Obituaries

Jack H. Papcke, 85, on Monday, August 7, 2023, shortly after meeting and holding his three-day-old great-grandson, Carson, completed his earthly journey in his home with his family by his side. He was born to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in the township of LaGrange, WI, on September 26, 1937, the 7th of 11 children. Jack attended South Heart Prairie Grade School, across the street from the family’s home farm. He graduated with the class of 1955 from Whitewater High School. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Jack loved growing up on the farm. It has been said, “You can take the boy off the farm but you can not take the farm out of the boy.” He loved having a large garden and enjoyed its harvest. He enjoyed sharing stories of his youthful years. One story remembered is of them roller skating around the table on the new linoleum while their parents were gone. Needless to say, that did not go well on his folks return.

He was proud to have been part of the WI National Guard. He completed basic training on March 15, 1961. He and Janet Duesterbeck were married on April 15, 1961 and he was reactivated with the WI 32nd Division on October 15, 1961, for the Berlin Crisis. The full unit served time at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, WA. He enjoyed a trip with VetsRoll to Washington DC with his long-time friend, Jim Wedige in 2017.

Jack enjoyed fishing and hunting. He often fished with his mom. Mom is mom forever and she was in charge of rowing the boat. He took many trips fishing in the north, Canada and North Dakota. He enjoyed hunting locally and going to Babcock deer hunting with the guys.

Jack had a way of making mechanics work. He was part owner of Elkhorn Heating and Sheet Metal for many years. He was also employed by Harkness & Hoxie, Southern Lakes Plumbing & Heating and Expert
Plumbing & Heating. He retired in 2000.

Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jan. He is also survived by his son, Jeffrey (Karen) Papcke and daughter, Jacklynn (Tim) Breidenstein. He loved sharing time with his grandchildren Mattie (Josh) Keizer, Macie (Hank) Barrett, Jacob (Dean) Nelson-Papcke, Tessa (Tyler, friend) Papcke and Jorian (Winston, friend) Breidenstein. His smile was always big when the great-grandchildren came to visit. They were Layne and Ayda Keizer, Everly and Carson Barrett and sweet little Nora. He is also survived by his siblings David (Barb) Papcke, Marjorie Roloff, Norman (Anita) Papcke, Doris (LeRoy) DeVries, Darvon (Betty) Papcke, Diane (Floyd Finney) Papcke and many nieces and nephews. He loved sneaking quarters to the
little ones and was often called the “Quarter man.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Martha, his stepfather, George Sherman and his siblings Allen Papcke, Marion (Jerry) Harris, Arlene (Robert/Bud) Rowley, Carol (David/Dub) Agen, brother-in-law, Eric Roloff and sister-in-law, Jo (Glenn) Nyboe.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Millard Community Covenant Church, N6713 County Road O, Elkhorn, WI, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Chris and Sharon Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Heart Prairie Cemetery with Military Honors. A celebration of life luncheon will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be shared with VetsRoll, 1777 Gardner St., South Beloit, IL, 61080 OR Aurora at Home Hospice, 116 N. Dodge St., Suite 6, Burlington, WI, 53105 OR Millard Community Covenant Church, N6713 County Rd. O, Elkhorn, WI, 53121.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes of Elkhorn, WI, is assisting the family in honoring Jack. An online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

Guadalupe “Lupe” Clemons, 68, of Fort Atkinson passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Lupe was born on August 28, 1954 in Brownsville, Texas to Diego and Raquel (Chica) Mayans. She grew up with 11 siblings in Brownsville, traveled the country, and finally settled in Wisconsin around 1995. Lupe worked in different fields as a nurse aide, and in food processing industries.

She loved doing hand crafts such as lamps and spinners for family and friends all around. Lupe enjoyed a life of dancing, being around family, and always being with friends. She loved her cats, Oreo and Midnight.

Lupe is survived by siblings, Reynaldo (Carol) Mayans, Ninfa Mayans, Norma Mayans, Raul (Leticia) Mayans, Maria (Anthony) Mayans, Sara (John) Mayans, Gilberto (Irma) Mayans, Elida (Alfonso) Mayans, Gilbert (Ana) Hernandez; God-daughter, Jada Mcleod; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Diego F. and Raquel Mayans; husband, Steve Clemons; brother, Everaldo F. Mayans; sister, Giselda Garcia; Tio, Juan Guerrero; and Tia, Olivia Villalon.

At Lupe’s request, there will be no formal services.

The family would like to give special thanks to Doctor George and the staff at Fort Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care for Lupe.

Donations can be made in Guadalupe’s “Lupe’s” name to cancer research organizations of one’s choosing.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Editor’s note: updated on 8/30/23 to correct birthdate.

Kurt Alvin Troemel, 98, of Whitewater passed peacefully from this life to the next on August 14, 2023. He was born to Kurth and Martha (Pickert) Troemel on February 3, 1925 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. A resident of Whitewater since 1946, he was a member of the St John’s Lutheran Church.

He served during World War II in the 29^th Infantry Division in the European theater. After the war, he was active in the Whitewater American Legion, Jefferson County Forty and Eight, and the VFW.

He met his lovely bride, Erna Jaeckel and married her on December 24, 1949. They spent 73 years in wedded bliss. They set up home in Whitewater. Kurt worked as a millwright at Whitewater Manufacturing before working for American Motors in Kenosha and was an active member of the UAW. After 30 years, he retired to spend his time helping his neighbors, friends and the Whitewater American Legion, even serving as the Post Commander. He also served as Chef de Gare of the Forty and Eight. Civic minded, Kurt served as a Walworth County board member from 1992 until 2001.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Kurth and Martha (Pickert) Troemel, eleven siblings, and his son, Gary Allen.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Erna (Jaeckel); his daughters Judy (Ray) Leonard and Susan Troemel and his sons Ronald (Sandy), Donald (Sonia), Terry (Margaret), Kenneth (Eileen), 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren and many many nieces and nephews.

Services to be held on August 28, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, graveside services with full military honors at Hillside Cemetery. Followed by the luncheon to follow at Fort Atkinson Legion Dugout, 201 S Waters Street E, Fort Atkinson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rainbow Hospice, 147 W Rockwell St. Jefferson, WI 53549 and Whitewater Post 173 American Legion Cabin Fund, c/o Ron Troemel, 210 Parkside Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Robert Adolph Fuerstenberg (Bob), 81, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023 at Our House Senior Living, in Whitewater. Bob was born May 5, 1942 in Elkhorn, WI, to the late Arthur and Jeannette Bogie Fuerstenberg. His engaging smile and friendly outgoing personality will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, David. He is survived by his daughters, Deanna Salazar, Tennessee and Shawn Schwab, Fort Atkinson. Granddaughters, Analise Salazar, Tennessee and Kassidy Roth, Fort Atkinson. His brother, James (Louise), Bill (Marilyn) and niece and nephews, Ron (Kris), Dan (Debbie), Tim (Debbie), Brian (Cheri), Sharyl (Tom Smith), Monica (Scott) Edmonston), Doug (Kristen Wild). As well as many great nieces and nephews and many of his close friends and neighbors.

Bob spent his childhood and school years in Whitewater. Along with his friends he joined the Army National Guard after high school in 1960. His service with the Guards was cut short with a medical discharge after a farming accident.

Bob worked for several years as a short order cook at the Main Cafe. Soon his desire to work and repair cars started him on his lifelong career, first at Dick’s Shell Station, owning and operating Bob’s Service for many years and finally retiring from Frawley Oil as a mechanic. Even though Bob worked his whole life in Whitewater, he resided in Fort Atkinson. He said he could drive Highway 12 blindfolded and we think he sometimes did.

The family will always recall Bob’s famous potato salad with a special ingredient that he never shared. It was a favorite at family gatherings. His niece and nephews enjoyed an impromptu wrestling match to see who could take Uncle Bob down. They enjoyed many pool games and dart games while admiring his many beer signs.

Bob will be remembered as an honest, outgoing, fun loving, friendly, caring person, who always had a smile for you. He was humble when it came to his car repairing knowledge; if he repaired your car, you knew it was going to run. He was a sought-after mechanic by his many customers.

Thank you to the staff at Our House Senior Living and Rainbow Hospice for the care that was given Bob on his last journey.

A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on September 30, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This gathering will provide an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate him at his favorite place, Soup’s On in Fort Atkinson.

Come and share your stories and the good times you had with Bob on his life journey.

Lucille M. Tueller, 70, of Milwaukee, WI passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Vitas Hospice in West Allis.

Luci was born on March 16, 1953 in Fort Atkinson, WI the daughter of Lou Pitt and Iona (Barton) Papcke. She grew up in the Whitewater area and graduated from Whitewater High School. She was united in marriage to Michael Tueller on May 20, 1972 in Whitewater and the Lord blessed their union with 2 loving daughters, Sarah and Kristin. Luci worked as an accountant for the majority of her working career and enjoyed her work very much. She loved to work with numbers and enjoyed interacting with her clients and co-workers. Luci had a very kind and outgoing personality and had no problem striking up a conversation with just about anyone. She liked to keep busy with crafts such as cross-stitching and also enjoyed sewing. Luci was a talented seamstress; she could make and repair all kinds of clothing for her friends and family. Cooking and baking was also a joy for Luci and she kept her friends and family well fed with her delicious meals and desserts. Above all else in Luci’s life was her love for her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by: her husband of 51 years, Michael Tueller of Milwaukee; her two daughters, Sarah (Melvin) Smith of West Allis and Kristin Tueller of Milwaukee; her grandchildren, Viviette Smith, Michael Smith, Andrinay Smith, Timothy Smith, Lazandria Smith, Danayah Smith, and Emil Tueller; her great-grandchildren, Sarah Wilder, Desmond Wilder, Iris Wilder, and Iliana Wilder; and her brother, Lawrence (Mary) Palmer of Utah. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Russell Papcke, and her 4 siblings, Lou Pitt, Jr., Leona Renee (Pitt) Belt, Leonard “Rusty” Pitt and Krystal (Papcke) Sawyer. Luci will be laid to rest in Prairie Home Cemetery of Waukesha, WI during a private family service.

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

Instead of contributing with flowers, please consider donating to the ASPCA charity Luci supported.

James W. Benes III (Jimmie), 88, of Whitewater (formerly of Middleton) passed peacefully from this life into the next on August 2, 2023, with his loving wife of 70 years by his side.

Jim was born on March 22, 1935, to James and Marion (Johnson) Benes in Chicago, IL. The family later moved to Whitewater, WI, where he met the love of his life, Lois Anderson.

After their marriage, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proud to serve his country and with the full support of Lois and their families. Jim highly valued education, so upon completion of his service, he enrolled in the UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Science. He graduated (with honors) with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science. His career path led him to focus on the growing field of computer science.

Along the way, Jim and Lois, with three of their own, fostered over sixty children. They both felt it was important that all children have a good start to life. Jim also had a great sense of community, as shown in his many activities – Scouting with his children; poll worker for elections; Census worker; Meals On Wheels; avid recycler; member of the Waunakee VFW; Westport Squares Square Dancing Club; Harbor Athletic Club, family genealogy, etc.

During all these years, both agriculture and giving back to the land were always a priority. Jim leaves a legacy of love and respect for his country, the land (including their own native prairie) and, above all, love for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters Diane (Paul) Shiveler and Kay Benes; and son Gary (Sherrie); 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 3 great-granddaughters and 1 step-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his two sisters, Marilynne (Jack) Albrecht and Sherri Benes (Kevin Coursey).

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Terry and Gary.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care. A very special thank you is extended to our dear Elder Care Advocate, June Partoll.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kettle Moraine Land Trust, c/o Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190

John R. Faytus, 30, of Whitewater passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 unexpectedly.

John was born on July 6, 1993 in Fort Atkinson to Lenny and Stacie Faytus. During high school, John was active in the wrestling club and in Richmond 4-H. In 4-H, John was very competitive in the shooting sports and shot in the Junior Olympic PPP match in Kentucky. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 2011. John was a member of Laborer’s Union 464 in Madison for several years. He was employed with JP Cullen, Klobucar Construction, and several other union contractors. John currently ran his own contracting business that he was very proud of. John was married in 2019.

He loved to fish, work on vehicles, going out on his boat, completing yard work, and loved his children. John also loved carpentry and working with his hands. He loved solving problems and always gave a helping hand for anybody. He was very proud of his ancestry and karate.

John will be deeply missed by his parents, Lenny and Stacie Faytus; children, Kylie, Bentley; siblings, Lewis, Christine Faytus; grandparents, Mary Werdin, Pete and Ruriko Faytus; nieces, Brynn, Amara; nephew, Arthur; special friends, Uniqua and Mason; many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Howard Werdin; uncle, John Nora; and cousin, Jasmine Saxby.

A service will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at John’s grandmother’s house, W8183 Elkhorn Rd., Whitewater, WI. A celebration of life will take place after the service at 11:30 a.m. Luncheon will follow the celebration of life. Parking can be accessed through Old Highway P.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Arlen Gilbert (Arlo) Butt passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023, surrounded by his family. Arlo was born on June 20, 1951, in Elkhorn, WI, to the late Orville and Jessie Butt. He was a man of great patience, kindness, and humility. Arlo’s gentle nature and unwavering positivity made him deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Arlo is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne Butt, who stood by his side throughout their 40-year journey of love, friendship, dancing and many mischievous escapades. He is also survived by his two children, Carmen (Thomas) Thornton, and Chester (Jennie) Larson. Arlo was a loving and devoted dad to them, always providing guidance and support. They, along with his three grandchildren, Nolan Larson, Savannah Chesser Thornton and Keyon’Dre Thornton were his pride and joy.

In addition to his immediate family, Arlo is survived by his dearest sister, Elaine (Dan) Kelleher, and their two children, Casey (Ashley) Kelleher and Corey (Bryony) Kelleher who shared many cherished memories, an occasional Arlo (Early) Times, and much laughter throughout their lives.

Arlo was also preceded in death by his baby sister, Carla Jean Butt who died in infancy.

Arlo lived his whole life in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He started his education at Lakeview Elementary and Whitewater Middle School, setting the foundation for his future success. He graduated from Whitewater High School in the class of 1969, carrying with him a strong work ethic.

Arlo proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard for six years. His commitment to duty and honor was unwavering, and he served with distinction.

After dedicating 45 years of his life to Trent Tube in East Troy, WI, Arlo retired in 2016. His dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the company, and he was highly respected by his colleagues.

Outside of his professional life, Arlo found joy and relaxation in various hobbies. He was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers, always cheering them on with enthusiasm. Arlo also enjoyed engaging in friendly competition through activities such as fishing, euchre, pickleball, bowling, and volleyball. He had many lifelong friends who were always there to support him through the good times and bad.

A private burial service will be held at a later date for immediate family members to honor Arlo’s life. A celebration of life will take place on August 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Staller Winery, W8896 County Road A,
Delavan, WI. This gathering will provide an opportunity for friends and extended family to come together, celebrate him with an Arlo (Early) Times and share stories and memories of Arlo’s remarkable journey.

Arlo will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and humble nature will forever be remembered and cherished.

May you rest in peace our sweet Buttman. We miss you so much already.