Obituaries

Betty J. Baker passed away on January 23, 2022 at her daughter’s home in Oak Harbor, Washington. Betty was born at home on March 6, 1943 in Whitewater, Wisconsin the daughter of Benjamin I. Wickham and Elsie C. (Fitzpatrick) Petitt.

Growing up in Whitewater, Betty had 2 older siblings (Carolyn Jane and Benjamin Wickham) and 2 older half-brothers (Virgil and Garland Andrew Brown).

In August 1961, Betty married David H. Baker. Together, they had had four children (David, Elizabeth, Cindy, and Pamela). During her marriage they traveled throughout the U.S., they settled in Sheridan, Wyoming before separating and Betty moved back to Whitewater to be near her mom.
Betty worked for more than 30 years at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater. Upon retiring, Betty enjoyed her time with her family and pets. In the fall of 2020 Betty moved to Oak Harbor, Washington.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin, mother, Elsie, sister Carolyn Riedel, and half-brothers Virgil and Garland Brown.
Betty is survived by her son David (Mary), and daughters Elizabeth (Harvey), Cindy (Richard), and Pamela (Tedd) as well as seven grandchildren (Harvey Jr., Daniel, Tom, Jason, Sarah, Ritchie, and Emily), nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held later this year and her final resting place will be by her mom at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.

Ronald (Ron) E. Anderson of Fort Atkinson, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Meriter Hospital of Madison on Feb 3, 2022.  After besting all cancer could throw at him for 20 years, he lost the battle with Covid-19 in 20 days.  He would want you to know he was fully vaccinated, but as full of life, as he was, he was among the vulnerable. Ron would also wish you to know that when you can, you should opt for Medicare B coverage.

If you know Ron, you know he had a joy for life, love of a good shared meal, and above all fierce dedication to his family.  And if you were fair to him, or kind to those he cared about, you were also his family.

Ron worked hard his whole life, starting as a young child to help support his mother and his younger brother. He met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Anderson (nee Krismanick) in the Chicago area when they were 19 years old and together they raised a family and built a business together (Anderson Machining Service, Inc. in Jefferson and Whitewater) that touched and supported many in the community over their 58 years together.

Ron is survived by his beloved bride Sue, daughter Julie Anderson, sons Erik (Corina) Anderson, Matthew-Drazy (Laetitia) Anderson, and Kyle (Shawyn) Anderson, brother Wayne, grandchildren Ian, Seadna, Serra, Declin, Esme, Severn, Luna, and his cherished dog Nice. He is preceded by his mother Audrey Anderson. He will be both missed and forever etched into the fabric of our being. We are all better for having known him. We’ll miss you dude, rest and know you were loved.

He brought a light and lightness to this world that will burn as bright and long as the stars above for the countless people who had the fortune of knowing him. Please celebrate his life. The best way to do that is to gather your family around and make a special meal.  “Cantonese ribs” is a recipe he sweet-talked from a chef at one of the favorite restaurants he and Sue frequented when they were first married that they made at special family get-togethers.  Secret sauce recipe: 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/3 cup bead molasses (blackstrap if you can’t find bead), 1/3 of a cup sugar, ½ cup of ketchup, and 1-2 beef bouillon cubes in enough water to dissolve.  These are baby back ribs (1-2 slabs), cut individually and cooked with salt and pepper for about 2 hours at 300 degrees.  Drain fat, coat with sauce, and cook 30 more minutes, flip, re-coat with sauce, and cook 30 more minutes or until falling from bone. Then raise a rib for Ron.  For the vegetarians among you, a dry martini will also work.  “To Ron, he took care of family.”

A small family ceremony is planned at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. Ron will be interred at St. Josephs Cemetery in Fort Atkinson. A memorial for the public is planned for spring or summer to allow safe distancing in respect of Ron’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) because nothing is more Ron than to continue to take care of the family he loved.  If you want to be alerted to the future celebration of Ron’s life, send that request to ron@sueron.com.

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

Annabell Jeanette Hoof, age 84 of Whitewater, WI, passed peacefully on Friday, February 4th at St Mary’s Hospital in Janesville.

Funeral service information will be published at a later date. 

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

John Joseph Newhouse passed away on February 2, 2022 at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was born on December 4, 1931 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin as the beloved only child of Joseph and Mary (Stevens) Newhouse.

He graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1949. After graduation, he worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad before starting college at UW-Oshkosh. While at Oshkosh, he met Arlene Pankratz of Manitowoc and they were married on June 6, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Church in Alverno, Manitowoc County. During his time at Oshkosh, he played football for four years and was in the Periclean Fraternity. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army in 1954 and trained at Fort Riley, Kansas and served at the 7th Army Headquarters in Vaihingen, Stuttgart, Germany as an Intelligence Analyst before he was discharged in 1956. He began teaching and coaching football and basketball at Random Lake High School while working on his Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration, receiving his degree in 1960 from UW-Wisconsin. Eventually, he taught at Brookfield Central High School and became assistant principal in 1960. In 1968, he became Principal of Whitewater High School, serving in that role until his retirement in 1987. For eight years, John was a member of the WIAA Board of Control and during his tenure, Title IV was passed. After his retirement, he continued his involvement in high school sports activities for many years.

Over the years, John was involved in many community activities. He was co-founder of the Whitewater Community Foundation. He was on the library board, involved with the Whitewater Historical Society, and was secretary of the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis for over 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, a volunteer for Fort Healthcare Partners, a poll worker for Whitewater elections, and an usher at Irvin Young Auditorium. In 2013, he traveled to Washington, D.C. with VetsRoll.

John was survived by his wife Arlene; seven children: Michael (Sally Esthay) of Lakeway, TX, James of St. Francis, WI, Thomas (Blu) of Madison WI, Steven (Jina) of Winter Garden, FL, Christopher of Waterloo, WI, Mary (Greg Weaver) of Milwaukee, WI, and Anne (Chris Cooper) of Milwaukee, WI; six grandchildren: Nicole (Steve) Cervantes, Brandon Newhouse, Sophie (Luke) Martell, Megan (Sebastian) Smith, Andrew (Haley) Newhouse, and Susannah; eight great- grandchildren: Cody Conrad, Madelyn Sislo, Emma and Peyton Williams, Genevieve and Gunner Martell, and Harrison and Emelia Smith.

John and Arlene are members of St. Patrick Catholic Church. At the present time, there will be no service but there will be a memorial service at a later date. Burial will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.

Memorials may be directed to the John Newhouse Memorial of the Whitewater Community Foundation or the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.

Armstrong resident, Ardyth Albertson, 76, passed away peacefully at her home on February 2, 2022.

Ardyth Virgean Albertson was born August 7, 1945 in Whitewater, WI, a daughter to Gilman and Matie (Sanders) Hagen. She attended and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1963. On July 21, 1973, she married the love of her life, Roy Albertson in Beloit, WI. Together they’ve enjoyed over 48 years of marriage. For her professional career, Ardyth worked at Parker Pen Company in Janesville Wisconsin, and Besly Cutting Tool Company in Beloit Wisconsin as manager of employee relations. Ardyth was a devout member of Sharon Bible Church in Armstrong, MO, and had a strong relationship and love for her Lord and Savior.

Survivors include her husband of the home, Roy Albertson; nephew, Sam (Kathleen) Stroup; three nieces, Vickie (Mark) Gassman, Penny (Pete) Brown and Tammy (Bill) Verner. She is also survived by 11 great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters.

A funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Albertson is 1 PM, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Rev. Harold Young officiating. Visitation will be held an hour before the service starting at noon. Private burial will be held at Sharon Cemetery in rural Armstrong, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Sharon Bible Church or Hometown Homecare, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.

DeWight L. Hookstead passed away on February 1, 2022 at Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. He was born March 22, 1930 in Lima Township to Ethel (Turner) and William F. Hookstead. He lived most of his life in Lima Township; five of those years were spent on a farm in Rome, WI. He was a farmer, owning farms in three different counties and a can and bulk milk hauler. He was a member of Woodstock Progressive Milk Producers Association.

DeWight married Sibylla A. Weber on September 25, 1954 in Pittsville, WI. They had eight children, six sons and two daughters. We promised DeWight we would keep this as inexpensive as possible so we will not be listing everybody’s names. He had copious amounts of grandchildren and a gaggle of great grandchildren! Call 262-473-4470 for more information.

DeWight had many things he enjoyed; among them were slopping the hogs, milking the cows by hand, playing cards and telling stories. His memory was amazing; he could recall dates, weather, numbers and details of any event! Especially the ones learned as a child listening in on adult conversations and from his dad. We hope all of you who knew him will continue telling his stories!

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, February 6th at 1:30 pm at All Faiths Funeral Home in Janesville, Wisconsin. Words of Remembrance will begin at 2:30 pm. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting the family. Online expressions of condolences and support may be made at: www.866allfaiths.com.

James L. Rossmiller died on January 18, 2022, three days shy of his 95^th birthday in Watertown at the home of his granddaughter and her family. Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 21, 1927. He was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Mary Frances Rossmiller. His early years were spent on the near East side of Milwaukee. His attendance at St John’s Cathedral was a lasting influence in his spiritual life.

He graduated from Whitewater High School, entering the US Army after graduation.  He was a proud WWII veteran, stationed as a medic in Occupied Berlin along with British, French and Russian troops. It was here he picked up memorable phrases for which he was known. Upon returning from the war, he attended Whitewater College.

Jim worked at Creamery Package (CP, division of St. Regis) in Fort Atkinson and Lake Mills, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed running and bicycling when he turned 50.  He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish, serving in many roles, as an usher, on the parish council and a grand knight of Knights of Columbus.  He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, Fort Atkinson.

He met Rita Shroble while she worked at the soda fountain at Max’s Pharmacy, Whitewater. As she knew how to “roll” the ice cream, his forever love of Whippy Dips (ie. ice cream) began.  Jim and Rita were married on November 27, 1948. They enjoyed camping with family, traveling with friends, and dances with Club 46.  Their door was always open to family and friends. 

Family was everything to Gramps. He was known for his quick wit, one-liners and his kind and caring ways.  His final words of wisdom were “Be kind.”

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Rita in 2018 and his son, Tom in 2020.  Jim is survived by children, Kathleen (Robert) Cheek of Fort Atkinson, Mary (James Buenger) Emrick of Nekoosa, Janice Berg of Milwaukee and James M. (Amy) Rossmiller of Brookfield; eleven grandchildren, Lisa (Michael) Reese, Kathryn (Kevin) Driessen, Matthew (Leigh) Emrick, Kara (Brad Kucken) Emrick, Lucas (Laura) Emrick, Joseph (Katie) Berg, Andrew Berg, Laura Berg, Michael Rossmiller, Sarah (Ryan) Foote, Robert (Marilyne Sabourin) Rossmiller and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his cousin, Paul Rossmiller of Dousman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be prior to the funeral Mass at the church from 10:00 am until time of Mass.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be directed to Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1660 Endl Blvd. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 for the KC Scholarship fund or University of Wisconsin Foundation at 1848 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726 or visit www.supportuw.org/give directed to the macular degeneration research fund.

The Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family. 

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff of Bright Star and Marquardt Hospice for their kindness and care of Jim.

Christine M. Marshall, age 74, of Fort Atkinson, died on Friday, January 21, 2022 at her home in Fort Atkinson.

Christine was born on March 16, 1947, in Libertyville, IL, the daughter of Wilson and Virginia (Poulson)
King.  She was married to Richard Marshall, who preceded her in death on December 1, 2021. Christine
was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.  She was a passionate Packer and Brewer fan, loved to
read, and spent much of her working life working with children.

She is survived by her son, James (Eileen) Marshall, Portage;  two grandchildren, Christopher (Courtney
Erickson) and Kayleigh Marshall;  her brother, James King, Denver; her special friends, Judith Wade and
Kelly Lindl; other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband,
and her sister, Sylvia Valentine.  
 
No services will be held.  Inurnment will be private at a later date.  The family wishes to thank Agrace
Hospice Care for their support and assistance. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage
(www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.

Nancy Ann Pearson passed away on January 24, 2022. Nancy and husband Wayne owned Napier’s Liquor Store and Kiddlywink Tavern for many years on the east side of Whitewater. Wayne died in 1995. Nancy was a loving mother and is survived by her sons Doug and Brad who both graduated from Whitewater High School. Doug now lives in Kent, Ohio, and Brad now lives in Adams, Wisconsin. Condolences can be emailed to dougprsn9@gmail.com.