Obituaries

December 28, 1939 – September 16, 2024

Dorothy Diane Duffin Saylor, “Duffy,” passed away on the evening of September 16, 2024, in Shavano Park, Texas. She was 84. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for the last several years.

Duffy was born in December 1939, in Whitewater, Wisconsin to a farmer and his wife, Laurel and Winifred Duffin. She was their fourth child and the only girl in a family with four brothers. Tommy died in childhood, and the other three, John, David, and Doug, preceded her in death.

Duffy graduated from Whitewater High School in 1957 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She later attended and graduated from Chicago’s Masonic Hospital’s Nursing School. While a young nurse in Chicago, she met and married an Air Force medical doctor, Jack Saylor in 1963. Duffy and Jack were first stationed at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas. In 1966, Duffy and Jack moved to their next assignment, Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco where Duffy worked shifts at area hospitals. In 1967, while in the Bay area, Duffy and Jack welcomed Michele “Shelly” Jacqueline and a year later Michael Riley Saylor.

Duffy and Jack moved halfway across the country to Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois in 1969. Two years later Angelin Eve Saylor was born. While living in Belleville, Duffy had a very successful real estate career, winning multiple sales awards culminating in Century 21’s exclusive Million Dollar Club for which she was a multi-year award winner.

In 1982 military life brought change and the Saylor family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Jack became the Hospital Commander at Carswell Air Force Base. As a commanding officer’s wife, Duffy, had the honored tradition of leading in supporting the wives and families of the troops under her husband’s command, a role that she continued until Jack’s retirement in 1996.

The family once again moved in 1986, but for the last time, to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Duffy and Jack lived on base for the first four years. Throughout these years, in addition to accomplishing so much in her service to others, Duffy devoted herself to her family, raising three grateful children and supporting Jack who loved her deeply.

In 1990, Duffy and Jack set up their forever home in Shavano Park, Texas. During those years, Duffy enjoyed the marriage of her children, the addition to the family of her grandchildren, and she and Jack celebrated her 60^th wedding anniversary among many other joyous events. That home hosted many happy Saylor family birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. Duffy was an incredible cook and hostess, always making others feel special while in their home.

For many years, Duffy was active in the Military-Civilian Club (Mil-Civ) and served on the Board of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA). She also worked estate sales part-time where she was a valued member of those teams. For many of the post-retirement years, she and Jack had a consistent group of friends who greatly enjoyed each other’s company. They traveled throughout North and South America on many cruises that created even more entertaining stories. Duffy very often brought the comic relief to any event. She had the rare gift of sharp humor and wit that could make anyone laugh but also drop a few jaws. Duffy even had the rarer gift of putting others first and making everyone she met feel valued.

Duffy Saylor is survived by her three children, Shelly Saylor Wyles of Battle Ground, Washington, Michael Saylor of San Antonio, and Angelin Saylor Cole of Austin; their spouses, Channing Wyles, Jennifer Bryant Saylor, and Jonathan Cole; and her five grandchildren, Hallie Wyles, Hana Wyles, Jackson Saylor, Kailey Saylor, and Avery Cole.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00 P.M., Monday, October 7, 2024 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas.

FUNERAL SERVICE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024
5:00 PM
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH
2101 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST

We will hold a procession from Porter Loring Mortuary North on Tuesday, October 8^th, 2024, at 10:45 A.M. to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for interment at 11:30 A.M.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to 4-H.

Patricia Sue Cruse, 74, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Pat was born on June 11, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Mary (Ziliak) Foote. She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL and from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. She started her career as a teacher and elementary counselor in the Mukwonago school district. Pat met Randy Cruse at a fraternity party and quickly knew they would spend their lives together. They married on January 23, 1971.

Six months later, together, they took a risk and opened a restaurant – Randy’s Supper Club. While Randy’s name was on the front door, there was little doubt that Pat was a driving force behind the restaurant’s long-term success. Tuesday through Sunday Pat was elegantly dressed, greeting patrons and seamlessly entertaining hundreds of guests. She spent her Mondays creating special memories with her family. Randy’s was the location of many happy memories for Pat, Randy and the surrounding community for 43 years.

Pat’s commitment to the community and her alma mater continued outside the restaurant, earning her the Distinguished Service Award and induction into the UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame. Pat enjoyed cocktail hour, practical jokes and sunset cruises on the lake with her “capitan,” earning her the title “Director of Late Night Fun.” Pat was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and battled the ultimately fatal disease with her final two years residing at Glenwood Memory Care in Whitewater. Randy was by her side when she finally succumbed to the disease.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years Randy; daughters Kristina (Mike) Sobolewski, Whitewater, Stacey (Dan) Barrins, Northfield, IL; grandchildren Matt, Kelsy, Lillian, Everly, and Vincent. She was preceded in death by her parents. Randy and the rest of the family want to thank the staff at Glenwood for their compassionate and loving care through this difficult journey. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Pat’s life that will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Susan Mary Gebhardt-Schweitzer, 88, Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Fairhaven Residential Facility.

Susan was born on August 22, 1936 in Racine, Wisconsin to the parents F. Don & Georgia Gebhardt. Susan attended William Horlick High School and graduated in 1955. Susan married Thomas J. Larsen in Racine on June 29, 1957 before moving to Cicero, Illinois and having 3 children, Thomas, Steven, and Linda. During her time in Illinois, Susan became an EMT working in the emergency room at Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Later in life, Susan met Edward Joseph Schweitzer and they were happily married on May 30, 1988 in Roselle, Illinois. After selling their house in Fox Lake, Illinois in 2014, Susan and Edward moved back to Wisconsin residing at Fairhaven Residential Facility.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 26 years Edward Joseph Schweitzer, brother Richard F. Gebhardt, son Steven R Larsen, daughter Linda S Olson, and 3 grandchildren.

No services will be held at this time. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Barbara L. Saladin, 87, of Dousman passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Angels Grace in Oconomowoc surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on August 24, 1937 to Edith Doxtator.  She married Richard Laing and together they had two daughters.  They were wed until his passing in 1987.  Barbara retired from the Crestwood Bakery in West Allis.  After retirement, Barbara continued to decorate cakes for bakeries.  Barbara remarried to Joe Saladin until his passing in 2015.

She was a singer with the Oneida Singers.

Barbara enjoyed singing especially Oneida songs, baking Christmas cookies, and most of all spending time with family.  She also enjoyed camping and traveling to Las Vegas with her family.  Barbara loved animals, cats and dogs both.  

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Faith (Jay Dusenbury) Shattuck, Barbara (Jack) Reich; grandchildren, Dustin (Courtney) Shattuck, Brandon Shattuck, Greg (Christy) Loeffler, Angel (Scott) Loose; great-grandchildren, Oliver Shattuck, Lance Freeman, Adrian Loeffler, Milani Loose, Gage Loose; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edith Doxtator and Reinie Baake; and husbands, Richard Laing and Joe Saladin.

A memorial service will take place at 4 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  A visitation will take place from 2 PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Association.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Angels Grace for their exceptional care for Barbara.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Doris Jean (Greene) McQuillin, age 87, died Sept 11, 2024 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. 

She was born June 11,1937 in Hayward Wisconsin, the daughter of Melvin and Anna Greene. Doris graduated from Hayward High School in 1955. Doris was awarded a full scholarship to UW Whitewater, where she pursued a BS degree in education, graduated in 1959 and eventually earned a master’s degree in education. Doris began her teaching career in Roscoe, Illinois, eventually teaching for 42 years in the Whitewater Unified School District. Doris had a passion for the education profession and enjoyed working with young children. She taught second grade at Washington Elementary in Whitewater for most of her career. Doris retired in 2003, having inspired and touched the lives of hundreds of students during her career. It was rare for Doris to go anywhere in Whitewater without her former students recognizing her and thanking her for having had such a positive impact on their lives. Doris enjoyed traveling and would spend most summers taking wonderful trips to all parts of the world. 

She is survived by her brother Kenneth (Dianne) of Surprise, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister Evelyn Wingert, brother Melvin P. Greene, and sister Donna Paddock. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her. A very special thank you to the wonderful staff at Hearthstone Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice in Whitewater. The loving care they provided was deeply appreciated by Doris and her family. Per Doris’s request, there will be no formal funeral services.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.nitardyfuneralhome.comwww.nitardyfuneralhome.com

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Joan Dolores Bray peacefully moved to her Heavenly home. Joan was a godly woman who cherished the Lord and her family with all her heart, setting a lasting example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joan was born in Melrose Park, IL, on November 16, 1932, to the late Robert Weaver and Martha Shear Weaver. She graduated as salutatorian from Whitewater College High School in 1950, where she was also crowned homecoming queen, escorted by her future husband, Tom, who was the king. In 1954, Joan and Tom moved to Syracuse, NY, and later settled in Clay, NY where they raised their seven children. In 1972, they relocated to Brookfield, WI, where Joan spent nearly 20 years before moving to Cedarburg, WI; there she lived for most of the remainder of her life.

Joan’s love for her Savior, the Lord Jesus, and God’s Word was profound. Though she was humble and gentle, she was a powerful prayer warrior, and the impact of her years of faithful prayer for her family, friends, and the world at large is immeasurable.

Joan had a passion for animals, music, and gardening, which she passed down through generations. She was an accomplished seamstress, creating all her daughters’ wedding dresses and many intricate counted-cross stitch pictures. Her fruit cake recipe is renowned (even by those who never thought they liked fruit cake). Joan adored all dogs, and they naturally gravitated towards her. She was a gifted piano player and even continued to play in her 91st year. Joan never raised her voice to her children but giving
them “the look” was enough to convey her thoughts. Despite her age and her memory loss, Joan always made time to help who she called “the older people,” even though most were younger than she was. And though memory loss is often a painful journey, Joan’s family was exceedingly blessed that she always recognized every one of them!

Joan is survived by Tom Bray, the father of their children: Mary Walker, Tom (Kathy) Bray, Steve (Beate) Bray, Julie (Dick) D’Agostini, Lynn (Pete) Dickinson, and Nancy (Ron) Epling. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Stephanie (Greg Hoffman) Walker, Matthew Walker, Tommy (Brenda) Bray, Nate (Natasha) Siebert, Ben (Nickie) Siebert, Luke (Jazz) Siebert, Christine (Mike) French, Nick D’Agostini, Vinny D’Agostini, Rachel (Jerod) Madala, Ruth (Bill) Weber, Anna (Justin) Lecher, Stephen (Morgan) Fischer, Amanda (Tony) Stockhausen, Brandon (Emily) Epling, and Mitch Epling, as well as 22 great-grandchildren: Owen, Eli, Evan, Ian, Loken, Jonas, Finn, Esten, Mason, Max, Grace, Noah, Elijah, Addison, Cam, Leighton, Willa, Cole, Madelyn, Elizabeth, McKenzie, and Landen (born 9/2/24). Joan is also survived by her sister Kathy (Doug) Markley, her son-in-law John Siebert, her sister-in-law Colleen Reddy, her niece Tara Coffman, and her great-nephew Gabe Coffman.

Joan was preceded in death by her daughter, Susanne Siebert; her granddaughter, Melissa Bray; her grandson, Daniel Bray; her son-in-law, Bob Walker; and her brother-in-law, Jack Bray.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at Bridge Church, 1314 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Bridge Church – Kingdom Builders – to support missionary families and invest in global mission projects (1300 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI), or Wildlife in Need – to rehabilitate wildlife to release into their native habitat (W349 S1480 Waterville Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066).

Joan’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Waters of Pewaukee memory care team, as well as Brighton Hospice-Wisconsin, for their kind, loving, and compassionate care of Joan.