Obituaries

Obituary: Terry David Williams, also known as ACE, of Palmyra, 81

Terry David Williams, also known as ACE, 81, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 in East Troy, Wisconsin.  He was born on July 24, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Bill and Eleanor Williams.  He was a proud resident of Palmyra, Wisconsin and was a 1962 graduate of Palmyra High School.  He later moved to California and then back to Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Terry served in the National Guard.  He also held numerous other jobs in California and Wisconsin. 

Terry was very involved in studying History.  He knew a great deal about the Civil War.  He also knew a great deal about the local history in the Palmyra area.  He loved to use his metal detectors for exploring.  He also had a love for small dogs.  He enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the movies and going to gun shows.

Two close friends, Sid Traxler and Elmer Keske recall the good times of going to car shows and using metal detectors with Terry.  Sid has known Terry since they were in kindergarten together.  Bill Schneider, Mary Ellen Unz and Phil Holzbauer were also friends who felt a great loss after learning of Terry’s death.  Terry always enjoyed seeing Phil’s butterfly collection.  Patty Ash, a cousin, recalls that Terry had the nickname “ACE.” She indicated that he liked that nickname.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Eleanor Williams and is survived by a brother, Timothy Williams and a sister-in-law Brigitte Williams.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater assisted the family.

Obituary: Anna Marie Gerlach, 85, of Palmyra

Anna Marie Gerlach, 85, of Palmyra, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at her home with her loving family at her bedside.

Anna Marie was born on October 10, 1940 in Whitewater the daughter of Martin and Marion (Langen) Valentine. She grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. On September 16, 1961, she was united in marriage to Dean Gerlach and the two would go on to enjoy 50 years of marriage until Dean’s passing in 2012. Anna Marie was blessed with four children, Diana, Jeffery, Eric and Jody. She was a loving wife and mother and took excellent care of her family. Anna Marie enjoyed cooking and baking and made sure to keep her family and friends well fed with delicious meals. She enjoyed sewing, rooting for the Packers and Badgers, and a good cup of tea. She also loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Anna Marie was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Palmyra and she lived her faith in the way she treated others. She had a sincere kindness and was always willing to volunteer or serve others in any way she could. She will be remembered for her warmth, love and care and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

Anna Marie is survived by: her children, Diana Gerlach of Palmyra, Jeffery Gerlach of Palmyra, Eric Gerlach of Eagle, and Jody (Mike) Sorge of Eagle; her grandchildren, Meghan (Ray) Koscak, Caitlyn Gerlach, Bryce (Michelle Malicki) Gerlach, Tyler Gerlach, Jared (Colleen) Kinjerski, and Jackson Sorge; her great-grandchildren, RJ and Millie Koscak, Jace Hilgen, Easton and Emersyn Kinjerski, her siblings, John Michael (the late Judy) Valentine, Rosemary Valentine, Helen (the late Scott) Van Horn, her sister-in-law, Pauline Valentine (the late Wayne Valentine) brother-in-law Joseph Gerlach (Karen). Anna Marie is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and her siblings, Phillip Wayne Valentine, Mary Margaret, Martha, and Paul, father-in-law Stanley Gerlach and mother-in-law Helen Gerlach, sister-in-law Betty (Honey) Linton and Judy Valentine, brothers-in-law Donald (Barney) Linton and Scott Van Horn, niece Julie Gerlach and nephew Jason Linton.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care and help, especially Kelly, Hanna and Heather.

Memorials in Anna Marie’s honor may be made to the American Arthritis Association or the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra. Monsignor Donald J. Heiar, Jr. will officiate the Mass. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church. Anna Marie will be laid to rest immediately following the Mass in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra.

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

Obituary: Edmund Henry (Red) Sorenson, 100

Edmund Henry (Red) Sorenson, 100, son of Dr. Edmund and Mildred Sorenson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, after a brief illness.

Edmund grew up in Elkhorn, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and trained as a Naval Aviator, flying F4F Wildcats and F6F Hellcats from the U.S.S. Kearsarge (aircraft carrier). While he was never in active combat, he remained deeply proud of his service and his country. Upon returning home, he completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He had met his future wife, Suzette, years earlier at Lauderdale Lakes when the two were paired for a scavenger hunt at age 13. They married 12 years later in a garden ceremony at Greenhurst Cottage on May 27, 1950. Their 72-year marriage remains an enduring inspiration to their family.

Edmund was entrepreneurial throughout his life. After initially practicing as an optometrist, he and Suzette moved to Texas, where he pursued oil ventures. He later transitioned to homebuilding in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Wayland, Massachusetts, where he attended Harvard Business School. After earning his MBA, he worked as a stockbroker in Chicago, though his passion remained residential construction. He went on to lead a major homebuilding company in Dayton, Ohio, before founding his own firm—U.S. Shelter, Inc.—and returning to the Chicago area. He served as President of both the Illinois Home Builders Association and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago and was recognized for designing and building a futuristic “Concept House.” Throughout his career, he was responsible for providing homes for thousands of families.

After retiring, Edmund and Suzette lived in Naples, Florida, where he was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf and tennis, and volunteered as President for Habitat for Humanity of Collier Co., FL. He was a devoted husband, father, “Papa,” and friend—known for his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support of others.

He is survived by his three children: Jack (Nancy) Sorenson, Peggy (Dan) Collins, and Richard (Tracey) Sorenson; his grandchildren John (Whitney) Sorenson, James (Shaye) Sorenson, Lori (Josh) Koeppel, Avery (Eric) Vivian, and Kate (Ross) Barrett; and his great grandchildren Henry Sorenson, Laine Sorenson, Olivia Koeppel, Grant Sorenson, Miles Sorenson, Addison Koeppel, Ruby Sorenson, Sydney Koeppel, Eloise Sorenson, Brinley Barrett, Arthur Sorenson, Hailey Koeppel, and Charles Vivian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzette Morton Sorenson, his parents, and his brothers Robert and Joseph Sorenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late Spring at Greenhurst Cottage. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or to Macular Degeneration Research.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Cloes Mae (Hall) Berger, 96, of KS

Cloes Mae (Hall) Berger, age 96, of Tonganoxie, KS passed peacefully on January 24, 2026 while under hospice care at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Tonganoxie, KS.

Cloes was born on September 28, 1929, the only child of William L. and Florence (Brown) Hall of Whitewater, WI. In high school she played the piano, clarinet and was the secretary-treasurer of her Whitewater High School graduating class of 1947. A member of the Chapter of Eastern Star, Cloes also served as an advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls in Whitewater, WI. She worked as a bank teller at The First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater, WI and later as a cosmetic consultant for The Boston Store in Brookfield, WI, before retiring.

Cloes enjoyed sewing, fashion, Boston Terrier dogs and her favorite caricature, Betty Boop.

Cloes is survived by her children, Sue A. Jolliffe, Tonganoxie, KS; Dean E. Jolliffe, Margate, FL and Patty K. Jolliffe, Tonganoxie, KS.

Cloes was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, William (Billy) Jolliffe; and husband, William (Bill) Berger of Greenfield, WI.

Funeral arrangements are through Quisenberry Funeral Home, Tonganoxie, KS and Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI

Obituary: Ann Marie Ahlman, 72, of Naperville, IL

Ann Marie Ahlman Obituary

On Saturday, the world lost a best friend, confidante, partner, and the love of a lifetime. Ann, Ann Marie, or Annie to different people in her life, passed very suddenly from this life into the next on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 72.

A woman with a strong moral compass who stood up for those who needed a hand, Ann treated everyone with dignity and respect, as she wished to be treated. Born and raised in a strong spiritual family, she was always extending her hands to others.

Ann was born to Delia and Robert Duprey on May 5, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Catholic grade and high schools. She went on to Michigan State University, where she met her future husband, Lauri Ahlman, while majoring in social work and psychology. She and Lauri married during her last year at MSU and they moved to Wisconsin. Following her passion, she worked with older adults at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ann returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for a master’s in counseling and earned a national counselor certification to enable deeper work with older adults.

Along came their children, Annaliisa Marie and Lauri Marc. They were the greatest blessings to both Ann and Lauri. Ann stepped back from counseling to be a full-time Mom, nurturing children who learned to treat others well, enjoy the arts, reading, and music while building moral and ethical codes of their own. They grew into strong, independent, caring individuals, giving back to society in their respective ways. Ann loved who each of them had become.

After relocating to Illinois and with the children in school, Ann returned to the work she loved, joining Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) as a Social Worker in subsidized housing. Her residents were her extended family, and in this role, she spent countless hours over 25 years finding ways to improve their quality of life. Ann eventually retired from LSSI and became more active in her faith and giving to others. She felt called to social justice advocacy in the church. Ann answered this call by
promoting equity initiatives and encouraging the church to become a Reconciling in Christ partner. Also a believer in intellectual freedom and the power of storytelling, Ann co-led a banned books group for the church community. Ann and Lauri celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March of 2025.

Ann is survived by her husband Lauri Ahlman, daughter Annaliisa Ahlman (Georgette Kelly), grandchildren Elodie and Kasper, son Lauri Marc (Faren) Ahlman, her five brothers: Jim (Michele) Duprey, Jeff Duprey, Jay Duprey, Jon (Karen Skierski) Duprey, Rob Duprey, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-2522. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by a church service at 11:00 am.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the service will also be available to stream online at this link.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation to: Our Saviour’s Banned Books group or to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. In honor and in remembrance of Ann’s generous spirit, please say hello to a stranger and let them become a new friend.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com

Obituary: William Kincaid, 73, of Fort Atkinson

William Robert Kincaid, 73, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on January 18th, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 29th, 1952, to Richard and Eunice Kincaid in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Bill grew up with six siblings and forged lifelong friendships.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill had a passion for hunting and fishing, often capturing pictures to share with loved ones. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and was teaching his grandson about the ins and outs of hunting.

He married Tammy Henning, with whom he had three daughters—Nichole, Ashley, and Alissa—and they raised their family in Whitewater in the octagon house. Bill worked as a Sprayer Applicator at Farmco Services, making more lifelong friendships along the way.

A hard worker who cherished family and friends, Bill loved gatherings, particularly Fourth of July parties where he’d cook his famous snapping turtle stew. Many people called him Billy Buck Weber because of his love for grilling or Buzz because he enjoyed having some “soda pops.” He also picked up his dad’s nickname Lubby from a young age and was called Billy by his family members.

Bill is survived by his mother Eunice, daughters Ashley and Alissa, and six grandchildren, Summer, Nevaeh, Analeigh, Cale, Braelyn and Aubrianna. He is also mourned by four siblings Jackie, Bobby, Roger, Karen and many extended family members. He formed a special bond with his cousin Mark and his 2 nephews Jeremy and Robert.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard, his love of his life Tammy, two siblings, Krit and Kandy, his eldest daughter Nichole, granddaughter Lily Zimdars, Uncle Howard, Uncle Billy and many other family and friends.

Bill’s memory and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him dearly.

There will be a burial of his cremations and a celebration of life to follow at a later undetermined date. Condolences and flowers can be sent to his daughters Ashley and Alissa.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemoriaHome.com

Obituary: Marian M. Heath, 90

Marian M. Heath, 90, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Mulberry Glen in Whitewater.  She was born on January 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Waldemar and Leona (Schaefer) Zutz. Marian was united in marriage to Eugene J. Heath on July 13, 2002, in Whitewater, WI.  Marian was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in East Troy, WI.

Marian is survived by her sister, Eleanor (John) Burgess, two sisters-in-law, Anita Channing and Leta (Alvin) Obenauer, brother-in-law, DeJay (Cyndi) Heath, two nieces and nephew, Christopher (Dana) Obenauer, Laura (Alan) Piller, and Stephanie Channing, and seven great-nieces, and one great-great-niece, and many extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 15 years, Eugene Heath, parents, and first husband, Robert DeLaurier. 

Marian lived in Forest Park, IL, her whole career.  She loved working with numbers; first as a bank teller and later bookkeeper for an accounting firm downtown Chicago.  After retirement, she moved to Whitewater where she met Eugene in 2002.  He was visiting from Alaska. Thus she began her one true adventure of a lifetime.

They corresponded for six months till he returned to Whitewater. Marian was 66 and Eugene was 69. They married, hitched her car to a U-Haul truck and headed for his home in Alaska with side trips to South Dakota and Montana. They were young at heart and wrote their own “Hallmark Movie” love story. 

About five years later they hit the Alcan Highway again, back to Wisconsin to be near family.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time Saturday at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Delavan Township.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marian’s name may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.  Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Obituary: Mildred Geraldine “Gerry” Traxler, 93, of Kaukauna

Mildred Geraldine “Gerry” Traxler, 93, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away quietly in her sleep Jan. 12, 2026, at the St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Gerry was born to James D. and Mildred V (Keene) Johnson, on December 2, 1932, in Watseka, Illinois.

She graduated from College High School, Whitewater, WI in 1950. Gerry worked as a Homemaker and joined her husband as a truck driver when her children were grown.

She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, travel, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gerry met Robert M. Traxler in 1948. They were married on September 9, 1950, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Together they raised four children: Gerry Ann, Robert Wayne, Mark Ellis, and Kenneth Keene.

Gerry is survived by daughter, Gerry Ann, sons Robert W (JoAnne), and Mark E. (Cynthia), with many Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her Husband Robert, her youngest son, Kenneth, and one Grandson, David.

A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1130 Field Rd, Kronenwetter, WI, 54455. Pastor Brent Moodie will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, all at the
church. Burial will follow the service at Mosinee Cemetery, where Gerry will be laid to rest next to her husband. A reception will follow the burial back at the church. Beste Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be
directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s name can be directed to St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI. The staff at St. Paul was patient, kind and very thoughtful, making Gerry feel at home, well cared for and loved.

Obituary: Lewis D. “Louie” Deegan, 90, of Greenwood

LEWIS D. “LOUIE” DEEGAN, age 90, of Greenwood, WI, passed away under the care of Compassus Hospice at House of the Dove, in Marshfield, WI, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. No services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

Lewis Daniel Deegan was born in Watertown, WI on September 29, 1935 to Daniel A. and Ada M. (Fitzpatrick) Deegan. He was raised in a family of 13 children in Greenwood, WI, and was very close to all of his siblings.

Louie proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, a chapter of his life he carried with great honor and pride. An outdoorsman at heart, he loved hunting with his lifelong best friend, Roy, and found great joy in fishing whenever he could. A legendary jokester, he was known for his deadpan poker face and a mischievous grin that usually meant he was up to no good.

Above all else, Louie cherished time spent with his family. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or quiet moments together, his love for them was constant and unwavering.

Louie is survived by his wife, Connie, of 69 years; two sons: David (Lorraine) Deegan and Darrell (Vivian) Deegan; three daughters: Donna Miller, Dana (John) Pfeifer and Dixie (Mike) Weidman; three sisters: Betty (Ron) Schilt, Mary Schilt, Rose (Terry) Krance; two brothers: Daniel Deegan and Ronald Deegan; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Ada Deegan; three sisters: Shirley Kilpen, Helen Messier and Jeannette Culton; and four brothers: Robert, James, Donald and John Deegan.

The family would like to give special thanks to House of the Dove and the hospice staff for the care they gave Louie.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Obituary: Joan Kathleen Nelson, 85, of Foley, AL

Joan Kathleen Nelson

March 6, 1940 – December 21, 2025

Joan, 85, passed away peacefully at South Baldwin Hospital in Foley, AL with her daughters by her side on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

She was born on March 6, 1940 at Ft. Atkinson Memorial Hospital in Ft. Atkinson, WI, to Lyle and Catherine Harris, Whitewater. Joan was the first of 3 daughters.

Joan graduated from City High in Whitewater, WI in 1958. She was actively involved in the band, playing the French horn. She also played the accordion and when she played at home for her children, they loved singing along with all the Polka songs.

She started working while still in high school at the A & W Root-beer stand in Whitewater as a carhop. She then worked at The Whitewater Register and the telephone company.

Joan met her future husband, Bryan, at the Hawk Bowl in Whitewater. They then were married July 8, 1961 at the Bible Church. They moved to Janesville, WI and built their first home, living there for 4 years before buying a small farm in Fort Atkinson. Bryan started his plumbing business and Joan worked at Schweiger Furniture Industries in Jefferson. They lived there in Fort until 1975 when they sold their 2nd home they built to move to Orfordville, WI on a little larger farm with a tree nursery and 3 ponies. After their move Joan got to have her big house built. With Bryan’s business doing well, Joan enjoyed being the bookkeeper/secretary for Bryan Nelson Plumbing. She also bartended part-time at the Village Inn in Footville, making many friends. From Orfordville the family moved back to Janesville in 1990. Joan was still working for Bryan and took care of a couple of rental properties some bought and some built.

In 2012 Joan survived an Aortic Aneurysm that ruptured during surgery at Madison University Hospital. Though she credited the staff for saving her life, she was paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair. Never letting this stop her, people who often saw her out and about driving her handicap accessible van were always amazed at her spunk! In 2020 Joan and her 2 eldest daughters made a move to Foley, AL, a place where family had frequently vacationed and loved.

Joan is survived by her daughters Tracey Fox and Terry Nelson, Foley, AL, Toni (Jim) Meyer, Brodhead, and Daughter-in-law Susan Nelson, Janesville. Grandchildren Catherine Nelson, Cudahy and David Nelson, Janesville, Nick Rowley, Brodhead and Sarah (Ryan Flood) Rowley, Orfordville, Stephanie Myher, Amanda and Allison Phelps, Janesville. Great-grandchildren that she was so happy to see, Weston Rowley, Brodhead, Kinsley and Ellery Flood, Orfordville along with step great-grands Lainey, Lilly and Lola Flood, Orfordville. Joan’s sisters Barbara (Tom) Dosemagen, Whitewater and Linda (Rodney) Sandleback, Hartford, WI. Sisters-in-law Sherry Plucinski, Elkhorn and Jeanette Nelson, Ft. Atkinson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Bryan, son Brent, sons-in-law Thomas Fox and Steven Rowley, her parents Lyle and Catherine Harris, parents-in-law Marvin and Naomi Nelson and Joan’s best friend Judy Kulinski, and we also can’t forget her caregiver that she had has since being here in Alabama, Kristen Hayes. She was always ready, willing and able to help us.

We really want to thank South Baldwin Hospital for all the patience, help and love they gave us preparing for our mother’s next journey. They were all kind, considerate and professional.