for knowledge, a desire to care for others, and a commitment to being stewards of the land.

Norm was generous and thought of all youth in the agricultural community as his own. He showed his support through active participation in the Whitewater FFA Alumni as a lifetime member, especially through the annual FFA toy show. The county fair was always a familiar place to find Norm—first as a young boy showing his well-cared-for beef cattle, later supporting his own children’s projects, and in recent decades contributing generous bids for community youth and his grandchildren’s animals at fair auctions.

His community and neighbors were the fabric of his life. “I have everything I need right here” was a common phrase from Norm. He frequently stopped by to socialize and connect with neighbors, sharing news of both joys and challenges.

After more than 40 years of farming, Norm joined the NASCO family, where he connected with co-workers almost immediately. His favorite season was fall, when he looked forward to celebrating his birthday along with the turning of the leaves. Dreaming up his annual Halloween costumes—such as the “Sun-Maid Raisin Girl,” “Shrek,” or “Uncle Fester”—gave him a creative outlet he had enjoyed since childhood.

Norm spent countless hours maintaining the farm and nurtured his love for nature through stewardship of the land. Together with his brother-in-law, he planted hundreds of trees. He cherished time outdoors—whether “checking on the land” or spending time in the woods during deer hunting season. Being in nature brought him a deep sense of peace.

Norm is survived by his three children: Lee Ann (Rocky) Klitzke, William (Rebekah) Lauer, and Elizabeth (Ross) White; his siblings: Rod (Patsy) Lauer and Laurie (Bill) Garbe; his brother-in-law: Lee (Rita) Arnold; and nine grandchildren: Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Ben, Annika, Amelia, Audrey, Josiah, Lilyana, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Virginia Lauer; his sister, Christine Arnold; and his son, Timothy Lauer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Milton with Pastor Sam Massey officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately at Milton East Cemetery. Memorial contributions are preferred to Whitewater FFA Alumni and Supporters. Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is assisting the family.

For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and providers at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Agrace Hospice, and UW Health.

Frank J. Sauter, age 65, of Palmyra, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on June 21, 1960 in Madison, Frank was the cherished son of Richard and Marion (Lute) Sauter.  Frank grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1978. On July 25, 1992, he married the love of his life, Dawn Haas, and built a deep union with devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Frank’s life was defined by service, integrity, and heart. From his early days working on the family farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land. He later served as a police officer for the Village of Palmyra and also for the Village of Sharon, where his calm presence and dedication earned the respect of many.  Frank also built a successful career working for AFLAC insurance company for many years, helping others protect what mattered most to them. Whether in uniform, behind a desk, or leading as the Chairman for the Town of Palmyra, Frank’s guiding principle was always the same: to take care of people.

He was a natural leader with a magnetic personality—larger than life, yet deeply grounded in kindness. Frank had a gift for making others feel seen and supported, and he poured that energy into his community, friendships, and above all, his family.

Frank found joy in the simple pleasures and grand adventures of life. He loved traveling to sunny destinations, taking Caribbean cruises, hunting, snowmobiling and atv’ing  with family and friends, and enjoying a well- earned Miami Vice cocktail. But his greatest happiness came from being a devoted husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. His laughter, stories, and presence, will echo in the hearts of those who knew him best.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Dawn Sauter of Palmyra: his children Richard (Jessica) Sauter of Jefferson, Lucas (Sadie) Sauter of Palmyra, Jason Rossbach (Jessica Kusch) of Eagle, Jennelle (Tony) Aranda of Whitewater, and Timothy (Maria) Rossbach of Pewaukee.  His grandchildren, Rhett, Reese, Audrina, Samantha, Makenzie, Allie, Grey, Antonio and Cruz. He is also remembered fondly by many other relatives and dear friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Debby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s honor made be made to the AFLAC Children’s Cancer Center or to Palmyra United Methodist Church.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Palmyra United Methodist Church with Pastor Thomas Alverson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of service. Frank will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra immediately following the service.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit gibsonfuneral.com

It is with great sadness that the family of Dale Duane Pieper of Whitewater, Wisconsin announce his passing on October 23, 2025, at age 91. Dale was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin on August 3, 1934, to Fern & Melvin Pieper. He moved to Whitewater, WI with his family at age 9 and remained a lifelong resident. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953 and served as captain of the football team and Homecoming King during his senior year. While attending school, he began learning the trade of auto body repair from his father and built his first car, a roadster with a rumble seat. 

After graduating high school, Dale started working at his father’s auto body shop, Fort Body in Whitewater. After his father retired, he took over management of the shop with his two younger brothers, Daryl & Jim. Dale was a perfectionist at his craft and was a truly exceptional automobile painter and refinisher. As a businessperson, he was as honest as he was hard-working, and refused to retire until he was in his late 70’s.  

Dale married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy (Dotty) Saxe, in 1955. They had four daughters, Linda, Rosann, Connie, & Lori. When it came to caring for his family, he was unstoppable. No matter how arduous family life became, he never gave up on any of us. Dale worked as hard at home as he did at his job. Now that we are older, we recognize just how exceptional his visual-spatial skills were. The man could build or fix anything. Soon after turning 20, he single-handedly designed and built the family home where he & Dotty raised their girls. 

Dale was very physically active & took his daughters snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. He loved the outdoors and wanted to share that love with his family. It is hard to believe he was crazy enough to take four girls & their friends camping all by himself every summer. Dale was an active member of the snowmobile club for many years and enjoyed taking family members for long motorcycle rides in the country.  

He & Dotty instilled a love of animals in all their daughters, putting up with pet turtles, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs & ponies. To the delight of his daughters & neighborhood kids, he taught their two ponies to pull a sled and wagon. Under the influence of two of his daughters, Dale later got hooked on horses, buying a horse of his own and riding with his youngest daughter in Kettle Moraine for many years. Even in his late 80’s, Dale could be seen walking his dog(s) around town and often walked his daughters’ dogs as well.  

Those close to Dale knew he was a man of few words. But he was always there to listen and lend a helping hand. He adored his two granddaughters, Katie and Liz, and enjoyed giving them rides on his horse, babysitting, and chaperoning birthday parties when they were young. Even after his children and grandchildren became adults, his desire to be there for them never faded. Dale was so proud of becoming a great-grandfather to Katie’s daughter, Emma, and was looking forward to Liz having the first boy in the family.  

Everything Dale did, he did for his family. He was our rock. We will miss seeing his smile, hearing his voice, & feeling his hand in ours. However, our souls will forever remain connected. We hope he is experiencing freedom and peace beyond anything he could have ever imagined on this earth.  

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, 4 siblings, Pat, Delmar, Daryl, & John, & his oldest daughter, Linda. He is survived by his sister, Ronette, brother, Jim, daughters, Rosann, Connie, & Lori, granddaughters, Katie and Liz, and great-granddaughter, Emma. A public memorial has not been planned at this time. 

Karla Jean Masterson Goodman, 72, of Severna Park, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, due to complications of multiple sclerosis. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final hours.

Karla was born on March 11, 1953, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, the daughter of parents William and Phyllis (Chamberlain) Masterson. She grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, graduated from Whitewater High School, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Karla found great enjoyment working at the Delafield Public Library among the books she loved. She moved to Maryland later in life to be with her son Mike and his family.

A true cat lover verging on crazy cat lady, Karla raised and loved many felines. She was well known for the cat sweaters and pins she wore, as well as the many cat pictures and figurines decorating her living spaces. Karla also loved games, puzzles, TV game shows, going to the movies, Coca-Cola, the color purple, and chocolate. She adored music and spent decades singing alto in various choirs and playing the piano, clarinet, and handbells, especially at Delafield Presbyterian Church.

Karla was a follower of Jesus and a member of Woods Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, MD, where she sang in the choir for years. Karla was a proud member of Delta Zeta Sorority, which she joined at UW-Whitewater. She cultivated lifelong friendships from her chapter and they had regular get-togethers until Karla moved away from Wisconsin. She was also a member of P.E.O. International and remained close with the organization until her death.

Remaining to cherish Karla’s memory are sons Michael (Jessica) Goodman and Brian (Ashley) Goodman, grandchildren Ella Ruth Goodman and Ziggy Goodman, and brothers Kim Masterson and Bruce Masterson, along with several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandson Theodore Goodman, parents, and sisters- in-law Pam Schmit-Masterson and Debbie Masterson.

A celebration of Karla’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, with Pastor Martinelli officiating. The service will be followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery. We will then share memories of Karla over Gus’ pizza, Coca-Cola, and chocolate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karla’s name can be made to Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) under the Ways to Give and Tributes tabs.

Online condolences may be shared at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI.