Obituaries

A wonderful woman who loved our wonderful world

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying I love you
~Song by Louis Armstrong

Nancy’s Wonderful World

Nancy Ann was born in Michigan City, Indiana to Paul William and Anna Carolina Fredericka Schnick. She was the younger sister to Ronald and David.

She graduated from Marshall High School in Michigan in 1953. She then began her career in Chicago, fashionably walking down Michigan Avenue in her high heels, to LaSalle National Bank. She began honing her bridge skills on the hour-long South Shore Line electric train commute and refined them throughout her life with another bridge partner she met in 1960.

A handsome intern arrived at her home church of St. Paul Lutheran in Michigan City, Indiana that year. Maybe there was a wink or two from the pew. She married Jerald Lee Wendt of Bergholz, New York on June 16, 1962. They enjoyed 63 years of wedded bliss. They had three children, Gretchen (Chris ) Cudak, Nathan Wendt and Charles (Stacy) Wendt. Nancy was the best mom imaginable, and warmly welcomed the addition of grandchildren, Austin (Madeline Esteb) Cudak, Elliott (Catherine) Cudak, Evan Cudak, Hailey (Brently) Bohn, Kristina (Chet) Trimborn, Sophie Wendt (Austin Dunlap), and Sadie Wendt. Her great grandchildren were the apple of her eye, Brooklyn, Kennedy, Charlotte and Wyatt Bohn and Miles and Hayden Trimborn. From their first snuggles with the handmade flannel blankets she gave them as infants to eating her famous Oatmeal Pancakes, Sweet Rolls, and Cherry Berries on a Cloud, all the grandkids are full of warm and happy memories. She could turn any activity into a cherished pastime. Seeing who could pick the most raspberries from her abundant patch was a special favorite.

Nancy and Jerry’s ministry took them to three congregations:

• First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI from 1963-1966
• Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, WI from 1966-1973
• Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus, WI from 1973-1984
• and back to First English in Whitewater from 1984-present.

An important part of her service work included sewing quilts for refugees across the world through Lutheran World Relief. The quilters at First English have made more than 10,000 quilts over the years. A ministry filled with love and joy.

In 1990 Nancy opened Victoria-on-Main Bed & Breakfast. Her business allowed her to practice what she naturally was so good at—hospitality. She welcomed travelers from all over, but she especially welcomed refugees who needed a home. Over the years people from Uganda, Belgium, Kosovo and Ukraine became family. She continued to welcome guests through her 90th year.

Nancy had a quick wit and sharp card sense. She played bridge throughout her life, with Jerry as her favorite partner. They became Life Masters in Bridge in 2024. She also loved a good game of euchre or dominoes.

Nancy and Jerry were always up for an adventure and took a two-month road trip to Alaska after Jerry retired from the ministry in 2003. Following that, they began spending the Advent season on the the gulf of Florida, collecting oodles of shells and feeding seagulls off their ocean-view balcony. They took many riverboat cruises in Europe, gathering friends to go with them. They enjoyed many vacations to the beautiful sunshine of Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico during the Wisconsin winters. They also enjoyed summer fishing trips to Gretchen and Chris’ Pine Cottage on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in Minnesota.

Nancy lived life fully to the end in her beautiful Victorian home, just as she hoped. She had geraniums saved in the basement for the upcoming summer, canned dozens of jars of tomato juice just last fall, and hosted the whole family for Christmas 2025, decorating a 15-foot tree in the foyer. She suffered a seizure on January 16th, and was well cared for by the nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. A recent cancer diagnosis caused her to spend her last week peacefully in hospice care, where her loving family held her hands, just as she held ours throughout our lives. When it comes to love, we all learned from the best.

Bayard Leroy “Chip” Renninger III passed away on February 4, 2026, as the result of injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident.

Chip was born to Bayard II and Marian (Matheson) “Bunny” Renninger on April 8, 1963, in Pennsylvania. After moving to Janesville, Wisconsin, he graduated from Janesville Craig High School with the Class of 1981. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point before finding his niche as a finish carpenter in residential construction. Highly skilled in his trade, Chip took great pride in his craftsmanship and the quality of his work.

On July 14, 1990, he married Margaret Baumer in Janesville, and together they welcomed one daughter, Hannah.

Chip was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting elk, deer, and bear. He also loved fishing and spending time with his dogs, Ellie, CeCe, and Zara.

He is survived by his daughter, Hannah Brotz; his granddaughter, Harper Rae Brotz; his sisters, Kelli (Walt) Kraayvanger, Sue (Jim) Schumacher; as well as Margaret Renninger; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a few close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bayard II and Marian “Bunny” Renninger. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Terry David Williams, also known as ACE, 81, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025 in East Troy, Wisconsin.  He was born on July 24, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Bill and Eleanor Williams.  He was a proud resident of Palmyra, Wisconsin and was a 1962 graduate of Palmyra High School.  He later moved to California and then back to Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Terry served in the National Guard.  He also held numerous other jobs in California and Wisconsin. 

Terry was very involved in studying History.  He knew a great deal about the Civil War.  He also knew a great deal about the local history in the Palmyra area.  He loved to use his metal detectors for exploring.  He also had a love for small dogs.  He enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the movies and going to gun shows.

Two close friends, Sid Traxler and Elmer Keske recall the good times of going to car shows and using metal detectors with Terry.  Sid has known Terry since they were in kindergarten together.  Bill Schneider, Mary Ellen Unz and Phil Holzbauer were also friends who felt a great loss after learning of Terry’s death.  Terry always enjoyed seeing Phil’s butterfly collection.  Patty Ash, a cousin, recalls that Terry had the nickname “ACE.” She indicated that he liked that nickname.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Eleanor Williams and is survived by a brother, Timothy Williams and a sister-in-law Brigitte Williams.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater assisted the family.

Anna Marie Gerlach, 85, of Palmyra, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at her home with her loving family at her bedside.

Anna Marie was born on October 10, 1940 in Whitewater the daughter of Martin and Marion (Langen) Valentine. She grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. On September 16, 1961, she was united in marriage to Dean Gerlach and the two would go on to enjoy 50 years of marriage until Dean’s passing in 2012. Anna Marie was blessed with four children, Diana, Jeffery, Eric and Jody. She was a loving wife and mother and took excellent care of her family. Anna Marie enjoyed cooking and baking and made sure to keep her family and friends well fed with delicious meals. She enjoyed sewing, rooting for the Packers and Badgers, and a good cup of tea. She also loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Anna Marie was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Palmyra and she lived her faith in the way she treated others. She had a sincere kindness and was always willing to volunteer or serve others in any way she could. She will be remembered for her warmth, love and care and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

Anna Marie is survived by: her children, Diana Gerlach of Palmyra, Jeffery Gerlach of Palmyra, Eric Gerlach of Eagle, and Jody (Mike) Sorge of Eagle; her grandchildren, Meghan (Ray) Koscak, Caitlyn Gerlach, Bryce (Michelle Malicki) Gerlach, Tyler Gerlach, Jared (Colleen) Kinjerski, and Jackson Sorge; her great-grandchildren, RJ and Millie Koscak, Jace Hilgen, Easton and Emersyn Kinjerski, her siblings, John Michael (the late Judy) Valentine, Rosemary Valentine, Helen (the late Scott) Van Horn, her sister-in-law, Pauline Valentine (the late Wayne Valentine) brother-in-law Joseph Gerlach (Karen). Anna Marie is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and her siblings, Phillip Wayne Valentine, Mary Margaret, Martha, and Paul, father-in-law Stanley Gerlach and mother-in-law Helen Gerlach, sister-in-law Betty (Honey) Linton and Judy Valentine, brothers-in-law Donald (Barney) Linton and Scott Van Horn, niece Julie Gerlach and nephew Jason Linton.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care and help, especially Kelly, Hanna and Heather.

Memorials in Anna Marie’s honor may be made to the American Arthritis Association or the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra. Monsignor Donald J. Heiar, Jr. will officiate the Mass. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church. Anna Marie will be laid to rest immediately following the Mass in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra.

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

Edmund Henry (Red) Sorenson, 100, son of Dr. Edmund and Mildred Sorenson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, after a brief illness.

Edmund grew up in Elkhorn, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. At 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and trained as a Naval Aviator, flying F4F Wildcats and F6F Hellcats from the U.S.S. Kearsarge (aircraft carrier). While he was never in active combat, he remained deeply proud of his service and his country. Upon returning home, he completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He had met his future wife, Suzette, years earlier at Lauderdale Lakes when the two were paired for a scavenger hunt at age 13. They married 12 years later in a garden ceremony at Greenhurst Cottage on May 27, 1950. Their 72-year marriage remains an enduring inspiration to their family.

Edmund was entrepreneurial throughout his life. After initially practicing as an optometrist, he and Suzette moved to Texas, where he pursued oil ventures. He later transitioned to homebuilding in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Wayland, Massachusetts, where he attended Harvard Business School. After earning his MBA, he worked as a stockbroker in Chicago, though his passion remained residential construction. He went on to lead a major homebuilding company in Dayton, Ohio, before founding his own firm—U.S. Shelter, Inc.—and returning to the Chicago area. He served as President of both the Illinois Home Builders Association and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago and was recognized for designing and building a futuristic “Concept House.” Throughout his career, he was responsible for providing homes for thousands of families.

After retiring, Edmund and Suzette lived in Naples, Florida, where he was an avid bridge player, enjoyed golf and tennis, and volunteered as President for Habitat for Humanity of Collier Co., FL. He was a devoted husband, father, “Papa,” and friend—known for his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support of others.

He is survived by his three children: Jack (Nancy) Sorenson, Peggy (Dan) Collins, and Richard (Tracey) Sorenson; his grandchildren John (Whitney) Sorenson, James (Shaye) Sorenson, Lori (Josh) Koeppel, Avery (Eric) Vivian, and Kate (Ross) Barrett; and his great grandchildren Henry Sorenson, Laine Sorenson, Olivia Koeppel, Grant Sorenson, Miles Sorenson, Addison Koeppel, Ruby Sorenson, Sydney Koeppel, Eloise Sorenson, Brinley Barrett, Arthur Sorenson, Hailey Koeppel, and Charles Vivian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzette Morton Sorenson, his parents, and his brothers Robert and Joseph Sorenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late Spring at Greenhurst Cottage. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or to Macular Degeneration Research.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Cloes Mae (Hall) Berger, age 96, of Tonganoxie, KS passed peacefully on January 24, 2026 while under hospice care at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Tonganoxie, KS.

Cloes was born on September 28, 1929, the only child of William L. and Florence (Brown) Hall of Whitewater, WI. In high school she played the piano, clarinet and was the secretary-treasurer of her Whitewater High School graduating class of 1947. A member of the Chapter of Eastern Star, Cloes also served as an advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls in Whitewater, WI. She worked as a bank teller at The First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater, WI and later as a cosmetic consultant for The Boston Store in Brookfield, WI, before retiring.

Cloes enjoyed sewing, fashion, Boston Terrier dogs and her favorite caricature, Betty Boop.

Cloes is survived by her children, Sue A. Jolliffe, Tonganoxie, KS; Dean E. Jolliffe, Margate, FL and Patty K. Jolliffe, Tonganoxie, KS.

Cloes was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, William (Billy) Jolliffe; and husband, William (Bill) Berger of Greenfield, WI.

Funeral arrangements are through Quisenberry Funeral Home, Tonganoxie, KS and Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI. She will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI

Ann Marie Ahlman Obituary

On Saturday, the world lost a best friend, confidante, partner, and the love of a lifetime. Ann, Ann Marie, or Annie to different people in her life, passed very suddenly from this life into the next on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 72.

A woman with a strong moral compass who stood up for those who needed a hand, Ann treated everyone with dignity and respect, as she wished to be treated. Born and raised in a strong spiritual family, she was always extending her hands to others.

Ann was born to Delia and Robert Duprey on May 5, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Catholic grade and high schools. She went on to Michigan State University, where she met her future husband, Lauri Ahlman, while majoring in social work and psychology. She and Lauri married during her last year at MSU and they moved to Wisconsin. Following her passion, she worked with older adults at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ann returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for a master’s in counseling and earned a national counselor certification to enable deeper work with older adults.

Along came their children, Annaliisa Marie and Lauri Marc. They were the greatest blessings to both Ann and Lauri. Ann stepped back from counseling to be a full-time Mom, nurturing children who learned to treat others well, enjoy the arts, reading, and music while building moral and ethical codes of their own. They grew into strong, independent, caring individuals, giving back to society in their respective ways. Ann loved who each of them had become.

After relocating to Illinois and with the children in school, Ann returned to the work she loved, joining Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) as a Social Worker in subsidized housing. Her residents were her extended family, and in this role, she spent countless hours over 25 years finding ways to improve their quality of life. Ann eventually retired from LSSI and became more active in her faith and giving to others. She felt called to social justice advocacy in the church. Ann answered this call by
promoting equity initiatives and encouraging the church to become a Reconciling in Christ partner. Also a believer in intellectual freedom and the power of storytelling, Ann co-led a banned books group for the church community. Ann and Lauri celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March of 2025.

Ann is survived by her husband Lauri Ahlman, daughter Annaliisa Ahlman (Georgette Kelly), grandchildren Elodie and Kasper, son Lauri Marc (Faren) Ahlman, her five brothers: Jim (Michele) Duprey, Jeff Duprey, Jay Duprey, Jon (Karen Skierski) Duprey, Rob Duprey, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 355-2522. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by a church service at 11:00 am.

For anyone unable to attend in person, the service will also be available to stream online at this link.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation to: Our Saviour’s Banned Books group or to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. In honor and in remembrance of Ann’s generous spirit, please say hello to a stranger and let them become a new friend.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com

William Robert Kincaid, 73, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on January 18th, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 29th, 1952, to Richard and Eunice Kincaid in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Bill grew up with six siblings and forged lifelong friendships.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill had a passion for hunting and fishing, often capturing pictures to share with loved ones. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and was teaching his grandson about the ins and outs of hunting.

He married Tammy Henning, with whom he had three daughters—Nichole, Ashley, and Alissa—and they raised their family in Whitewater in the octagon house. Bill worked as a Sprayer Applicator at Farmco Services, making more lifelong friendships along the way.

A hard worker who cherished family and friends, Bill loved gatherings, particularly Fourth of July parties where he’d cook his famous snapping turtle stew. Many people called him Billy Buck Weber because of his love for grilling or Buzz because he enjoyed having some “soda pops.” He also picked up his dad’s nickname Lubby from a young age and was called Billy by his family members.

Bill is survived by his mother Eunice, daughters Ashley and Alissa, and six grandchildren, Summer, Nevaeh, Analeigh, Cale, Braelyn and Aubrianna. He is also mourned by four siblings Jackie, Bobby, Roger, Karen and many extended family members. He formed a special bond with his cousin Mark and his 2 nephews Jeremy and Robert.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard, his love of his life Tammy, two siblings, Krit and Kandy, his eldest daughter Nichole, granddaughter Lily Zimdars, Uncle Howard, Uncle Billy and many other family and friends.

Bill’s memory and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him dearly.

There will be a burial of his cremations and a celebration of life to follow at a later undetermined date. Condolences and flowers can be sent to his daughters Ashley and Alissa.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemoriaHome.com

Marian M. Heath, 90, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Mulberry Glen in Whitewater.  She was born on January 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Waldemar and Leona (Schaefer) Zutz. Marian was united in marriage to Eugene J. Heath on July 13, 2002, in Whitewater, WI.  Marian was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in East Troy, WI.

Marian is survived by her sister, Eleanor (John) Burgess, two sisters-in-law, Anita Channing and Leta (Alvin) Obenauer, brother-in-law, DeJay (Cyndi) Heath, two nieces and nephew, Christopher (Dana) Obenauer, Laura (Alan) Piller, and Stephanie Channing, and seven great-nieces, and one great-great-niece, and many extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 15 years, Eugene Heath, parents, and first husband, Robert DeLaurier. 

Marian lived in Forest Park, IL, her whole career.  She loved working with numbers; first as a bank teller and later bookkeeper for an accounting firm downtown Chicago.  After retirement, she moved to Whitewater where she met Eugene in 2002.  He was visiting from Alaska. Thus she began her one true adventure of a lifetime.

They corresponded for six months till he returned to Whitewater. Marian was 66 and Eugene was 69. They married, hitched her car to a U-Haul truck and headed for his home in Alaska with side trips to South Dakota and Montana. They were young at heart and wrote their own “Hallmark Movie” love story. 

About five years later they hit the Alcan Highway again, back to Wisconsin to be near family.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time Saturday at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Delavan Township.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marian’s name may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.  Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

Mildred Geraldine “Gerry” Traxler, 93, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away quietly in her sleep Jan. 12, 2026, at the St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

Gerry was born to James D. and Mildred V (Keene) Johnson, on December 2, 1932, in Watseka, Illinois.

She graduated from College High School, Whitewater, WI in 1950. Gerry worked as a Homemaker and joined her husband as a truck driver when her children were grown.

She enjoyed sewing, embroidery, travel, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gerry met Robert M. Traxler in 1948. They were married on September 9, 1950, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Together they raised four children: Gerry Ann, Robert Wayne, Mark Ellis, and Kenneth Keene.

Gerry is survived by daughter, Gerry Ann, sons Robert W (JoAnne), and Mark E. (Cynthia), with many Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her Husband Robert, her youngest son, Kenneth, and one Grandson, David.

A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 1130 Field Rd, Kronenwetter, WI, 54455. Pastor Brent Moodie will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, all at the
church. Burial will follow the service at Mosinee Cemetery, where Gerry will be laid to rest next to her husband. A reception will follow the burial back at the church. Beste Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be
directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s name can be directed to St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI. The staff at St. Paul was patient, kind and very thoughtful, making Gerry feel at home, well cared for and loved.