Obituaries

Peggy Kay Mickel, age 82, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. For the past 30 years, Peggy made her home in Whitewater, Wisconsin, but spent her final weeks surrounded by family and love.

Born on September 14, 1943, in Waukesha, Peggy was the daughter of Phoebe Eloise (Vick) and Ralph K. Jones. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Ronald G. Nufer. Peggy spent her childhood in the Oconomowoc and Chenequa areas before settling in Hartland, where she lived for a little over two decades. Her deep affection for children was evident in the many she cared for as a babysitter during those years.

Family was the cornerstone of Peggy’s life. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, and her pride in them was unwavering. After a time living in Arlington, Texas, Peggy and her daughters returned to Wisconsin, eventually settling in Whitewater. Her love and support were constants in their lives, and she never missed an opportunity to express how proud she was of them.

Peggy found joy in the simple pleasures—reading mystery novels, experimenting with recipes, and sharing her culinary creations. She was baptized in the Episcopal Church and found comfort in listening to services online when she could no longer attend in person. Above all, her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, with whom she shared a special bond. She played an essential role in their upbringing and cherished every moment spent with them.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph K. Jones, Phoebe Eloise (Vick) Nufer, and Ronald G. Nufer; her sisters Vicki (Nufer) Jako and Christine Jones; and her sister-in-law Diane Jones.

She is survived by her brothers Daniel (Sharon) Nufer of Monroe, WI, David (Julie) Nufer of Whitewater, WI, and Larry Jones of Milwaukee, WI; her daughters Barbara Henderson of Waukesha, WI, Janet (Matt) Bills of Fort Atkinson, WI, and Susan Johnson of Stevens Point, WI; her grandchildren Karissa Henderson of Joshua, TX, Michael Bills, and Joshua Bills; her great-grandchildren Mason, Corbin, and Camden; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Peggy’s family extends heartfelt thanks to ProHealthCare Hospice for their compassionate care during her final days. They also wish to express gratitude to the Kachel family and the community at Brookdale Manor in Whitewater, where Peggy found a warm and welcoming home for the past 16 years.

Peggy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and the legacy of kindness she leaves behind.

Funeral Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 6:00 PM at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Road, Waukesha, WI.

On October 20, Kathleen “Kaye” Kinateder, age 83, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at home from kidney disease. 

She was born on December 7, 1941, in Palmyra, WI, to Daniel and Lucille Szymkowski (Walton). She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1959 and Marvels Cosmetology School, Milwaukee, in 1960. Kaye married Walter Kinateder on February 4, 1961 in Whitewater. They settled in Palmyra, and while raising their 4 boys, she provided childcare out of her home for local Palmyra families and teachers. After moving to Jefferson, she worked at the school lunch program and Cold Storage. Kaye earned an accounting degree and worked at Morgan and Meyer. Eventually, she was employed at Brownberry Bread in Oconomowoc until she retired. Kaye was an amazing baker, especially at Christmas time, when she would make platters of Christmas cookies, and Cherry Coffee Cake. Through the years Kaye enjoyed many family gatherings and going on adventures with her sisters. She and Wally took a retirement trip to Switzerland and went on historical bus tours together. Later in life she enjoyed her regular breakfasts with the pool ladies, a Vegas trip to celebrate her 80th birthday in style, and overnight Midwest casino trips with the Fort Senior Center. 

Kaye is survived by three sons, Gary (Melanie) Kinateder, Aurora, CO; Steven (Debbie) Kinateder, Helenville; Bruce (Shareen) Kinateder, Whitewater. She is also survived by her grandchildren Adam, Alex, Andrew, Lucas (Lindsay), Emily (Corey), Megan, Alisha, Tasha (Anthony), Alexander (Rebekah), and Talia (Ryan). Kaye is also survived by her first great-grandchild, Grayson Kinateder, and her bonus great-grandchildren, Farrah, Elias, Ardath, Noemi, Louisa, Rosalie, Daisy, Hewitt, Lilia, Lucas, and cousins, nieces,
and nephews.

Kaye is preceded in death by her husband Wally, son Philip Kinateder, parents, and siblings, James, Dorothy, Christine, Mary Jane and Francis, who she always considered another sister.
 
A visitation for Kathleen will be held from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home – 900 W. Racine St. Jefferson, WI. Services for Kathleen will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until the time of the service. Kathleen will be laid to rest in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

Thank you to Kaye’s friends & family who kept in touch through letters, calls and occasional visits. A special thank you to the best neighbors for all the generous, spontaneous help and friendship they provided for Wally and Kaye, especially these last few years! A big thank you to Family Connections LLC of Watertown and their special caregivers, and the SSM Palliative & Hospice nurses for their support. Thank you to Fr. Tom Coyle and Fr. John Silva for their visits and prayers for Kaye.

Marilyn Anne Bittner age 77 of Milton passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on October 21, 2025. Marilyn was the daughter of Vern and Alma Sellnow, born May 14, 1948, in Wiedman Maternity home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Marilyn grew up in Whitewater enjoying family, brothers Phil, Bill and sister Mary and friends. She was active in the band playing the flute. A devoted member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1966.  Marilyn attended the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater from 1966 to 1968 where she met John F. Bittner. Marilyn and John dated for three years and were married in the First Lutheran Church, Whitewater on June 14, 1969. They began their journey in the U.S. Air Force family making many friends and enjoying several adventures of which skiing became their family sport. After the military, they both worked several jobs until settling in Milton, Wisconsin. Marilyn gave birth to their only son Kristopher John Bittner on May 17, 1974. Marilyn loved being a wife, mother and homemaker. Marilyn was very active in Hope Lutheran Church, Milton with Sunday School and children’s choir. A member of several committees, she loved quilting with her church friends and being a den mother for Cub Scouts. Marilyn was a secretary for Walworth County Counseling Center, not to mention having full-time jobs one of them being a library assistant for Fort Atkinson High School, and another being a bookkeeper for Accounts Receivable for LeMans Corporation until retirement. She loved family and holiday traditions, enjoying times with their wonderful son and daughter-in-law, two wonderful granddaughters, her brother and sister’s families and their many friends and families. She loved to ski, travel, dine out, dance, as well as support their son and his family in all their activities, sports and events. She cherished life and family. She led a life truly blessed with Love, Family and Friends. 

Marilyn is survived by her husband John, son Kristopher (Kendra) Bittner, grandchildren Morgan (Christian Pope) and Natalie Bittner. She is further survived by her sister Mary (Clary) Nash and brother Bill (Sandy) Sellnow, as well as many special nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Philip Sellnow.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday October 30, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, Milton. Visitation time will be from 9:30 A.M. until time of services at the church.  Burial to follow at Milton Cemetery.  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dolly Hoffer, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 2, 1935, to Benjamin and Mable Blair at their home in Burnett County, Wisconsin, Dolly grew up in a lively household with five brothers and one sister. From a young age, she carried a deep love for family and faith that guided her throughout her life. On March 22, 1953, Dolly married the love of her life, Ronald Hoffer, in South Dakota. Together, they shared 10 children and a lifetime of devotion, laughter, and hard work. Dolly’s greatest pride was raising her children and watching her family grow through the generations.

Later in life, Dolly worked at the local hospital caring for newborns — a role that perfectly matched her gentle and nurturing spirit. She also dedicated 15 years to H&R Block in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, before retiring. Retirement didn’t slow her down; instead, she spent her time caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless others who lovingly knew her as “Everyone’s Grandma.” Dolly was known for her warm heart and generous spirit. She loved cooking big meals for family gatherings, puzzles and word searches, and traveling whenever she could. We cannot forget her love for the game show network! Her kitchen was always open, her hugs always ready, and her laughter always contagious.

She is survived by her children Mary Jean Robertson, Rhonda (Gary) Seraphine, Michael Hoffer, Bradley (Amanda) Hoffer, Randall (Karen) Hoffer, Troy Hoffer, and Tami (Tim) Germundson; her siblings Robert (Charlotte) Blair, Louis (Audrey) Blair, Donald Blair, and her sister Joy Watson; along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joe Blair and Richard Blair, her beloved husband Ronald Hoffer, children Richard Hoffer, Carol Rinehart, and Jonathan Hoffer, and five cherished grandsons.

A private family service will be held at a later date at her final resting place beside her husband and son in South Dakota. Dolly’s legacy of love, kindness, and care will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

To post an online condolence please visit www.derrickfuneralhome.com

Cecelia Jane (Larkin) Krahn, 93, of Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by the comfort of her adoring family. She was born July 5, 1932, in Whitewater, to Philip and Marie (McCune) Larkin. She was a graduate of the Whitewater College High School’s class of 1950.

On September 18, 1954, she was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Sidney Krahn. This union was blessed with their four children, Nancy, Paul, Steven, and Marie.

During her working years, Cecelia was employed at the Whitewater Raincoat Company, American Optical Company, and was the co-owner of CK’s Keg Liquor Store from 1980 to 1990.

She was proudly a lifetime resident of Whitewater and was faithfully a lifetime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She was also formerly a member of the Lioness Club.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Marie; her husband, Sid; her sisters: Roberta Fero, Monica Luebke, Genevive Langer, and Nora Meisner; her brothers: Lambert Larkin and Bernard “Stu” Larkin; and her grandson, Nathan Krahn.

She is survived by her children: Nancy Boyer, Paul (Sandy) Krahn, Steven (Darcie) Krahn, and Marie (David) Manthey; her 14 grandchildren; and her 15 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Cecelia will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, at Nitardy Funeral Home- Whitewater, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. The funeral for Cecilia will begin at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home- Whitewater is assisting the family.

Hugo C. Tscharnack, age 91 of Whitewater passed away 24 September 2025, at Hearthstone Memory Care (Fairhaven), Whitewater, WI. He was born to the late Hugo Max and Mabel Barbara (nee Klippel) Tscharnack on 9 February 1934 in Milwaukee.  He married the loving and talented Karolyn Kettwig Alexander on 20 May 2001 in Whitewater. 

Hugo is survived by his wife Karolyn, his nephews Timothy J. (Mimi) Stanton, Elmhurst, and John P. (Kristi) Stanton of Madison, his niece Susan M. Stanton of Madison, his stepsons Jason (Shawn) Alexander of Whitewater and Jared (Ann) Alexander of Minneapolis, step-grandchildren Lily and Vincent Alexander of Minneapolis and Hogan and Cambell Alexander of Whitewater, who gave him lessons in playing cards and board games. Hugo is further survived by his step-sisters-in-law Rae (Gary) Mackovic and Nan Curran. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley J. Stanton, his brother-in-law James L. Stanton of Middleton, his nephew Mark Stanton, his grandparents Max and Mina Tscharnack and Frederick and Caroline Kippel, his mother and father-in-law Richard and Almeda Kettwig, and his step-sister-in-law Patricia Kettwig Regan. 

Hugo graduated from Milwaukee Washington High School and from Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee. In addition he received a master’s degree from UW-Madison and a Docteur de l’Universite de Paris. He retired as Assistant Professor in Physics from UW-Whitewater in 2002. 

There will be a visitation at First English Lutheran Church, 401 West Main Street, Whitewater, 09 October 2025 at 9 am followed by a funeral service at 10:30 am conducted by Rev. Joseph O’Donnell.  Interment is at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.  If you wish, memorials can be given in Hugo’s name to the First English Lutheran Church’s Sunday School or the Whitewater Food Pantry. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family (nitardyfuneralhome.com). (Written by Hugo Tscharnack)

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Hearthstone Memory Care, Fairhaven, and Rainbow Hospice for their loving care of Hugo.

J. Paul Green, Jr., age 91, of Milton, WI, passed away on September 23rd, 2025. Son of J. Paul and Elizabeth (Johnson) Green, Paul was born in Cambridge, NY on March 8, 1934. Paul grew up first in Salem, NY, where his father taught agriculture. Soon they moved to Corning and then to Trumansburg, both in New York. In 1944 the family moved to Milton, WI, where Paul lived until 1955, except for five months in 1945 when he lived with his grandparents, Paul and Alyce Johnson, in Clarkston, WA. He had many good memories of growing up on farms in New York and Wisconsin. He graduated from Milton Union High School in 1951 and Milton College in 1955 with a double major in biology and chemistry.

Immediately following graduation, Paul married Denise Kagarise of Salemville, PA, at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church. Paul felt the call of God to serve in the Christian ministry, so the newlyweds went to Alfred, NY where both attended Alfred University. Paul graduated from the School of Theology in 1960.

He served as pastor of Seventh Day Baptist Churches at Alfred Station, NY, Bridgeton, NJ (Marlboro Church), and Salem WV. Paul and Denise moved to Wisconsin in 1981, where he served as Dean of Ministry for the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference at Janesville, WI and finally as pastor of North Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima Center, WI. All of the churches he served were rural or small-town churches.

Paul especially enjoyed telling stories to children, youth work, church camping and singing with quartets and other singing groups. Through the years, he and Denise sang with: Singing City of Philadelphia, PA; Madrigal Singers of Clarksburg, WV; Sanborn Festival Singers and Choral Union of Janesville, WI, and church choirs. He was always singing or whistling and had a song for every occasion.

During his retirement years he enjoyed singing with his quartet, working in his yard and garden, going on Natural Resources Field Trips with his brother, and trips with Denise to visit their children and grandchildren. He also served on several boards of directors.

Paul was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Denise and their children: Carl Green, Columbus, OH; Steve (Cindy Bielke) Green, St. Paul, MN; and Laurie (Debbie) Green-Lauber, Columbus, OH; five grandchildren: Richard (Emily) and Charles Dornfeld of Minnesota; Sam (Arianna Semilia); Luke (Ashley Stephens); and Ione Green-Lauber of Ohio; a great-grandson: Clark Dornfeld; and a brother, Frank Green (Liz) of Milton. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters Helen Ruth and Georgia (Colflesh).

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Oct. 5 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation preceding starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church, with Rev. Nate Crandall officiating. Paul will be interred at Milton Junction Cemetery privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Seventh Day Baptist Historical Society (contact sdbhistory.org) or the Janesville Choral Union (contact janesvillechoralunion.org).  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. 

On Friday, September 19, 2025 surrounded by loved ones, Daniel “Dan” Braun passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Dan was born on February 7, 1947 in Bad Axe, Michigan to Clarence and Lorraine Braun. Dan was the oldest of fifteen children. Growing up on the family farm provided memories that Dan cherished until the end. And even after moving to Illinois, Dan would return every year to the family farm to help with harvesting, and more importantly, making memories with his family.

Dan began his career in the automotive industry before finding his true passion in carpentry. When he wasn’t ‘working’ building homes, you could often find Dan out in his shop building jewelry chests, cabinets, tables, benches and other gifts for those he loved. Dan’s generosity was felt by all who knew him. Whether volunteering at church or helping a friend in need, Dan was always the first one to show up.

Dan is survived by his partner of 29 years, Joan Simes, his daughter-in-law Kelly Braun and her two sons Connor and Devin, his son Keith and his wife Amy Braun along with their children Alyssa, Ashley, Cody and Shaylyn, his daughter Kim Braun and her three children MacKenzie, Jax and Cole, his stepdaughter Kim Simes and her wife Robin Fox along with their children Brennan and Sanibel. Dan is also survived by several great grandchildren, his 14 siblings and their families, a large extended family, and of course, his furry friend Niko.

Dan was preceded in death by his son Danny and his parents.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Our House Senior Living Memory Care in Whitewater who provided Dan a safe and happy place to spend this last chapter of his life.

All services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Church, 1225 W. Main St. in Whitewater, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am, funeral mass following, concluding with a luncheon at 841 Brewhouse, 841 E. Milwaukee St., Whitewater, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our House Senior Living Memory Care in memory of Dan, 945 E. Chicago St., Whitewater, WI 53190. These donations will go towards the activities and fun, including ice cream treats that Dan enjoyed during his time there.

Julie Jane (Oldenburg) Cooper died unexpectedly in a car accident on Wednesday, September 17. While her death was tragic, she died on her way to do one of the things she loved most–spending time with her church family while she shared her faith and with her husband of 51 years, Greg.

Julie was born on September 15, 1953, in Onalaska, WI and married Gregory Owen Cooper on April 6, 1974. Julie was happiest when she had her very large kitchen table filled with friends and family, which is also why she required a very large quantity of special dishes. She loved any event with a theme and had a gift for serving others through hospitality. She showed her love for Jesus by making others feel welcome and loved always. She loved her husband, her kids, and her eleven grandkids with her entire heart and was always ready to share about where their lives were currently taking them.

Julie was joined in death by her husband, Greg, and preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Jewell Oldenburg and her sister Cheryl Andriacchi. She is survived by her daughter and son and daughter-in-law, Sarah (Cooper) Olson and Owen and Staci Cooper; and eleven grandkids Kathryn Olson, Virginia Cooper, Lillian Olson, Joseph Cooper, Cooper Olson, Moriah Cooper, Finton Olson, Julia Cooper, Ruth Cooper, Joyeux Cooper, and Anya Cooper; her brother Randy (Pat) Oldenburg, her brother John (Lynn) Oldenburg, and her sister Cindy Oldenburg.

Julie’s life will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Willerup Church in Cambridge, WI. There will be a visitation before the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The interment service will occur immediately after with lunch to follow at Willerup Church.