Obituaries

James M. Stypla, age 71, of Janesville, passed away at home on Friday, February 25, 2022. A celebration of his life will be held on a later date. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting his family.

Arthur Knute Lein was born in the family home on Fremont Street and lived his whole life on Fremont until debility necessitated the move to Fairhaven where he spent several years eventually being joined by his wife whom he referred to as my Marvelous Mary. He attended school in Whitewater and attended UWW where he eventually received a BA after a couple year hiatus to serve in the US Army. He trained with the 10th mountain division in Colorado. The war ended when he was getting ready to ship out so that was very fortunate or I might not be here. He was very proud of his service and being a veteran. He met Mom at UWW and they married in 1953. Eric, my deceased brother and I, Kevin were their children. I am the last branch of the family tree, the last of the Mohicans. Dad always introduced himself to people as “I’m Art Lein from Whitewater, Wisconsin.” He loved Whitewater and all things Wisconsin. He was a huge fan of UWW and Badger sports. All Wisconsin sports. I remember watching many Packer games with him.

Dad opened up a clothing store in the late 50’s and closed it in 1979 to sell clothing in WI and MI for many years until he retired. He was very involved in community/civic events over his life. He and Mom attended countless Warhawk games and he was on the Hall of Fame Board at UWW for many years. He was eventually inducted into the hall with a Distinguished Service Award for his years of serving and promoting Warhawk sports and UWW. He and couple of friends started the Quarterback Club to help promote the Warhawk football teams and his friend Perk, the longtime coach. He and countless friends spearheaded the drive to open Perkins Stadium in the early 70’s. Service included Zoning commission for Whitewater and Walworth county board member as well. He was head usher at the Congregational Church for 40 plus years although he was known to ditch the sermon to go eat cookies in the basement of the church. He was on the board of the Commercial Bank for many years with his lifelong friend Dave Kachel. He was a member of the Legion post for many years and was vice commander in his final years with them.

Dad was a jovial and gregarious man who always had a smile on his face. He loved going to coffee klatsch every day with a bunch of the local men so they could discuss current events and figure out solutions, with a lot of jokes and ribbing thrown in. He put a Bush senior for president sticker on Jack Frawley’s (a lifelong Democrat) car. Jack didn’t notice for a couple of days until someone asked him if he went over to the other side. Those were the days when things weren’t so divided and people so sensitive. He loved to pull jokes and pranks on his other friends as well. Too many to list.

Dad was a very kind and decent man of the greater generation. He made many lifelong friends in his time on earth. He was a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by the many he knew and touched. He’s in heaven now with Mom.

I would like to extend my appreciation to Fairhaven for their wonderful care of Dad these last years. They have very special people working there. Also a shout out for Rainbow Hospice who were involved in his care as well of that of my mom and brother in the past. They have some wonderful staff as well.

There will be a celebration of life this summer for anyone that knew him or Mom which I will get posted when I get things nailed down. Their bodies are at UWM for medical research so there will be no burial services for some time until I get their remains. He and Mom will be interred together at the Veterans cemetery in Union Grove at a future date.

Dora “Pat” Grace Platner, 94, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022 surrounded by love.

Pat was born in Whitewater, WI, at the family home on April 8, 1927 to Richard G. and Artemesia (Gibson) O’Connor. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1945 and Pestalozzi Froebel in 1947 with a degree in education. Pat taught kindergarten in Milton for one year, something she spoke about often in her later years. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Donald J. Platner on November 6, 1947. Pat was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater and the Altar Society.

Pat leaves behind quite a legacy. She is survived by her children: Janet Bishop, Teta Hoerman, Tim (Donna) Platner, Mary O’Connor, Sue Latini (Dennis Darrah), Ann Wood, Nancy Platner, Nic (Linda) Platner, Dik Platner (Sharon Faust), Sam (Inna) Platner, Dan Platner; Grandchildren: BJ Bishop, Andy Bishop, Patty Pellmann, Stacy Fermanich, Cory Pellmann, Megan Borchardt, Katie Cerda, Erin Platner, Kelly Platner, Shawn O’Connor, Shanna O’Connor, Lea Newman, Brody Newman, Blake Lewis, Max Platner, Bruce Miller, Jasmine Miller, Lacy Croswell, Angel Patrick, Nikolai Platner, and Sasha Platner. She is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, brothers Tony and Jim, sons-in-law, Ronald Wood and Jim Hoerman, grandsons, Charlie Stull and David Lewis.

Pat was a kind and gentle soul. If you knew her, you loved her. She was always quick to help anyone in any way she could. Some have described her as a force of nature. She always had a smile and a hug. Donations in her memory can be made to Agrace Hospice, who provided loving care and comfort to not only Pat, but to her family as well. The loss here on earth is great, but we know she is reunited with so many loved ones, with a clear mind and healthy body.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the service.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Lawrence, 99, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

A memorial service will take place at 2 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater.  A visitation will take place from 1 PM until the time of service.  A burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Richmond Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Rosemary Schoenfeld Wagner, age 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 11, 2022, at home. She was born on September 23, 1943, in Park Falls to the late Adeline Hildebrandt and Orthel Schoenfeld.

In 1958 Rosemary met and married the love of her life, Walter Lawrence Wagner Sr. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage in Whitewater and enjoyed many years of retired life by traveling, gardening, snowmobiling, and spending time with their family.

She is survived by her husband and children, Walter Wagner Jr. (Trinka), Julie Rock, and Robert Wagner (Marylou); six grandchildren, Tracy Wagner, Andrew Sarow (Bri), Kristen Czech (David), Bruce Sarow (Tera), Louann Wagner, Robert Wagner, Melissa Wagner, Emily Wagner; seven great grandchildren, Jaelynn Wagner, Ripley Czech, James Sarow, Eliza Sarow, Beatrice Sarow, Weston Czech, Tallulah Sarow; and one brother, Ben Schoenfeld (Suzie). Rose was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles Schoenfeld (Josephine).

Thank you all for the cards and condolences. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Milwaukee Rescue and Salvation Army.

Harold E. “Charlie” Brown, 84, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

Charlie was born on December 18, 1937 in Chilhowie, VA the son of Charles and Annie (Hagy) Brown. He grew up in Davis Valley, VA and graduated from Rural Retreat High School. After high school, Charlie faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force. On April 25, 1964, Charlie was united in marriage to Helen Peardon at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Waukesha, WI. The Lord blessed their union with two loving sons, Dave and Dan. Charlie worked as a plumber for the majority of his working career and was a member of the Plumbers’ Union for over 35 years. He excelled at his work and was very skilled. Faith was also a very large part of Charlie’s life. He was a very involved member at St. Luke’s for many years, serving on the Amigo Maintenance Team and also as an usher. Charlie was also a Freemason and a member of the Eastern Star. For leisure, he enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers. The most important thing in Charlie’s life was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was happiest spending time with his family. He gave good advice and made sure all his family felt loved and cared for. He will be sincerely missed.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 56 years, Helen Brown of Palmyra, WI; his sons, Dave (Connie) Brown of Palmyra, WI, and Dan Brown of Whitewater, WI; his dear grandchildren, Lynnette, Sheri, Danielle (Ryan), Josh (Crystal), Nate, Robby, and Andrew; his great-grandchildren, Arianna, Leah, Caleb, Zachary, Evan, and Alexis; and his sister, Gaye Brown of VA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Elbert, Howard, Robert and Ray, and his dear great-grandson, Isaac.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may consider donating to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Waukesha in Charlie’s name.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). The Rev. Steve Bogie will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Harold will be laid to rest with full military honors in Melendy’s Prairie Cemetery during a private family service at a later date.

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

Terry Badura, 74, of Fort Atkinson entered the arms of his loving Savior on Sunday, February 20, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.  Terry lived his late stage at Reena Memory Care where his charm and little dance steps will be missed.

Terry was born on December 26, 1947 to Harvey and Irene (Punzel) Badura.  He was a 1966 graduate of Fort Atkinson.  Terry entered the United States Army in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War being awarded two Purple Hearts.  He married Pamela Wolfram in 1971.  He was employed at Butler Manufacturing, J-Star Industries, and St. Paul School over the years. 

Terry was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother.  

Terry is survived by his wife, Pam Badura; children, Jason (Lisa) Badura, Lori (Adam) Skaar, Jennifer (Paul) Bratz; four grandchildren, Ethan Skaar, Joseph Skaar, Adeline Bratz, Aiden Bratz; three sisters, Peggy (Bill) Peterson, twin sisters – Jean and Sheila Badura; cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Irene Badura; two infant sons, Benjamin and Timothy Badura; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Reena Memory Care, Rainbow Hospice, and family and friends for their love and support.

A memorial service will take place at 12 PM on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.  A visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of service. Family and friends are invited immediately following the service for a celebration of Terry’s life with a meal and memories at the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Terry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Donna Enright Bonk-Lasch

There must be borrowed angels here in life.  They come along, into this world and make it bright but they cannot stay forever because they are Heaven sent.  Sometimes Heaven needs them back again.  

Heaven called Donna back again on February 21, 2022.  She was born on August 28, 1934, to Lyle and Dola (McMahon) Enright.  Donna graduated from Whitewater City High School as Salutatorian in 1952.  She married Joseph Bonk on October 3, 1953.  He preceded her in death in 1971.  Together they had two sons Dan and Bob.

Donna married Russell Lasch on April 7, 1979.  He preceded her in death in 2016.  She worked for 34 years at Fort Healthcare.  Donna had fond memories of Dr. Phil Yao, Dr. Julie Mochtar and their staff.  In the 1970’s she was known to travel many hours and hundreds of miles just to watch her boys run a less than a minute track race.  She was one of LaCrosse Indians’ biggest fans.  When Donna and Russell retired, they could often be found at Novak’s Restaurant sitting at the table of knowledge with friends discussing many of Whitewater’s issues of the day over a cup of coffee. She enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, bowling and playing cards.  Donna was an avid Green Bay Packer, Milwaukee Brewer and Wisconsin Badger football fan.  

She is survived by her sons: Dan (Carrie) Bonk, Bellville, TX, Bob (Terry) Bonk, Edwardsburg, MI; sister, Lyles Lee Dravus, Janesville, WI; grandchildren: Jason Bonk, Twin Lakes, WI, Courtney Hinzpeter, Walworth, WI, Colten Bonk, San Antonio, TX, Mackenzie Bonk, Arlington, TX; bonus grandchildren: Brandon (Molly) Pechous, Eagle, WI, Tyler (Katie) Pechous, Whitewater, WI; great-grandchildren: Hayes and Shay Hinzpeter; bonus great-grandchildren: Kaleb Pechous, Bria Lang and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:00 am at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com        

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.