Obituaries

Marian Joyce Sokolowski “Joyce”, 89, of Whitewater died on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Marian was born in Whitewater, the daughter of the late Carl Meyer and Joyce Ellie Kerry Meyer. She attended school in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1949 and attended Whitewater State Teachers College, where she was a member of Tri Sigma social sorority. Joyce taught in area one room schools. She married Andrew Sokolowski on July 9, 1955 and continued her love for the outdoors, gardening and animals. Joyce and her husband were full time in dairy farming for many years. Their farm was named AnJoy Farm. She participated in all areas of farming with milking cows, bailing hay and operating machinery.

Joyce was a member of Wisconsin Dairies, Farm Bureau, Hoard’s Dairyman Historical Museum, and the Red Hats of Coldspring. She loved her many pet cats and dogs and would easily teach them tricks.

Joyce volunteered at Fort Memorial Hospital as a “Partner” and at the Food Pantry in Whitewater. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Whitewater. She would also stand in line to obtain groceries for many families unable to get away and deliver them. She gave many hours for friends, family and neighbors when they needed help, take them to Dr. appointments, bring them home baked goodies or help with everyday tasks. She especially did not like boredom or sitting around. She was always calling her friends, family and neighbors to check on them. She dearly loved her family and friends.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Dorothy McCracken of Sarasota, Florida; children, Mike Sokolowski of Whitewater, Ann Grant of Milton, Larry (Wanda) Sokolowski of Windsor, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kari Grant of Milton, Tom (Gretchen) Grant of Sharon, Wisconsin, Ryan (Ashley) Sokolowski of Sun Prairie, Derek of Windsor, Kelsey (Jamie) of Sun Prairie; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Haisley, Henry, Easton, Oaklyn; one great-grandchild on the way; special dear friend of 85 years, Joan Dempsey of Eagle, Wisconsin; special aunt, Jean Weaver of Janesville; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; mother, Joyce Meyer; brother, Stanley Meyer; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Meyer; brother-in-law, Bernard Wafle; niece, Sheryl Miller; nephew, David Meyer; and many special friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to Glenwood Care of Whitewater, Dr. Roberta Jo Wedl for all the wonderful care and Rainbow Hospice of Johnson Creek.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Rainbow Hospice or a local animal shelter would be appreciated.

Funeral services will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will take place from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Remember me with smiles and Laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.

Lucille Waga, 97, of Whitewater went home to the Lord on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.

She was born on July 18, 1923 in Whitewater, Wisconin to Paul and Bertha (Papcke) Schmidt. Lucille attended Whitewater High School class of 1941. She married Vernon Waga on May 29, 1947. Together they had two sons, Lawrence and Dennis, and enjoyed attending all their sporting events. Vernon and Lucille were married for 56 years, before Vern passed away in 2003. Lucille worked throughout WWII, eventually retiring from the Whitewater School District.  

She was very active in her church, St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, a devout Lutheran. 

Lucille is survived by her sons, Larry (Tammy Buchli) Waga of Fort Atkinson, Dennis Waga of Whitewater; grandchildren, Luke Waga of Fort Atkinson, Lacey Waga of Fort Atkinson; great-granddaughter, Jayden Olson of Fort Atkinson; and Great Grandson, Chase Waga of Fort Atkinson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two-year-old Brother, Marvin.

Graveside services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Rainbow Hospice and Alden Estates for their exceptional care for Lucille.

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

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Lee Alton Langbecker, 77, Town of Richmond, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at his home.

Lee was born on November 23, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to Walter and Lucy (Arquette) Langbecker.  He graduated from Fort Atkinson, WI.  Lee served his country in the United States Navy from 1961-1967.  He married Linda Wilkins in January, 1973.   She preceded him in death on November, 15, 1999.  Lee was employed as a master printer for over 25 years.  He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

He is survived by his children: Gary Langbecker, Milton, Kathryn (Jerrod) Howe, Janesville, Tracie (Timothy) Cluver, Fort Atkinson; grandchildren: Taylor Langbecker, Donald Kaat, Kristoff Cluver, r, Timothy Cluver Jr, Meredyth Cluver; great-grandchildren: Noah and Lucas Howe, Donald Kaat II, Syleste Stuher, Isaac Cluver; brothers: Wayne Langbecker, MO, Gary (Paulette) Langbecker, MS.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother, Jack Langbecker.

Funeral Services with military honors will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.    Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

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Banner note: Previously we have generally used most or all of the first sentence of an obituary in the headline on the homepage. We have begun a trial of using an abbreviated headline in an effort to allow more visibility for the photo, particularly when viewed on a tablet or phone.

Charles Gregory Salgado JR., 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Whitewater, WI on May 28, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Cheryl of Whitewater; children, Rhonda (Timothy) Truman, Whitewater WI, Mark Salgado; Five grandchildren, Nicole Wintlend, Emily Salgado, Keegan Williams-Salgado, Tyrus Wintlend, Wyatt Salgado; one great-granddaughter Addison Salgado; siblings, Richard (Marsha) Lynn Theder, JoAnn (Jack) Basting, John (Carolynn) Danek, Ted (Marie) Salgado, Paul (Luann) Salgado, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Ronald Salgado.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Marquardt Hospice for all of their compassion and kindness.

Per Charles wishes the family is not planning a memorial service.

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

Eric Moyse, 38, of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2021 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Eric was born on January 24, 1983 to Douglas E. Moyse and Irma I. Moyse.  Growing up in Cold Spring, WI, Eric enjoyed his youth spending countless hours swimming in the pool with his childhood friends and playing with his pets. 

Eric attended Washington Grade School in Whitewater and took an early liking to music which he continued throughout his childhood years, through high school, playing in both the marching band and pep band.  He made a lot of friends through his years of band and cherished those friendships for years to come.  Academics always seemed to come easy to Eric; he enjoyed learning very much, graduating with honors in 2001 from Whitewater High School.

Eric was interested in many things, among them would be, spending time outdoors, fishing, camping, walking trails, foraging for mushrooms and metal detecting with one of his best friends, Tim Luebke.

He enjoyed playing video games with many of his closest friends and brother, Lance. He also spent a lot of his time reading and enjoyed all things Trivia related.

Eric is survived by his Mother, Irma Moyse; Brothers, Lance and Ryan Moyse (Tanya); aunts and uncles, Richard Moyse (Bonnie), Fred Alvarado (Sandi), Carmen Alvarado Wagie (Dale), Rachel Alvarado Hellen; along with loving cousins and other family, friends and his beloved cat, Walter.

He is preceded in death by his Father, Douglas Moyse; paternal grandparents, Earle and Alice (Talbert) Moyse; Maternal Grandparents, Federico and Josefina (Vasquez) Alvarado; and Uncle, Duane Moyse.

A memorial mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.  A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The family will hold a private burial.

The family would like to give special thanks to all those providing care for Eric through Rainbow Hospice.  The care provided was exceptional for both Eric and Family.  We will be forever grateful for their assistance.

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

Jim was born on November 12^th, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to Donald and Eleanor (Zingheim) Treder. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School. Jim served his country in the United States Army for 8 years. He married Henrietta Herman on December 14^th, 1974 in Milwaukee, WI. Jim worked for Bucyrus Erie Foundry and Grede Foundry in Milwaukee. Jim was a gifted athlete who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for a short time. He was an avid NASCAR fan and worked at the Daytona Speedway for 8 years. In 1995, Jim and Henrietta adopted each other’s adult children, resulting in the largest adoption of adult children in Milwaukee County. He loved his 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren very much. In 2019, Jim and his son Craig went on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. The family appreciated the staff and volunteers and their effort in making it possible.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Henrietta of Whitewater; children Cindy (Bob Dietz) Trapp, Craig (Shelly) Treder, Tim Treder, Colleen Treder, Brian Treder, Kelly (Bruce) Bayer, Donald Treder; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; sister Joan (Gene) Esche, Arizona; god daughters Sandy Suhm and Jodi Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22^nd, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the LaGrange Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the staff at Mulberry Glen and Rainbow Hospice for their care of Jim. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider sending memorials to the Whitewater High School Athletic Department in Jim’s name.

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

Filemon “Fil” Co Yao (given name, Yao Yee Thun), 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – surrounded by his loving family. Fil was born November 12, 1933 in Fukien, China to parents Yao Bong Hok and Co Ay. He was one of 9 siblings.

Fil moved from China to the Philippines at the age of 7, where he hid in the hills during WWII. After, he went on to support his father’s various businesses. Eventually, he attended medical school, graduating from The University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of The Philippines, in 1958. Fil’s mother supported his move to The United States, where he continued his medical studies. In 1959, he landed in Evergreen Park, Illinois to complete his surgical residency at The Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH). At LCMH he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Donnellan – a nursing school student – whom he married in 1963.

In 1967, Fil and Betsy moved their young family to Whitewater, Wisconsin after Fil was recruited by Dr. Stephen Ambrose to open a local practice. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was on staff at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief of Surgery multiple times, until his retirement in 1995. He touched many lives through his practice and his involvement in the local community. To this day, there is probably only one degree of separation between those he impacted and the community he embraced – and that embraced him.

After retirement, Fil and Betsy moved to northern Illinois where Fil enjoyed playing golf (just as he did at the Whitewater Country Club), going out to dinner, sipping a good scotch (especially if it was on sale), and playing the markets. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. A July 2019 trip to his ancestral home and birthplace was one of his favorites – culminating with a family reunion and family wedding. His last trip to Hawaii is one that the family will cherish forever – as it was over the holidays, just prior to the pandemic – and where he was joined by over 20 relatives from around the world.

Fil is loved and survived by his wife, Betsy, and their three children – Phillip (Alison), James (Sarah), and Maria; one granddaughter, Elli; his brother, Benito (given name, Yao Yee Pua) (wife, Annie); and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. He died surrounded by his adoring family, with Jeopardy – an afternoon ritual with Betsy – on in the background. He will forever be remembered for his infectious smile, twinkling eyes, and welcoming demeanor.

Per Fil’s wishes, the family is not planning a formal memorial service at this time. However, the family invites anyone who wishes to share a favorite photo and/or story to visit the tribute wall to Fil at: https://www.myfarewelling.com/memorial/filemon-yao

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation (noting that the gift is for the Dr. Yao Memorial Fund):

Via check – payable to:
The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation
611 E. Sherman Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Via the website –
http://www.forthealthcare.com/ways-give/foundation/