Obituaries

James “Scott” Stewart (Uncle Scott) died on October 15th of 2022 at the age of 61. Scott
is survived by his mother Claire (Hunold) Stewart, brothers Gregg Stewart, Michael Stewart, and sisters Brenda Stewart, and Adele (Trisha) Stewart, as well as his son John Stewart.

Scott spent 25 years working as a Production Manager at General Motors until he
retired and started an automotive business with two of his high school friends.

Scott developed a love for the outdoors at a very early age. He worked with the DNR’s
Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) while in high school and continued sharing this passion he had with the outdoors with others and was most proud of passing this love on to his son. He was an avid Hunter, Trapper, and Fisherman. From fishing in his backyard to hunting black bear up in Ontario, Canada he was always ready for an adventure. Scott was the entertainer of the group. He loved to cook for people and knew how to make an incredible breakfast. He always had a story to tell, or joke to share with anyone and everyone.

Scott’s life will be honored with a visitation on Thursday, October 20th, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater on Friday, October 21st, 2022, at 10 a.m. Burial for close family and friends to follow.

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

Whitewater, Wisconsin…October 10, 2022

ROBERT ARNOLD BRUNNER, age 93, formerly of Jefferson, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022 at Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater.

Robert was born on January 14, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Helen (Warnke) and Arnold Brunner. He married Geraldine B. Riedl on June 27, 1953 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson. Robert served his four-year military duty with the USAF Weather Service at the far east weather central in Tokyo, Japan and a year of temporary duty assigned to the US Marine Corp in Korea with the US Marine Air Group 12 at Pyong Tec, Korea. Robert was honorably discharged at George Air Force Base, Victorville, CA on April 13, 1955.

Robert followed his Swiss heritage serving as a District Manager at Madison based Dairy Equipment Company for 25 years and various other agricultural sales positions.

He enjoyed summer weekend retreats with the love of his life, Gerry, at Lake Mason in Briggsville for 27 years followed by 12 years as Florida “snowbirds.” In addition, Robert was in a euchre club for over 50 years with friends who were near and dear to his heart.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Gerry Brunner, of 69 years; children, Barbara (Mike) Pretasky of Mindoro, Tom (Mary Kay) Brunner of St. Clair, Michigan, Patti (Del) Chmielewski of Johnson Creek, Tim (Kathy) Brunner of Brookfield, Alison (Glenn) Stoll of Whitewater; 17 grandchildren, 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 (Alyssa Riley) Stoll; 17 great grandchildren; Lincoln, Clara, Rosalie and Harriet Pretasky, Dalton Brunner, Hailey and Leah Brunner, Colin McCann, Olivia and Madeline Eisen, Elliana and Charles Brunner, Caroline Litterski, Isaac, Lily and Luna Chaves, and Adler Stoll.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, sister, Lois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22 at ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH, W4791 US-18, Jefferson, WI with Fr. Thomas Coyle officiating.

Special thank you to Margie, his nurse and friend, at Fairhaven, Dr. Roberta Wedl, Fairhaven Medical Director, and many others at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice (especially, Kendra, Sarah, and Steve) in Jefferson for the care they provided to Robert over the last several weeks. The compassion shown by all was exceptional! Our family is truly grateful for the many acts of kindness received during this difficult time.

A message from his family: Dad, husband, grandpa, and great grandpa…you will be deeply and forever missed but never ever forgotten! We love you to the moon and back! Heaven gained an angel today. We promise to take great care of mom now that you are gone! You are now free to spread your wings and fly. Until we meet again…we love you! Dad – just one word of advice from your family, “Keep your stick on the ice.”

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

Byron James Pester born August 25, 1924, passed away on October 8, 2022. The son of Walter and Emily (Clemons) Pester. Byron graduated from Whitewater City High School in May of 1942. After high school he played semi-pro football for the Delevan Red Devils from 1943-1946 and farmed on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Doris Schlitz on July 24, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church, Whitewater, WI. They operated a dairy farm in Cold Spring until 1960 when they moved their dairy operation to Houston, Texas.

While living in Houston Byron and his wife Doris were active participants and supporters of the Houston Livestock Show and its youth programs for the dairy industry. Byron was a lifetime member of the Dairy Shrine and served on the Dairy Shrine board. In retirement Byron and Doris enjoyed camping at a variety of national parks, traveling to Alaska, visiting family and friends in Wisconsin and lending a helping hand to their Texas family/friends.

Byron returned to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 2013 to be closer to his Wisconsin family and friends. In April of 2021 he moved to the Waupun Christian Home to be closer to his niece Linda and her husband Tom.

Byron easily made friends wherever he went. While living in Texas, traveling in retirement, living at Fairhaven in Whitewater and at the Waupun Christian Home. He touched many lives and will be fondly remembered. A special thank you to SSM Health Agnesian Hospice, especially Emily and to the staff at the Waupun Christian Home.

Byron is survived by a special niece Linda (Tom) Dykstra of Fox Lake; grandnieces Leslie (Wesley) DeYoung of Oregon and Emily Dykstra of Milwaukee. Schlitz nieces and nephews Kerri (Gregg) Knapp; Tim (Renee) Schlitz of Cedarburg; Dan (Lei) Schlitz of Northbrook, IL; Julie (Rob) Stelter of Cedarburg; and seven grand nieces and nephews. Special friends Frank and Carla Seber and many other friends of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Emily Pester, his wife Doris, brothers Lauren Pester, Lyle and Mildred Pester, brothers-in-law Harold and Diane Schlitz, and Keith and Ethel Schlitz.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 13, at 12 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:30 p.m. and interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery after the service.

Memorials can be made to the Dairy Shrine or Waupun Christian Home.

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

Dennis Leland Gowey, 84, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home October 7, 2022. He was born June 28, 1938 to George Gowey and Anne Schumann. He met Barbara Fraser in 1958 while attending Madison business college for his accounting degree. They married and went on to raise five children.

Dad did a variety of jobs throughout his life, from umpiring baseball games, refereeing volleyball, and driving school bus in addition to his career of tax preparation. His career took him to a few accounting firms, but every tax season he would work for H&R Block. His last few years were spent working at Racine Correctional, where he would joke about being in prison. He always had a dry sense of humor, even when times were tough. He loved to give you tax advice, whether you wanted it or not. He was the man who taught me to laugh at comics (out loud), who would always buy stuffed animals just because, and who would do special things for the people he cherished.

Predeceased by his spouse Barbara, and their children Douglas, Rochelle and Patricia Gowey, he is survived by his children Charles Gowey and Sandra Rasmussen. Burial will be in the family plot at Big Mound Cemetery, Davis Junction, IL.

We would like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided him in his last few years.

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

Antonio Villegas Arredondo

Passed on October 5^th 2022, age 74, surrounded by his beloved family.  Survived by his wife Maria Felicitas Villegas, daughter Juanita, son Juan A. (Veronica), daughter Maria (Francisco), son Fernando (Tara), daughter Gabriela (Juan) and beloved grandchildren (18) and great-grandchildren (9).

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8^th 2022 from  5 p.m.-7 p.m. with a service to follow from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.

Antonio was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather who would put everyone before himself.  He loved gardening; everything his green thumbs touched grew.  He enjoyed fishing with his grandsons. He loved spending time feeding and loving his family.  He will be truly missed by his family and friends.  He was the best father, brother, and grandpa.

We love you and will miss you Papi Toño, forever in our hearts.

Antonio Villegas Arredondo

Falleció el 5 de Octubre del 2022 a la edad de 74 años, rodeado de su querida familia.

Sobrevivido por su esposa Maria Felicitas Villegas, su hija Juanita, su hijo Juan A. (Veronica), su hija Maria (Francisco), su hijo Fernando (Tara), su hija Gabriela (Juan) y sus queridos 18 nietos y 9 bisnietos.

Visitación será el sábado 8 de Octubre 2022 a las 5pm-7pm y el servicio de 7pm-8pm

Flores se pueden enviar a

 Nitardy

550 North Newcomb

 Whitewater WI 53190

Antonio fue un esposo, padre, hermano y abuelo quien fue amado y dejo una inmensa huella en nuestros corazones. Él fue alguien quien puso a otros antes que él. Él le encantaba la jardinería, disfrutaba pescar con sus nietos. Le encantaba pasar su tiempo alimentando y cuidando a su familia. Antonio va a hacer verdaderamente extrañado por su familia y amigos. Él era el mejor padre, hermano y abuelo.

Te corazones.amamos y te extrañaremos siempre Papi Toño.  Vivirás siempre en nuestros

Edwin Earl Thele of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Fairhaven on July 29, 2022 with his loved ones at his side. 

Ed was born on March 5, 1928 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Herman and Margetta Thele. After completing high school, Ed enlisted in the military and served in the US Army during World War II, stationed in Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. They were married on September 21, 1948. After completing his military service, Ed returned to Oklahoma, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University. 

Ed went on to pursue a career as an Accounting Professor, teaching at universities in Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas before making a permanent move to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After several years of teaching, Ed’s career path led him to become the Assistant Dean of the School of Business and Economics. 

Over the years, Ed was involved in numerous organizations and community activities. He was a member of the First English Lutheran Church, served as Commander of the VFW and was active in Kiwanis and The American Legion. He was also a member of the Accounting and Management Associations, ROTC representative for UW-Whitewater, Advisor to the Delta Sigma PI Business Fraternity and served Meals on Wheels. 

Ed enjoyed several hobbies in his free time. He was a talented woodcarver and loved to travel (especially cruising). He also liked to garden, read, bake, refurbish clocks and spend time outdoors. 

He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Glen) Strum, his brother Robert Thele, his sisters Emma Oswalt and Margaret (Robert) Romer, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed. 

A memorial service in Ed’s honor will be held on Monday, October 10th at 11:30 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery following the service. 

…

Donald W. McCready Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on September 25, 2022 at Heritage Monona assisted living with hospice care from Bristol Hospice.

Born on January 17th, 1927 in Menasha, Wisconsin to Donald Sr. and Henriette McCready.  Shortly after that the family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan,where his father Don Sr accepted a position as an associate professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan from 1929 – 1966.

Don enlisted in the Army, towards the end of WW2, in the Cavalry division, and was stationed in Germany after the war.

He married Sally Helen Wyman on Aug. 17, 1948, in Ann Arbor. Sally was the love of his life and they met in high school and were together until her death in 2008.

At the University of Michigan, Don received degrees in vision research (a specialty within Experimental Psychology) and got master’s and Doctorate degrees in Psychology as well.

He is one of the leading authorities on the science of the moon illusion and on size, distance, and visual angle perception.  He was a guest on NPR Science Friday.

In 1963 the family moved from Ann Arbor to Park Forest, Ill., when Don accepted a position at the University of Chicago, and in 1965 the family moved to Whitewater when he accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as a psychology professor.  In 1992, Don retired from the UW-W and began to devote more time to painting.

Don is an award winning artist and received art training early and in high school. He painted as often as his full-time teaching and research career allowed. After retiring he spent more and more time painting and taking art classes at UW-Whitewater. 

Don exhibited in regional, juried shows and sometimes earned top awards. His paintings can be found in homes and offices from coast to coast.

He also accepted commissions: In 1985, the Apple Computer Co. had him paint a large portrait of their “new” Apple IIe and Apple IIc, to hang in the main office of the Apple Division. In exchange he received a complete Apple IIe system. And, in 1988, SuperAmerica commissioned a large painting of one of its stores to hang in the foyer of the corporate headquarters near Minneapolis.

Don was preceded in death by his son Matthew George McCready in 2013 and his wife Sally (Wyman) McCready in 2008.

He is survived by his sons Sam McCready of Monona, WI, and his son Ben (Anne) McCready of Georgetown, TX, as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

No memorial services are planned at this time.

Richard Alan “Rick” Hartmann, 68, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at his home.

Rick was born on August 14, 1954 in Fort Atkinson to Carl and Emmy (Geitner) Hartmann. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1972, and in 1988 he purchased Rick’s Eastside Pub. On November 7, 1992 he married Ellie Bigelow and together they raised two children.

He enjoyed music, watching all Wisconsin sports, golfing, driving around with Ellie, and shopping for electronics.

Rick is survived by his wife, Ellie; children, Shelli (Roger) Barrett, Buddy (Brandi) Luebke; grandchildren, Levi, Aaron, Justin, Megan, Brandon, Cody, and Lindsey; siblings, Jeff (Gina) Hartmann; Cort (Steph) Hartmann, Todd Hartmann; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Nancy Bigelow, Susan Stork, Tom Jordens, Tom (Judy) Bigelow and Donna Lewis. He is further survived by his uncle Jerry Hartman, his aunt Gloria Hartmann and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Emmy Hartmann; grandparents, Carl and Alice Hartmann and Herman and Mae Geitner; and mother-and-father-in-law, Clarence and Catherine Bigelow.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022 at First English Lutheran Church. A visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. In Rick fashion, casual attire would be appropriate for the visitation and service.

There will be a gathering at Rick’s East Side Pub immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s name to Whitewater Music Parent Association (WMPA) c/o Mike Dugan, 254 N. Park St., Whitewater WI. 53190 or the Whitewater Food Pantry, P.O. Box 63, Whitewater, WI. 53190

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

Jeannie C. Patrick, 84, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Friday, September 23rd, 2022 at her
home after a lingering illness.

Jeannie was born on November 21st, 1937, in the city of Janesville, to James and Elinor (Perry)
Larson.

Jeannie worked 40 years as a CNA at Countryside/Alden until the age of 70. After retirement
she continued to work in the home health field for a few years. She was very dedicated to
caring for others.

Jeannie loved the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers. She
enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Jeannie is survived by her son, Gregg (Kim) Patrick of Mountain, WI; Sheri (Steven) Brandt of
Utah; Jeff (Debbie) Patrick of Fort Atkinson, WI and Mike Patrick of Fort Atkinson, WI;
grandchildren, Jamie (Matt) Strasburg of Jefferson, WI; Jenny (Shaun) McKelvey of Whitewater,
WI; Jody (Osiri) Ogando of Fort Atkinson, WI; Tim (Shannon Race) Patrick of Janesville, WI;
Connor Patrick of Fort Atkinson, WI; Stephanie Patrick of Mukwonago, WI and Aaron Patrick of
Georgia; Sister Joanne Bruch of Whitewater, WI; Seven great grandchildren; many nieces and a
nephew and many dear and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Elinor Larson, and brother, James Larson.

A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, October 3rd, 2022 at the Nitardy
Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI. A memorial service will follow at noon at
Nitardy.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Rainbow Hospice for their
exceptional care.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Craig A. Garbisch, 62, of Fort Atkinson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday,
September 22, 2022.  He was born in Watertown, WI, on June 3, 1960, son of the late
Eugene A. Garbisch and Ruth M. Garbisch (Lueder).

Craig had many struggles and hardships in his short life, but he always had a positive
outlook and he never wavered in his faith.  He was an active member of Bethany
Lutheran Church.  Craig worked many jobs, probably most notably Bienfang’s Bar.  Prior
to his car accident and cancer diagnosis, he was employed at the University of
Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Volunteering and service to others was his focus after his
disability didn’t allow him to work.  He volunteered at St. Vincent’s and the Senior
Center.  He cherished his time spent with family and friends.  He was always thinking of
ways to make someone else’s day brighter. 

Craig is survived by his siblings, Julie (Jim) Laferriere, Tami (Roy) Magsamen and Todd
(Cathy) Lueder; 4 nieces and 1 great niece.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2022 at Bethany Lutheran
Church in Fort Atkinson.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. at the church until time of
service.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the church.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com