Obituaries

A Memorial Service will be held to honor the life of Mary J. Goeglein on May 22, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Evergreen Country Club in the Pavillion, N6246 US-12, Elkhorn, WI 53121 .  Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m., with visitation afterwards until 5:00 p.m.  Please note masks will be required.

Mary J. Goeglein, 61, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by her family on October 22^nd, 2020.

Mary was born on November 29^th, 1958 in Fort Atkinson to Robert A. and Jane E. (Graham) Kettwig. She spent all of her early life in Whitewater; graduating from Whitewater High School in 1977 and then UW-Whitewater in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. On June 1^st, 1979, she married the love of her life, Walter “Wally” Goeglein, at United Methodist Church in Whitewater. After graduating, she pursued a career at her alma mater as an administrative assistant. Here, she touched many lives and dearly enjoyed mentoring and building friendships with her student workers.  Many kept in contact with her after their graduation and she enjoyed following their further careers and adventures. 

Many described Mary as a caring, warm-hearted person that was always willing to help others. She was gentle yet bold, and always had so much love to give. Her smile was bright and contagious; she lit up any room she entered. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; and enjoyed cooking wonderful meals for family and friends.  One of her favorite activities was riding her Can-Am Spyder “Cora” and she was a beloved member of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. She loved all things Disney and made many trips “home” to Walt Disney World which brought her so much joy.  She enjoyed watching Badger, Packer and Brewer games and loved the spirit of Wisconsin sports. One event you could always find her at was Irish Fest in Milwaukee; enjoying the music, the food and all things Celtic.

Mary is survived by her husband Wally; her son Graham (Autumn White) Goeglein of Madison; her daughter Jessica (Tom) Ackley of Raymond; her brothers Thomas (Toni) Kettwig of Poinciana, FL, and Dan (Kathy) Kettwig of Port Orchard, WA; and her grandchildren Abraham and Harrison Ackley; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Estelle Villwock.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Agrace Hospice, Cedar Crest Assisted Living, and Visiting Angels for all of their compassion and kindness.

A memorial service for Mary will be held in the Spring of 2021 when we can all gather to share our beloved memories of her and honor her spirit.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be given to the ALS Association at their website donate.als.org to benefit ALS research.  You can also send a memorial in her name to Agrace Hospice by either going to their website or if you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to “Agrace Foundation” and mail it to: Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Arlene Louise (Bjorngaard) Ostermeier, 89, passed away at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin on March 21, 2021 after a brief illness.

Arlene was born on February 18, 1932 to Peder and Selma Bjorngaard in Wanamingo, Minnesota. She attended country school for eight years and graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1950. Arlene graduated from St. Olaf College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in home economics education. She taught home economics for seven years at junior and senior high schools in Evansville, Litchfield, and St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Arlene received her M.A. at Michigan State University in December 1962 from the Department of Textiles, Clothing, and Related Arts. She completed 27 credits toward a Ph.D. in the Department of Sociology while she was teaching at Michigan State University.

Arlene married Terry Harlan Ostermeier on May 9, 1964 in East Lansing, Michigan. She taught in the Department of Home Economics at State University College of Buffalo from September 1964 to January 1967.

Arlene and Terry moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in July 1967 where they built a house in the country on a 20-acre woodlot, and she devoted herself to raising their two sons. She later was a substitute teacher and taught evening classes for Gateway Technical College. Arlene then worked in several positions at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and retired on July 15, 2000 from the Registrar’s Office.

Arlene was a co-founder of Whitewater Gourmet Club in 1970. Her hobbies were cooking, reading political and historical books, and traveling with Elderhostel, which continued her love of learning. Beginning with her two-month tour of Europe during the summer of 1956, Arlene visited more than 20 countries. She participated in many events at the Whitewater Senior Center and lectures at Fairhaven.

Arlene was preceded in death by her mother Selma, father Peder, and brother Norris. She is survived by her husband Terry, sons Marc (Elissa Zurbuchen) and Eric (Melanie Burns), granddaughters Brita and Sara Ostermeier, brother Pervin (Lois), and sisters-in-law Eileen Bjorngaard, Judi Krablien, Boni Otto, and Kris Seefeldt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 Southeast 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (www.parkinson.org).

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

Alva D. Robinson age 85 of Whitewater was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Saturday March 20, 2021 at her home. She was born on April 4, 1935 to Earl and Gertrude (Schober) Schrunk in Ewing, NE. She graduated in the class of 1952 from Bartlett High School in Wheeler County, Nebraska. She met her future husband Dorald in 1952 when he was working on the ranch; they were married on February 22, 1955 in Clearwater, Nebraska. Dorald knew the moment he laid eyes on Alva that she was his one and only. In 1965, the family moved to the Milton area where Alva worked for JC Penney and Prent. Alva dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. She excelled at many talents including various forms of crafting and gardening. In her later years, she turned her card-making into a successful business. Alva and Dorald lived life to its fullest over the last 24 years as snowbirds in Arizona. They cherished every moment of their many friendships and adventures.

Alva is survived by her loving husband Dorald of Whitewater; daughter Myrna (David) Rudolph of Beloit, and son Carl (Karen) Robinson of Menasha, WI.; three grandchildren Robbie (Ami) Robinson, Melissa Robinson and Scott Robinson, two great-grandchildren; Faith and Haven. Siblings Ellis (Lois) Schrunk, Roland (Shirley) Schrunk, Merlyn (Nila) Schrunk, Earleen (Marlowe) Jensen, Laura Ratliff, Bob (Sheila) Schrunk and Tim Schrunk. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation time will be held Friday, March 26 from 10:00 A.M. -12:30 P.M. at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Service with a family service to follow. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.

JANESVILLE—Renee C. Wolters, age 68, of Janesville, passed away on March 16, 2021, at Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center, Janesville. She was born in Milwaukee on June 7, 1952, the daughter of Fred and Joan (Gauger) Liermann. Renee was a 1970 graduate of Oak Creek High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree from UW Whitewater. Renee started her 33 year Physical Education teaching career in 1974 at Franklin Junior High School but her last 20 years were spent at Parker High School. She was a gifted multi-sport athlete at UW Whitewater and was inducted into the UW Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 1989. She had a passion for teaching and coaching. She enjoyed traveling and following her retirement from teaching in 2007, she worked for VanGalder Tours, where she was a tour planner and director. She also enjoyed gardening and landscaping. She was a member of Luther Valley Church.

Renee is survived by her 2 children; son, Matt Wolters and daughter, Jennifer Wolters; grandson, Jordan Wolters; mother, Joan Liermann of Muskego; brother, Eric (Donna) Liermann of Oak Creek; sister, Kim Liermann of Menomonee Falls; and other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father.

A Public Celebration of Renee’s Life will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, 21 S. Austin Rd, Janesville. A Private Memorial Service will be held earlier in the day with Rev. Jim Johnson officiating. Memorials can be made in Renee’s name to either Luther Valley Church or the Rock County Cancer Coalition. For online sharing of memories and registry: www.apfelwolfe.com

Phyllis (Taylor) Hamby age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 20, 2021 at Reena Sr. Living, Fort Atkinson, WI.  Phyllis was born on February 9, 1936 to Ralph and Margaret (Strain) Taylor in Janesville, Wisconsin.

She graduated from Whitewater High School.  She married Frank Hamby on October 22, 1955 in Whitewater.  She worked as a secretary/office manager in insurance for 42 years, retiring from Day Insurance, Fort Atkinson, in 2008.

Phyllis enjoyed being a part of the Whitewater Snowmobile Club, and a member of the Christian Science Church, Fort Atkinson. She also enjoyed camping, dancing, traveling and was an avid seamstress.  

Phyllis is survived by her husband Frank, her children LeeAnn (Alan) Pomplun; David Hamby (Denise Bell); granddaughter Simone (Erik) Culver; great-grandson Bentley Culver; sister Patricia (Harry) Nordentoft; sister-in-law Helen (Larry) Delaney; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother Ronald Taylor.

Per her wishes, Phyllis did not want any services.   The family would like to extend their thanks to the helpful staff of Reena Senior Living, Fort Atkinson, as well as Agrace HospiceCare of Fitchburg.  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ann C. Rein, 79, of Fort Atkinson passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Ann was born on April 3, 1941 in Milwaukee.  She graduated an associate degree nursing program at Moraine Park Technical Institute in Fond du Lac and became a licensed practical nurse and worked at Fairhaven for 27 years.  In April 24, 1970 Ann met the love of her life, Ron, and they married six months later.  Together, Ann and Ron would raise two children in Palmyra.

She enjoyed gardening, farm life, animals, country living, cooking, camping, and especially spending time with her family. 

Ann is survived by her husband, Ron Rein; children, Brian Rein, Tammy (Michael) Boyd; grandchildren, Lilly Boyd, Brooke Boyd; sister, Kathy (Chuck) Cook; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by parents, John and Helen Witkins; brothers, Larry Van Veghel, Jon Witkins; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ellsworth and Vernetta Rein.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 10AM until 11AM at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  A graveside will take place after the visitation at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra.

A memorial can be made in Ann’s name to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Yvonne Jean Henry, 85, of Whitewater passed away on March 16th, 2021 at her home. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Connie L. Miller passed away Monday March 8, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville.

She was born on August 3, 1961 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Clifford and Eileen (Stelse) Miller. Connie loved to cook, and her secret ingredient was love. She shared this talent with family and friends and those she served throughout her career most notably at The Glen Assisted Living. She was a natural caregiver which translated into her daily life. She was compassionate and caring, she loved her co-workers and the residents she cared for. Connie enjoyed a good makeover and home renovation project and was often inspired by the home-makeover shows she watched. Connie enjoyed being outdoors and nature. She would often find pleasure and relaxation by “taking a ride” to enjoy the beauty of the Wisconsin seasons. Her deepest love and greatest passion were her children and grandchildren; she was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved unconditionally, listened and supported them as they navigated their way through young adulthood and becoming parents themselves. In her later years, Connie was reunited with her young love, Duane Smith. There is comfort in knowing that they are once again together and able to fully enjoy each other.

She will be deeply missed by her family, children Brooke Miller of Sun Prairie, Jonathon Jacobs of Whitewater. Stepdaughter Ashley Bush of Virginia. Mother Eileen Miller of Whitewater. Grandchildren, Aaliyah Crawford, Carter Jacobs, Juliet Jacobs, Cantley Busch, Amelia Busch, Lincoln Busch. Sisters Diane Brunette of Janesville, Donna (Wayne) Tyler of Fort Atkinson, Cindy (Rob) Channing of Whitewater, Denise Higgins of Whitewater. She is preceded in death by her Father, her fiancé, Duane Smith, Brother-in-laws Rex Higgins and Tom Brunette.

The family will plan a celebration of Connie’s life at a later date.

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

A gofundme page has been established to assist with the unexpected expenses related to burial. To make a donation of any size, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-connie-miller

Martha E. Bendig, 79, of Whitewater, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Mercyhealth Hospital in Janesville.

Martha was born on November 14, 1941 in Madison, daughter of the late William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey. She married William C. Bendig on September 7, 1963 in Fort Atkinson.

Martha was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a devoted Christian who was passionate about her faith and the Bible.

Martha is survived by her husband, William of Whitewater; children, Christine (fiancé, Jeff Smrecek) Schroeder, Connie (Charles) Nelson and James (fiancé, Dana George) Bendig all of Milton; grandchildren, Samantha (Jason) Cliffgard, Carli Schroeder and Christopher and Brady Nelson; great grandchildren, Jackson and Peyton Cliffgard and Owen Box; and brothers, James (Eileen) Dempsey and Harry Dempsey.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. A private family service and burial will be held.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Roger G. Millard Jr., 56, of Whitewater, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Mercyhealth Hospital in Janesville.

Roger was born on May 11, 1964 in Fort Atkinson, son of Roger G. Millard Sr. and Georgia (Carmichael) Millard.

After graduating from high school, Roger joined the US Navy, enlisting in 1982 and was honorably discharged in 1992. During that time, he was stationed in San Diego and was deployed on the USS Enterprise. He was also aboard the USS Enterprise during the filming of Top Gun. In 1994 he joined the Army National Guard of Wisconsin and was honorably discharged in 2002.

Roger was a hard worker as a Correctional Officer with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Dept., enjoyed talking politics and taking road trips on his Harley Davidson, but most of all he loved his family, including his dogs, and the special times flying with his father.

Roger is survived by his wife, Lynn Millard of Whitewater; children, Arron G. (Fiancé, Danielle Ripley) Millard of Janesville and Rachel Millard of Whitewater; grandchildren, Keira Mae Millard and Ashlynn Marie Ripley; parents, Roger G. (Sue) Millard Sr. of Whitewater and Georgia (Bob) Achilli of Fort Atkinson; brothers, Mike (fiancé, Lane Hoffer) Moreland and Ben (Tracy) Millard; sister, Elizabeth (Eric Rambicure) Millard and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson with Military Honors.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com