Obituaries

Jean H. (Peterson) Nielsen, 92, of Dousman, WI passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Lake Country Health and Rehab Center with her loving family by her side.

Jean was born on August 12, 1929 in Kaukauna, WI the daughter of Allen and Lydia (Mahn) Peterson. She spent her childhood in Kaukauna and then moved to Maywood, IL and graduated from Proviso High School. After high school, Jean worked as a buyer for Sears in Chicago and then was transferred to Appleton, WI. Jean married LeRoy Deno and the two were blessed with four loving daughters. Jean later married Harold Nielsen and the two would go on to enjoy many years of marriage together until his passing in 1991. In addition to raising four children, Jean worked in a few different capacities during her life. She owned and operated the Edge of Town Café in Palmyra for a number of years and then worked as a chef at Fort Atkinson Hospital until her retirement. Jean was kind. She cared for others and had a good sense of humor even in her final days. Her loving family will remember her example of positivity even through her long battle with cancer and other medical issues. A fond saying, she shared with others “always keep up your gumption.” Jean was a member of St. John’s Evan. Lutheran Church in Whitewater for a number of years and her faith meant a lot to her. Above all else in her life was her love for her family. She was a proud mother, grandma and great-grandma and she will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her two loving daughters, Pamela (Wesley) Jones of Pretty Lake, and Patricia Deno of Pretty Lake; her dear grandchildren, Brenda (Zach Perez) Jones of Okauchee Lake, and David (Rebecca) Jones of Whitewater; and her two dear great-grandchildren, Felix and Vivian. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her husband, Harold Nielsen; the father of her children, LeRoy Deno; two dear children, Sandra and Barbara Deno, and her siblings Charlotte (Harold) Coenen, Russell (Nona) Peterson and Thomas (Sharon) Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Evan. Lutheran Church of Whitewater, ProHealth Care Foundation, or the Macular Degeneration Research at UW-Madison Hospital.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all of Jean’s healthcare providers for the wonderful care they provided Jean over the years.

A Funeral Service to honor Jean’s life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Sullivan, WI (W407 US-18, Sullivan, WI 53178). Pastor Dean Zemple will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 2:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church. Jean will be laid to rest next to her husband in Highland Memorial Park of Appleton at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

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

James Roland “Jim” McVeigh, 92, of Whitewater passed away on October 16, 2021 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Jim was born on March 13, 1929 to the late John and Anna Frances (O’Bryan) McVeigh in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from East Troy High School in 1947. On April 15, 1950 Jim married Joan Smart at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle, WI.  Jim and Joan raised their 7 children in Eagle, WI before moving to Palmyra where they lived for 44 years. He worked at Waukesha Motors as a machinist for 29 years until retirement. Jim’s enjoyments included RV camping, golfing, and hunting. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, his model railroading hobby and was an avid Packer and Badger fan. Jim was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Deborah) McVeigh, Denver, CO, Thomas (Patricia Scott) McVeigh, Smithville, MO, James (Linda) McVeigh, Palmyra, Timothy McVeigh, Palmyra, Margaret (David) Fargo, La Crosse, WI, Daniel McVeigh, Janesville, WI, Richard McVeigh, Fort Atkinson, WI; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen McVeigh.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Joan; three brothers, Jack McVeigh, William McVeigh, Robert McVeigh; and two sisters, Margaret Masi, and Anna Maude Reek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190 or may be attended virtually at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/5331452566.  Burial will follow at the Oak Knoll Cemetery, Eagle, WI.  Friends may call at the church on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson, WI.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Kenneth H. “Ken” Rowley of Whitewater, Wisconsin died on October 15^th, 2021 at the age of 87. Ken was born and lived for 75 years on the family farm in Richmond Township, WI; after which he moved to Prairie Village in Whitewater, WI.

Ken attended eight grades at Finch country school. He graduated from Whitewater City High School and from the Agricultural Short Course at the UW-Madison College of Agriculture. Ken was active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H. He received numerous honors in both culminating in attending 4-H Club Congress in Chicago and receiving the FFA “American Farmer” degree in Kansas City. On June 19^th, 1954, Ken married Nancy Wilbur in Whitewater. Four sons were born to Ken and Nancy and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Ken was a dedicated farmer, or “agriculturist” as he sometimes said. He was a long-time Farm Bureau member and served that organization as a Director and as County President for many years. The Farm Bureau prides itself on being “The Voice of Agriculture” and Ken vocalized that point of view to many organizations, often the only one there to speak for farmers.

Ken was an active, life-time member of the Methodist Church working on innumerable committees. He served as chairman of the Administrative Council for many years.

Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Kenneth (Debbie) of W.Suffield, CT and Curtis (Sally) of Whitewater; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Mae Rowley; two sons, Russell and Richard and his sister and brother-in-law Laurene and Bill Keech.

In the Methodist Church in Whitewater, Ken’s life will be celebrated. Pastor Don Norman will officiate at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21^st, 2021 following a visitation from 10 to 11. Interment will be at the Richmond Cemetery following the funeral service.

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

Lonnie “Rip” Ripley, 74, Whitewater, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Wellington Meadows, Fort Atkinson after a courageous 4 year battle with cancer.  He was born on December 10, 1946 in Elkhorn, WI.  Lonnie was a lifelong Whitewater resident and attended Whitewater High School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served several tours in Vietnam from 1964-1967.  Upon returning to Whitewater, he spent his entire career working for various printing companies and retiring from Freedom Graphics Systems in Milton, WI.  

Lonnie’s favorite pastimes included fishing, Gus’s Pizza, Green Bay Packers, Rock ‘N’ Roll and more fishing.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Clark Johnson; sister-in-law, Connie Ripley and brother, Donald Ripley.  He is survived by his brother, Mike; Sister, Leanne (Bob) Breckler; brother, Jamie (Dixie) Ripley; daughter, Donna Ripley; son, Lonnie Ripley; step-daughter, Angela Marie Wintlend.   

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com   

Beverly Jane (Patefield) Roehl, 89, Whitewater died on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Living, Whitewater. 

Beverly was born on October 4, 1931 in Fort Atkinson.  She was the daughter of Arthur and Bernice Patefield.  Beverly was confirmed and became an active member of the Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1946.  She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1949.  Beverly married Gordon E. Roehl on September 22, 1951 at the First Methodist Church, Fort Atkinson.  She worked for the State of Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 34 years as a secretary in the Admissions office and later as an Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Chancellor for Administrative.  Her job was a labor of love.  She retired in 1998 and after retirement she traveled to Hawaii, Great Britain and Europe.  Beverly volunteered at the Milton Public Library for ten years and the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital.  She was a reading companion for several students in the Whitewater School District.  Beverly was a current member of the Whitewater Congregational UCC after being a member and organist of the North Lima Presbyterian Church for nearly 50 years.  She also was a substitute organist at many other churches in the area.  Beverly sang with and was a past president of the Milton Choral Union, the Beloit/Janesville Symphony Chorus and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Community Chorus.  She was a member of the piano trio that performed at retirement and nursing homes in the Milton/Janesville area.  Family was always the most important part of her life, but music provided the expression of love and emotions.  She organized and performed in the Fairhaven Music Soirees for 4 years.  Beverly was also an avid reader and card player.  She loved to crochet and made afghans for her children, nieces, nephews and hospital babies.  She is survived by her son, Roger Alan Roehl of Bruce, WI; her loving grandson Nicholas Edward Roehl of Milton, WI; her daughter-in-law, Jodelle “Jodi” of Janesville, and her step-grandson, Chris Jones.  Other survivors include estranged grandson, Nathan T. Roehl of Janesville; a foster son, Mohammed “Ben” (Sandra) Ariss of Mukwonago; foster granddaughters, Sara (Carl) Ariss Hackbarth; great-grandchildren; sisters: Shirley Gebhardt and Helen (Chuck) Sayre; Katherine Ariss and numerous nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon in 1990; son, Gregory Arthur in 2011; parents; and three brothers: Russell A., Douglas J., and Jerome “Romie.”

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Atkinson.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Fairhaven Senior Living, Whitewater.  Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com

Cheryl “Sherry” Lea Chapin age 69 passed away after a long battle of illnesses, on September 23, 2021 at Mercy Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

Cheryl was born to Frank “Bud” and Gladys “Rudolph” Shearer on October 9, 1951 in Elkhorn WI. She was raised in Palmyra Wisconsin.

She met and married the love of her life Joseph Chapin. They married in Jefferson Wisconsin October 21 1988. They settled in Elkhorn WI, where they still live today. She worked at Continental Plastics in Delavan WI.

Cheryl had many passions; when she was healthy she loved to hike, do yardwork, baking, decorating for the holidays and cleaning her house. She loved flowers, shopping and taking a trip to the casino. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and spoiling the ones she loved. She had an old soul and a heart of gold.

Cheryl is survived by her husband Joseph Chapin of Elkhorn WI. Her sisters: Mary “Jerry” Walker Richmond WI, Dorothy Shearer of Jefferson WI, Gail Shearer of Jefferson WI, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in her death by her son Dallas. Her parents Frank and Gladys Shearer. Her brothers, Eugene “Bucky” Shearer and Clyde Jaquith.

A celebration of life will take place on October 9th at 1:00 PM at the Community Center at Tremain Mobile Park. N2639 County Rd Z Dousman WI 53118.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

MaryLou (Joosten) Rogers passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, September 11, 2021, in Fitchburg, Wis., at the age of 93, with her family by her side.

She was born December 15, 1927, to Eulalia (Markee) and Louis Joosten in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., the youngest of their seven children, and was raised in nearby Rudolph. Most remarkable about her young life, MaryLou would often recall, were two things: A cross-country band trip with her sisters that took them all to Washington, D.C., a very young MaryLou playing the cymbals and passing the hat; and perhaps the proudest achievement—that each of the seven Joosten children, including she and her four sisters, earned their college degrees during a time when it was especially uncommon for women to do so. Education and literacy were lifelong passions, and MaryLou’s penchant for proper grammar was a source of great pleasure to her friends and family. She was a voracious reader, New York Times crossword puzzle solver, Scrabble and bridge player.

MaryLou graduated as valedictorian from Rudolph High School in 1945, then attended UW-Whitewater. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Sorority and graduated in 1949 with a degree in business. In 1950, she married Alan “Pete” Rogers in Whitewater where they raised four children.

In 1973, Mary Lou moved to Amery, Wis., where she first worked as a transcriptionist and later became office manager at Apple River Memorial Hospital. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Amery, where she played the piano and organ, worked at church events, and helped with bookkeeping.

She moved back to Whitewater after retirement and later moved to Heritage Senior Living in Middleton, Wis.

MaryLou is survived by her children Carol (Dave) Miller, Waunakee; Peter (Sheree) Rogers, Venice, Florida; Todd (Pamela) Rogers, Auburn, Alabama; and Christopher Rogers, Waunakee. She is also survived by grandchildren Ryan Miller, Todd (Meg) Miller, Katherine Rogers, Jennifer (Benny) DeBruin, Jason Smith, Madison Rogers, Nicholas Rogers, Abigail Rogers, Danielle Rogers, and three great grandchildren: Jackson, Bodhi and Eamon Miller.

MaryLou now rejoins her family in passing; her parents Eulalia and Louis, and her beloved sisters and brothers Janet, Beryl, Gloria, Joan, Jackie, and Bruce.

There will be a private family service and she will be interred at Amery Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests gifts in MaryLou’s memory be made to the Amery Area Public Library, 225 Scholl Ct., Amery, WI 54001; or The Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.

MaryLou’s family would like to thank the many caregivers and medical professionals who assisted her in her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, especially the staff at Heritage Senior Living, St. Mary’s Hospital, and Agrace Hospice. You represent your profession well and are making a positive difference in the lives of those in your care.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Keith A. Strait, 77, Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI.

Keith was born on December 31, 1943 in Elkhorn, WI to Francis and Helen (McNamer) Strait.  He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1963 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in education from UW-Whitewater.  While in college he served his country in the United States Naval Reserves.  He was activated during the Vietnam War and was stationed in San Diego, CA.  He married Kaylene Hutcheson on January 21, 1967 in Whitewater.  Keith taught for 36 years and for 35 of those years he taught for the Whitewater Unified School District as a fifth and sixth grade teacher.  He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.  Keith was an active member of the St. John Masonic Lodge in Whitewater and served four terms as the Worshipful Master.     

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kaylene; sons: Quinn (Amy) Strait, MN, Cale (Tasha) Strait, MN; grandchildren: Laila, Tenzin, Fiona, Zay, Cade, and Wynn; siblings: Barbara Moore, Black River Falls, Marion Halverson, Kenosha, Marlyn (Roger) Buswell, Beloit, and Gordon Strait, Albany.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son Kyle; brothers: Ray, Kermit, Stewart and sister Mildred Pester.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 12:00pm at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to the St. John Masonic Lodge in Keith’s honor.    

John Andrew Gregoire, 59, of Whitewater, WI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at his home.

John was born December 4th, 1961 to his parents Donald and Linda Gregoire. John worked as an Equipment Engineer in the road construction industry for several years and also served as a firefighter for the Whitewater Fire Department. He was blessed with two daughters; Cami and Cary Gregoire, whom he loved dearly. John was very proud of his daughters and considered them the light of his life. He also loved NASCAR and his favorite drivers were Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart. John will be greatly missed by the friends and family that he left behind.

He is survived by: his daughters, Cami and Cary Gregoire of Whitewater, his brother and sister-in-law  Don and Jill Gregoire of Whitewater, his sister Brenda and her husband Carl Kienbaum of North Fond du lac, and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Graveside Service will be held to honor John’s life at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

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

Charles Scharine

Jan 20, 1935 – Sept. 19, 2021

Charles F. Scharine (Charlie), 86, of rural Whitewater WI, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice on September 19, 2021, after an extended illness at home. 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 26 at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gail Monsma officiating. Visitation will be at the church starting at 1:00 PM. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Johnstown cemetery. Light refreshments will be served at the church following the interment. Masks are required for the indoor portion of the service. Arrangements are by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home.  

Charlie was born to Albert and Charlotte Scharine in 1935. A graduate of Whitewater City High School class of 1953, he was joined in marriage with Shirley (Ellsworth) Scharine on July 14, 1956. Charlie started the family business (CS Mechanized Choring) in 1962, with dairy equipment sales and service. In the 1970s, he started the grain division and in 1987 General Motors sought out Charlie to design and manufacture custom carts. From that, Scharine’s Custom Fabrication division was born, with the entire company rebranded as The Scharine Group. The Scharine Group is now headed by Charlie’s three sons.  

Charlie also enjoyed a very successful military career. He joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1953 along with fellow members of Whitewater City High football team. He served on active duty during the 1961-62 Berlin Crisis with the 32nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. His military education included the Jungle Warfare School at Fort Sherman, Panama Canal Zone, Infantry Officer Orientation Course; and Command and General Staff College. Brig. Gen. Charles F Scharine (ret.) was commander of the 57th Field Artillery Brigade, instrumental in saving the brigade from deactivation in the early 1980s. Commanding the 32nd Infantry Brigade, he mobilized a full brigade of soldiers and equipment for deployment to Germany in the REFORGER 1986 exercises. After retirement, Gen. Scharine remained active in community and military associations, especially as long-time leader of the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division/Brigade Old Timers Club. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster. Charlie’s great loves included his family, his country, and gardening. He was also famous for his cinnamon rolls and Sunday morning fellowship cookies.  

Charles is survived by his wife Shirley; three daughters, April (Michael) Cochran, Shelby Keefe and Therese (Scott) Woodruff; and three sons, Blake (Kim) Scharine, Jason (Stephanie) Scharine and Marcus (Shelly) Scharine. He is also survived by two sisters Genevieve Thompson and Ellie Borchert, 9 grandchildren (Jade Cochran, Kaleb and Noah Keefe, Skyler Woodruff, Brittney Scharine, Raven and Robyn King, Morgan and Mallory Scharine) and 1 great grandchild (Zoey Gross).  

The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Agrace Hospice and Assisting Hands Home Care for their kindness and skilled assistance. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wisconsin National Guard Foundation Inc., 2400 Wright Street, Room 151, Madison WI 53704.  

Online condolences can be made at henkeclarson.com.