Kenneth D. Konvalinka, age 81, died at home surrounded by family on Monday, January 27, 2025. Ken was born on July 14, 1943 to Charles and Josephine (Novotny) Konvalinka in Chicago, IL. Ken was married to the love of his life MaryAnn Gladish in 1964.
Ken is survived by his wife MaryAnn of Columbus; children Mike (Stacy) Konvalinka of Sun Prairie, Diane, (Jim) Ross of Grafton; sister JoAnn (Jim) Riha of Berwyn, IL; brother Donald (Darlene) Konvalinka of Elmwood Park, IL; other relatives and friends.
Karen Ruth Kuss, 85, of Jefferson, Wisconsin, crossed over into the next life on February 4, 2025, after a long illness. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends–near and far, here and in spirit at Mulberry Glen in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
She was born on November 7, 1939, to Henry and Lucille Smith in Lake Mills. She was a member of the class of 1958 at Lake Mills High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she studied education.
Karen lived a full and eclectic life. In her younger days, she worked at Schoenberger’s Drug Store in Lake Mills. After a brief period of living and working in Milwaukee, she was a Head Start teacher with Lake Mills Public Schools. She later worked at APV Crepaco in Lake Mills for 27 years until she retired. Bored from not working, she held a position at the Koret clothing store at the Johnson Creek Outlet Mall. When the store closed, she decided to relax and embrace retirement. She volunteered in the Special Education classroom of her son Michael at Washington Elementary School in Whitewater. The children always looked forward to spending time with “Mrs. K.”
Karen was a voracious crafter, running a ceramics store in Jefferson. She was also an expert knitter, creative crafter, fan of adult coloring books, savvy Sudoku solver, sharp Scrabble player, and sneaky Uno player (who hated to lose–especially to her son-in-law). She loved Christmas and often worked closely with Christmas Neighbors. Her musical tastes ranged from country music to the classics of the big band era, to opera, particularly being a fan of Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. She passed with Johnny Cash in the background.
One of the highlights of Karen’s life were the annual trips to Montana visiting her son Pat and his family. She loved exploring the wilderness and history of the area, developing an interest in Native American music, culture, and lore. She was particularly fond of her collection of various Kokopelli objects and jewelry. She passed wrapped in her Kokopelli jacket. A portion of her cremains will be returned to the earth of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. Among her fondest memories are the long and adventurous train rides out to Montana and back.
Karen will always be remembered as a kind and caring friend and neighbor, maintaining ties with people going back to grade school.
Karen is survived by her son Michael Van Eimeren (Virgil Miller) of Whitewater, son Pat Van Eimeren (Colleen Owen) of Whitefish, Montana; sisters, Janice Langer (Ralph) of Menominee Falls, Vicki McKee of Hebron; sister-in-law, Karen Smith Swader (Steve) of Whitewater; grandsons, Kyle Van Eimeren of Kalispel, Montana, and Nolan Van Eimeren (Shakala) of Williston, North Dakota. More recently she became a great grandma to Penelope Van Eimeren, daughter of Nolan. She is further survived by Patti Charbonneau, the daughter of her heart and mother of her grandsons; as well as six nephews, one niece, numerous cousins, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Lucille Smith of Lake Mills; and brother Monte Smith of Fort Atkinson. She will be greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by cats Riggie, Carmen, Oliver, Princess Moo; and grand dogs Luna, Sass, and Mac.
Karen requested there be no service, but her family encourages friends to gather and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rainbow Hospice, to which the family is eternally grateful for their compassionate and loving care over the last pages of Karen’s story. The family would like to thank the staff of Mulberry Glen. Their care was first class. The Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home of Jefferson is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com.
Andrew S. “Drew” Bingner, 39, of Edgerton passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a 17-month battle with ALS.
Drew was born on January 11, 1986, in Marietta, Georgia to Eric and Laura (Share) Bingner. The family moved to Fort Atkinson in 1997 where Drew attended Fort Atkinson schools. He played the cello in the orchestra as well as participating in Odyssey of the Mind. He excelled in football, wrestling and track, going to State in both wrestling and track. He was selected Athlete of the Year his senior year. Drew graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 2004 and attended UW-Eau Claire for one year where he lettered in wrestling and track. He then transferred to East Carolina University earning a BS in Nursing in 2008. He was employed as an Emergency Department Nurse at Fort Memorial Hospital and Meriter Hospital in Madison. Drew married Jordan Spear in 2019, and they were blessed with two energetic and handsome sons.
Drew’s greatest joy in life was his wife Jordan and his two boys, Wyatt (6) and Owen (4). He was a renaissance man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, and boating. He liked woodworking, gardening, stained glass, crocheting, and many other activities.
From dragging cousins, nieces and nephews around the lake on a tube, to setting up Olympic or Survivor games, Drew was always in charge of fun-time activities earning the honorary title of “Fun Czar.” He especially loved to play board games, always bringing the newest games, ready to teach “almost all of the game strategy” to his eager challengers.
Drew is survived by his wife, Jordan; sons, Wyatt and Owen; parents, Eric and Laura Bingner; brothers Derik (TingTing) and Charles; and several nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Lory Spear; his sister-in-law Andrea (Garrett) Rawson and brother-in-law, Sam (Cheila) Moran; his grandmothers, Florence Bingner and Mary Share; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Bingner and James Share and his father-in-law, Jeffery Spear.
A memorial service will take place at 12 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. A memorial visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of service.
Phyllis Heesch, 98, residing in Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025.
Phyllis was born in Pipestone, Minnesota on July 11,1926. She lived much of her life in Southern California, including many years working as executive assistant to the president of Harvey Mudd College, before moving to Loveland, Colorado and Whitewater in retirement. She loved gardening, arts and crafts, and was an excellent cook and baker. She always had time to play board games with her grandchild and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Ashleigh (Corey) Bruns; great-granddaughter, Emilie Bruns, and great-grandson, Dean Bruns, all of Whitewater. She was preceded in death by her son Larry Heesch and parents Emil and Elsie Heesch.
A special thank-you to the staff at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice who lovingly cared for Phyllis as she prepared to join her Father in Heaven.
Richard P. Hickey, 83, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2025 at his home.
Richard was born on August 13, 1941 in Madison the son of Stanley and Harriet (Harder) Hickey. He grew up in Whitewater, WI and was a 1959 graduate of Whitewater High School. Richard married Joyce Becker and had two children, Steven Page Hickey and Lisa Ann (Hickey) Christenson. He later married Mary Jane (Davis) Hickey. In his youth, he worked for farmers, also Whitewater Canning Company. Richard was a talented machine operator and worked for the A. O. Smith Corporation for over 27 years. He also worked for over 9 years at High Pro Corporation and 6 years at Hudapack Metal Treating. Richard was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and an avid outdoorsman.
Richard is survived by: his son, Steven Page Hickey; daughter, Lisa (Tim) Christenson, step-daughters, Susan (Jay) Maritz, Diane (John) Sharine, Donna (Paul) Hennig, and Denise (Paul) McDermit; a daughter-in-law, Laura Huebner and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.
Thank you to all our family and friends for your generous support. Peace and love to you all.
“Don’t grieve for me, for I am free. I took God’s hand when I heard Him call. If my parting has left a void in your heart, then fill it with remembered joy. My life has been full, I savored much – good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free!”
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com
Edwin George Gerner, 81 of Arena, WI/Mesa, AZ and formerly New Glarus/Blanchardville, WI, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Citadel Post Acute in Mesa, AZ shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He spent his last days with his children, Steve (Jody), Jennifer, Becky and sister, Sally. Ed was born on November 25, 1943, to Leslie & Enola (Schultz) Gerner in West Bend, WI and was named after both of his grandfathers. When he was five, the family moved to Whitewater, WI and Ed graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961. Then, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course. Ed married Bonnie J. Stricker on October 22, 1966, celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary before her passing on June 12, 2020. Ed & Bonnie started their farming career on the family home farm for a short time before moving to a farm outside of Monticello where Steve & Jennifer were born. In 1974, they made a move to Blanchardville, WI where they purchased their first farm. And then came along Becky, their third child. After he retired from farming, he enjoyed driving semi cross country and loved his runs to Texas. He was a cowboy at heart. Ed was a member of the Adams Lutheran Church and volunteered his time on the church board, served as a leader for the York 4-H club in Blanchardville, mentored many youths in the dairy industry along with helping out the Green County Ag Chest. Ed loved dancing with his wife to polka music, spending time with family, playing card games & enjoyed football, basketball & volleyball, especially the Packers and Badgers. He always looked forward to March Madness while being a snowbird in Mesa, AZ. He loved to work in his shop with his woodworking for “Papa’s Creations” and selling his work at farmers markets in neighboring towns. He enjoyed his Sunday morning coffee with the guys (Duane, Doug, & John). Ed made many friends from across the country and Canada; he was loved by many for his humor and could be counted on to make you smile.
Ed is survived by his children, Steve (Jody) Gerner, Jennifer (Brian) Engstad and Becky Sturdevant. Grandchildren, Toni, Max (Emma), Jacob, Lucas, Thomas, Taylor (Malcolm) & Abigail. Great-grandchildren, Amaya & Amyre. A brother, Dan (Ann) Gerner, Richland Center; four sisters, Nancy Gerner, Madison; Gayle (Allen) Pierce; Lacrosse; Debbie (Tom) Ferguson, Janesville; Sally (Dennis) Wellnitz, Whitewater. Sister-in-law, Judy Wilhelmi, Houston, TX & brother-in-law Jim (Linda) Stricker, Monroe. Many nieces and nephews and extended families.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, a son-in-law, Chad, a sister, Vicki, a brother, Mike, and a brother-in-law, Peter.
A gathering and memorial service is planned for late spring at the Adams Lutheran Church, Argyle, WI.
The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.
Karl H. Merz, 86, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.
Karl was born on November 1, 1938 in Bamberg, Germany to Karl and Barbara (Seufert) Merz. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in French Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed over thirty years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as part of and later Chairman of the Foreign Language Department.
He enjoyed travel, reading, cooking and his dogs.
Karl is survived by his wife, Jami; daughters, Barbara Merz and Sarah Merz Devoll.
He is preceded in death by sisters Gerda (Ruth) Wilke of Whitewater and Rosemary Marquardt of Erlangen, Germany.
At this time, no formal services are scheduled for Karl.
Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville, WI, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2025, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn, at his side. He was born in Wauwatosa Township, WI, on November 4, 1932, to Harry W. and Helen (Vahle) Walterman. Tom grew up in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from Davenport High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.
Upon leaving the military Tom attended Augustana College on the G.I. Bill in Rock Island, IL where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While teaching history at Davenport High School, Tom pursued his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa during the summer breaks. He later earned an additional Master’s Degree and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. These academic achievements led him to the positions of Associate Professor of History and Assistant to the President at Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA.
In 1973, Tom was appointed Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Center at Rock County, a position he held longer than any other Dean. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shaped his hands-on approach, earning him widespread respect for his dedication to improving campus facilities and student experiences. In 1990, he accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, which he retired from in 1995.
Tom was an exceptionally humble man and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to every endeavor he undertook and exceptional commitment to improving the educational opportunities for students.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Walterman; his son, Michael (Carolyn Williams) Walterman; his grandchildren, Thomas (Kathryn) Walterman, Maxwell (Krysten Trindade) Walterman, and Elena (Pieter Den Hartog) Walterman; his niece Jill (Dana) Borquin; his nephews Randy (Pam) Raabe, and Ken Raabe and one great-grandchild on the way.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Carl Wesley Thayer, a loving husband, father, and grandfather/great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 at the age of 84.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years and best friend, Nancy. He is further survived by his children, Vicki (Randy) Marquardt, Richard (Kathy) Thayer, Craig (Kathy) Thayer, Pamela (Wilbur) Healey, grandchildren (Shelly, Steven, Sean, Seth, Joshua, Justin, Jessica, Rebecca, Jacob, Melissa, Andrew), great-grandchildren (Bethany, Levi, Easton, Nolan, Zack, Ava, Jace), brother of Bruce Thayer, brother-in-law Sidney Traxler. Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Marion, sister Marie, sister-in-law Marty, and a dear great-granddaughter Jordyn Mae Thayer.
Carl loved the outdoors, especially fishing year-round. He saw a lot of the United States during his career as a professional truck driver. He was a very outgoing and special person who liked making friends.
To honor Carl’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Carl’s memory in your own ways. We know that he will be with us all in spirit.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visitgibsonfuneral.com
Janet Kay (Wolline) Hintz, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born on November 28, 1948, the daughter of the late Herschel W. and Lila (Wade) Wolline Sr. During her free time, she loved doing word searches, going out for rides with her friends, cooking and baking. She was known to make a very good chocolate sheet cake. She enjoyed taking care of other people and always put others before herself. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, animal lover and caretaker who would do anything to see the people that she loved happy. Her warm presence will be missed.
Janet is survived by her children: Matthew (Sara) Hintz and Melissa (Thomas Perrin) Hintz and grandchild: Thomas Hintz.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents Herschel Sr. and Lila Wolline; brother: Herschel Wolline Jr., and sister: Shirley Markham.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the funeral home, 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI, 53121 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Hintz family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com