Obituaries

Alice P. Autry (Markham), age 70, of Silver Spring, Maryland succumbed to the effects of a long illness on July 3. “Patty” to her friends and family is survived by her husband of 42 years David, their son Michael and his wife Krista, three grandchildren Piper, Nora, and Connor of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and four sisters: Beth (Elizabeth Ann) Catania of Bedford, Virginia; Phyllis Shepherd of Portland, Oregon; Jane Markham, of Port Washington, Wisconsin; and Sharon Hahn, of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Ms. Autry attended high school in Whitewater, Wisconsin and earned a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. She retired from the Montgomery County, Maryland public schools, where she delighted in helping children with their communication skills.

Gloria M. Weigandt, age 98, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Fairhaven Residential Facility in Whitewater. She was born on November 10, 1922, in Oshkosh, the daughter of Carl and Minnie (Schenk) Plonsky. Gloria attended Oshkosh public schools and received a bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State Teachers College – Oshkosh (now UW-Oshkosh). She earned additional graduate credits at UW-Madison.

After graduation, she taught English composition and American literature at Shawano High School, where she met a physical education teacher and basketball coach named Robert (Bob) Weigandt, whom she married on July 30, 1949. The next year, she, Bob, and their newborn son moved to Whitewater where Bob accepted a position as teacher and coach at Wisconsin State Teachers College – Whitewater (now UW-Whitewater).

After raising two sons, Gloria resumed her teaching career at Whitewater High School where she taught for an additional fifteen years. Gloria was an active member of First English Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school, served on the Altar Guild, and played the organ. She also served as organist at Heart Prairie Lutheran Chapel where she played an antique pump organ, and she taught piano lessons to local children in Whitewater. Gloria believed strongly in social activism and participated in many organizations including League of Women Voters, Faculty Dames, and Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary society for professional women educators. She loved to walk throughout Whitewater even into her 90’s and enjoyed chance conversations with neighbors and university students.

Gloria is survived by her two sons, David (Susan) Weigandt of Richland Center, and Paul (Susan Burleigh) of Costa Rica. She is further survived by her two grandsons, Robert of Rhinelander and Jacob of Copper Harbor, Michigan, as well as special friends Kathy Gibbs and Bill and Ruby Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Fred.

A future memorial service will be held at Fairhaven and private burial will later take place at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lutheran Social Services.

The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Fairhaven, Hearthstone, and Agrace hospice for their compassionate care of Mom.

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

Stephanie Sielicki, 68, Whitewater passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater, WI.

Stephanie was born on September 17, 1952 in Fort Atkinson, WI to John and Donna (Kondroczuk) Sielicki.  She graduated from Whitewater High School.  Stephanie retired from Northwestern Mutual after many years of service.  Stephanie also worked for many years at Randy’s Supper Club. She enjoyed traveling.  Paris and Savannah, GA were her favorite destinations. She loved all animals, especially dogs.  She loved food, purses and jewelry in that order.

She is survived by her sister Mary Rutkowski, Greendale, WI; Nephew Jason Rutkowski; Nieces Sarah Zaja, Jessica Sielicki, Angela Collins.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Marvin Sielicki.

Private Services will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater with burial at Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. 

Laura Jean Petitt, 38, Whitewater, passed away peacefully and is finally at rest in Heaven.  She was the beloved wife and best friend of Justin; precious mom of Carson, who was her whole life; daughter of David and Debra Britton; daughter-in-law of Melodee and Gene Carey and Terry and Sue Petitt; granddaughter of Dorothy and the late Myron Britton; granddaughter of the late Representative Robert Behnke and Dolores Behnke; granddaughter of Melvin and Judy Storck; dear sister of Samantha Ellefson, Christine and Casey Stauff, Kayla Carey, Shawn Carey, Jon Petitt and Justina Petitt. She is further survived by countless relatives and friends. Laura, you were greatly loved and will be forever in our hearts. Laura will always be watching her boys and cheering Carson from Heaven.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater 53190. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to FCCU for a scholarship fund for her son Carson Petitt. 

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

Eva Susan Borenitsch
October 19, 2014 ~ June 28, 2021 (age 6)

Waunakee – Eva Susan Borenitsch had a wonderful life. In six years, she shared and received more love and joy than most could experience in 100 years.

Everything about Eva was special, and she made everyone around her feel the same. Even though Rett Syndrome caused her to communicate differently, she used a combination of technology, giggles and hugs to let you know how she felt.

She was her Mom’s snuggler, her Dad’s running buddy and her brother’s biggest fan. Smiles came easy for Eva, especially if it involved a family Brewers game, an afternoon swim with her brother in the pool (her happy place), or a chocolate cupcake.

Eva’s family would like to thank everyone who helped make her life so full, including her team at the Waisman Center, especially therapists Sarah and Annette; teachers, aides and staff at Prairie Elementary in Waunakee; the staff at Gio’s Garden; and her home aide and special friend Claire.

Eva continues to be loved by her parents Jim and Emily and brother Elliot; her grandparents Ken and Susan Kidd, Richard and Kim Borenitsch, and Barbara Borenitsch; aunt Ali (Nick) Suttman and cousins Benjamin, Andrew, and Jillian; uncle Stephen (Ashley) Kidd and cousin Shep; aunts Jenna Waligorski and Olivia Waligorski, along with many other friends, family and classmates. She is preceded in her passing by her aunt Jessica Borenitsch.

A celebration of life will be held at Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee at a later date. Details are forthcoming, but we ask guests to consider dressing in pink or purple, just as Eva would have done.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Waisman Center in memory of Eva. Donations will support the Communication Aids & Systems clinic (CASC), which gave Eva a voice, and programs to bring joy and fun to all kiddos with exceptional needs.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI

Mary Teresa (Stefancin) Meikle, age 87 of Whitewater passed away on June 16, 2021 in Madison.

Mary was born in Kingston, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1934, daughter of Joseph J. and Mary M. (Rusnak) Stefancin. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at West Chester State University Pennsylvania and a master’s degree at Marquette University Wisconsin. Her graduate work was done at University of Oslo, Norway and University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

She taught elementary and middle school physical education and health in Butler, Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1958. Mary began the elementary physical education program in Oak Creek, Wisconsin where she taught from 1958 to 1965. From 1965 to 1989, as an assistant professor, she was a member of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department at University of Wisconsin Whitewater.

On February 7,1967, she and Douglas married. They traveled extensively throughout the five continents. Mary continued to travel after Doug’s death. Other interests included reading, card games, crafts, casino play, and keeping in touch with friends and loved ones.

Mary is survived by her son Douglas Meikle of Green Bay, son in-law Tom Ploessl of Waunakee; grandsons, Eric (Erica) Meikle of Boulder, Colorado, Peter Meike of Minneapolis; great-granddaughters, Elise and Adeline Meikle of Boulder, Colorado; great-grandson Mark Meikle of Boulder, Colorado; sister, Emily (Richard) Snavely of Pennsylvania, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Anne; parents, two brothers, and one grandson.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI on June 26, 2021 at 1 p.m. A visitation will take place from 12 p.m until the time of service. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of one’s choice.

WALTER A. “WALLY” KINATEDER, age 87 of Jefferson passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 15, 1934, in Palmyra township to Joseph and Anna (Resch) Kinateder.

He graduated from University High School in 1952. Wally honorably served in the United States Army with the artillery stationed in Germany.

He married Kathleen Szymkowski on February 4, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Whitewater. Wally was employed as a Supervisor at the Jefferson County Highway Department for over 30 years until his retirement.

Wally always considered himself a country boy at heart loving nothing more than helping his son on the farm and driving his Oliver 88. Wally enjoyed collecting toy tractors and woodworking.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church serving on the church council and the Knights of Columbus. Wally was generous with his spare time volunteering many years with St. Vincent DePaul in Jefferson, Meals on Wheels, and even knitting stocking hats for the Homeless in Milwaukee.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen “Kaye,” sons Gary (Melanie) Kinateder of Aurora CO, Steven (Debra) Kinateder of Helenville and Bruce (Shareen) Kinateder of Whitewater; grandchildren Adam, Alex and Andrew Kinateder, Lucas (Lindsay) Kinateder, Emily Kinateder, Megan Kinateder, Alisha (Jerry) Miller, Tasha (Anthony) Alcorta, Alexander (Rebekah) Olson and Talia Olson; great-grandchildren Rosalie and Daisy Olson, and Elias and Ardath Alcorta; sister Alice Thomas of Waukesha.

Wally is preceded by his parents; son Philip Kinateder; brothers Joseph Kinateder, John Kinateder and Herbert Kinateder; sisters Helen Gerlach and Rosella Kinateder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Those wishing to send a donation in Wally’s name may direct them to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The family wishes to especially thank Father Tom Coyle for his prayers for Wally.

Please visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence and share a memory.

Update: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The church requests that masks be worn inside during the visitation and service. A burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery.

Norma “Jeanne” Triebold , 88, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples, Florida.

Jeanne was born on January 14, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Norma (Thorne) and George D. Sickafoose. She graduated from Hyde Park High School and The Chicago School of Dental Nursing. In 1954 Jeanne married Robert E. Hawes and they moved back to his hometown of Whitewater in 1956, happily leaving big city life behind. After 12 years of marriage, Bob died suddenly. A year and a half later Jeanne met Frederic “Fritz” Triebold. They married on October 14, 1967 and shared fun and adventure in both the daily and special events of their 50 years together.

As a widow in 1966, with two young children, Jeanne took over ownership of The Little Red Schoolhouse in Whitewater and began a career directing and teaching preschool until her retirement 33 years later. She treasured her connections to the 3 and 4 year olds, and counted her teachers among her closest friends for the rest of her life. She delighted in seeing former students or their parents over the years, and especially loved when now adult students brought their own children to her home for Trick or Treat.

Jeanne was involved in many aspects of community life; a pattern she continued up until her death. As a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years, she played an active role in choir and Vacation Bible School while her children were young. She led her daughter’s troop of Brownie Girl Scouts on through Senior Scouts, where in high school they were able to travel to Mystic Seaport, CT and sail up the Atlantic Coast. Over the years she belonged to, and often held offices in, the Jaycettes, Whitewater Junior Women’s Club, Alpha Club, Florence Bassett Club, Delta Kappa Gamma and Red Hats. Jeanne also proudly served as both Vice-President and President of the umbrella organization coordinating the activities of those clubs, the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Jeanne and Fritz loved to spend time with family and friends, especially when everyone could be outside in warm weather. They enjoyed many summers on Blue Spring Lake near Palmyra, and then many winters in Naples, Fl. They traveled extensively abroad, especially in Europe. They formed lasting friendships wherever they went and enjoyed those connections immensely.

Jeanne will be remembered by her loving children, Susan (Bill) Miazga and Lawrence Hawes; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Bryan) Royce, Margaret (Eric ) Cherney, Ben Miazga, Tom Miazga, Ian Fyfe and Nickerson Hawes. She delighted in the birth and antics of each of her great grandchildren, Ellie, Fritz, Annie and Grace. Jeanne is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Don (Marge) Triebold and David (Laura) Triebold, as well as her sister-in-law, Judy Triebold. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert Sickafoose, and her husbands, Robert Hawes and Frederic Triebold.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers at her service, please consider making a memorial to the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs or the First United Methodist Church.

Clara Anne Bastian, 89, of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Fairhaven.

Clara was born on December 3, 1931 in Neenah to Gordon and Frances (Cheeseman) Albert. She grew up in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School. On September 2, 1950, Clara married William (Bill) E. Bastian, and together they had three children. Clara did office and clerical work at Neenah High School and later at Stevens Point High School and General Casting in Waukesha, while Bill was in the ministry. She and Bill would then move to Nashville, Tennessee to work with senior housing apartments, Clara doing the office and clerical work and Bill doing maintenance. Clara and Bill moved back to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and continued to work with senior housing apartments. Bill passed away on July, 24, 2005. Clara, shortly after, moved to Whitewater, WI and got involved in activities there.

She enjoyed listening to music, singing, and being part of the church choir. She also enjoyed baking, knitting, crocheting, reading, and making cards for family and friends for all occasions.

Clara is a member at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater.

She is survived by her children, William K. Bastian, Jane Wegner, Laura Taylor; grandchildren, Angela Stillwagon, Andrew Czosnek, Victoria Taylor, Lynz England, Demencio Campos, Jeremy Campos, Jenni Tharaldson; sisters, Mary Trettin, Virginia Cramer; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Clara is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Frances; husband, Bill; and sister, Cynthia Wilms.

The family would like to give special thanks to Fairhaven nurses, CNA’s and other staff for their exceptional care for Clara.

Memorials can be designated to Fairhaven or Rainbow Hospice.

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