Life Events

Mark Harlan Schmuhl, age 71, of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Mark was born to Harlan and Lois Schmuhl in September 1954. He grew up in Brandon, Wisconsin and graduated from Ripon High School in 1972. Mark went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business education from UW-Whitewater.

Mark taught Business Education at Baraboo and Palmyra/Eagle High Schools for three years. Discovering that teaching wasn’t his passion, Mark found a career he loved in Agricultural Business at Hi-Life Rubber Company in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. There, he worked as a manufacturer’s sales representative for 35 years, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Mark loved driving wherever his job took him, especially through the highways, byways and backroads of the Northeastern, Southern and Midwestern parts of the United States.  He determined that his home state of Wisconsin was among the most beautiful in the country.

Before the effects of two devastating strokes impacted his life, Mark’s perfect day would have been spent outside taking care of his lawn, playing golf, watching the birds in his backyard and walking with his dogs, for whom he always had a special place in his heart.

Mark is missed and survived by the children he loved, son Nicholas (Liz) and daughter Melanie (Tanner); the little boy who lit up his face, grandson Oliver; the one who saw him through it all, his ex-wife Debbie; his mother; his sisters Cindy (Terry) and Judith (Frank); his nephew, Eric and niece, Audrey. Mark is also survived by the furry friend that brought him so much joy, Mr. Kat.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother-in-law, Val; and nephew, Andrew.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may make a donation in Mark’s name to the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53718.

Mark’s family would like to thank the staff at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice for the tender care they gave Mark.

Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater has been entrusted with Mark’s care.

Margaret C. Carstens, age 84, of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at her home.

Margaret was born on August 22, 1942, in Waukesha, the daughter of Charles and Myrtle (Hoppe) Kind. She grew up in the Waukesha area and graduated from Waukesha South High School. Margaret worked in a few different capacities during her career. She was an administrative assistant, a real estate agent, Quilting was a passion of hers that she turned into her own business in Northern WI, called “The Daisy Patch”. She continued quilting up until a few years ago. Margaret was blessed with three children with Fred Graf NC. – Carl, Paul and Steve. On March 7, 1982, she was united in marriage to Daniel Carstens and the two went on to enjoy 23 years of marriage until Daniel’s death in 2005. Margaret will be remembered for her outgoing and kind personality. She loved to bring her friends and family together to play games and enjoy each other’s company and to dance the Polka. She lived in Arizona for a number of years and enjoyed her time there as well. Margaret will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her three sons, Carl (Chelley) Graf of DePere, Paul Graf, and Steven (Susan) Graf of Palmyra, and her five grandchildren, Noah, Nicholas, Tom (Adriana), Bob (Allison Duenow), and Andy. And her new kitten Moochie, who got to love her for 2 weeks before she passed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Daniel, and two brothers, Ralph and Harold Kind. And pets (Dogs, Cats, farm animals) too numerous to count.

Memorials in Margaret’s honor may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM for family on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.

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

Please join Amy’s family for a Celebration of Life!

Amy’s obituary: https://whitewaterbanner.com/obituary-amy-catherine-austin-49/

Margaret Toennies, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of a family who cherished her deeply. She lived a full and active life centered around family, faith, friendship, and community.

Margaret was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on April 21, 1933, to Rose and Charles Lonsdorf. On July 9, 1955, she married James Toennies. Seven years later, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where they raised their five children.

In Whitewater, Margaret worked as an administrative assistant for medical and dental offices and was an active volunteer in her community. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church since 1962. She served as a greeter and participated in the prayer chain, delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the First English thrift shop.

Margaret enjoyed an active social life and treasured the many friendships she made in Sheboygan and Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Estero, Florida. She also enjoyed many years as a member of Pioneer Park Campground in Lake Delton, Wisconsin.

Always active, Margaret enjoyed tennis, swimming, cross-country skiing, water aerobics, bowling, golf, bocce ball, and playing Bridge and Sheepshead. She was a lifeguard in her younger years and remained an avid sports fan throughout her life, cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Whitewater Warhawks.

Above all, Margaret’s greatest joy was her family. She especially loved watching her six grandchildren participate in their many activities and sporting events and was incredibly proud to watch them grow into wonderful adults.

Margaret is survived by her children, David (Joanne) Toennies, Steven Toennies, William Toennies, and Lisa (John) Walsh; and grandchildren, Kristine Walsh, Kimberly Walsh, Bailey Toennies, Jack Toennies, Daniel Toennies, and Cole Toennies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Toennies; son, Robert Toennies; and brother, Joe (Elena) Lonsdorf.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 9, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A private burial will follow.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may make a donation in Margaret’s memory to Special Olympics Wisconsin.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is proudly serving the family.

Mary Joann Pritchard (nee Logan), 87, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Joann was born on February 1, 1939, to the late John and Mercedes (nee Crowley) Logan in Independence, Iowa. She attended grade school in Independence until the age of 10 when she moved to Sumner, Iowa, where she graduated from Sumner High School in 1957. Joann was united in marriage to Raymond Pritchard on February 27, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, IA. Together they farmed and raised their family of boys. In1980, Joann and Raymond moved to Decorah, and she enrolled in the clerical program at the Northeast Iowa Community College. Joann then went to work for Wal-Mart at the service desk from 1987-2008. Joann enjoyed volunteering at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home, and singing with the singing group the Northern Lights, where she sang second soprano. She also liked to entertain the residents of area nursing homes with music from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Joann was also a loyal member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. Joann loved life, loved her family, who was her pride and joy, and always counted her blessings. Joann loved the companionship of her cat, Sadie.  

Joann is survived by her caring son John “Johnnie” Pritchard, four grandchildren, Blakelon (Rachel) Pritchard, Laurel (Jeremy) Alexander, Garrett Pritchard and Sydney Pritchard; five great grandchildren, Aulden Alexander, Vaeda Alexander, Everett Pritchard, Robert Pritchard, and Hudson Pritchard. Johnnie moved his mom from Decorah, Iowa to Whitewater, WI in 2020. He looked out for his mom every day, every hour. Johnnie was his mother’s lifeline.

She is further survived by her son Rick (Kris) Pritchard, granddaughter Renee (Jake) Jackson, and great grandchildren, Janelle and Elijah Jackson; son, Randy (Steph) Pritchard, granddaughter Jessica (John) Ritter, and great grandchildren, Oliver and Maggie Ritter; son, Scott Pritchard, granddaughter, Skylar Pritchard; her brother, John “Jack” Logan; sister-in-law, Irma Jane Bernard; her loving niece, Jane Swanson and other numerous great friends.  

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Pritchard on August 23, 2015. Her in-laws, Roscoe “Ole” and Marie (nee Johnson) Pritchard; her brother, Ray (Ethel) Logan; sister-in-law, Denise Logan; and brothers-in-law, Richard Wheeler and Helen (Dan) Berns.

Private family service will be held.

Joann was an incredible woman that showed genuine affection and love for everyone she met. She will be sincerely missed for her loving and sincere ways. Her legacy will live on, and she will be loved forever.

Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.

David William Stroupe, 92, lifelong Cold Spring resident passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026. His hope – and the hope of those who knew him – was to die in the same home he was born in, but failing health prevented that. He lived there well into his 91st year; however, David last resided at Glenwood on Mulberry in Whitewater under the loving care of the staff there and where he enjoyed frequent visits from his family and friends. Gratitude is extended especially to David’s good friend, Peter Ackerman, who visited several times a week and helped to keep him sorted.

David was born on January 19, 1934 to Harold F. and Lavina O (Brown) Stroupe – the fifth of sixth children. David, along with his five siblings, attended Stone School in Cold Spring and later Whitewater High School graduating in 1951. He married Jean Fardy on May 2, 1953. Their union produced three daughters: Deb (Brett) Stinebrink of Lake Geneva, WI; Patti (Tom) DePorter and Kathy Doering-Kilkenny, both of Whitewater.

Divorcing in May 1958, David married Carolyn Pearson Wall on October 17, 1959.  Carolyn worked tirelessly with her husband on the family farm growing cash crops, raising livestock, and helping in their auto body business. Their marriage ended in 1983. David went on to work for Pope Trucking until his retirement.

David is survived by his three daughters, 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. He very nearly was able to lay claim to twin great-great granddaughters, who are due to arrive this fall. David is further survived by his sister Doris Kieselburg in McKinney, Texas and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son-in-law, Kurt Doering, his granddaughter, Holly Jo Stinebrink, his grandson-in-law, Kyle Ascheman; his granddaughter-in-law, Amber Stinebrink; his brothers, Harold (Fred), Philip and Delbert, his sister, Dawne Hilt and his parents.

David’s family would like to thank the staff at Glenwood and Agrace Hospice for their loving around-the-clock support. They managed what became a complicated care plan and respected David’s and the family’s wishes. Dementia is a cruel disease. Those who saw our dad frequently over the past few years understand how it crept up on him. Those who didn’t might not appreciate how quickly decisions had to be made in order that the safety and health of our dad was achieved. The hope is that no one else has to suffer the disease or witness someone suffering from it because it takes a tremendous toll on everyone.

Though intentions are appreciated, memorials to David are not requested or necessary. Please feel free to make a contribution to your favorite charity, however, if desired or make an extra effort to make someone’s life a little better in his memory.

Private services will be held with inurnment in Cold Spring Cemetery.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Robert F. Boyer, 75 of Whitewater passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026.

He was born on December 7, 1950, to the late Floyd and Dorothy (Heckman) Boyer in Amboy, IL. Bob graduated from Amboy High School Class of 1968. He became proficient at many occupations including mechanics, farming and chainsaw wood carving, having studied Stihl carving products. He and Marie originated most of the carvings at the Amboy Public Park, and they also crafted many carvings in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. They especially enjoyed demonstrating their craft at various county fairs, where they could meet and greet visitors as they worked. He retired from Commonwealth Edison in Byron, Illinois.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his spouse Marie (Bernardin) Boyer and sibling Donald “Donnie” Boyer. He is survived by his children, daughter Angela (John) Hawkins, son Joshua Boyer, and a sister Judy (George) Cooper in North Carolina. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, including grandchildren and one great-grand niece and another arriving any day.

Private services will be held.

The Nitardy Funeral Home – Whitewater has been entrusted with Robert’s arrangements.

Dennis L. Earle, 80, of Whitewater, passed away at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin on August 19, 2026.

Born in Elkhorn on December 13, 1945, Dennis made Southeastern Wisconsin his home for his whole life, growing up in Whitewater. He attended UW-Whitewater and UW-Madison. He then moved to Delavan in 1971, living there for over 40 years. He then moved back to Whitewater with his spouse, Jorelle Coe.

Dennis was an avid collector, both buying and selling his entire life. He and his family participated at multiple flea markets throughout the decades having created connections and made friends across many different disciplines. Dennis was a loving father and will be deeply missed by his entire family.

Dennis is survived by his brother, Rodney (Jeanette) Earle of Anderson, SC; his two children, Kathryn (James) Ulatt of Franklin, WI and Andrew (Katrina) Earle of Franklin, IN; and grandson, Ryan Ulatt of La Crosse, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thane Earle, Mary Earle (mother), and Corinne Earle (Step-Mother).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to one of two very deserving and beneficial charities – Shriners’ Children’s Hospital (https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en) or World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/).

In accordance with his wishes, a private family gathering will take place at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home is proudly serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

James Robert Mould, also known as “Jim Bob”, age 75, of Reedsburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison with his family by his side.

He was born on July 31, 1951in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Elwood and Lillian (Keister) Mould. On June 27, 1970 he was united in marriage to Debra Larson in Whitewater, WI. This marriage was blessed with two children. He loved hunting, softball, bowling, and playing darts with his son Ken. He enjoyed riding ATV’s with friends, spending time at the lake with his wife and their dogs, Buddy and Abby. He also enjoyed making his famous enchiladas for his daughter Kari. Best of all he loved watching the Badgers and Brewers with a cold beer in his hand.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Wiedenhoeft; step-father, Robert Wiedenhoeft; brothers, Richard and Donald Mould; and his brother-in-law, LaMont Haskins.

James is survived by his wife, Debra; children Kenneth (Tonia) Mould, and Kari Mould; grandchildren, Ethan and Deanna Mould; sister, Nancy Haskins; nieces and nephews; along with other relatives and friends. Per James wishes, no services will be held at this time. Memorials of remembrance may be made to the National Kidney Foundation for Kidney Disease.

Kathleen (nee Hornby) Ponyicsanyi, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in the comforting presence of her daughters.  

Born on March 29, 1945, in Milwaukee to the late Chester and Hilma (nee Mustonen) Hornby, Kathy lived a life full of love and adventure. Kathy’s journey began in Lake Mills, where she graduated from high school in 1963. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to UW LaCrosse and later to the Manpower Business Training Center. On December 19, 1964, she married the love of her life, Thomas Ponyicsanyi, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Together, they built a life filled with joy and shared experiences including golf, fishing, bridge, concerts and casino trips. Kathy appreciated living close to family, Tom’s parents and siblings, Jim and Cathy. Tom, her devoted husband of 47 years, predeceased her, leaving behind cherished memories of their time together.  

Kathy’s life was marked by her rewarding role as secretary at Lakeview Elementary School, where she began working in 1975. For 26 years, she brought warmth to her position, forming lifelong friendships and touching the lives of countless children. Even after retiring in 2002, she substituted in the Whitewater School District for another decade.  

Her vibrant personality and zest for life were evident in every aspect of her being. An adventurous traveler, she explored the world with her dear friend Bonnie and embraced every opportunity for new experiences. In her childhood, she spent countless hours with her cousin, Nancy, who she considered a sister.  

Kathy was an enthusiastic participant in numerous groups, including the Red Hats, First English Lutheran Church committees/thrift shop and volunteering at UWW theater and local voting sites. She was a familiar face on the golf course or pickleball court and a bridge enthusiast. Her love for rummage sales, clearance racks, and parties was well-known, and she never hesitated to celebrate life’s moments.  

Kathy’s legacy lives on through her loving family: daughters, Debby (Shawn) Geary and Betsy (Rob) Stangel; grandchildren, Raechel (Nicholas) Waletich, Kimberly Geary, Cullen (Nicole) Stangel, and Benjamin (Ellie) Stangel; and great-grandchildren, William, Jack, and a soon-to-arrive baby girl Stangel; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.  

SERVICE: A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, located at 401 W Main St, Whitewater, WI.  

VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends at the church Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice or First English Lutheran Church in her memory.  

Her bright smile and kind heart left a mark on all who knew her. Kathy will be remembered for her unwavering love, her boundless enthusiasm for life, and her ability to bring joy to everyone around her. The family is grateful for all the caring people who touched her in last years of life including Terri, Sofia, Maria, Janet, Aubrey and Aubrye, the amazing Zilber Team and the compassionate providers at St. Luke’s Milwaukee. 

Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Kathleen’s care.