Obituaries

Obituary: Scott Alan Batten, 58

Scott Alan Batten
(November 6, 1964 – June 6, 2023)
Scott A. Batten, 58, of Waterford, Wisconsin, went home to be with his Lord on June 6th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born to parents James and Janice (Erickson) Batten, on November 6th, 1964, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1978 when Scott was 13 years old. Scott graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater becoming a computer programmer. Scott was employed at Aurora St. Lukes, then later employed at US Bank for the past 25 years.

He married Anita Biesterveld in 1990. Scott became the stepfather to Anita’s daughter, Jennifer Walenton. Scott and Anita had one daughter (Kylee) in 2001. They divorced in 2018. Scott enjoyed traveling with his family. His favorite locations were Hawaii, Aruba & Israel. While in Israel, Scott planted a tree in his late father’s memory.  Scott’s interests included building and flying model airplanes, woodworking and building Lego sets.

Scott stated he would like to be remembered as “A Christian man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and who tried his best.”

Scott is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Quinn) Walenton of East Troy, Wisconsin, Kylee Batten of Waterford, Wisconsin; granddaughters, Angelita and Kiana Walenton; mother, Janice (Erickson) Batten; two sisters, Jaime (Greg) Goelz, Wendy Batten;  three aunts, Judith Erickson, Jeanne Peterson, Janice Murphy; three nieces, Samantha Biesterveld, Ainsley and Ashlyn Goelz; and two nephews. Maxford Biesterveld, Kyan Goelz; and a great-nephew Koeden Biesterveld.

Scott was preceded in death by his father James Batten; Grandparents, Einer and Doris (Carlson) Erickson, Harold and Ruth (Anderson) Batten. 

Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater assisted the family with arrangements.

Service to be held at
First English Lutheran Church
401 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
Tuesday June 20th, 2023
Visitation 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Service 12 p.m.

Interment Service to follow at
Hillside Cemetery
400 S. Wisconsin Street, Whitewater, WI 53190

Luncheon will be served following interment service.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to go to 88Charlies to keep the love of planes alive in the youth, teach restoring vintage aircrafts, teach flying, and valuable life lessons.

Donate Here: https://www.88charlies.com/take-action

Celebration of Life: Dan A. Newton

A Celebration of Life event will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2023, for Dan A. Newton at The Gathering Place, 715 Campus St., Milton, Wisconsin. Dan passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 7, leaving a husband, Ron Bates, a sister, Sue Madere, nephews and cousins. Dan was a graduate of Whitewater High School, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and a long-serving social worker for Rock County, Wisconsin.

Editor’s note: The previously published obituary may be found here.

Obituary: Joanne M. Weber, 77

Joanne M. Weber, 77, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Palmyra to Vincent and Audrey (Condon) Peplinski.  Joanne attended Whitewater High School and after school met the love of her life, Ken Weber.  On June 6, 1964 Ken and Joanne married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater, and together they raised two children.  They just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. For many years, Joanne worked at Lincoln school and St. Joseph school serving lunches, and recently served the continental breakfast at the Fairfield Inn in Whitewater.  She also owned and operated Little Einstein’s preschool for ten years. Working with children brought her joy.

Joanne loved her two greyhound dogs, Sandy and Sage, and enjoyed taking them on walks twice a day.   She also loved gardening, making dinner for her family, and especially spending time with her family.  Joanne enjoyed decorating the house, especially for holidays, and enjoyed her neighbors in the subdivision.  Her house was beautifully decked out for each holiday for all her neighbors to enjoy. Ken and Joanne went on adventures in their motor home to New York, the Soo Locks in Michigan, and around northern Wisconsin. The family also enjoyed fishing the streams in Whitewater.

She was a faithful member at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Ken Weber; children, Timothy Weber, Angela (Rick) Reed; grandson, Anthony Reed; brother Daniel Peplinski; and nieces, nephews, including Tammy and Scott Wiedenhoeft, who Joanne looked at as her own children.

She is preceded in death by her son, Terry; parents, Vincent and Audrey Peplinski; and sister, Judy Beck.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  A Celebration of Life will follow at The Fairfield Inn in Whitewater at 12:30 p.m. 

Any donations should please be made to help fund pancreatic cancer research or to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.

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

Obituary: Gerald “Jerry” G. Nell, 78

Gerald “Jerry” G. Nell, 78, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023. 

Jerry retired from the Milwaukee Police Department after 30 years of service.  He also served in the United States Army and retired from the United States Air Force while at the 128th Air Refueling Group Milwaukee.

He was the beloved husband of Janet (nee Rabiega) for 44 years; loving father to Jeffrey (Jolene) and Scott; and proud grandpa to Allyson, Caleb, Sam, and Andrew.  He is further survived by a brother, Conrad (Hildy); brothers-in-law, John (Carol) Zak, Tom (Sheila) Zak; sister-in-law, Barbara (Nicholas) Acevedo; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by parents, Marcella and Walter Nell; brothers, Wally Jr. and Roger.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10 a.m. until noon at St. Jacobi Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8605 West Forest Home Ave., Greenfield, WI 53228, followed by the funeral service.  Burial will follow the funeral service at St. Adalbert Cemetery.

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

Obituary: Winifred June (Stacey) Parker, 92, of Edgerton

Edgerton, WI – Winifred June (Stacey) Parker, 92, left this world on December 31, 2022. She was born in Summit, WI on June 17, 1930, to Daniel and Myrtle Ann (Pett) Stacey. Winnie was orphaned at age 3 1/2, but she was given a loving home by her Aunt Jessie and Uncle Clifford Pett. She lived with them on a farm outside of Palmyra, WI and then moved to Whitewater in 1944. She attended Palmyra school from grades 1-8, then attended Whitewater High School where she graduated as an honor student in 1948. She then attended college at the Milwaukee Business Institute.

She married Douglas Howard Parker on January 20, 1950 at Summerfield Methodist Church, Milwaukee, WI. When Doug passed on October 5, 2018, they had been married 68 years. They lived in Petrifying Springs, Whitewater, Beloit and Edgerton in WI, Galena, IL, and Sun City, AZ.

Winnie worked at Community Welfare Council of Milwaukee County; Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator, admissions, patient accounts and secretary to the personnel manager; First National Bank of Beloit as an Executive Secretary; and Blakely and Blakely Law Firm as a Legal Secretary. She was a member of BETA CHI RHO International Honorary Business Sorority, member #642; Order of the Rainbow Girls 1945-1950 and volunteered for United Blood as well as Del Webb Memorial Hospital, Sun City West, AZ for 13 years where she received a distinguished award for number of hours volunteered. She was proud to be a Blue Star Mom with son David’s military service.

Winnie was inspired to have a large family. She nurtured her seven sons and two daughters, giving them many opportunities to join organizations and attend events that would help them learn and explore their talents and be adventurous. She loved her family and loved being surrounded by them and always wanted to be a part of what was going on in their lives.

She was always up for adventures and trying something new. She enjoyed travel, camping, ceramics, bird watching and caning antique chairs. Winnie was a kind, caring, generous, thoughtful person who loved people, always making them feel welcome and important. She had a positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor that many can attest to sharing side splitting, belly ache and infectious laughs with her. She loved the beauty of all the seasons and what they held. She had a gift for expressing thanks and wrote wonderful notes of appreciation in her beautiful handwriting. She loved watching sporting events and followed the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks. She was always up for a fun event or celebration. In everything, Winnie was always a lady!

She is survived by her children Michael Parker, Stephen (Jill) Parker, Bruce Parker, David Parker, Roger (Marie) Parker, James (Dorothy) Parker, Kristine (Michael) Presley, Cynthia (Henry) Dupuis, 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Myrtle (Pett) Stacey, sister Hazel, husband Douglas Howard Parker, and son Jeffery William Parker.

An open house celebration of Winnie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S. Fremont St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A sharing of memories will be at 2:00.

Her ashes will be placed by her marker with her husband Doug and son Jeff in Hillside Cemetery, Palmyra, WI.

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

Updated 5/1/23 with change of time for the Celebration of Life.



Obituary: Steven Alan Meisner, 62

Steven Alan Meisner, 62, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI following a brief illness.

Steve was born on April 17, 1961, in Beloit, WI to LaVerne and Judith (Kutz) Meisner. He married Barbara Lindl on May 19, 1985, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Steve was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band. He first picked up a squeezebox at age five. After mastering the accordion, he took on the trumpet, tuba, bass guitar, button box, and occasionally drums and banjo. During his over 50-year career he performed with the nation’s top accordionists, polka icons and musicians, sometimes averaging over 250 performances annually. He has either produced, performed on or created nearly 50 projects, including LPs, CDs, singles, jingles, commercials, movies, and videos – including appearing as a guest on other artists’ recordings. He appeared in two movies, countless times on radio and on national, regional and local television. His tireless effort resulted in numerous awards from nearly every polka and ethnic organization including the International Polka Association (IPA), National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Iron World Polka Hall of Fame, Maryland Accordion Club, and many others.  

If he wasn’t entertaining audiences with his music, he was spending time with his wife, 3 children & 6 grandchildren, working on his many classic cars, enjoying life on Whitewater Lake, by the pool or on his boat, bird and squirrel watching from his favorite couch in his sunroom, or having a Korbel at his tiki bar with family and friends. His immense love for his family and friends was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone out in time of need, give sound advice, answer any question or just listen and talk. Everyone knew that Steve was a true friend and would always be there for them. He was a surrogate father and brother to so many as well as a true one-of-a-kind friend to all. As such his care for all had lovingly been dubbed “MeisnerCare” by those close to him.

He is survived by his wife Barb Meisner, Whitewater; children Whitney Meisner, Whitewater, Lindsey Meisner (Nik Martin), Whitewater, Austin Meisner (Madison Holverson), Whitewater; siblings Daniel Meisner, Vashon, WA and Michelle (John) Bush, Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Jacob & Rosalia Copeland (Whitney Meisner) along with Sam, Eli & Jack Martin (Lindsey Meisner & Nik Martin). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date to be determined and posted on his website www.stevemeisner.com. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Mary Elizabeth Westrick, 87, of Mesa, AZ

MARY ELIZABETH WESTRICK

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother on Monday, May 21, 2023 at the age of 87. Mary and Buck resided at Fountain of the Sun, Mesa, AZ for 20+ years. Buck preceded her in death in 2019.

She was born on September 3, 1935, spending much of her life in Whitewater, WI where she was employed at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for many years as the chancellor’s secretary.

There was not a sporting event that she did not enjoy.

Preceding her in death by her daughter-in-law Kelly (Dan) Westrick. She is survived by her sons Jeff (Doreen), Waterford, WI and Dan Westrick, Partyville, WI and daughter Tami (Mike) Mikkelsen, Mesa, AZ. Five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sisters Ruth (Herb) Polzin, Janesville, WI and Mesa, AZ, and JoAnn Rowland, Delavan, WI and brother Doug Ridge, Whitewater, WI.

If so desired, donations may be made to Fountain of the Sun Friendship Church or a charity of your choice.

Obituary: Patricia Jean Keske (Moker), 80, of Brocton, IL

Patricia Jean Keske (Moker), wife, mother, mother-in-law, grand and great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to many, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 80. Patricia (Pat) was born in Menominee Township, MI, to Jennie Slawinski Moker and Steven Moker. After moving with her parents to Milwaukee, WI, she graduated from Messmer High School in May, 1960. In 1962, she married Russell D. Keske whom she continued to love for 60 years. Together they raised four children. Pat later returned to school and received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Pat was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Peter’s Church in East Troy, WI, for the majority of her life, where she volunteered in the school library and The Clothing Center Thrift Shop. Many mornings you could find Pat in her living room reading her Bible. In 2015, Pat moved with Russell to Brocton, IL, where the family farming business was relocated. Pat enjoyed her new friends in Illinois, especially those made at her new parish, St. Aloysius, in nearby Paris.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Jennie Slawinski Moker and Steven Moker, her sisters, Delores Menacher and Virginia Adams. Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Russell D. Keske, her children and their spouses, Susan and Mark Green, Mary and David Coy, Jean and Dana Wheeler, and Russell David Jr. and Kim Keske, her brother and his wife Steve and Barbara Moker, her 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Chip, Dillon, Anna, Alex, J. J., Joseph, Andrew, Allissa, Naomi, and Tim, her great grandchildren, Landon, Nora and Wilder, and many other beloved relatives and friends. Pat’s family thanks Twin Lakes Rehab and Health Care in Paris for their compassionate care of Pat.

In honor of Pat’s life, there will be a visitation on Thursday, June 1st, at 9:00 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 N. Main St., Paris, IL. In memory of Pat, we will be donating benches to her favorite beach, Booth Lake Memorial Park, P.O. Box 442, East Troy, WI, 53120. Attn: John Kendall (note: In Memory of Patricia Keske).

Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com

Obituary: William “Bill” Bush Fardy, 90, of Mequon

William Bush Fardy of Mequon, Wisconsin went to heaven on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Bill died peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou. He is survived by his children: Kari Dunham (Jeff), Jill Stock (Alex), Dan Fardy (Jeanine), and Mike Fardy (Rachael). Proud Papa of MacKenzie, William, Michael, Ava, Erin, Reilly, Gunnar, and Gretchen. Great Papa of Shea and Finn. Bill is further survived by his sister Pat Roberts, cherished nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents Mike and Helen, his sisters Jeanne Trewyn and Nancy Fardy.

Bill was born on February 13, 1933 in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was the second of four children. The Fardy family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1945. Bill was an Altar Boy at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and excelled in sports, particularly baseball and football. After graduating from high school, Bill attended Whitewater Teacher’s College- now University of Wisconsin Whitewater.   He then took a break from college to play professional baseball for the White Sox “Farm Team.” After an injury that hindered his baseball career, Bill was drafted in the Army. Bill completed his term in the Army, and then returned to college at Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. Bill played football and baseball in college, and later got inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and soon got married to Mary Lou (August 1958). Bill and Mary Lou started their teaching careers and family soon after getting married. Mary Lou taught elementary school in Zion, IL and Bill taught high school close by (in Waukegan, IL). Teaching opportunities moved them to Whitewater (WI), Wrightstown (WI) and Horicon (WI) where Bill continued teaching, and Mary Lou cared for their kids Kari, Jill, and Dan which were born during this time. In 1964, Bill became an FBI Agent, which resulted in a move to Houston, TX (1964) then Los Angeles, CA (1965) where they had their 4th child, Mike. During Bill’s time with the FBI, he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Criminology. Bill was involved in many high-profile FBI cases, and was selected to the FBI Swat Team, to include active SWAT team duty for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Bill was active in the kids’ many sports and activities, including coaching and umpiring baseball. The Fardys spent 14 years living in Southern California before moving back to Mequon, WI in 1978. After Bill retired from the FBI, he became the Director of Security for First Financial Bank. Bill was all about family. He enjoyed golfing, Brewer games and tailgating, entertaining with family and friends. And of course, he was a devoted Packer fan. They could pull off so many fabulous family traditions: camping & beach trips with other FBI families, holidays, Thanksgiving in Big Bear, attending the kids’ and grandkids’ events. Most of all he just loved being with his family and friends, always taking care of others.

Bill’s retirement years included travel, annual trips to Gulf Shores, a passion for golf with Mary Lou and his many friends. Bill and Mary Lou attended the kids’ schools and sporting events, and regularly attended Sunday Mass. Mostly, he was happiest surrounded by family.

Visitation Tuesday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Milwaukee Fallen Heroes in Bill’s name appreciated. 

The Fardy family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Jean (a devoted caregiver and friend), Newcastle Place, Holding Hands, and Heartland/ProMedica Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.

Obituary: Alton Schallock, 99, of Tomah (Updated)

Alton Schallock, age 99, passed away on May 11th, 2023 at the Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse.  Alton was born on November 15, 1923 in South Dakota.  He was the son of Arthur Schallock and Tina (Strohman) Schallock. Alton and his parents briefly lived in Canada before relocating to Jackson, Wisconsin where he attended school.  Alton joined the Civilian Conservation program as a teenager.  He also worked as a deck hand on a Great Lakes ore carrier for several years.  Alton served in the Pacific theater during World War Two.  After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a degree in Forestry.  He was united in marriage to Jane Mocker on April 24th, 1954.  She preceded him in death in 2014.  They resided in Whitewater, WI for over 40 years until Alton retired as a Forester from the Department of Natural Resources.  He is survived by his son, Robert Schallock.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 3rd at the Hooverson Funeral Home in Sauk City, WI.  Burial will be in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery.
hooversonfuneralhomes.com

Editor’s note: Revision made on 5/24 at 1:20 p.m. to indicate Mr. Shallock had been living in Tomah, not Sauk City. Hooverson Funeral Home told the Banner that, “He had been living in Tomah, with his son, after his wife died [in 2014]. Prior to that he lived in Whitewater. Services here [Sauk City,] with burial on original family plot of his wife’s family.”