Obituaries

James Robert Mould, also known as “Jim Bob”, age 75, of Reedsburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison with his family by his side.

He was born on July 31, 1951in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Elwood and Lillian (Keister) Mould. On June 27, 1970 he was united in marriage to Debra Larson in Whitewater, WI. This marriage was blessed with two children. He loved hunting, softball, bowling, and playing darts with his son Ken. He enjoyed riding ATV’s with friends, spending time at the lake with his wife and their dogs, Buddy and Abby. He also enjoyed making his famous enchiladas for his daughter Kari. Best of all he loved watching the Badgers and Brewers with a cold beer in his hand.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Wiedenhoeft; step-father, Robert Wiedenhoeft; brothers, Richard and Donald Mould; and his brother-in-law, LaMont Haskins.

James is survived by his wife, Debra; children Kenneth (Tonia) Mould, and Kari Mould; grandchildren, Ethan and Deanna Mould; sister, Nancy Haskins; nieces and nephews; along with other relatives and friends. Per James wishes, no services will be held at this time. Memorials of remembrance may be made to the National Kidney Foundation for Kidney Disease.

Kathleen (nee Hornby) Ponyicsanyi, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, in the comforting presence of her daughters.  

Born on March 29, 1945, in Milwaukee to the late Chester and Hilma (nee Mustonen) Hornby, Kathy lived a life full of love and adventure. Kathy’s journey began in Lake Mills, where she graduated from high school in 1963. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to UW LaCrosse and later to the Manpower Business Training Center. On December 19, 1964, she married the love of her life, Thomas Ponyicsanyi, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Together, they built a life filled with joy and shared experiences including golf, fishing, bridge, concerts and casino trips. Kathy appreciated living close to family, Tom’s parents and siblings, Jim and Cathy. Tom, her devoted husband of 47 years, predeceased her, leaving behind cherished memories of their time together.  

Kathy’s life was marked by her rewarding role as secretary at Lakeview Elementary School, where she began working in 1975. For 26 years, she brought warmth to her position, forming lifelong friendships and touching the lives of countless children. Even after retiring in 2002, she substituted in the Whitewater School District for another decade.  

Her vibrant personality and zest for life were evident in every aspect of her being. An adventurous traveler, she explored the world with her dear friend Bonnie and embraced every opportunity for new experiences. In her childhood, she spent countless hours with her cousin, Nancy, who she considered a sister.  

Kathy was an enthusiastic participant in numerous groups, including the Red Hats, First English Lutheran Church committees/thrift shop and volunteering at UWW theater and local voting sites. She was a familiar face on the golf course or pickleball court and a bridge enthusiast. Her love for rummage sales, clearance racks, and parties was well-known, and she never hesitated to celebrate life’s moments.  

Kathy’s legacy lives on through her loving family: daughters, Debby (Shawn) Geary and Betsy (Rob) Stangel; grandchildren, Raechel (Nicholas) Waletich, Kimberly Geary, Cullen (Nicole) Stangel, and Benjamin (Ellie) Stangel; and great-grandchildren, William, Jack, and a soon-to-arrive baby girl Stangel; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends.  

SERVICE: A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, located at 401 W Main St, Whitewater, WI.  

VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends at the church Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice or First English Lutheran Church in her memory.  

Her bright smile and kind heart left a mark on all who knew her. Kathy will be remembered for her unwavering love, her boundless enthusiasm for life, and her ability to bring joy to everyone around her. The family is grateful for all the caring people who touched her in last years of life including Terri, Sofia, Maria, Janet, Aubrey and Aubrye, the amazing Zilber Team and the compassionate providers at St. Luke’s Milwaukee. 

Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Kathleen’s care.

Mary E. Danto, age 80, passed away Monday morning, Aug. 3, 2026, just a day after her 80th birthday with her family by her side. She was born Aug. 2, 1946, in Whitewater, WI, to Raymond and Elizabeth (Christen) Koszyczarek. She graduated from Whitewater High School. On August 25, 1973, Mary married Phillip ‘Phill’ Danto at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater, WI.

After high school, Mary went to Madison business college with a degree in general clerical. After graduating, she worked for Mayland Publishing and Printing. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Phill. The pair were happily married for 48 years until his passing on Dec. 1, 2021.

Mary also loved sports, bowling in many leagues throughout the years. She also passionately watched her beloved Brewers and Packers. She also enjoyed drawing and coloring. She was an animal lover, especially the many dogs and cats the household had throughout the years.

Mary raised 3 children and during this time began helping other families with childcare at her home, nurturing multiple generations of kids and families. Once retired, Mary cared for her granddaughters Jenika and Madisyn. As a grandmother, Mary gave the greatest gift she could give – her time, her patience, and her unconditional love.

Mary was a loving wife, nurturing mother, a devoted grandmother, a loyal friend, and the heart of her family.

Mary is survived by her son Jerome (Gloria Wellnitz) Danto and their children Michael Wellnitz, Alicia Contreras, and Jenika Danto, and her daughter Carolyne (Darin) Ball and their children: Dylan, Brandyn, Makenzee, and Madisyn Ball; great- grandchildren: Kari Reyes and Liam Ball, Grayson Ball, and Aria Reyes; brother Robert (Linda) Koszyczarek; sister-in-law Sandra Koszyczarek; brother-in-law Daniel (Debbie) Danto; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phill Danto; son Troy Danto; brothers Francis Koszyczarek and Edward Koszyczarek; father and mother-in-law Caspar and Petronella Danto; brother-in-law Peter Danto; great-grandchild Khyrie Reyes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH with Fr. Chad Droessler presiding. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to time of Mass at CHURCH. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. Memorials are appreciated in memory of her son Troy to American Cancer Society or you can donate blood at your local blood bank. Please visit www.apfelwolfe.com to send condolences to the family.

A special thank you to Gloria Wellnitz and Sherry Tyler for all the wonderful care given to Mary these last few years. Also, to the entire staff of Mercy ICU, your compassion helped not only Mary but her children throughout the time there.

Sherry Jean Hofer passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at The Club at Wellington in Wellington, Florida.

Born on June 17, 1943, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Sherry was the daughter of Edgar and Mae Joy (Lyman) Scholz. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire before earning a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Denver. In 1966, she married Jimmy Carlisle Hofer, and together they built their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin, living on Florence Street, just blocks away from the University.

Sherry devoted more than 35 years to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she served as a Reference Librarian and later as Assistant Professor in Information Technology Services. She believed deeply in the value of knowledge, helping countless students and faculty find not only information but confidence in their own learning. Even after retiring in 2002, her commitment to caring for others continued as she worked part-time in several group homes in Whitewater. She remained in southern Wisconsin until moving to Florida in 2020.

To know Sherry was to know someone who found joy in creating beauty and making others feel cared for. She had a remarkable gift for gardening and surrounded herself with thriving indoor and outdoor plants. Flowers from her garden often found their way to her church altar, where she faithfully served on the altar guild. She was an accomplished crocheter and seamstress whose handmade afghans and quilts became treasured gifts for family and friends. Ever the librarian, she was rarely without a good book, and her kitchen was a place where delicious meals and warm hospitality brought family together. She cherished family gatherings and made a point of staying connected with relatives near and far.

Affectionately known as “Mama Sketch,” Sherry became a steadfast source of encouragement for her son Jason and the many military veterans and friends he met during his Appalachian Trail journey. Her kindness extended well beyond her immediate family, and she had a special ability to make people feel welcomed, supported, and loved.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Jimmy.

She is survived by her sons, Christian Carlisle Hofer and his wife, Jennifer, and Jason Edgar Hofer; her grandson, Jacob Rosenblum; her sister, Kathryn Benashski (Richard); her nieces, Jessica Watkin (Chris) and Alison Taylor (Will); three grandnieces and one grandnephew; her sister-in-law, Sherry DuPont; her niece, Danielle Jodts (Brad); and two grandnephews.

She also shared an enduring and meaningful relationship with Christian’s former wife, Jennifer Rosenblum, and her family—Jeremy, Jonas, Judah, Herb, and Shelly—who remained an important part of her extended family throughout her life.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of The Club at Wellington, and especially to Joyce, Andra, Regina, Blair, and Kasandra, whose loving care, friendship, and companionship brought comfort and joy to Sherry during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Appalachian Voices, or the American Library Association in Sherry’s memory.

Sherry’s legacy lives on in the knowledge she shared, the beauty she cultivated, the meals she lovingly prepared, the blankets she stitched by hand, and, above all, the quiet generosity and unwavering love she gave so freely to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

With shattered hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Amy Catherine Austin on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 49. Amy carried a warm, intense love that could be felt immediately wherever she went. Her bright spirit and larger-than-life personality came in a petite frame, yet she demonstrated unbelievable strength. She became sis, cousin, auntie, mom and “chosen family” to so many, instinctively stepping forward to offer support to those she loved while facing immense battles of her own.

Amy was born on February 9, 1977, in Greeley, Colorado. After living in Dillon in the high country of the Rocky Mountains, her family relocated to Milwaukee, the city she would always call her hometown. From childhood on, the warmth and joy behind her nickname, “Sunshine,” were unmistakable. She excelled in school and developed a profound appreciation for the arts in all their forms, from dancing with Ton Ko-Thi African Dance Company of Milwaukee to sharing musical performances with her parents and friends. Like the sweep of a brightly colored paintbrush, Amy left something vivid and unforgettable everywhere she went.

Amy had a way of becoming the sun in the universe of nearly everyone she met, and family was at the center of hers. They were her foundation, her refuge when she needed support, her loudest cheerleaders, and often her favorite company around a card table. Family was not simply a part of Amy’s life; it was woven into the very core of who she was.

Amy grew up proud of her Wisconsin heritage. Her primary education began at 55th Street Spanish Immersion Elementary School and graduated from Milwaukee High School of the Arts with a dance major. Amy studied at UW-Whitewater for four years pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. With endless love and patience, she supported local high school students, many of whom would become first-generation college students through the Upward Bound Program, helping them navigate the path to higher education.

Her bright spirit, caring nature, and joyful energy filled every room she entered. Many people described her as the “life of the party,” and no one was more life-giving than Amy. She made friends everywhere she went and loved her family and friends fiercely. She told it like it was, always with honesty, respect, and most importantly, love.

Amy was a fierce Wisconsin sports fan and dressed the part right down to the matching shoes. Whether she was cheering for the Packers, the Brew Crew, the Bucks, or her beloved UW–Whitewater Warhawks, she brought energy, loyalty, and a smile from ear to ear. From Lambeau Field to local pool halls, Amy was always ready for the game and for the friendship, laughter and sense of community that came with it. Family game night was one of her favorites.

That love of competition and community found a special home in billiards. Amy was a proud founding member of the Milwaukee North Side Pool League and a cornerstone of “Pool Addix.” She brought joy, laughter and encouragement to the table, even during the toughest matches. Focused and determined, when Amy was on the table, she displayed the same strength and spirit she carried throughout her life. Her presence will be deeply missed throughout the pool community.

Amy enjoyed traveling the world, choosing a different country with each trip. Friends who traveled with her will tell you that she enjoyed getting off the beaten path where she could submerge herself in the local culture and its people.

Although Amy continued to shine brightly, her life was not without extraordinary challenges. Amy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer in 2017. She endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, extensive surgeries, and circumstances few could imagine. The strength, resilience and determination she brought to that fight were remarkable. Amy beat cancer and lived the final two years of her life in remission.

Amy was also an avid community organizer who brought people together around the causes closest to her heart, serving others and leaving no one behind. Amy approached everything with passion and a determination to leave people and places better than she found them.

Her creativity shone especially brightly on Halloween when she brought extravagant handmade costumes to life. More recently, under her mother and sister’s guidance, Amy had taken up the family tradition of quilting and was excited to see where her own creativity might take her.

Amy is survived by her loving and supportive parents, Dr. Cecil Austin, Bonnie and Tom Miller, her sister Debora Austin, beloved nephews, Elijah Austin and Jesse Rutledge, husband Bernard Gregory and son Antonio Torres and siblings, sister Sarah Ceballos, and her beloved fur babies Bam Bam, Loki and Sammy, along with countless relatives, friends and “chosen family” whose lives were forever enhanced by her love. She was predeceased by her brother Jessie Ceballos.

Amy’s time on Earth was cut far too short, but the ripples of her life and love will continue far beyond it. Her story will not be defined by how she died, but by the vibrancy, courage, laughter, and fierce love with which she lived. Amy’s family chose to donate her eyes to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin with the hope that a recipient will see the world the way Amy did. May each of us carry a piece of Amy’s sunshine forward in honor of the life she lived so beautifully.

A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.

Aug. 11, 1928 – July 22, 2026

Violet DeWind died on July 22, 2026, in Whitewater, 20 days before what would have been her 98th birthday. Vi was born and raised in and around Chicago. She spoke Czech at home with her immigrant parents, James Kral and Annette Stastny Kral, and was active in Czech youth organizations.

While a high school sophomore, Vi took a citywide test that earned her a scholarship to the University of Chicago, where she enrolled at age 14. Two other scholarship winners, Mildred Vrla Srnensky and Nina Kreloff Kans, became her lifelong friends. Vi met her future husband, Henry DeWind, at the University of Chicago. She sat behind him in a class and thought, “He has a nicely shaped head.”

After graduating with a master’s degree when she was 20, Vi spent a year in New York City, living with her uncle and aunt, John and Agnes Mlynek, and working for Time Inc., answering reference phone calls from readers. Henry wrote her almost every day – sometimes twice a day – and when she said yes to his marriage-proposal-by-mail, his next letter started with “Hooray!”

Vi and Henry were married in 1952 at the Thorndyke Hilton Chapel at the University of Chicago. Before long, Henry landed a teaching job at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. They built a house, raised four children, and enjoyed 52 years together until Henry’s death in 2004.

At age 54, Vi started a job at the Whitewater Public Library, where she could chat with the patrons and keep tabs on the community. She retired from the library 35 years later, just shy of her 90th birthday. Over the years, she enjoyed reading, playing tennis, and watching “Jeopardy.” In retirement, she read and reread her beloved Dickens and Trollope and many detective novels. She especially looked forward to Tuesday “lunch with the ladies” at Rick’s Eastside Pub.

Vi is loved and already missed by her children and their families: Anna (Leon) Walls and Ian Walls; Pete (Shari) DeWind and Claire and Alyssa DeWind; Margie DeWind and Becca and Rachel Schuh (Luke Solomon); and Nick DeWind (Elizabeth Weaver); two cousins, Alena Hanisova and Jean Shersmith; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, William and Nancy Kral; cousins in the Czech Republic and the United States; and Henry’s siblings and their spouses.

Vi’s family thanks the caring staff at Our House Senior Living, Whitewater, where she spent her final 2 ½ years; and the Agrace palliative and hospice care providers who made these years as comfortable as possible. Pete, Margie, and Nick also thank their sister Anna for her devotion to Mom, especially the companionship and care she provided beginning in March 2020.

No services are planned. Contributions in Vi’s memory to a public library, a human rights organization, or an organization of the donor’s choice will be welcomed.

Susan K. Miller, 81, of Delavan passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026. 

She was born on March 16, 1945 in Fremont, Nebraska. Throughout childhood Susan’s family, her siblings Tom and Vivian, mother Darlene and stepfather Jesse Rentfrow moved and lived all over the U.S since Jesse was in the Navy and was stationed from west coast to east coast. After having been stationed in California for a time early in Susan’s life, the Navy took the family to Virginia where she spent her high school and teenage years. The draw of California-life was so strong that Susan moved back to the Golden State as soon as she came of age where she worked, met and married her husband Sam on July 10, 1986. During Sam’s work travels he found and bought a hobby farm in Richmond Township, Wisconsin. Although Susan was apprehensive about the move, she turned the once abandoned farmstead into what we all know as Tall Grass Farm where she raised Angora goats, llamas, sheep, and her cats and dogs. She hosted Seasonal Fiber Jubilees with shearing demonstrations and artisan fiber products.

Susan worked as a licensed clinical social worker for Mercy Hospital in Janesville and was a Richmond Township Supervisor for many years. 

Those Susan leaves behind to cherish her memory include her older brother Tom Rentfrow, stepdaughters Laurie (Tim) Hoescherl and Brenda (Mark) Morrison, grandchildren and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Vivian, husband Warren “Sam” Miller, and many beloved pets.

In celebration of her life, a “Final Tall Grass Farm Jubilee” will be held in the Fall of 2026.

Joyce E. Nelson, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at UW-Madison Hospital.

Joyce was born on September 23, 1939 in Waukesha the daughter of Gustave and Hazel (Lange) Geitner. She married Arlie Nelson on June 9, 1956 and the Lord blessed their union with four children, Catherine, Gale, Gary and Carol. Joyce worked in quality control for Creative Packaging for about 20 years, but for the majority of her working years she raised her children and took care of the family home. She was a loving mother and made sure her family was well fed and had what they needed. She enjoyed working in her garden, traveling, and babysitting her many grandchildren. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her four children, Catherine (Randy) Olp of Delavan, Gale (Allen) Petrie of Jefferson, Gary (Laurie) Nelson of Hixson, TN, and Carol (Kurt) LaBreche of Whitewater; her grandchildren, Shaun (Tiffany) Olp of Whitewater, Sara (Jack) Ruud of Machesney Park, IL, Allen (Charly) Petrie of Sun Prairie, Crystal Petrie of Jefferson, Timothy Petrie of Jefferson, Josh Nelson of Chicago, IL, Jason (Amanda) Nelson of Beloit, Zachary Nelson of Columbus, Dustin (Annah) Nelson of Single Mountain, TN, Amy (Daryl) Beaver of Whitewater, and Amber (Christopher) Goggin of Pleasant Springs; her great-grandchildren, Drake, Dakota, Alexia Jo, Pryce, Aiden, Madden, Cameron, Kaleb, Reece, Jacob, Mason, Kaci, Makenzi, Addison, Noah, Nora, Sophie, Charlotte, and Jason, Jr.; her sister, Joan (Arnold) Lewis of Hillsborough; and her brother-in-law, Floyd (Rita) Nelson of Arkansas. Joyce is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, Arlie Nelson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, Wisconsin (320 W. Main Street, Palmyra, WI 53119) with the Rev. Duane Goetsch presiding. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Joyce will be laid to rest next to her husband in Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra immediately following the service.

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

Richard Harold Lentz, 87, passed away on July 24, 2026, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and devotion to his family.

Richard was born on January 25, 1939, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Harold and Murtie (Riggs) Lentz. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1956 and dedicated 40 years of his career to the construction industry, working for Magill Construction in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Richard was known for his kindness, generosity, and tireless work ethic. Whether on the job or at home, he was always building, repairing, or improving something, taking great pride in work done well.

In 1959, Richard married the love of his life, Donna (Turner) Lentz. Together, they built a life filled with love, hard work, and devotion to family, raising two children and sharing 66 wonderful years of marriage. For nearly 60 years, they made their home outside Hebron, where Richard poured countless hours into caring for the property and completing several additions with his own hands. It was a place that reflected his pride, craftsmanship, and love for his family.

He is survived by his children, Bill (Sandy) Lentz and Laurie (Tim) Kerr; his grandchildren, Mark (Elizabeth) Lentz, Megan (Jim) Vergenz, and Bradley Kerr; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Genesis, Mark Jr., Matthew, Gracelyn, and Malachi Lentz, and Jacob, Maxx, and Charlotte Vergenz. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss his kind heart and steady presence.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna, and his sister, Harriet Jacobs.

Richard rarely sat still. When he wasn’t building or fixing something, he could often be found deer hunting, fishing, tending his garden, bowling, playing cards with family and friends, or traveling with Donna. He found joy in simple pleasures and in time spent with the people he loved.

The measure of Richard’s life was not only in what he built with his hands, but in the love, laughter, and strength he gave to those around him. His kind nature, relentless spirit, and ceaseless generosity will be dearly missed but remembered with deep love and gratitude.

Memorial visitation to be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190, from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Memorial service to begin at 12:00 PM. Private family inurnment to take place.

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

Paula A. Malone, 75, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Froedtert Medical Center of Milwaukee.

Paula was born on June 2, 1951 in Fort Atkinson the daughter of John and Constance (Dyke) Arnold. She grew up on Prince St. and was a 1969 graduate of Whitewater High School. She continued her schooling and earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Paula was united in marriage to Terrance Malone on May 28, 1983 at the Whitewater United Methodist Church. God blessed Paula with a loving daughter, Pamela. Paula worked in management for the majority of her working career in a few different industries. She was capable and smart and took pride in her work. She fully retired in 2015. Paula made many good memories on camping trips with her family and also enjoyed playing cards with her husband and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those she leaves behind.

Paula is survived by: her loving husband of 43 years, Terrance Malone of Whitewater; her loving daughter, Pamela Constance Malone of State College, PA; her brother, John D. Arnold of Woodside, CA; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her dear cousins, Pat and Mike O’Connor.

Per Paula’s wishes, no formal services will be held.

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