Obituary: John Dynkowski, 73

John Dynkowski, 73, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on September 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

John leaves behind a wife of 46 years, Nancy Dynkowski (nee Furlong), children Beth Baker (Peter) and Michael Dynkowski (Margaret). He was also a proud Poppa to his granddaughter, Julianne and grand-dog, Lou. He is also survived by his twin brother, James and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Dynkowski, his mother Josephine Dynkowski, and brother, Robert Dowey.

John was born on August 31, 1951, in Chicago and grew up on the Northwest side on Moody Ave. He pursued his studies at Illinois State University and later earned his MBA from Illinois Benedictine University. He had a successful 40+ year career in IT in various roles and companies.

John met his wife, Nancy, through a setup from mutual friends and they were married on July 15, 1978. Shortly after they moved to Naperville, Illinois and raised their children in the Brookdale subdivision, where they met many of their lifelong friends. After retirement, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and immersed themselves in “lake life.” The lake was John’s happy place, and you could always find him putzing around outside, helping neighbors or cruising around the lake.

John loved spending time with his friends and family and took great pride in maintaining relationships that spanned all eras of his life. John kept himself busy with projects, as well as serving as “Dad the Handy Man” for his children. He also loved traveling, especially visiting National Parks and road tripping with their camper. John’s legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life will be held at Mickey Finns Brewery (Libertyville, Illinois), on Sunday, September 8th with visitation hours 12-2 pm and a short ceremony to follow.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of John’s friends and family for their love, support, and condolences during this difficult time.

Obituary: Donald James Voeller, 87, of Hot Springs Village, AR


Donald James Voeller was born April 11, 1937 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Rugby, North Dakota and passed away peacefully August 28, 2024 at home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, after 87 fulfilling years. He was the beloved son of Edward P. Voeller and Margaret Axtman Voeller.

From an early age, Don exhibited a profound love for learning and education. His academic journey began at Little Flower School, continued at Rugby High School where he was active in sports, FFA, and music and led him to North Dakota Agricultural College and North Dakota School of Forestry, where he played football. He further pursued his passion for geography at the University of Idaho. After a spring and summer of mapping campgrounds in the American Fork Canyon of the Uinta National Forest, back to school for Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma and ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1971.

Don’s dedication to education was evident throughout his career. He taught geography at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 34 years, where he also served as University Men’s Golf Coach for 15 years and department chair for 7. His commitment to teaching and mentorship influenced countless students and colleagues.

In June 1996, Don retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, where he continued to pursue his love for golf, a passion that spanned over 50 years. In 2002, he discovered a new interest in fishing and exploring the magnificent Lake Ouachita; embracing another learning experience.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret, and his brother Duane and sister-in–law Helga of Otterbruin, Germany. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Christine (Ehrhardt), son Mark and daughter-in-law Kara of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and his brother David and Jean Kurtz of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Don’s love of life, commitment to education, and warm spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, kindness and love. Arrangements are under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home inside Hot Springs Village. Guests may register at cedarvalefuneralhome.com

Obituary: Anna M. Wachal, 60, of Jefferson

Anna M. Wachal, 60, of Jefferson passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. 

Anna was born on June 23, 1964 in Fort Atkinson to Merlin and Mildred (Gildemeister) Schaller. At a young age, Anna’s father, Merlin, passed and Ernest Haban raised her as his own. She grew up in the Aztalan and Lake Mills area. As a young girl, Anna enjoyed fishing and riding her bike around that area. She attended Lake Mills High School. On May 9, 1986 Anna married John James Wachal Jr. and together they had two children. John passed on May 26, 2008. For 18 years, Anna worked at McCain’s in Fort Atkinson. She also worked at Jones Dairy Farm for eight years, after McCain’s closing. On June 13, 2018 Anna married Chip Pierce. Anna always said how lucky she was to find two great loves during her lifetime.  

She enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, tanning in her pool, and spending time with her family especially her cherished grandchildren.  

Anna is survived by her husband, Chip Pierce; children, Leane (Stephen Glascock) Wachal; Brandon (Tegen Buchli) Wachal; grandchildren, Alicia (Steven Shelly) Wachal, Olivia (Riley Thedens), Alexander Eimers, Willow Piper, Noah Wachal, Mason Wachal, Sterling Wachal, Adeline Wachal, Scarlett Wachal; sisters, Barbara (John) Firkus, Fern Dehnert, and Kathy Newkirk; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merlin Schaller, Ernest and Mildred Haban; husband, John Wachal Jr.; siblings, Nancy Benson, Merlin “Butch” Schaller, Rick Schaller, Nick Schaller; and four-legged companions, Gizmo, Bella, and Maggie the dogs.  

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice staff for their exceptional care for Anna.  

A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 12 PM until 2 PM at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home.  

Online condolences can be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Ernest Walter Regelein, 93, of Fort Atkinson

Ernest Walter Regelein, 93, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Wellington Meadows in Fort Atkinson.

Ernie was born on March 14, 1931 in Fort Atkinson to Benjamin and Ana (Busche) Regelein. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Ernie married Mary Clark on March 23, 1985. She preceded him in death on June 26, 1987. He was a home builder and worked for 28 years with the United States Post Office. Ernie also owned and operated the Western Aire Supper Club in Oconomowoc. He was a lover of fine wine, stamp collecting, Owen Gromme prints, gardening, the Milwaukee Brewers. He was known for causing good natured trouble. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews Jerry Wolfram, James (Rose Schroeder) Wolfram, John (Beverly) Wolfram, Tom (Helene) Regelein, Ray Regelein. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Richard (Beverly) Regelein, Harvey (Connie) Regelein, sister Florence (Harold) Wolfram.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 am at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190 followed by military rites. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Wellington Meadows staff and Rainbow Hospice for the care they provided Ernie. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Tania Ann Bowden, 48, of Delavan

Tania Ann Bowden, age 48, Delavan, Wi., passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2024. Born September 16, 1975, to John Bowden and Irene Bowden (Proc) originally from Chicago, IL. Came to Wisconsin from Chicago in 1979. Tania attended Whitewater High School.

Tania is survived by her Mom, Irene and James Osgood, Delavan, WI., three daughters Casandra Harris (Casey), Fort Atkinson, WI., Samantha Dohms (Sammy), Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mariah Flynn, Slinger, WI., Laura, Sandy, Bonnie Bowden and many nieces and nephews, Fayetteville TN., and the list goes on.

Private visitation and the celebration of life will be held at her Mom’s residence.

Obituary: Lee Spencer Murray, 92

Lee Spencer Murray, 92, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

Lee was born on September 24, 1931 in Princeville, Illinois to Harlow and Grace (Larson) Murray.  He graduated from Princeville High School in 1949 and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with his bachelor’s degree Agriculture-Agronomy in 1957.  Lee served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and received a purple heart during his service in the Korean War.

He was a proud member of the Whitewater American Legion, Princeville Masonic Lodge, Whitewater Jaycees and Wisconsin Fertilizer Association.

Lee is survived by his wife, Betty Murray, of Whitewater; children, Carla Buchanan of Janesville, and Ken Murray of Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fairhaven Foundation or the Badger Honor Flight.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staffs of Fort Memorial Hospital, Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice.

Funeral services will take place at 11am on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 9am until the time of service. A burial will follow services immediately at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Leo Jorgen Hansen, 98 (Updated)

Updated 8/23/24 @ 4:40 p.m. to add information regarding the casket.

Leo Jorgen Hansen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away in Janesville, Wisconsin, on August 18, 2024, at the age of 98. Leo was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 15, 1925, and spoke Danish before he learned English. He entered the work force at the age of 12, assisting his father, a house painter. When he was 17 years old, the family moved to a 120-acre farm on the southeast edge of Whitewater, Wisconsin. The family initially worked the fields with two teams of workhorses and milked 15 cows by hand. Leo graduated from Whitewater High School in June 1943 and worked as a painter until he entered the United States Navy in June 1944. His construction battalion took part in the invasion and liberation of the Philippines. Leo was honorably discharged from the Navy in June 1946.

Encouraged by his high school agriculture teacher and enabled by the GI Bill, Leo entered the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Fall 1946. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1949, Master of Science degree in Dairy and Food Industries in 1951 and Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1953. During the first 20 years of his career, Leo worked as a research food chemist and product developer for Chr. Hansen’s Laboratory, Oscar Meyer, and Armour Foods. He held six patents.

Leo married Muriel, a childhood friend, on October 16, 1954. By the mid-1960’s, Leo redirected his career from research to management. He attended the University of Chicago’s School of Business while working full-time and received a Master of Business Administration degree in March 1969. One year later, Muriel died from breast cancer, leaving Leo as a single parent of children 10 and 13 years old.

To avoid relocation by Armour to Phoenix, Arizona, Leo quit his job in Summer 1973. Two months later, he was hired by the Nestle Company to be the quality control manager for a large chocolate factory in Fulton, New York. In addition to managing a staff of 50, Nestle trained him to be a professional taste tester. Leo said it was the best job he held during his career.

Leo met Audrey, his future wife, in 1978 at church and they married on October 30, 1981. They relocated to Wisconsin after Leo retired from Nestle in 1991.

Leo was a dedicated runner and enjoyed competing in 5K races. He was a master woodworker and meticulously built, repaired, and refinished furniture. Leo was an active member of the Milton Historical Society and the Rock River Valley Carvers of Wisconsin. For many years, he was an exhibitor at the Rock River Thresheree, where he demonstrated woodworking techniques.

A deeply committed Christian, Leo served in many church leadership roles, including Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder. In recent years, he attended Faith Community Church (Janesville) and Church on the Rock. His faith in God sustained him through hardship and life’s uncertainties. Leo was humble, kind, and will be greatly missed.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Knud Vilhelm Hansen and Magda Agnete Dorothea Andersen Hansen, his brothers Kenneth, Norman, and Lloyd, his sister Ellen Brushaber, and his first wife, Muriel (Fischer) Hansen.  He is survived by his wife, Audrey (Lucas) Hansen, son Clifford Hansen, daughter Elise (Steve) Tripp, stepson David Lucas, grandchildren Nathan Tripp and Hannah (Thomas) DeBoer, great-granddaughter Etta DeBoer, as well as his brother Vernon (Donalee) Hansen, sister Esther (Robert) Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of service.  A burial immediately following services will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Christian charity of your choice.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rock Haven and Agrace Hospice staff for the compassionate care Leo received.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Phil. 4: 8

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Phil. 4: 8

A note about the casket: Leo’s casket was made by the monks of New Mellary Abbey, a Trappist monastery located outside Dubuque, Iowa. Faithful to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks support themselves through casket making. Trees from the monks’ own forest provide some of the lumber for the caskets.

Obituary: William Walton “Bill” Weiss, 80, of Madison

William Walton “Bill” Weiss
March 23, 1944 – August 19, 2024
MADISON – Bill Weiss went Walking with The King on Aug. 19, 2024.

William Walton “Bill” was born on March 23, 1944, to Myrtle (Walton) and William Weiss in Philadelphia, Pa. Bill’s father was serving in World War II when Bill was born. He was 17 months old before he met his father for the first time. Until then, Bill and his mother lived with her parents.

His mother and brother died in childbirth when Bill was 2 1/2 years old, and Bill returned to live with his maternal grandparents. Papa Walton had a profound effect on raising Bill, helping him become the gentle man we all knew. Bill’s father remarried when he was 7 and he subsequently had three half-brothers.

Bill and Dotti (Dorothea Zahn) were married on June 6, 1964, in Teaneck, N.J. on the day Bill graduated from Bible School. They moved to Siloam Springs, Ark., so Bill could complete an undergrad degree in Radio and TV Broadcast Production. He was a sign-on personality at the campus radio station, WFAW, and pastored the Community Church in Lowell, Ark., while taking classes fulltime.

They next moved to Chicago, Ill., where Bill was an on-air personality at WMBI (Moody Bible Institute), and then a producer at the station, also teaching a summer school course in broadcasting. Their two daughters were born during this time. He left Moody to become the producer at a recording studio, working with a great variety of clients including Amway Products and Bill and Gloria Gaither.

But teaching had become Bill’s dream, so with two kids in tow, they moved to Bloomington, Ind., to begin a master’s program. Bill completed his master’s from UW-Stout in 1978 while teaching full time at Northwestern College in Roseville, Minn., and part time at Bethel College.

He taught for one year at UW-River Falls while managing their student radio station and then took a position with UW-Whitewater in 1980, teaching full time in their Communications Department. He also began work on his PhD at UW-Madison, completing it in 1988.

Still teaching full-time at Whitewater and serving as Assistant Chair of his department, Bill became the pastor of the Richmond United Methodist Church, and then the pastor of the Emerald Grove Congregational Church. He developed the Advising Program for the Communications Department, winning several awards across the state. He retired from teaching in 2006 as Professor Emerit devoting his time to pastoring, geo caching, camping with Dotti across all of the 49 continental states, and enjoying his family which now included three grandchildren.

A difficult cataract surgery in 2007 resulted in Mild Cognitive Impairment and forced him to retire from the ministry in 2012. By 2016 Bill’s MCI had advanced to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Having taught communication, losing his words as the disease progressed was very painful. But Bill remained the gentle, loving man he had learned to be from his grandfather so many years ago.

Bill closed almost every sermon with “Walk with The King and be a blessing” and he did his best to live that out in his life. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Dotti; two daughters, Deb Weiss and Becki Fiegel (John); three grandchildren, Ethan Fiegel, Colin Fiegel and Veronica Fiegel; and countless friends, former parishioners, students and fellow teachers. He will be sorely missed, but remembered with joy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Memory Care for their faithful care these past 2 ½ years and for the many staff at Agrace HospiceCare who helped both Bill and Dotti through these past four plus years as Alzheimer’s slowly took its toll.

The Family will be celebrating Bill’s life in a private ceremony. Memorial gifts are not expected, but if you wish to give something in Bill’s memory, Agrace HospiceCare and the Salvation Army would be his choices. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Obituary: Barbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, of Dubuque, IA

Barbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully, August 16, 2024.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant and Rev. Michael Tess as the homilist. A graveside service will follow the same afternoon at 3:00 pm at Maple Ridge Cemetery adjoining the First Lutheran Church of Jordan on Hwy 40, north of Sterling IL, followed by a gathering of friends & family in the church.

Born August 2, 1962 to Mary Jo (Bickford) and Neal Bressler in Sterling, IL. Barbara married Thomas Robbins on July 11, 1998, in Whitewater, WI.

Barbara graduated from Sterling High School in 1980 and matriculated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1988. She served as a graphic designer for a variety of employers including Panoramic Inc. in Janesville WI, Getter Press in Whitewater WI, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Barbara’s marriage to Tom found their family relocating to various tri-state area locations from Whitewater WI to DeKalb IL to Hartford WI to Dubuque IA over a period of 25+ years.

Barbara was a consummate graphic artist, illustrator, and creative thinker. Her award-winning artwork has been featured in numerous art galleries and museums. Besides her two children, her life masterpieces were her Hearts Across America Children’s Memorial Art/Quilt Project commemorating the tragedy of 9/11 (permanently displayed at the U.S. Pentagon) as well as her 2022 published anthology entitled, “Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness Revealed.”

Barbara was a warrior and fighter, tenacious to the end battling various illnesses and health setbacks with grace and determination. Nothing stopped her especially when her mind was set on helping others stating, “if I could help one person in one way…then life was worth living.” Faith, country, family, nature, and the arts were her life passions.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Thomas Robbins; her sons Andrew Marnocha (fiancée Hannah Madrzak) of New Bern, NC, and Alexander Robbins (fiancée Lyric Strickland) of Dubuque, IA; her father Neal Bressler of Palm Harbor, FL; her twin sister Beth (John) Metzler of DeKalb, IL; her brother Scott Bressler of Clearwater, FL; her sister-in-law Crysty (Matt) Schultz of Dubuque, IA; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Jo Bressler, her father-in-law, Jerome “Jerry” Robbins, her mother-in-law, Mary Kay Robbins, her brothers-in-law Jerome Jr., Charles, and William Robbins, and her grandparents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for their gentle care of Barbara.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Barbara’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.