Life Events

Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” Gorby
December 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025

Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas Gorby.

Jerry grew up in Washington and Upper St. Clair, PA, and proudly belonged to the first graduating class of Upper St. Clair High School. A determined self-starter, he began working at age 10 as a paperboy in the hills of Pittsburgh and later became a top Cutco salesman—earning the Key to the City of Pittsburgh while still in college.

At Tarkio College in Missouri, where he was recruited to play football, Jerry met the love of his life, Carolyn. The two shared a vibrant and enduring love story that began with football games and college dances and spanned more than six decades. Together, they once won a Twist dance competition—just one of many moments that reflected their shared spirit and joy.

After earning his degree in education and working as a recruiter at Tarkio, Jerry completed a Master’s degree at Duquesne University. In 1966, he and Carolyn packed up and moved to Wisconsin, where Jerry began a long and fulfilling career at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, serving first as Residence Hall Director then Director of Housing —and finally—as Director of General Services, where he had a wide-reaching impact on campus life and operations.

Jerry’s love for sports came from his father, Harold, and he passed that same enthusiasm on to his daughters. He supported them tirelessly—installing a pull-up bar in the basement, helping prepare for gymnastics meets, and cheering them on with pride. Whether on the sidelines or behind a video camera, he celebrated every effort and achievement.

Jerry and Carolyn built their family life on Turtle Lake, where they created a haven full of laughter, adventure, and tradition. Though their home was on Turtle Lake, Jerry also served as President of the Minnieska Ski Team on a nearby lake, where his daughters performed in ski shows. He was always nearby with a camera on his shoulder, documenting each twist and turn.

Later in life, Jerry moved into what truly lit him up—sales. Before founding his own sales company supplying furniture to colleges, universities, and hospitals throughout the Midwest, Jerry served as National Sales Manager for three different furniture manufacturers, where he honed his skills, built lasting relationships, and earned deep respect in the industry. 

Known for showing up with coffee, donuts, and a warm smile, Jerry built real relationships everywhere he went. Earlier in his Whitewater years, he co-owned the Red Lantern, a popular local pizza restaurant—an early expression of his lifelong love for bringing people together over food.

That love blossomed even more fully in retirement. Jerry’s passion wasn’t food itself—it was feeding people. Whether at Turtle Lake or Sanibel Island, he could often be found cooking ribs on a Sunday night, inviting anyone who could stay for dinner. He took joy in planning meals, firing up the grill, and setting the scene for connection—moments full of laughter, second helpings, and stories that grew with each retelling.

Eventually, Jerry and Carolyn retired to Sanibel Island, where they spent many joyful years walking the beach, sipping cocktails at sunset, watching dolphins leap and pelicans dive, and dancing through life just as they had when it all began. Sanibel wasn’t just a destination—it was home, peaceful and vibrant, filled with memories and laughter. They hosted Carolyn and Jerry’s family and friends from Pennsylvania, as well as friends from Wisconsin, creating a welcoming space where their place became a true vacation destination for so many. It was a place where people felt at home, whether for a weekend or a lifetime of memories.

A devoted Green Bay Packers fan–and proud shareholder– with a generous heart and a contagious laugh, Jerry lived life fully and gave deeply. He was a man of big dreams and even bigger love. Whether helping with a project—often with more enthusiasm than precision—taping something together with duct tape, drawing up ideas on a cocktail napkin, or waking up with a detailed to-do list, he was always ready to make something happen and to make people feel welcome.

Jerry was also a man of faith, which quietly guided the way he lived—with compassion, humility, and gratitude. In his later years, he found great comfort and joy in attending church services, especially enjoying the hymns that stirred both memory and spirit. He had a good singing voice and loved joining in, often with a smile and a strong, steady tone that reflected his deep appreciation for the music and message.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity, boundless energy, and an unwavering love for people. He dreamed big and got big things done—yet never lost sight of the individual in front of him. Whether planning a large-scale project, organizing a family adventure, or simply sharing a moment of conversation, he was fully present—listening, encouraging, and connecting with a sparkle in his eye and his signature laugh close behind. Jerry packed more into a day, a week, a year, and a lifetime than most could imagine, always striving to be his best and to bring out the best in others.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

You don’t have to give anything—your love, memories, and support are more than enough. But in lieu of flowers, if you feel moved to honor Jerry’s memory in a lasting way, donations may be made to the Jerry W. Gorby Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.  This fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, reflecting Jerry’s lifelong commitment to education and his belief in the power of learning to transform lives.  To contribute, visit: https://www.uww.edu/foundation/how-to-give/give-now .  Scroll down to Designation and select Jerry W Gorby Scholarship from the dropdown menu. If you prefer to give offline:  Checks can be made payable to UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. Please include the name of the fund you wish to support in the memo line of the check, and mail your donation to:

UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.
Alumni Center
800 W Main St
Whitewater, WI 53190

True to Jerry’s spirit—and his love of a good old fashioned, both the drink and the kind of gathering—please join us for a Celebration of Life in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where we’ll share stories, laughter, and memories in a way that would make him smile. Details will be shared soon on this website.

Mary Karen Erikson, 83, of Eagle, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at her home.

Karen was born on February 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Richard and Neta (McGuire) Stockholm. She moved to Wisconsin with her family and graduated from Whitewater High School. Karen continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where she obtained a degree in Education. After undergraduate school, Karen obtained her Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Karen worked at Mukwonago High School for over 30 years as a math teacher, retiring in 1998. On July 25, 1964 Karen was united in marriage to Gordon Erikson at the Whitewater United Methodist Church and the two would go on to enjoy 60 years of marriage together. Karen and Gordon made many wonderful memories together on the family farm and traveling together. She enjoyed cooking, especially cookies and baked goods, family holidays, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. Karen was smart, kind, strong and capable. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Erikson of Eagle, WI, and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Nancy Brown and Darlene Telfer.

Memorials in Karen’s honor may be made to the Eagle Historical Society. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle, WI (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). The Rev. Duane Goetsch will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Karen will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

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

Janice Kay Brokmeier of Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.

Jan was born on June 7, 1942, in Stanford, Illinois to James Lloyd Smith and Eithel Amelia Ingram Smith. Jan moved to Wisconsin in December of 1955 with her parents and three of her brothers. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1960.

Jan met Robert Joseph Brokmeier on March 13, 1958. Shortly after they met, they were married on August 26, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. They had three children and resided in Whitewater for 32 years. They then moved to Fort Atkinson where they resided together until Jan’s passing.

Jan had many hobbies and interests over the years. One of her passions and proudest accomplishments was working on her Family Tree for her side of the family and then proceeded to work on Joe’s side of the family as well. She has been continually working on these projects over the last 50 years. Her other passion was working as a Treatment Foster Parent. Over the years they opened their home to 32 foster placements. Jan was an avid reader, loved to crochet, play cards, as well as playing Scrabble.

Jan is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Joe, their daughter Dixie (Matt) Stever of Elkhorn, their son Don (Jennifer) of Milton, and their other daughter Doreen of Madison. She is grandmother to Nate, Ben and Cael as well as several furry, four-legged creatures. Jan is also survived by her 5 brothers Kenny, Bud, Ron, Loren, and Roger as well as several nieces and nephews. Jan had so many other special friends and relatives throughout her life that are too numerous to list.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, her sister Dixie Smith, and several other friends and relatives that she always kept close to her heart.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon Brokmeier, UW Hospital nurses and staff, and especially the staff at Rainbow Hospice who made her transition peaceful.

Visitation for Jan will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:30 AM until the time of the funeral service at 9:30 AM. Pastor Jonah Burakowski will be officiating. Jan will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan’s memory can be made to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Dean Chris Dunne, 69, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI.

Dean was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Chris and Ann (Wagner) Dunne. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973. Dean enjoyed fishing, camping and was a good water-skier in the day. He and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1980. Dean worked in property maintenance in Las Vegas for over 20 years.

He is survived by his children Nicholas (Amber) Dunne, Fort Atkinson, Linsey (Scott) Angione, Las Vegas, Chris (Kristyn) Dunne, Las Vegas, and Brandon Dunne, California; grandchildren Andrew, Jordyn, Cody, Ashley, Stephen, Gavin, Lea, Haley, Oliver, Charlie, and Axel; 8 great-grandchildren; Sister Sandy Dunne Blaedow, Whitewater.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 12:00- 4:00 pm at Chapel 1899, N2349 CTH D, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 which is in the Town of Hebron.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Dale Semrau, 74, of Whitewater, passed away April 26, 2025, in Winterhaven, Fl.

Kenneth was born to Donna and Garhart Semrau on February 6th, 1951, in Marinette, WI. Kenneth married Kristy Pfeifer on May 6, 1972. They had two beautiful children Chad and Nicole and five wonderful grandchildren and lots of fur-babies. That made his world complete.

Ken retired from Nestle in 2012 and enjoyed retirement by spending his summers at Riverbend Resort in Watertown, WI and the winter in Winterhaven, FL.

“Kenny G.” was known for his loving and playful personality. His family was always first and foremost. He had a huge heart and joy for life. Ken enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers but followed all Wisconsin teams closely. Being with friends and family, playing bags, horseshoes, camping, putting together puzzles, and trips to the casino is what Ken enjoyed most. He will be missed.

He is survived by the love of his life, Kristy Semrau, and their two children son Chad (Julie) Semrau and daughter Nicole (Justin Petitt) Mattison . His 5 grandchildren Ireland, Bailey, Ian, Caden and Brady and his brother Jerry Semrau.

Ken’s wish is to have a “Celebration of his life” and a private burial in Whitewater, WI, which will be determined at a later date.

Bruce E. LaBansky, 75, Whitewater died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI.

Bruce was born on November 28, 1949 in Sauk County, WI to Clarence and Velma (Nelson) LaBansky. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UW Stevens Point.

Faith, family and friends were very important to him. Bruce moved to Whitewater in 1980 where he raised his 3 sons Nelsen, Nathanial, and Nicholas. Bruce was an avid golfer, an outdoorsman with an impressive knowledge of all things nature, a sports fan (particularly the Bucks, Brewers and Packers). Family was very important to him and he cherished any time spent with them. Bruce married Janice McCormick on June 2, 2007.

He is survived by his wife Jan of Whitewater; sons Nelsen LaBansky, Monona,WI, Nathan (Kristin) LaBansky, Blaine, MN, Nicholas (Nicole) LaBansky, Janesville, WI; grandchildren Liam, Maegan, Livia, Kenna, Kyan, Braxton, Kashton, and Iyla; beloved niece Shea; nephews Ryan, Jay and Skyler; siblings Nancy (Bob) Johansen, Sandy McDonough.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 4:00-6:30 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Please join the family afterwards for food and refreshments at Rick’s Eastside Pub. All are welcome.

A private burial will take place at a later date in LaValle, WI.

Dr. Holly J. Humphrey
November 28, 1956  –  April 17, 2025

Holly J. Humphrey, MD, MACP, led the Pritzker School of Medicine through a period of transformative growth that saw the school rise to a place among the nation’s elite institutions of medical education, emerge as a powerhouse of scholarship and discovery, and become a pioneer in efforts to diversify the field of medicine. One of the nation’s most prominent and innovative leaders in medical education, her voice and influence made an immeasurable impact on the field and countless mentees throughout her career.

Dr. Humphrey, who served for 15 years as Pritzker’s Dean for Medical education and Ralph W. Gerard Professor in Medicine, died on Thursday, April 17, the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation announced. Her husband, Dr. Duane Follman, said the cause was pancreatic cancer.

A graduate of the Pritzker School of Medicine (MD’83), Dr. Humphrey leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the experiences of learners at the University of Chicago and beyond. Her extraordinary career at the University of Chicago also included an internal medicine residency, a pulmonary and critical care fellowship, a Chief Residency, and 14 years as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency program.

“The common threads through all of Dr. Holly Humphrey’s roles at the University of Chicago were her exceptional skill and compassion as a gifted clinician, her unusual ability to connect with, inspire and serve as a role model for students and learners at varying levels of their training, and her unwavering commitment to providing access to medical care of the highest quality to all, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, Richard T. Crane Distinguished Service Professor and former Dean of the of the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine.

“Dr. Humphrey trained thousands of physicians whose ability to practice clinical medicine has been enhanced by what they learned from her and by following her personal example. Her impact has been broad and profound, and her untimely passing in the prime of her career is a tragic loss.”

Under Dr. Humphrey’s leadership, Pritzker rose to prominence as one of the best and most diverse medical schools in the U.S. As Dean for Medical Education, she led the development of numerous programs and initiatives that remain fundamental to the experiences of students, residents, and faculty at the University. Her signature programs centered on diversity and inclusion, mentorship, medical education scholarship, and professionalism.

“It is rare a day passes that I don’t see the profound impact Holly had on medical education nationwide and, especially, on the culture at the Pritzker School of Medicine,” said Pritzker’s current Dean for Medical Education Vineet Arora, MD, MAPP, who trained under Humphrey as an internal medicine resident and Chief Resident. “Having been so fortunate as to receive her generous mentorship and support for more than 25 years, I recognize the acute loss that many of us who trained under her are feeling.

“Holly’s defining traits, including her spirit, warmth, and ability to take the high road, will live on through the thousands of people she has trained and lives she has touched.”

In 2005, Dr. Humphrey co-founded the Bowman Society, which honors the legacy of Dr. James E. Bowman, Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Pathology and Medicine, and the Biological Sciences Division’s first tenured African-American Professor. The Bowman Society hosts regular lectures to highlight scholarship that is important to healthcare in minority communities and also provides mentorship and support for students, residents, and faculty.

In 2015, Dr. Humphrey co-founded Pritzker’s Identity and Inclusion (i2i) Steering Committee, a collaborative effort between students and faculty to promote an inclusive learning environment defined by respectful and effective communication with patients and colleagues of differing lived experiences and perspectives. She also supported the development of Pritzker’s summer pathway programs, which aim to increase access to medical education and STEM fields to talented students from across a range of backgrounds.

Known as an exceptionally generous and dedicated mentor, Dr. Humphrey counseled countless colleagues, residents, and medical students, many of whom now occupy leadership positions at Pritzker, UChicago Medicine, and other institutions. She received the Favorite Faculty teaching award from Pritzker students more than 25 times.

Moreover, Dr. Humphrey developed structured student mentorship programs, including the Pritzker Advising Societies, a central component of Pritzker’s award-winning career advising program. Drawing on her time as the Internal Medicine Residency Program Director, she also created the Pritzker Chief leadership positions for fourth-year Pritzker students, modeled after the Chief Resident system in hospitals.

With a vision for medical education as a prominent field of scholarship, Dr. Humphrey created the Medical Education, Research, Innovation, Teaching, and Scholarship (MERITS) Fellowship and Training Program in 2010 as a means to develop educational leaders and scholars in medical education at the University of Chicago. Today, the program hosts a one-year faculty fellowship and a two-year program for residents.

Dr. Humphrey also led the founding in 2006 of the Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators at the University of Chicago to support and promote research, innovation, and scholarship in medical education. The Academy hosts the annual Medical Education Day, sponsors faculty development opportunities, and funds scholarships in medical education. Additionally, Dr. Humphrey established a teaching partnership with NorthShore University Health System (now Endeavor Health), which created the Holly J. Humphrey Medical Education Fund with a one-million-dollar gift to the University of Chicago in recognition of her leadership in medical education.

Prior to her time as Dean for Medical Education, Dr. Humphrey spent 14 years at the helm of the University of Chicago Internal Medicine Residency program. It was during this time, in 1989, that she and then-Pritzker Dean of Students Norma Wagoner led the country’s first White Coat Ceremony at the University of Chicago, with Dr. Humphrey delivering the keynote address. The tradition, in which first-year medical students are endowed with their first white coat in the presence of their families and faculty, was later adopted and formalized by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which now supports similar events at medical and nursing schools across the country and around the world.

In 2018, Dr. Humphrey stepped down from her role as Dean for Medical Education, leaving the University after nearly 40 years to become the eighth President of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, which is dedicated to improving health and healthcare in America through advances in medical education and the training of health professionals.

In addition to her role with the Macy Foundation, Dr. Humphrey held numerous national leadership positions during her career, including Chair of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine’s Board of Directors, Chair of the American Board of Internal Medicine, President of the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, and President of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Board of Directors.  She served as chair of the board of trustees for her alma mater, North Central College. She was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at the University of Chicago.

In 2020, Dr. Humphrey was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, which lauded her for “transforming medical education learning environments by creating cultures of equity, diversity, and belonging that prepare future health professionals to care for diverse populations and address social determinants of health.”

Dr. Humphrey is survived by her husband, Duane Follman, MD; her three beloved children: Sarah Follman, MD, Benjamin (Emma) Follman, MD, and Hannah Follman, a journalist; and two brothers Philip (Sue) and Richard (Chris).

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00AM at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60521. For those who are unable to attend, a Livestream will be provided by Christ Church. 

Dr. Humphrey’s Register Book can be signed Electronically HERE. 

A Memorial will be planned on the University of Chicago Campus at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to student scholarship funds at either the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine or North Central College, or Christ Church of Oak Brook. 

John Rivers, 61, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer, with his wife by his side. Born on March 10, 1964, in Milwaukee, WI, to Bernie and MaryAnne (Sommers) Rivers Jr., John lived a life defined by perseverance and purpose.

A 1982 graduate of East Troy High School, John spent more than 30 years as a dedicated truck driver. One of his proudest accomplishments came later in life when, at the age of 50, he returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree while continuing to work full time — a testament to his determination and love for learning.

John was a born-again Christian and devoted his life to sharing the truth about Jesus Christ. His faith was central to everything he did, guiding him in his relationships, his recovery, and his mission to help others.

A recovered alcoholic of 25 years, John dedicated his life to helping others achieve sobriety. With dreams of opening a recovery house, he poured his heart into supporting those on their path to healing, driven by his own experience and deep empathy.

Family was the cornerstone of John’s life. Whether gathered around the table for a meal, playing a lively game of sheepshead, or simply sharing stories and laughter, John cherished every moment with those he loved, especially his kids, Karl and Ashleigh, and grandson, Wesley. His laugh was infectious, but it was his hugs — warm, genuine, and freely given — that will be most dearly missed.

John met the love of his life, Sara Febock, in August 2002. The two were married on July 5, 2003, and shared over two decades of partnership, love, and unwavering support.

John leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and service. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Sara Rivers, Whitewater; children Karl (Tiffany) Rivers, Kenosha, WI, and Ashleigh (Jessy) Johnson, Burlington, WI; grandson Wesley Johnson; parents Bernie and MaryAnne Rivers, Stoughton, WI, formerly of East Troy, WI; sisters Therese (Greg) Hann, Stoughton, WI, and Chris (Pat) Russell, Destin, FL.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N Newcomb St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call on Saturday from 12:00 pm until the time of the service. Fellowship to follow after the service will be provided at Jessica’s Family Restaurant, 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190

John J Liss, 54, of Whitewater passed away Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at home surrounded by his family and special pets at his feet. 

John graduated from Whitewater High School. John married his best friend of 18 years on August 17, 2024. He worked factory jobs and decided to go back to school for HVAC in 2009. In 2010 John became disabled due to his health. 

John is survived by his wife Lacey Liss, daughter Mackenzie Liss, son Gabe (Hunter) Black, stepson William (Erika) Beaudin, bonus daughter Cassie, mother Judy Liss, brothers Joseph 3rd, Jesse, and Jason Liss, sister-in-law Cora Smith, and many nieces and nephews. 5 great nieces and nephews and his little frog Tillie. John is preceded in death by his baby sister Jenny, dad Joseph Jr Liss, Grandma and pawpaw Kenith and Louella Bailey grandparents Joseph sr and Mary Liss and mother-in-law Bonnie Drehmel. 

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com