Obituaries

Barbara A. Donahue, 84, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Agrace Hospice Center in Janesville, WI.

Barbara was born on July 2, 1936 in Elgin, IL the daughter of Lester and Anna (Ewert) Gannon. She grew up in Elgin and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Barbara’s Catholic faith was a major part of her life, therefore, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Joliet, IL Convent. While at the convent, she began writing letters to a young man, Thomas Donahue, who was serving in the Korean War. Barbara and Thomas became very fond of each other and on April 12, 1958 the two were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elgin. God blessed their union with four loving daughters: Anna, Margaret, Jeanne, and Rita. In 1962, Barbara and Thomas moved their family to Whitewater, WI to farm and the two would remain there to raise their family. Many great times were had with family and friends visiting the farm. There was always an open door policy. Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother, attending as many events of her grandchildren as possible. One of her greatest joys in life was her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Barbara was a gentle soul who loved to take care of people, so being a preschool teacher and nursing assistant was something she was very proud of. For Barbara, faith and family were the two most important things in her life. She was a fantastic wife and mother and a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She kept a large garden with vegetables and many types of flowers and enjoyed that very much. She also stayed involved in her daughters’ activities as a 4-H leader, as well as, helping groom her daughters’ horses for their various shows. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending and cheering on her Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Marquette Golden Eagles. Barbara had a heart for others and was always concerned with the needs of those around her. Even during her final days, she was checking in on her family to make sure they were taken care of. Barbara will be remembered fondly by all who she touched with her positive spirit, deep faith, and that unforgettable twinkle in her eye. Heaven has gained a beautiful and very special angel.

She is survived by: three loving daughters, Anna Donahue, Margaret Donahue, and Rita (Paul) Ristow; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Alyssa) Rasmussen, Stephanie (Anthony Mattice) Jenson, Megan (Nathan) Galston, Thomas (Katie Gerls) Jenson, Jonathan Ristow, Kelly Ristow, and Ryan Ristow; one great-granddaughter, Layla Rasmussen; and four siblings, Robert (Billie) Gannon, Eugene (Peg) Gannon, Michael (Teresa) Gannon, and Mary (Vern) Wilczyk. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, her loving husband of 49 years, Thomas Donahue; and her dear daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Shawn Spoo.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her personal caregivers and the staff of Agrace Hospice for their loving care.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra, WI. Fr. Mariadas Bekala will officiate the mass. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Barbara will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI immediately following the service.

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

Russell Clarence Hodge

Russell Hodge ended his earthly adventure on February 24, 2021. Even at 95, it took a broken hip and Covid to finally slow him down. He lived his life looking for tomorrow and was never held back by the past.

He was born September 21, 1925 in Koshkonong, WI. Growing up on a farm, he learned to look for fun and exciting things to do. Like many of his peers, he enlisted at age 17 immediately after Pearl Harbor. After naval training at Great Lakes, he was shipped by aircraft carrier to Hawaii. One would think that his love of water crystallized there. He would never be far from the water again. Upon his discharge from the navy, he married Violet Smith in 1946. For 67 years, she joined him on many of his adventures and supported him in most others.

He spent his summers in or on the water most of his life. From bluegills to muskie, he chased the fish wherever he could. Fishing stories were many and impressive. A mounted muskie, not his biggest, adorns the mantle.

His love of the water also led him to scuba diving. He had many exciting stories of sharks, barracuda, and Morey eels. When he had a cottage on Lauderdale Lakes, he used his diving to scout the lake bottom for spawning beds. He could tell you where and how many fish were on each bed. He also joined the Fire Department Rescue dive team.

Russ was also an avid hunter. Being a great shot, he brought home game to eat from every season. His wife Vi, a great cook, only asked that he clean it and have it ready for the pan. For bird hunting, he had hunting dogs that he trained. His Irish Setters were inseparable from him and loved the lake as much as he did. When they were in the yard, they knew the lot lines and never strayed beyond.

In addition to outdoor fun, he also enjoyed competing. He spent many years on bowling teams in Whitewater. The old pictures show some seriously spiffy team members with their ties. At some point, he picked up a love of tennis. That interest may have come from his nephew Dell “Junior” Olson who amazingly could have been mistaken as his twin brother as they aged. He played as often as he could until he felt a weak knee was too limiting. So at the age of 89, he switched to pickleball. Then at 92, after playing three hours, he said he felt a little more tired than usual. Doctors concluded he needed a heart valve. The friends he made in these sports were lifelong. They still met socially when they could.

Coming indoors, he turned to playing games, especially cards. He was extremely savvy at all games, but poker and euchre were the money games these past few years. He played aggressively and expected everyone at the table to know how the games were to be played.

He was a man that championed the phrase “work to live.” Russ and Vi found a way to bring their family anywhere they wanted to go – whether camping in The Keys, Yellowstone, Gulf Shores, at the lake, or up north. Many of these were in the company of Nancy and Jack Cummings or Harold and Mary Smith. They got there and had a good time with many stories to tell.

Having a daughter was never an issue for activities. Sandy went with him on most of his adventures. She joined him in hunting, fishing, scuba diving, playing tennis, and loving the outdoors.

A big fan of music, he would always listen to polkas and big band when he could. Lawrence Welk was still a visitor every Saturday night. He would travel to polka concerts when he could and always looked for a chance to find a dance partner.

I don’t know if he thought about being 95, but despite a heart valve, bad knee, and hearing loss, he refused to let anything slow him down. He went down a water slide for the first time at age 93. More than once. Even the hearing loss was blamed on diving in Lake Superior’s super cold water. I think his favorite time was working as a traveling collector after the factory closed. He got to drive all around the country seeing new places and talking to new people. Russ was an extraordinary person who will be greatly missed, but always fondly remembered.

He was preceded in death by his wife Violet, his sister Irene and many in-laws, and his parents Clarence and Hazel Hodge. He is survived by his brother-in-law Harold Smith and wife Mary Smith; his daughter Sandy Thies (Alan), his grandchildren Drew (Bridget Molloy), and Darren (Rimma), his great-grandchildren Leon and Felina, in-laws, and many special nephews and nieces.

There will be a family graveside service in August when the grandchildren will be able to be in attendance.

Marilyn Anita Miles, 84, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Mulberry Glen Senior Living Community in Whitewater, WI.

Marilyn was born on October 3, 1936 in Whitewater, WI, the daughter of Kenneth and Edna (Krahn) Sutherland. She married Robert Miles on November 3, 1956 in Whitewater, WI. Marilyn is survived by her two sons: Gordon (Sandy) Miles and Brant (Ivy) Miles; grandchildren Alison (Brian) Ulrich, Kelcie (Crandel) Weissmiller, Nathan (Becky Marcussen) Miles, Alyssa (Trace) Teboda; great-grandchildren, Hayden Ulrich, Aspen and Willow Weissmiller; sisters, Waverly Miles and Myrna Schiro. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

As I write these words, it is with sadness, but also with great pride. I am, and will always be proud to say that Dr. Larry Nelson, “Doc,” was my dad.

He passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, with the people who loved him most at his side.

Doc lived to the age of 100, which is remarkable in itself. What is perhaps more remarkable, however, are the lives he touched, and the zest for living which was so characteristic of Doc up until the end.

He was born on January 19, 1921, in Rockford, IL. His father, Arthur Nelson Sr., was a machinist and his mother, Elsie Storm Nelson was a homemaker. His older brother, “Artie,” sister Cora, cousins and aunts were part of a happy childhood that he often told me stories about. He was a “Swede” with a little German thrown in. His grandparents spoke Swedish and his mother cooked Kroppkaka, a potato and meat dumpling I’ve never been able to master.

Doc had a paper-route and delivered eggs and vegetables to neighbors, from his family’s garden to make money as a child. He was a lifeguard, a great swimmer and attended Beloit College on a diving scholarship, where he studied Chemistry and Biology. He thought he would perhaps be a dentist. 

He was drafted into the Army Air Corps, serving stateside during WWII. Courtesy of the G.I. Bill, the government offered to send him to medical school on the agreement he would serve in the Medical Corps upon attainment of his doctorate. He served his second tour during the Korean Conflict as an officer, gentleman and physician.

In 1953, a retiring doctor from Whitewater put his practice up for sale. My dad recognized a good opportunity and moved to Whitewater. He opened up his first office in what we now know as The Brass Rail. He was a G.P. who made house calls regularly, with his big black doctor bag in hand. I often rode along and sat in the car, awaiting our ride home together. My sister and I also got to tag along when he made his hospital rounds, where we read Highlights magazines and helped ourselves to a hard candy from the doctor’s lounge when we left. Like many country G.P.’s, he was sometimes paid with a chicken or eggs. He was a true healer, there to help every patient who walked through his office door. His waiting room sometimes overflowed. No one was ever turned away, whether they had an appointment, needed emergency stitches, or depended on Doc’s sympathetic ear.

Doc was a great sportsman; he loved fishing and hunting ducks and pheasants. He fished in Canada every summer with his buddies, Sam Soffa, Arl Watson and Gerry Olson. They golfed St. Andrews and had many adventures throughout their lives. Doc also visited exotic parts of the world with his companion, Donna Aumann.

On his 100th birthday, so many people from Whitewater told their personal stories about ways my dad helped them out over the course of his career. Because of you, I realized how many lives he touched and how many people loved him. I was thrilled to be able to read these wonderful stories to him. Thank you to everyone who made him smile on his birthday. Thank you for leaving me with the knowledge that my dad was “one of a kind,” a man I’ve been so, so proud of. He was strong, generous, humble — the most caring person I have ever known.

Doc’s survivors are his children, Lori Nelson-Schmidt, Whitewater, WI, Ryan Nelson, Bellingham, WA, and Lynn Miller, Fort Atkinson, WI. His grandchildren are Megan Schmidt Milgrim, Anthony “Ty” Schmidt, Kelli Miller, Annie Nelson and great-granddaughter Izabella.

He was lovingly cared for every day by his friend, Barry Pechous, who fulfilled my dad’s wish to pass peacefully in his own home.

We invite you to honor Doc with a military gravesite ceremony on Saturday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Brian Edwin Zordel, 78, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Holton Manor in Elkhorn, WI.

Brian was born on April 4, 1942 in Battle Creek, MI to Edwin and Elsie (Seidenberg) Zordel.  He graduated from Appleton West High School and received his bachelor’s degree in education from UW- Eau Claire. Brian played football for the Blugolds and was on the 1963 conference championship team.  “Zorch” was very proud of this accomplishment and remained good friends with his teammates.

Brian taught for 3 years at Iola-Scandinavia High School before moving to Whitewater where he taught geography and social studies.  It was there that he met his future wife Mary Felber.  They were married on December 26, 1971.  Together they enjoyed traveling and camping at many National Parks in the United States. For many years they rented a cabin in northern Minnesota where they enjoyed fishing & swimming.

Brian was very involved in trains:  antique, toy and real.  He attended many national train conventions and ran an antique train store in Appleton.  Naturally, Brian was a huge Packer fan and enjoyed the Brewers too.  His sense of humor, great smile and blue eyes will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Mary Zordel, Whitewater; sister, Marion Koepke, Appleton, WI; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Margo Koehnke. A Graveside Service will be held in the spring and will be announced at that time.

Dale Arthur Grandt, 66, of Fort Atkinson passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021, after his struggle with pancreatic cancer. Dale was born on February 20, 1954, in Walworth, Wisconsin to Eunice Mae (Maasz) and Lawrence William Grandt.

Dale worked for the city of Fort Atkinson for many years, worked for Tree Experts for 30 years, and had recently formed a stump grinding business. He loved sports of all kinds and was well known for being one of the best softball players from Fort Atkinson. His nickname “Six” was adopted for the number he often wore on his jerseys. His caring nature and quick wit will be missed by all who knew him.

Dale is survived by his fiancee, Laurie Kidd; his children, Daniel Grandt, Matthew (Courtney) Grandt, and Sara (Adam) Wood; his grandchildren, Tenley, Hayden, Hawkins, Brayden, Bentley, Lauren, and grandsons he considered as his own; his siblings, Gary (Jan) Grandt, Keith Grandt, Rodney (Gayle) Grandt, Lori (Todd) Halvorson, Lyle (Cherie) Grandt, and Brian (Stacy) Grandt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Lawrence.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 25^th from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran church, followed by a memorial service. The service may be viewed online at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/730259318

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care and Pastor Scharrer for his comfort and compassion.

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

Marilyn Kay Isbell, 76, Whitewater, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI.

Marilyn was born on May 10, 1944 in Enid, OK to Ernest and Thelma (Myers) Dearing.  She graduated from Pioneer High School in Pioneer, OK in 1962. Marilyn married Jon Isbell.  He preceded her in death in December, 1992. 

She is survived by her children Brandon Isbell, Fulton, KS, Justin (Anjeza) Isbell, Delavan, WI, Christine (Brad) Ford, Mustang, OK; grandchildren Dakota, Denver, Lysander, Britini, and Brendan; step-grandchildren Marios and Xhonatan; sisters: Carolyn (Frank) Henry, Kremlin, OK and Wanda.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Donna, Daryl, and Kenny.

Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Kenneth O. “Ken” Leipold left us to go to his Savior on Monday, February 15, 2021.

Ken was born on August 24, 1937 in Racine, WI to Arthur and Bernice (Zeick) Leipold. Ken was proud to be a graduate of Horlick High and often teased nieces and nephews that attended other schools in Racine. Ken furthered his education first at UW-LaCrosse and then UW-Whitewater in education where he met his future wife, Sonja Stowe. They were married August 15, 1959 while still in college.

Ken and Sonja raised their two children, Kristine and Lance in Jefferson, a town they came to love and serve. Ken started teaching in Jefferson in 1961 and continuing in various roles of teacher, coach, athletic director, guidance counselor and administrator. Ken had a bachelors and masters from UWW. He was always proud to be a Warhawk. The most important thing to Ken was that he was a great educator and really cared about every student. He was proud to be an educator in Jefferson and to be a Jefferson Eagle. Ken retired in 1995 after a long career. Ken met Judy (Roth) Mantz after Sonja passed away. He married Judy in 2003 and had many years of love and fun in retirement as they traveled and enjoyed so much of life.

Ken was a long time member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jefferson, even serving on the elder board at one time. Faith was very important to him from childhood on.

He leaves behind Judy, daughter Kristine Leonard of Watertown, WI, son Lance (Kelly) Leipold of Clarence, NY; stepchildren Grant (Rachel) Mantz of Chicago, IL, Melissa (Jamie) Guld of Cambridge, WI, and Margo (Jake) Wichman of Johnson Creek, WI; grandchildren Rhett Leonard, Lindsey Leipold, Landon Leipold, and step-grandchildren Allison Mantz, Ella Mantz, Elisabeth Guld, and Nora Wichman.

Ken is preceded in death by parents, his first wife, Sonja, brother Arthur Leipold, sister Ardis Zimprich and step-grandson Pierce Guld.

Private services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson on February 24, 2021. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later time to be announced.

The family thanks all for reaching out and sharing in his memories. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice or Bethesda Lutheran communities.

Schneider-Michaelis funeral home in Jefferson is assisting the family.

Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence for the family.

Kenneth John Sersch, 82, of Pampa, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, February 15, 2021 in Pampa.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Ken was born on October 10, 1938 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin to John and Ethel Sersch (Hocking-Traxler).

He was a truck driver for over forty years and employed by Anderson Trucking Company for 18 years. He was awarded the Million Mile Safe Driver award and Wisconsin Driver of the Year award. He was a member of the Pampa Lions Club as well as a member of St. Paul UMC of Pampa, Texas. He enjoyed his family, Nascar racing, and the Green Bay Packers.

Ken is survived by his wife, Diane; 2 daughters, Louise Dills (Jims) and Mary Burger Suen, 3 sons, Bob Turner, Charlie Turner, Bill Turner, and Marty Elmore who was like a son to him; 2 nephews, Dale Sersch (Julie) and Darrell Sersch (Nancy); 3 cousins, Duane Sersch, Dick Sersch, and Betty Williams; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to PAWS, 811 S Hobart St, Pampa, TX, 79065.

Doris L. Keiser of Oconomowoc, age 89, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021, at The View at Pine Ridge due to complications from Covid-19, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. She was born on September 21, 1931, to Rudy (Dora) Krause in Chicago. She was married to William Keiser. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her parents.

Doris is survived by her children: Robin (Lynn) Keiser, Randy (Sandy) Keiser, Douglas (Sharon) Keiser, Richard (Brenda) Keiser, and Charles (Lisa) Keiser, her grandchildren: Tera (Mike), Bryan (Ashley), Kevin, Jeff, Lori, Jon (Courtney), Kelly (Adam), Kerry, Jenna, Samantha (Jay), Austin (Stephanie), Forest, and Noah; 17 great-grandchildren; her brother, Russell Krause; her niece, Sara (Tim) Cody; and her “sixth son”, Rob (Pam) Hicklin. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.

Doris lived on a small farm with Bill where she enjoyed gardening and raising her boys. Doris worked for many years at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. She loved her hobbies which included: quilting, calligraphy and creating ceramic dolls. Doris most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made friends everywhere she went and had fun getting involved in lots of activities.

She will be dearly missed but will live on in our hearts for generations.

A memorial service will be planned in the future to celebrate Doris’ life.

Memorials in Doris’ name may be made to First English Lutheran Church and Heart Prairie Church, 401 W. Main Street, Whitewater WI, 53190, or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 204 N. 10th Street, Watertown WI 53094.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Advocate Aurora Medical and the View at Pine Ridge in Oconomowoc for their wonderful care and support of Doris.