Obituaries

Richard (Dick) E. Riddle, age 87, of Whitewater, WI was a caring Husband, Father, Grand Father, Great Grand Father, Uncle and Friend. Dick was a passionate photographer and always had a camera in hand and sometimes around his neck as well. Dick passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022, at Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek WI. Dick was born on August 19, 1934, the son of Ludia J. (Gholson) Riddle and Earl Riddle, in Bloomfield, Indiana where he loved growing up and would return to visit his lifelong friends as often as possible.

Dick graduated from Bloomfield, Indiana High School in 1952 and that is where his passion for basketball began playing as #22 on the Bloomfield High School Basketball team. After high school, he began a forty-year newspaper career in advertising, sales, and management positions at daily and weekly newspapers in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

He was married to Carole L. John of Schofield, Wisconsin, they had two daughters, Vicki, and Nicki. On February 1, 1969, Dick married Jane Nehring Burdick of Watertown, Wisconsin in Crystal Lake, IL, and the couple made their first home in Chicago. Dick and Jane returned to Wisconsin soon after, where they were residents of Eagle for thirty years. That home became the setting for many wonderful memories. When the home outgrew their needs and the yard became too big to care for, they moved to an Oconomowoc condo for many years. Dick’s final residence was at Fairhaven Senior Services where he loved his new apartment and made many new friends.

After retirement in 1992, Dick served on the Board of Directors of Friends of Old World Wisconsin and later accepted a staff position at the living history outdoor museum where he coordinated school and adult tours and developed advertising promotions for local, regional, and national media. He was a former member of the Lions Club of Eagle and enjoyed watching college basketball, especially Indiana University, and loved all Wisconsin sports teams, The Wisconsin Badgers, The Milwaukee Brewers and The Green Bay Packers. After retiring from Old World, Dick and Jane enjoyed many winters in Ormond Beach, Florida and were thankful to the Miles family to allow them this opportunity. Dick also enjoyed bicycling and spending more time with his family and friends.

Memories of Dick and all the wonderful stories he told will be forever cherished and kept alive by his adoring family; Vicki (Charles) Johnson of Sycamore, IL, and Nicki (Gene) Sturchio of Maryville, TN; five grandchildren: Garet Ramos of Phoenix, AZ; Suzanne (Brad) Cessna of Maple Park, IL; Kenna (Alexander) Simpkins and Savanna Broyles of Maryville, TN, Candace (Brandon) Reynolds of DeKalb, IL. Seven great grandchildren: Blair Ramos (Hannah, Blair’s mother), Nora Jane and Reverie Claire Bradley, Axel Baine and Asher Simpkins (due any minute), Bonnie Louise, and Landon Michael Cessna, brother-in-law Ken (Sandy) Nehring, niece Sally (Don) Pope of Whitewater, WI; nephew Dr. Scott Nehring, great niece Dr. Emilee Nehring (Carl), great nephew Brett Nehring (Liz) of Woodburn, Oregon, great nieces Abby Nehring and Kenley Pope of Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Dick was predeceased in death by his parents, brother Joe Riddle, wife Jane Riddle, stepdaughter Nancy J. Burdick, sister-in-law Jan Nehring, and nephew Dan Nehring.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wisconsin and Rainbow Hospice Care in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Dick has requested to be cremated. His ashes will be interned at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watertown, Wisconsin. Due to the Covid-19 virus there will be no funeral at this time.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is caring for the family. To place an online condolence please visit www.pn-fh.com.

Ann M. “Annie” Colson, 69, of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at home.

Annie was born on June 8, 1952 in Cicero, Illinois to Carl and Lorraine (Holada) Schaber. She was the oldest of seven. Annie graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero, Illinois. In 2001, Annie met Darrel Colson and later married in 2009 in Las Vegas.

Her enjoyments include fishing, quilting, knitting, crafting, woodworking, and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Annie is survived by her husband, Darrel Colson; children, Becky (Matt) Coulson, Lori Dotson, Judie (Johnny) Osgood, James (Irene) Osgood, Kasandra (Jason) Kast; grandchildren, Jessica, Kris, Alicia, Nicholas, Brittany, Kristy, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Kryston, Jace, Duncan, Connor, Eloise, Braxto, Izaaik; siblings, Richard (Camille) Schaber, John (Jenny) Schaber, Paul (Leslie) Schaber, Ron Schaber; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lorraine Schaber; sister, Cindy Schaber; and brother, Carl Schaber.

At Annie’s request, there will be no formal services.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Rainbow Hospice staff in Jefferson for their exceptional care for Annie. Donations may be made to Rainbow Hospice in honor of Annie.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Genevieve “Genny” Ruth (Storck) Goehl, 89, of Whitewater stayed true to the way she lived; she went out on her own terms, in her own home, quickly and decisively on January 7, 2022, leaving us all to wonder what she had been up to.

Genevieve was born on May 20, 1932 in Richmond, Wisconsin to Emil and Anna (Krueger) Storck. They farmed and also ran the Whitehill Tavern in Richmond. Genny attended school in Whitewater, and during the time she was at City High, she met Walter “Wally” Goehl. Of course, she had to have him, and they married on April 16, 1950. Together, they had three children: Linda, Barbara, and James Goehl. They farmed in the Milton area until they bought the farm on Highway N in 1963. They also had “city” jobs in the early years. Genny worked at Whitewater Electronics and then a grocery store until she settled at Sentry Foods. She retired after more than 35 years at that store.

Wally and Genny took trips to Florida, and after Wally died in 1991, her many trips were with daughter, Barb, or her sisters. Her family was very important to her, and her social life revolved around family.

Genny loved to bowl and was very good at it, playing in a league for years. When arthritis wouldn’t let her bowl anymore, she still was an enthusiastic snowmobiler. She belonged to both the Whitewater Sno-Seekers and the Koshkonong Club. As life slowed down, she lived to play golf and would never be seen riding in a cart. She was an energetic person who only sat still to socialize. Genny had the cleanest house, the perfect lawn, and she loved gardening and preserving all she grew. When she could no longer do these things, in her mid 80’s, she tried to keep the family work up to her standards. All that drove by her once picture perfect home knew that Genny was no longer able to do what she loved. In the last years, the highlight of her weeks were her bi-weekly trips to town to visit with friends, and get on “The Pool.” She really loved to win. Once walking and driving were just getting too hard to do, she mostly gave that up. She was a proud woman, who really did not want help, and kept her independence to the end.

Genny was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Miller, James (Jelaine) Goehl; grandchildren, Scott (Tylena) Hamilton, Mark (Tammy) Hamilton, Leslee Miller, Jarod (Amanda) Goehl, Daniel (Star) Goehl, Michael (Jade) Goehl, Jeff Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Kyle Hamilton, Clara Hamilton, Lane Hamilton, Tyler Hamilton, Corey Hamilton, Kaylee Goehl, Keira Goehl, Gabrielle Goehl, Joshua Goehl, Elizabeth Goehl, Matthew Goehl, Abigail Goehl, Rebekah Goehl; brother, Melvin (Judy) Storck; sister-in-law, Susan Storck; good friend, Sally Lilley; many nieces and nephews.

Genny was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Anna Storck; husband, Wally Goehl; daughter, Linda Hamilton; and siblings, Lawrence Storck, Rosie Peyer, Phyllis Butke.

Donations may be made in Genny’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral services will take place at 12 PM on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Visitation will take place from 11 AM until the time of services.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

David Donald Murphy, 77, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, has gone home to be with the Lord on December 17th, 2021.

He was resting peacefully surrounded by his wife, their children and immediate family when he passed away.

Dave, born December 26, 1943, was the oldest of seven children to Donald and Lucille (Knockel) Murphy of Dubuque, and the oldest of 44 grandchildren of William and Kate Knockel of St. Catherine’s, Iowa. David “Dave” and Karen “Kay” Pfohl were married in 1966, and they spent their life showing their children how to work hard and to love each other.

Dave was a graduate of Wahlert High School and DeVry University, Chicago. He enjoyed camping with his children, gardening and teaching his grandchildren about history, math and the solar system.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, of Whitewater, WI; his children Bill (Nicole) Murphy of Dubuque, Rob Murphy of Rockford, Illinois, Doug (Kara) Murphy of Dubuque, Scott Murphy of Island Lake, Illinois, Dana (Cory) Newmann of Whitewater, Wisconsin and Brian Murphy of Janesville, Wisconsin, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, two brothers and two aunts.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lucille Murphy, his brother Tom Murphy, his brother-in-law Mike Schmitt, his brother in-law Patrick Lansing, his in-laws Clarence and Gertrude (Ramaker) Pfohl, and Marty and Tootsie Kelly, his children’s adopted grandparents.

A private service will be held for immediate family due to COVID-19, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date for extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and gifts will be made in Dave’s memory. 

Trudy A. Thatcher, 67, of Whitewater passed away on December 11, 2021 at The Glenwood in Whitewater.

Trudy was born to Wilbur and Gertrude (Dietz) Thatcher on November, 27, 1954 in Waukegan, Illinois. 

She was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers.

Trudy is survived by her sisters, Therese Fleming of Fort Atkinson, Celena (Doug) Gwaltney of Antioch, IL, Liz Thatcher of Milton, Chris (Paul) Trewyn of Whitewater; brother, Brian Thatcher of Whitewater; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Gertrude Thatcher; and brother, Thomas Thatcher.

A memorial mass will take place at 11 AM on January 8, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rainbow Hospice, Wisconsin American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Sara Jane Woods, 82, Whitewater passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater, WI. 

Sara was born on December 24, 1938 in Peoria, IL to Riley and Evelyn (Moore) Woods.  She graduated from high school in Zanesville, OH in 1956.  Sara received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ohio in 1960 and in August of 1972 received her Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Sara worked as a lab technician at the Fort Atkinson Hospital until she started as a third grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Whitewater.  Upon retirement she opened Studio S, a yarn and weaving store in Richmond from 1992 until 2011.  Sara was a master knitter and spinner.  She was active in the Whitewater spinners and knitting guild for many years.  Sara taught weaving and won many awards for her woven and knitted garments.  She had a love for traveling and went on a number of Holland America cruises.   

She is survived by her sister, Stacia Paxton; niece and nephews: Joel Paxton, Julienne Sullivan and John Paxton. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law Forrest Marvin Paxton.

Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

“May the winds of Heaven blow softly….And whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.” 

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

It is still hard to believe that our dear Robert (Bob) Lewis Knudsen, age 79, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 1, 2021, and has since been joined by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nicole (Nikki) Knudsen.

Bob was born on November 13, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Lewis John and Phyllis Lorraine (Clancy) Knudsen. He grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, graduating in 1961 from Nicolet High School. He always loved sports as indicated by his walking to Milwaukee Braves games. One of these times Warren Spahn saw him and a friend on the way and kindly gave them a ride to the ballpark in his pink Cadillac!

While at Wisconsin State University –Whitewater, Bob met Nikki. He graduated in 1965 with a BBA in Business Administration, and they were married on November 6th of that year. They lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while Bob was in the Air National Guard and served in the states.

Returning to Whitewater, Bob bought Taft Insurance and began his lifelong career as an independent insurance agent, ultimately running his own agency, Knudsen Insurance, until his retirement.

Anything sport or game related, Bob either played it, coached it, attended it, or watched it on television. He was a lifelong fan of all sports teams in Wisconsin. He also was an avid fisherman, both ice and water, ran for many years, later walking 5 miles per day, bowled for his Chi Delta Rho (Lambda Iota) fraternity winning the University Championship and for the Whitewater University Gorillas that won the Wisconsin BAC Championship in 1965. He continued bowling throughout his life (300!). Enjoying the nice November weather this year he played some of his best golf just a couple weeks before he passed away.

Survived by his daughter, Kara (Mark) Voeller, and his son, Leif (Kimberly) Knudsen, grandchildren, Megan (Wellnitz) Watters, Jordain Wellnitz, and Anakin Knudsen, and great grandchildren, Kooper and Kane Watters. Also, survived by his dear brother Thomas (Cindy) Knudsen, and sister-in-law, Georgia Stilp, his nephews and niece and their families. Also survived by many dear friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother-in-law, David Stilp, and fishing buddy Mitch Simon.

The family would like to thank the members of Jefferson County Sheriff Department and Nitardy Funeral Home for their help navigating this ‘life’ event. Also, thank you to all those that expressed their condolences. It is much appreciated!

A celebration of life will be held in early May 2022 for both Bob and Nikki at Willow Brook Golf Course.

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

Nicole (Nikki) Marie (Stilp) Knudsen: September 18, 1945 – December 15, 2021

It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Nicole (Nikki) Marie (Stilp) Knudsen, age 76, on December 15, 2021, just two weeks to the day after losing her husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob) Lewis Knudsen.

Nikki was born on September 18, 1945, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin to David D.E. and Yvonne Marie (Deney) Stilp and spent her entire early life there. She had many stories from these early years, one of which was helping her mom care for all manner of injured animals and nursing them back to health, including skunks, squirrels, raccoons, birds, and so on!

After graduating from Oconomowoc High School, she attended Wisconsin State University – Whitewater where she met her beloved husband, Bob. They were married November 6, 1965, in Oconomowoc and resided in the Milwaukee area while Bob was in the service. After that, they moved back to Whitewater where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Besides her dear family, friends, and faith, another important part of Nikki’s life was art. She explored all manner of artistic endeavor; haiku, papermaking, creating books and designing greeting cards, pencil drawings, and painting that displayed her love of nature in all its forms. She was an accomplished and award-winning water colorist, displaying and selling pieces throughout the Midwest. For several years, she and three others had their own gallery. Active in the art world, she was on the board of the Milwaukee Arts Council, a member of the Black Hawk Artists in Fort Atkinson, was honored with a retrospective of some of her works at the Hoard Museum, etc.

Nikki was predeceased by her husband, her parents, in-laws Lewis and Phyllis Knudsen, brother David Stilp, and many dear family members and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Kara (Mark) Voeller, and son, Leif (Kimberly) Knudsen. Grandchildren Megan (Wellnitz) Watters, Jordain Wellnitz, and Anakin Knudsen. Great grandchildren, Kooper and Kane Watters. Further survived by her Brother-in-law, Thomas (Cindy) Knudsen, Sister-in-law, Georgia Stilp, and her dear niece and nephews and their families. She is also survived by many special family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Nitardy Funeral Home for their help and compassion, Marija for the care and love she provided Nikki in recent years, our beloved Miss Veronica, Miss Jackie, and Miss Nikya for their aid and support during the last weeks of her life. There truly are angels on earth! Also, a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice and their staff.

A celebration of life will be held in May 2022 at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater.

Lyle A Blaedow

(1933 – 2021)

Lyle A Blaedow: age 88, of Whitewater, WI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 23, 2021.

Lyle was born in Waukesha, WI on July 4, 1933, the son of the late William and Orpha (Klix) Blaedow.  

Growing up in Little Prairie, WI Lyle had two brothers and two sisters (Beverly, Judith, Wayne, and Robert “Rocky”).

On October 25, 1951, Lyle married the love of his life Theressa S Grelewics.  Together, they had seven children (Dan, Mike, Debbie, Tim, Randy, Kim and Chris).  Theressa passed in September 1999.

Lyle worked for over 25 years at Trent Tube in East Troy Wisconsin.  Upon retiring, Lyle’s primary focus was his family, traveling, fishing, and becoming closer to his Lord and Savior.  Lyle would often say, “there is a better place for us after our life here on earth is over and that he was ready when the Lord wanted him”.

In recent years, Lyle enjoyed Friday night fish fries with his son Dan and daughter-in-law Dori.  Sunday dinners with his son Kim and daughter-in-law Brenda.  He was also an avid bowler and especially enjoyed spending time with his sister Beverly and her husband Richard shopping and joining friends at the senior center.

Lyle was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who will be greatly missed.  At the end of every encounter, Lyle would always take the time to say, “I love you”.

Lyle also enjoyed sharing his cat Sammy with his many friends and neighbors at Mulberry Glen Apartments.  Neighbors would ask Lyle to “bring Sammy out” so they too could enjoy Sammy’s antics.

Lyle was preceded in death by his father, William, mother, Orpha, wife of 47 years Theressa, daughter Debbie, sons Randy and Michael, brother Wayne, sister Judith Foltz and grandson Mikey .

Lyle is survived by his sons Dan (Dori), Tim (Antonio), Kim (Brenda) and Chris (Maggie) as well as by many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Lyle is further survived by his sister Beverley (Richard) Grosskreutz of Whitewater, WI, his brother Rocky Blaedow of Rhinelander, WI and his sister-in-law Ginger Blaedow of Palmyra, WI and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Thursday January 6, 2022 at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI.  Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 am until time of service.  Private family graveside service will be at Little Prairie Cemetery, Little Prairie, WI.  Online guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.