Obituaries

Paul M. Bartness, 81, of Palmyra, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Holton Manor of Elkhorn, WI.

Paul was born on July 28, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI the son of Theodore and Mary (Winiecki) Bartness. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Messmer High School in 1959. Paul married the love of his life, Phyllis Brzezinski on November 11, 1967 and the two would go on to enjoy 49 years together until Phyllis’ passing in 2016. Paul worked as a laborer building electrical transformers for the majority of his working career. He loved his job and enjoyed working hard and providing for his family. Paul was never afraid of work or being busy. When he wasn’t at his day job, he was hunting, fishing, golfing, roofing, painting or any other activity he could think of. He was at his best when he was busy and around people. Paul loved to be social and he had a quick wit and sarcastic personality. He truly was a people person and was fun to be around. Paul was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He also was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and rose to the rank of 4th degree. For leisure, Paul greatly enjoyed spending time in northern Wisconsin with Phyllis at their mobile home. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his children, Tom (Diane) Atkielski of Manitowoc, WI, Bob Atkielski of Memphis, TN, Mike (Adelaide) Atkielski of La Grange, WI, Jim (Lynne) Atkielski of Tullahoma, TN, and Joan (Joel) Kaczinski of Eagle, WI; and his grandchildren, Jennifer, Shaun (Lisa), Johnathan (Angela), Brandon, Jacqui (Andrew), Tara, Michael, and Katie; and 5 great-grandsons. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack and Teddy, his sister Beverly, and his loving wife of 49 years, Phyllis Bartness.

Memorials in Paul’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, or The Salvation Army.

A funeral service will be held to honor Paul’s life at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53119). Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Paul will be laid to rest next to his wife in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI immediately following the service.

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

Gregory E. Aprahamian

Greg died suddenly on January 18, 2023, due to an enlarged heart.

Greg was married to the love of his life, Tammy (Iverson) Aprahamian for 34 happy years. He was the proud father of Brittany (Dan) Dubnicka Aprahamian, Ryan (Daysi) Aprahamian, Tyler Aprahamian, and Megan (Dan) Edwards. He was ecstatic to be Grandpa to Raylee Hope (22 months old), Maxton Gregory (14 months old), and Andrew Roger (almost 8 months old).

Greg is additionally survived by his mother, Patricia Aprahamian, his brothers, George, Leonard, Steve, Charles, and Michael. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Charles Aprahamian and his mother-in-law, Bonita Iverson.

Greg was a highly respected teacher and wrestling coach for over 30 years at Muskego and Kettle Moraine Schools.   He was a positive influence on the lives of many of his students and wrestlers as well as a mentor to so many others. As head coach, Greg led Muskego to a team state title in 1994. Wrestling was a family affair as Greg coached both his sons, and his daughters were team managers, at Mukwonago High School. He also coached football and track through the years, but wrestling was always his passion.

Even in “retirement,” he kept himself more than busy. He invested in properties in Whitewater and made great strides in revitalizing the downtown area. He also kept building onto his dream house on the lake. Even with all that, he always found time to help with his children’s home renovations.

Whenever he could relax, Greg loved swimming in the lake, playing fetch with his dogs, and going to his condo in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed having a beer and watching the Packers, Badgers, Bucks and Brewers.

Greg accomplished many things, but anyone that knew him could tell that he was most proud of being a grandfather.  He loved his three grandkids more than anything and was looking forward to spending as much time with them as he could.

Greg lived his life for his family and passing due to an enlarged heart was painfully fitting. Everything he did was for them. The only thing greater than his work ethic was his love of his family, whom he never stopped loving and supporting.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mukwonago High School Wrestling.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home (930 Main St. Mukwonago) from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

After the funeral service at the funeral home, a Celebration of Greg’s Life will follow at The Venue in East Troy with open bar as Greg would have wanted.

Grace Suzanne Bushey, age 16, left her earthly home for Heaven on Friday, January 20, 2023 at her home with her loving family by her side.

Grace was born on December 20, 2006 in Madison, WI. The loving daughter of Chad and Kim (Raatz) Bushey, Grace was blessed with 11 siblings, whom she loved very much. Grace was quiet and confident in her own way. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She was also very passionate about travel. Her trip to Sea World was one of her favorite memories and Grace hoped to do much more traveling in the future. Grace’s favorite color was purple and her favorite animal was the Beluga Whale. While with her family at SeaWorld, she was so enthralled by the Beluga Whale that she had to be reminded there were other animals to see! Grace was a sweet young lady and will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her family and friends. 

She is survived by: her loving parents, Chad and Kim Bushey of Whitewater, WI; her maternal grandparents, Suzanne and David Roth of Tomahawk, WI; her paternal grandparents, Dennis and Peggy Bushey of East Troy, WI; and her loving siblings, Kari, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Perpetua, Joseph, Ezekiel, Justice, Ava, Hannah, Ezra, and Emily. She is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Samuel and her maternal grandfather, Lee. 

Memorial Donations may be made to Chad and Kim’s ministry for the children:  “The Carpenter’s Flock”  (a tax deductible entity) in Grace’s honor. W5621 Tamarack Trail, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A Funeral Service to thank God for Grace’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 28 at The Chapel in Whitewater, WI (445 Warner Road, Whitewater, WI 53190). Pastor Kevin Tranel will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at The Chapel. Grace will be laid to rest following the service in Oak Ridge Cemetery of Eagle, WI. 

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

Ronald Leon Ortelle was called home to be with his lord and savior on Thursday, January 19, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on September 12, 1945 to Fred and Leone (Hoffman) Ortelle of Rome, WI.  He married his late wife Charlene Ault on November 7, 1964.  He then married Tina Sukowski on May 20, 2017.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963.  Ron and his father-in-law, Ervin Ault, started a business painting and refinishing floors which he did for over 15 years.  He had a true passion for painting.  Ron then was employed at Fairhaven in Whitewater for 31 years in maintenance before retiring.

He was an avid hunter and NASCAR fan, who had a true passion for tending to his beloved lawn and gardens.

Ron is survived by his wife, Tina; children, Dawn (Guy) Dempsey, Tammie (Melissa Marshall) Ortelle, Brittany Sukowski, Nick (Courtney) Sukowski, Tabatha Sukowski; grandchildren, Brandy and Bailey Dempsey, Justin Krantz, Gage Sukowski, Ryder Sukowski, Reign Sukowski, Rhett Sukowski, Blake Sukowski, Miles Sukowski, Alex Turley, Izzy Turley, Hunter Turley; sisters, Bonnie Jean (Dave) Ault, Connie (Jerry) Jansen; seven great-grandchildren; many others loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Fred and Leone Ortelle; son, Bradley Ortelle; first wife, Charlene; and infant great-grandson.  

The family would like to give special thanks to SSM Home Health and Hospice Team for their care and compassion for Ron.

An evening visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.  Services will be officiated by Martin Wilson and Terry Ault.  Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday. A burial will follow services at Riverview Cemetery in Sullivan.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Thomas L Hoffman, 68, born 9/16/54 has passed unexpectedly 1/20/23 at home.

Tom was a sweet caring man with a smile for all, a big teddy as we say.

He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1972, & later graduated from MATC in computer technology; he worked for Randix and Nasco.

In 1990 he married the love of his life Connie (Jackson) Hoffman, enjoying 20 happy years together before she passed in 2010.

He is survived by his devoted sister Debra and brother Gary and his partner Barb all of Whitewater, many cousins, aunt, nieces & nephews, and Mother-in-Law Shirley Jackson, special friend Sarah, last but not least his beloved beagle Nikki.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Dorothy Hoffman, grandparents Emil & Lena Hoffman & Clarence & Maise Olson.

Arrangements by Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Visitation Friday, January 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., followed with 2 p.m. service. Please join the family at Jessica’s Restaurant downtown Whitewater at 3 p.m.

Private burial Monday.

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

Lavena Pauline (Smith) Mc Donald was born May 5, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Edward Alexander & Elsie Viola (Farrand) Smith. She was married to John Joseph Mc Donald, February 17, 1951, in Springfield. In 1965, they moved to Buffalo Grove, a Chicago suburb. After nearly 33 years, they moved in retirement to Antioch, Illinois. John died shortly after, and Lavena remained there until 2007. She then took up residence in De Forest, Wisconsin. She remained in her home until the effects of aging and failing memory compelled a move into residential care. Lavena died at Hearthstone, a part of Fairhaven Senior Services, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, on January 10, 2023.

Lavena enjoyed collecting antiques, particularly dolls. She reupholstered and refinished furniture for the house. She was capable in the kitchen, and was a talented seamstress. She was especially adept at, and took great joy in, caring for the children in her family, both as a young aunt for her nephew and nieces, as the mother of five, and as a grandmother.

Lavena was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and eldest son, John, Jr.; her brothers, Harold & Ed Smith, Jr., and her sister, Eleanor Tolan. She is survived by four children: Mary Beth & Vito Van Ornum, of Maysville, North Carolina; Tom & Tricia Mc Donald of Gurnee, Illinois; Kathleen & John Serkowski of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; the Rev. Dr. David Mc Donald & Dr. Jennet Shepherd of De Forest, Wisconsin; and a daughter-in-law, Terrie Mc Donald, of Antioch, Illinois. There are 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, along with 9 nephews and nieces and their families, and an extensive array of cousins.

The family is grateful to the caregivers at Hearthstone and Fairhaven, and to Rainbow Hospice for their assistance and support. Memorials may be made to the Congregational Church, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater.

A private committal service will be held at Liberty Cemetery, Salem, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held in early May at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Whitewater.

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

Virginia Nell Lauer, age 89, of Milton, died January 4, 2023 at Huntington Place after a long illness.  She was born on August 7, 1933 to John and Lula (Hobbs) Godfrey.  Virginia married her high school sweetheart, Willis Lauer, on October 6, 1951 at North Lima Presbyterian Church.  Virginia enjoyed working outside in her yard and gardens.  She was a talented seamstress, was the clothing leader for Lima 4-H, and taught many young girls to sew.  She also enjoyed quilting and golfing.  Virginia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Virginia is survived by her 3 children: Norm Lauer, Rod (Patsy) Lauer, and Laurie (Bill) Garbe; 9 grandchildren: Lee Ann (Rocky) Klitzke, William (Rebecca) Lauer, Beth (Ross) White, Lance (Kelli) Baker, Kristoffer (Candace Robbins) Garbe, Michael (Kris) Garbe, Trevor Garbe, Frank (Janice) Arnold, and Katie (Ryan) Nass; son-in-law: Lee (Rita) Arnold; 16 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Willis Lauer; daughter: Christine Arnold; grandson: Timothy Lauer; 3 brothers: John Gordon Godfrey, Paul Godfrey, and Willard Godfrey; sister-in-law: Marian Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton.  Burial will follow at Milton Cemetery.  Visitation will take place on Thursday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the start of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Virginia’s name to Agrace Hospice, MS Society, or the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the Brooke and the staff of Agrace Hospice for the loving care given to their mother. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Geraldine Blanche (Riedl) Brunner

November 8, 1930 – January 3, 2023 (age 92)

Geraldine Blanche (Riedl) Brunner, 92, formerly of Jefferson, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI.  Gerry was born November 8, 1930 in Helenville, WI, to Lothar and Elizabeth (Richter) Riedl.  She attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and was a graduate of Jefferson High School.  Gerry met Robert Brunner, of Milwaukee (the love of her life), in Jefferson, and they were married on June 27, 1953, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson. 

Gerry was a devoted wife to Bob for 69 ½ years.  She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Her pride and joy were her family.  The Catholic faith was central to her life.  Gerry loved singing and sang in the church choir for many years.  Gerry was blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home for many years to raise their five children.  In 1970, she started working as a secretary at the Jefferson County Courthouse where she was employed for 26 years and gained life-long friends.  She was also in a euchre club for over 50 years with friends who were near and dear to her heart.  In the last few years of her life, Gerry suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.  She fought a hard fight until the very end. 

Gerry is survived by her children: Barbara (Mike) Pretasky of Mindoro, Tom (Mary Kay) Brunner of St. Clair, Michigan, Patti (Del) Chmielewski of Jefferson, Tim (Kathy) Brunner of Brookfield, Alison (Glenn) Stoll of Whitewater; 17 grandchildren, lovingly referred to as her “17 gems”  Randy (Meri) Pretasky, Erin (Austin) Barborak, Brendan (Colean) Brunner, Ryan (Lindsey) Brunner, Laura (Peter) McCann, Lindsay (Zachary) Eisen, Michael (Amanda) Brunner, Kevin Brunner, Maureen Brunner, Nick (Karlie) Litterski, Emmy (Josh) Chaves, Kate (JC) Clay, Matt Brunner, Jake Brunner, Sarah Brunner, Brad (Sara) Stoll and Ben Stoll; 19 great grandchildren; Lincoln, Clara, Rosalie and Harriet Pretasky, Dalton and Emma Brunner, Hailey and Leah Brunner, Colin McCann, Olivia and Madeline Eisen, Elliana and Charles Brunner, Caroline Litterski, Isaac, Lily and Luna Chaves, Adler Stoll, Geraldine Clay, and brother Lyle (Carol) Riedl.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, and brothers Lothar Riedl and Stanley Riedl. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, W4791 US-18, Jefferson, WI with Fr. Thomas Coyle officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  A burial will take place at St. Lawrence cemetery immediately following the service. 

Special thank you to her loving and devoted husband, Bob, who was at her side every day until his death in October. In addition, thank you to Dr. Roberta Wedl, Fairhaven Medical Director, Margie and Jamie, nurses, and the CNA staff at Fairhaven, and Rainbow Hospice (Kendra, Sarah, Steve and all of the CNAs) in Jefferson for the exceptional care they provided Gerry over the last two years. 

A message from her family:  To my mom, grandma, and great-grandma.  You will be deeply and forever missed but never ever forgotten!  We love you to the moon and back!  Heaven gained an angel today.  You are now free to spread your wings and fly.  Until we meet again…we love you!

A donation may be made in Gerry’s name to St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson, WI or Rainbow Hospice in Jefferson.

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, Jefferson is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made online at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com.

Loretta Frances Schrank, “Lori”, was three days shy of her 76th birthday when she passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born January 7, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. The third of four children, Lori grew up in Chicago, IL before her family moved to Whitewater, WI. She graduated from Whitewater High School and earned her teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UW-Whitewater. She was a loving and devoted mother to her sons, Benjamin and Andrew. She married the love of her life, Bill Schrank on December 27, 1986 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Milton, WI.

Lori started her teaching career at the age of 19 with 36 fourth graders at St. Williams Catholic School in Janesville. She spent the majority of her years as a second-grade teacher at Milton West Elementary School where she poured all of her energy and passion into her work with her “kids.” Lori was very artistic and created magical things in her classroom for her students. How could they forget that they had to RSVP to come to Mrs. Schrank’s house for Christmas breakfast and to the end of the year pool party? Many of those students have called her their favorite teacher of all time.

Lori had a zest for life and lived by the phrase, “Treat your friends like family and your family like friends.” She treasured and nurtured each and every relationship with the ones she loved. She had a thousand-watt smile and anyone that ever met her fell in love with her immediately. She was a phenomenal wife, mother, sister, and auntie, but her favorite role was being “Grammie” for her grandbabies. She was always so proud of them all. Lori had many nieces and nephews that she loved and lived for as well. There never was a dull moment with her, and the kids enjoyed swimming in the pool and eating bomb popsicles after, going to the movies, playing cards and games, and seeing who could tell the best joke. She attended many of their games and concerts and they knew she was there when they heard her signature loud whistle to celebrate their achievements.

Lori was also very competitive and a terrific athlete. She loved to play softball for the Belles of St. Mary and was especially proud of the 1992 Monday Night Women’s League Championship. That was the year their team beat a team of young girls that had been at the High School State Girls Softball tournament the year before. They even went to St. Mary Church after the game, and asked Father McEnry to let them ring the bell. She loved to fish and enjoyed the many Canadian houseboat fishing trips over the years. Even though on many trips she was the only woman, she seemed to have the knack of always catching the biggest fish. Earning her the title, “The Boat Bitch.”

She was a true animal lover. Friends and family fondly remember her rehabilitating baby raccoons and calling them out of the woods like she was Dr. Dolittle, making friends at every chance with any dog or cat she saw, visiting Ben at his zoo jobs to see the lions and tigers, and loving up on her own dogs and kitties.

Lori is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 36 years, and sons Ben (Leah) Smejkal of Clintonville, WI and Andy (Ashley) Smejkal of Grand Junction, WI. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Burkhardt (Sue Hale) of Janesville, WI and Diane (Paul) Joseph of Delavan, WI, sister-in-law Susan Burkhardt, Tomahawk, WI and brother-in-law Bob (Sharon) Schrank, Milton, WI. Grandchildren Alyssa (Codi) Papcke and their son Finley, Austin (Amber Katz) Smejkal and their daughter Luna, Lily, Veda, and Nala Smejkal and Xoe Smejkal (children of Andy); Sami, Brock, and Alli Smejkal (children of Ben). Additionally, she is survived by several very special nieces and nephews.

Lori is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Helen Burkhardt, father and mother-in-law Harold and Jeannine Schrank, brother Raymond Burkhardt, daughter Sarah Smejkal and niece Amy Schrank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Milton with Father David Wanish officiating. Burial will follow at Milton Lawns Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton on Friday, January 13th, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass. Memorials can be made out to St. Mary Catholic Church.

The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. 

William Gerald Albrecht was born on May 4th, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Essie Albrecht and welcomed by older sister, Jean. He was known to his friends, and anyone else he met, simply as Bill. Bill unexpectedly passed early in the morning on January 5th, 2023. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce. Together they raised a daughter, Royce, and welcomed son-in-law, Luke, into their family. Luke and Royce have three children – Jacob, Marcella (Ellie), and Lydia – who all adored their grandfather.

Bill spent his childhood into his adult years in Chicago. Growing up, Bill began his lifelong passion for baseball. He would play every chance he had, even persevering through the wool uniforms. This love followed him into adulthood, where he was the pitcher on the park district and church teams for many years. As a teenager and young adult, Bill’s time off of the baseball diamond was spent exploring his talent for drawing and photography.

Bill spent his working years in the construction industry. He began as a rodman in the Technical Engineering Union and was a diligent and honest worker. Over the years, Bill’s attention to detail never faded. This is especially true as he finished his career as a Senior Superintendent at Pepper Construction.

His love of baseball followed him into retirement where he watched every major, minor, and little league game that he could. This love was joined by an enjoyment of golf. In the summers, Bill would golf at least once a week at different courses near his home in Whitewater, WI. When Bill wasn’t watching baseball, golfing, or spending time with his family, he could be found in his workshop creating. Many of those who had the pleasure to know Bill have been blessed by the handmade wood items he made for them.

Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, desire to serve others, love for those around him, and dedication to Christ. A visitation will be held by the family on January 14th, 2023 at Briggs Road Evangelical Free Church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bill’s memory to the Gideons International or your favorite charity. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com