Arnold (Arnie) Jacobs, 88, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2021. He was born on February 9, 1933 to Marion and Minerva Jacobs. He was Father to three boys, Grandpa to six grandchildren and Great Grandpa to four great grandchildren.
Arnie farmed from the moment he could reach the pedals of a tractor and continued until he couldn’t anymore. His dad (Marion) was a John Deere dealer in Whitewater, but that didn’t stop his love of Allis Chalmers orange tractors. He used the Allis orange to successfully compete in local tractor pulls.
Even though Arnie and Kenlyn (Boltz) were both born and raised in Whitewater, they met on McCann Lake in northern Wisconsin while vacationing. Arnie married Kenlyn on June 18, 1955, and they celebrated 56 wedding anniversaries together. They farmed side by side in Whitewater later choosing to move their farm life to Bruce, Wisconsin where they first met.
He was known as a loyal sponsor and dedicated player in softball, volleyball and basketball. As years progressed, he became a power throwing bowler in local leagues.
He had a contagious gift to gab, and anyone who experienced his conversations knew there wasn’t a topic he didn’t have an opinion on.
Arnie will be greatly missed in the fields of farm and softball.
Surviving family: Son; Bob (Tammie), Grandchild; Jeff (Nicole), Great Grandchildren; Lily and Bobby all of Weyerhaeuser, WI, Grandchild; Jenny (Ryan) Stebnitz, Great Grandchildren; Ella and Ava all of Sun Prairie, WI. Son; Ken, Grandchildren: Lacy and Johnny all of Bruce, WI. Son; Scott (Traci), Grandchildren; Paige and Brianna all of Bloomer, WI. Brother; Donald of Whitewater, WI.
Predeceased by his parents Marion and Minerva, wife Kenlyn, sister Norma and brother Lawrence.
Special thanks to Jim, Winnie, Clara and Dash for the special care and kindness you showed for Arnie and for keeping him laughing.
Pall Bearers: Jeff Jacobs, Lacy Jacobs, Johnny Jacobs, Dave Jacobs, Gordy Jacobs and Jim Smith.
A graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday, April 14that 12 p.m. in Whitewater where he will be joining Kenlyn once again.
On December 11, 2020, the eternal choir of Heaven welcomed Audrey J. Tuinstra into its presence.
Audrey was born on January 29, 1933 on the south side of Chicago to John and Eleanor Jackson. Although she was surrounded by a great number of extended family, she only had one brother, Bradley. The most influential person in her life while growing up was her grandmother, Frances Hilberger, who spoke only Polish. As a child Audrey enjoyed playing street games with her friends during the summer months and attending White Sox baseball games with her father.
She attended Lindbloom High School where singing soon became her lifelong passion. What she enjoyed most about this time was her friends and participating in the choir. In her junior year she began conducting a children’s choir at a local Methodist church. Her favorite teen idols were Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Audrey’s lifelong dream was to become a teacher. She attended the Chicago Teacher’s College of Chicago for only a short time and then began to work for Illinois Bell while continuing to freelance as a soloist and sing in the church choir.
While Audrey was studying voice, she met her husband-to-be, John Tuinstra. They were married at the Methodist Church on 55th Ave. in Evergreen Park on March 20, 1954. In the 1960’s they moved from Chicago to Whitewater where John Jr. helped John Sr. with the landscape/farming business which John Jr. maintained throughout his life. Audrey assisted him in the business handling paperwork, scheduling appointments, performing other duties, and raising four children. Both she and John continued to be musically active in the community maintaining close ties with many performance opportunities through the university. They passed the legacy of their love of music and animals to each of their four children.
When Merrilee and Jay were in their late elementary years, Audrey began her food service career at the Delta Zeta sorority which eventually led to a full-time position at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she worked until her retirement. She continued her love for cooking and students by volunteering for the College Luncheons and after school programs at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. Audrey took great pride in updating the “Cradle Roll” of the church and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. FUMC choir director Christine Hayes commented, “Her full sound lifted the soprano section and her solo passages, which she quietly accepted when asked, were exquisite in delivery. I stood in awe of her voice that I could only dream of having. Audrey’s dedication to the choir was boundless.” Audrey’s favorite times of the week were Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. She also treasured having a captive audience to tell her jokes.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Fairhaven for their care and dedication, to the many lifelong friends who have reached out, and to FUMC for their support.
Nitardy Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Lauren “Red” Meske, 83, Whitewater, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Lauren was born on July 2, 1937 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Vernon and Phyllis Meske.
Lauren graduated from Whitewater High School and then served in the United States Army. Lauren worked in both construction and maintenance until retirement. He was an avid reader and loved everything about sports. He could talk for hours about his favorite high school, college, and professional teams. Lauren enjoyed classic country music, especially George Jones and playing cards with his buddies. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch with his dogs while visiting with friends and neighbors.
Lauren is survived by his two sons David (Lyn), Knoxville, Tennessee and Donald (Dawn), Whitewater, Wisconsin; grandchildren Devon (Blake) and Peighton.
Graveside Services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Erik Peter Stottrup, 79, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at his home in Whitewater, WI.
Erik was born on September 28th, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1958. Erik earned his Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Southern Illinois University in 1963. After graduation, Erik started his journalist career at the Southern Illinoisan newspaper in Carbondale IL. He worked as a reporter and writer at the Chicago Suburban News and later for a construction trade magazine.
Erik retired from his celebrated journalism career in 2001 from Krause Publications in Iola, WI.
On June 15th, 1963, Erik married his wife, Janet Nottelmann-Stottrup, and together raised two sons.
Erik enjoyed cheering on the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, as well as College football. He also enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandsons.
He enjoyed travelling especially to the Keys in Florida where he spent a few months during the winter every year with his Wife.
His other passions were politics, history, and reading; he played an active role in raising money for political parties by making phone calls and contributing to causes he strongly believed in. He was also a lifelong member of the SIU Alumni Association.
Erik is survived by his wife Janet Stottrup; children, Erik Paul Stottrup., Wife, Marie Stottrup (Hartland, WI) and Stephen Stottrup, Wife, Anita Stottrup (Chicago, IL); Sister, Enid Stottrup-Weygandt (Madison, WI), Brother-in-law, Jerry Weygandt; Grandchildren, Andrew Stottrup, Willem Stottrup, and Markus Stottrup, Many nieces, nephews and cousins on all sides of the family.
He is preceded in death by his father, Sigurd Stottrup, mother, Maxime Stottrup, younger sister, Sigrid Stottrup, and his in-laws, Herman and Zada Nottelmann.
No formal funeral services will be held at this time due to Covid. A graveside service will take place at Stonegate Cemetery in Hartland, WI, on April 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm CDT.
(Reutebuch family submission) James John Bruynell, age 84, of Oceanside CA, went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 21, 2021. Jim was born to Erma and John Bruynell on September 18, 1936. He grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, attended Mishawaka High School and graduated in 1955. Jim was a proud and active member of every community he lived in. He served in the United States Army for 3 years and the majority of that time was spent at The Redstone Arsenal. He worked as an Engineer and a Sales Engineer for Dodge Manufacturing and Reliance Electric of Rosemont, Illinois for 44 years.
Jim Bruynell
He was part of the Cursillo Movement for over 60 years in Indiana and Illinois. Jim served in the Kairos Prison Ministry for many years, where he shared the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Moreover, Jim served weekly at Brother Benno’s, serving the poor and marginalized. If you couldn’t find Jim on a Saturday morning, he was out feeding the migrant workers a hot breakfast. Also, he had a special love for the Capuchin Franciscans who welcomed his family to Northwest Indiana and befriended them.
Jim was an avid, gifted joke teller and loved to share a smile with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and was especially fond of the family summer trips at Big Fish Lake. He cherished many memorable fishing trips with his sons and grandchildren. He could fix just about anything and got plenty of opportunities to so with his large family. He loved playing the drums and delighted in family musical sessions in Wisconsin. Jim was a dancing enthusiast and had so much fun on the dance floor. He never missed the opportunity to celebrate his family and was most proud of his nine cherished children, 21 grandchildren, and precious one great grandchild. His family was a priority in all he did.
Jim enjoyed ocean walks and oceanside meals with his beloved wife and best friend, Carol. They enjoyed traveling and visited most of Europe together. He adored waking up to the California sunshine daily, and he grew beautiful lemons. He delighted in mailing his family boxes of his prized California fruit. Jim was proud of his Belgian roots and the little Flemish community that he came from. He made sure his family knew their special Belgian blood and stories.
He made the best batches of Chex mix to share. He loved people, conversations, and sharing a meal. Jim was loved by so many. Jim was Santa for many decades and shared joy with many by helping to bring the magic of Christmas to his community.
His favorite hobby was his postcard ministry. He sent hundreds of postcards to loved ones and shared his faith, life lessons, and unique, funny sayings. Jim had a passion for connecting with people.
Above all, Jim was a follower of Christ. His retirement business card was Isaiah 41:18 “For I, the Lord thy God will hold your right hand saying, Fear not, I will help you.” This was the card he shared with as many as he could. In Jim’s final hours, all that could be heard, were the sweet words of gratitude to our dear father, grandfather, and husband for a life well lived.
Joy is one word to describe Jim’s life and legacy. As Trisha, his granddaughter, so beautifully recalled, “Grandpa, when I think of you, I think of joy. Joy that is generous and energetic, unwavering, and unconditional. Joy that is readily given and therefore plentiful – because it’s the kind of joy, it seems, that is replenished by the very act of sharing it with others. How lucky am I to have a Grandpa like that. To know joy like that. To have been loved like that.” Jim simply loved people and enjoyed meeting everyone. He wanted to know their story. As Jim’s son, Paul, so lovingly shared, “It’s been just hours since he left this earth, but I guarantee he has shaken hands with three quarters of heaven.”
Jim is survived by his loved wife of 30 years, Carol Bruynell; nine children: Jim (Marie) Bruynell of Haverhill, MA; Mary Sue (Tim) Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Tim (Heather) Bruynell of Anderson, SC; Beth (Mike) Ringel of Austin, TX; Amy Sky of Huntsville, Al; Tom (Kim) Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Carly (Ken) Kolanda of Maricopa, AZ; John (Madison) Brand of Monticello, IN; Paul (Mary Kate) Brand of East Hampton, CT; 21 grandchildren: Kara Bruynell of San Diego, CA; Laura (Dan) Brosnan of Beverly, MA; Trisha Bruynell of London, England; Ellen (Nick) Pantuosco of Clinton, MA; Alexis (Trevor) Parmentier of Round Rock, TX; Thomas (Jordan) Bruynell of Indianapolis, IN; Ryan Bruynell of Mountain View, CA; Christine Bruynell of Cary, NC; Angela Paolella of Pleasanton, CA; Zachary Ringel of Austin, TX; Cody Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Jeremy Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Michael Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Collin Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Luke Varghese of Anderson, SC; Ethan Varghese of Anderson, SC; Conor Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Whimsy Brand of East Hampton, CT; Grady Brand of East Hampton, CT; Remy Brand of East Hampton, CT; and Matthew Riordan of Haverhill, MA; one great grandchild: Oliver Brosnan of Beverly, MA and last, but not least: Baby Pantuosco to arrive in August 2021.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Gyrarmati; his mother, Erma and father John.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23 at 10:00 am. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at the Serra Center at Mission San Luis Rey, 4070 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057. A Graveside Service with the presentation of Military Funeral Honors at 12:00 pm at the Old Mission Rey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brother Benno’s, https://www.brotherbenno.org, in memory of Jim.
Sherry Griep writes, “I have arranged the date, place, and time of Dylan ‘s memorial service. I held this out because of Covid so we could hold it outside. I am requesting that every one social distance and wears a mask.
His Memorial and Celebration of his Life will be held at:
Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, Wisconsin by my grandparents’, Leon and Lucille Scherer, graves. If you need directions, please let me know.
Date: April 28, 2021
Time: 2 PM
Pastor Wendt will be doing the service.
If you have any questions, please either message me or call me at 608-201-8895. If you leave a message, I will get back to you. Just please leave your name & phone number in the message.“
Dylan Edmund Dale Griep, 21, Whitewater, passed into eternal life on December 31, 2020.
Dylan was born on October 15, 1999 to Jonathan and Sherry (Grosskreutz) Griep in Beloit, WI. He spent many of his early years in Beloit before moving to Whitewater in 2011. He graduated with honors from Whitewater High School in 2018. He then attended UW-Whitewater for Game Development, one of his biggest passions. He also enjoyed building computers and was a skilled self-taught coder. His spirit and drive will always be remembered. Dylan had a super sense of humor and touched so many lives. He is dancing in the sky!
He is survived by his grandparents, Ed and Sandy Grosskreutz; mother, Sherry Griep; sisters, Andrea Griep, and Kaylee (Michael) Kirichkow; nieces and nephews, Dakota, Damien, Kylie, Jaxson, Eli and Wesley (arriving in April); and his dog, Bandit. He was preceded in death by Donna and Dale Griep and Aunt Angie Griep. Private services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Whitewater EMS, Police and Nitardy Funeral Home for their assistance. Online condolences may be made by visiting nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Wilfred Arthur Ludeman, 97, of Whitewater, died on March 31, 2021 at his home.
Wilfred was born on June 12, 1923 in LaGrange, WI to Arthur and Lillian (Romey) Ludeman. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1941. On June 20, 1946, Wilfred married Jean Orcutt. She preceded him in death on September 28, 2001. Wilfred owned and operated a dairy farm, drove school bus for 17 years, and worked for many years for Seasonal Services where he took great pride in the flowers and lawn at First Citizens State Bank. Wilfred was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served as an usher for 72 years. He was also active in the FFA and 4-H. He and Jean also cared for many foster children over the years.
He is survived by his children: Mary Hoof; Kathy (Dan) Wood; John Ludeman; Patricia (Thomas) Korslin; Becky Ludeman; Kris Ludeman; son-in-law Michael Annessi; special family friend Laura Johnson; grandchildren: Matthew (Jennifer) Hoof; Sarah (Luke) Hein; Benjamin (Kelly) Ludeman; Michael Ludeman; Kate (Michael) Kennedy; Meg Tindal; Steve (Mariah) Korslin; Alexis and Alyssa Rodriguez; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Freeman; Hailey and Caden Hoof; Jack Hein; Brock and Sophia Ludeman; Nathan and Cora Kennedy, Natalie and Jaxson Tindal; great-great grandson: Beckett Chaplin, and several others he thought of as family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Caroline; daughter, Jean; daughter-in-law, Patsy; granddaughter, Vicki Jo; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Bertha Ludeman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater. A visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. For your convenience, mass will also be live streamed on Tuesday. Please go to nitardyfuneralhome.com and follow the link on Wilfred’s obituary.
Following church and city protocols, masks are required and social distancing observed. Because seating is limited, please email Becky at ludemanb@gmail.com if you are planning to attend in person for seat availability. There will be no reception following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers we suggest a memorial in Wilfred’s name to St. Patrick Catholic Church: Music and Liturgy or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
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 22nd, 2020.
Mary was born on November 29th, 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 1st, 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.
