Obituaries

Dennis “Denny” William Kehoe, 92, of Whitewater passed on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Glenwood at Mulberry Glen.

Denny was born on June 11, 1928 in Watertown to Charles W. and Anna O. (Dollase) Kehoe. He was a World War II era veteran, stationed in Occupied Japan. After serving his country, he was a UW-Madison graduate that lettered in boxing. He dedicated the rest of his career to education, and was a Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese at UW-Whitewater. He was an avid linguist.

Denny was a member of the Whitewater Knights of Columbus, an active volunteer with the Latin American Mission Program, and was very involved in the Latino community. He was an active member in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He traveled and taught with college students in Mexico and Spain.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Rita and singing with the Lake County Country Gentleman Barbershop Choir out of Lake Geneva. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sing.

Dennis is survived by his children, Rita (Parker) Dow, Bill (Heather) Kehoe, Maria (David) Hinners. He was a loving grandpa to Heather (David) Buehler, Holly Dow, Morganne (Andrew) Seiner, Shannon Kehoe, Meghan Kehoe, Alex Hinners, Eric Hinners; and great-grandchildren, Seraphine and Sebastian Buehler. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Boyink; and many nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Kehoe; wife, Rita (Lassa) Kehoe; brother, Mack Kehoe; and sister, Ethel (Kehoe) Kachelmeier.

A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra. Masks and social distancing are required. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The family would like to give special thanks to Glenwood and Marquardt Hospice for their exceptional care of Denny.

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

Dennis D. Floerke, age 68, of Stitzer, WI, formerly of Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on January 12, 1952 in Fort Atkinson the son of Lawrence and Nora (Beighley) Floerke. He was united in marriage to Jean Fritz on November 30, 2013 at the Boscobel United Methodist Church.

Dennis worked for the Jefferson County Highway Department for over 33 years. He began his duties as a Patrolman’s Helper. He also served as a Patrolman. The previous 20 years, Dennis ran a grader on the Grade Crew and he loved to snow plow. After his retirement, he was employed at Reddy-Ag in Stitzer as a seasonal employee for the past three years until having to retire due to his declining health. Dennis enjoyed going to stock car races along with watching NASCAR. He enjoyed going for rides in the country looking at the beautiful scenery and wildlife. He and Jean took road trips to Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, Colorado and Canada. Dennis was a handyman and liked working on projects around the house. He was most proud of his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He made special bonds with each of them. He will be remembered for his big heart, his desire to always help others, and always having a positive outlook on life. He will be deeply missed.

Dennis is survived by his wife Jean of Stitzer, his daughter Cheryl (Tim) Oechsle of Fennimore and their children Jacob (Megan Klema) Oechsle and Levi (Erica Boylen) Oechsle, and son Cliff (Amy) Floerke of Whitewater and their son Anthony (Jessica) Floerke and their two children Madelyn and Kate Floerke, along with Jean’s family; daughter Cindy (Andy) Ploessl and their children; Phillip Peer, Tesha (Jake) Millard and their children Kamden and Aubree Millard, daughter Alisa (Jeremy) Miles and their two children Dalton and Ashley Miles, son Michael Butler and his two children Xander Fecht and Coral Butler. Dennis is also survived by his two brothers Eugene (Alice) Floerke of Richland Center, and Alan (Pam) Floerke of Fort Atkinson.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Walter Beighley.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. If planning on attending services at the funeral home the wearing of masks will be required. Online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com

William “Bill” L. Cushman, 96, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

Due to the high Covid-19 numbers, the visitation scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI has been cancelled.

A Graveside Service with a Masonic Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Cushman Cemetery, Cushman Road, Town of Hebron, WI. After the burial, there will be an opportunity to visit with the family following Covid Protocol.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family.

David F. Byrne, 95, Whitewater, passed away on November 24, 2020.

David was born December 11, 1924 in Pontiac, Illinois, to Ira and Vera (Rittenhouse) Byrne. He was raised 2 miles northeast of Saunemin on the family farm of four generations. He attended elementary and secondary schools at Saunemin, Illinois, graduating from Saunemin High School in 1942. David attended Illinois State Normal University from September 1942 until June, 1944, both as a civilian and in the Naval Officer Training called V-12. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1946, on the destroyer escort 531, Edward H. Allen, in the Atlantic. During the World War II years David met Elizabeth Gebhardt and they were married December 16, 1944. They had three sons; David Charles (Sandra), William Edward (Bette), Paul Franklin (Kathy), thirteen grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. In 1994 David and Beth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, with family and friends, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His loving wife, Elizabeth, died October 7, 1995. David attended the University Of Illinois, receiving the Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Agriculture and the Master of Science Degree in 1949. From 1955 to 1962, he enrolled in extension and summer courses. In 1962 he took a leave of absence and enrolled for residence in the Doctor of Education Program at the University of Illinois. He received the Doctor of Education degree in June 1964. David Byrne was a teacher and administrator in public schools for 37 years. He started the vocational Agriculture department in Altamont, Illinois in 1949 and after 5 years he became the high school principal and superintendent of the Altamont Community Unit District 10, with only 640 pupils in grades 1 thru 12. From 1958 to 1962 he was Principal of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois, with 3100 students in 1958. For 20 years, 1965-1985, he was Superintendent of the Leyden High School District 212, with two high schools in the suburban area near Chicago 0 ‘Hare airport. During his last year at Leyden both East Leyden and West Leyden were selected for the National Presidential Award for Excellence.

Whitewater Lake, Wisconsin, was his home after retiring, and for many years he was active in the UMC and Noon Kiwanis. By the time he became 90 he was limited to his walker, pick-up truck, and a Kawasaki Mule. He enjoyed a time of greater relaxation, spending time with family and friends, hosting company at the lake house, and the Investment Club meetings. He watched TV and used the computer to monitor his stock portfolio. He spent the last few years of his life at Fairhaven Retirement Homes where he enjoyed many new friends and activities. On New Year’s Eve, 1996, Dave married Dorothy Davis Barnes, a former classmate at Saunemin High School. With Dorothy’s son, Dr. David Barnes, and her daughter, Penny Manning added to the family, Dave and Dorothy now had 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Due to the pandemic there will be no formal services at this time. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Fairhaven Senior Living in memory of David.

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

Janet Marie (Cooper) Grosskreutz

Janet Marie (Cooper) Grosskreutz, 62, was reborn to eternal life on November 24, 2020 after a long battle with COPD. She was born on February 1, 1958, to Walter and Elizabeth (Fisch) Cooper at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. She grew up in the Lima/Cold Spring/Whitewater area and went straight from Whitewater High School to the loving arms of her husband, Brian Grosskreutz. They married at North Lima Presbyterian Church on June 14, 1975 and spent the next 44 years together.

Janet worked in a variety of professions during her life, including as a caregiver at Fairhaven and other assisted living facilities, a packer for Star Packaging, and as a retail clerk at the Gift Hutch.

Janet delighted in living life to the fullest. She didn’t let a fear of heights deter her from enjoying everything from peering over a 12-story hotel balcony to watch bears raiding a dumpster to attaining the summit of Pikes Peak. She also overcame her fear of airplanes so she could go to Florida to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its first year, pet a dolphin at SeaWorld, and view a space shuttle on the launch pad at Cape Kennedy.

When at home, she enjoyed spending time with her husband Brian, daughter Kelly, and whatever dogs or cats they owned at the time. Janet was a huge animal lover and always owned at least one dog or cat throughout her life. She also enjoyed reading, coloring pictures in adult coloring books, making cards on her computer, sewing, and crocheting.

Janet leaves behind her daughter Kelly of Johnson Creek; in-laws Richard and Beverly Grosskreutz of Whitewater; brothers Walter Cooper, Jr. (Carol) of Grand Rapids, MN and John Cooper of Janesville; brother-in-law Steven (Patrice) Grosskreutz of Whitewater; beloved cat Dusty; and many nieces and nephews.

She is reunited with her husband Brian, daughter Kimberly, parents Walter and Elizabeth (Fisch) Cooper, sister Sylvia (Cooper) Holbach, sister-in-law Carmella (Rose) Cooper, and nephew Aaron Grosskreutz.

A private family burial will take place at Little Prairie Cemetery in Little Prairie, WI on December 5, 2020.

The family would like to thank Marquardt Home Health and Marquardt Hospice in Watertown, WI for their help and support.

Jeanine R. Stauffacher, 81, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Fairhaven.

Jeanine was born on November 23, 1938 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Raymond and Gertrude Larsen.  She grew up on the family farm and was very active in her local 4-H club.  After graduating from Denmark High School in 1956, Jeanine attended Stout State College and received a bachelor’s degree in home economics education in 1960.  While attending college, she was active in her Sorority Alpha Phi and was the active member president in 1959-1960.  After graduating Stout, Jeanine taught at Beaver Dam high school for one year.  On June 17, 1961, Jeanine married Gerald Stauffacher of Monroe, in Denmark and they later moved to Whitewater in 1963.  Jeanine’s first involvement in the Whitewater community was teaching night classes at Whitewater High School in Beginners and Intermediate Sewing.  In 1964, she taught a summer session at East Troy High School.  She also judged clothing, home furnishings, etc., at area fairs and once judged a state wool contest.  She served as a substitute teacher and later accepted a teaching position at Whitewater High School.  

As a devoted member of First English Lutheran Church, Jeanine was active in Miriam Circle, ALCW, taught senior high youth classes, vacation bible school, and nursery school classes.  Perhaps Jeanine’s most involved community service was her untiring efforts in local and regional Federated Women’s Club work.  Joining the Junior Woman’s club in 1964, she served as Treasurer and President and held several chairmanship positions.  For two years, Jeanine held the office of Vice-President of the Whitewater City Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was the youngest woman to hold the office of president during her 1972-1974 term.  Holding those offices gave Jeanine experience in planning programs and coordinating the cultural and philanthropic efforts of the Federated Women’s Clubs in the Whitewater community.  She was recognized with the Jaycettes C.A.R.O.L Award in 1972.  She was also generous with her time in helping with the Girl Scout program, membership in the Parent-Teacher Organization of Lincoln Elementary School, and as neighborhood chairman of the Red Cross, Heart Fund, and Girl Scout Drives. 

Jeanine was also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, P.E.O, and held many officer positions including Guard from 1977-1979, President from 1981-1983, Vice-President from 1985-1987, and Secretary. Jeanine was a delegate at the P.E.O State Convention at UW-Stout and also attended the State Convention in Whitewater and Milton. Jeanine enjoyed the connections she shared with her P.E.O sisters over the years.

Besides all her time consuming club work, she enjoyed her family’s projects and activities including school functions, spectator sports, and camping trips.

After retiring in 1999 from 25 years of teaching, Jeanine enjoyed traveling with friends and family to Gulf Shores, Door County, and Arizona.  Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with friends, family, and her grandchildren.

Jeanine is survived by her children, Scott (Mary) Stauffacher, Kristi (Jeff) Brown; grandchildren, Lindsay (Dave) Charlier, Jake Stauffacher; siblings, Jerry (Emmy) Larsen, Julie Larsen, Margo (Scott) Trentadue; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Gertrude Larsen; and husband, Gerald Stauffacher.

A burial will take place at 1 P.M. on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Hillside Cemetery.

In honor of Jeanine, a donation can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

The family would like to give special thanks to Fairhaven staff for their exceptional care of Jeanine over the past six years.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

“Someday I’ll leave this world, hopefully a better place for having lived and BEING JUST ME.” –Jeanine Stauffacher

Charles Thomas Janulewicz “Bear”

“Bear,” 66, Was called home to be with his Wife Gloria on Saturday the 14^th of November in Mesa, Arizona. Bear was married to Gloria J. Janulewicz for 27 unforgettable years. In 2006 Bear lost the love of his life. Bear spoke of Gloria every day and of the day when he would be reunited with her.

Bear is survived by his 3 daughters, Candi, Cindi, and Conni and son Robert, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and many more extended family members.

Bear had a busy life filled with family, friends, and amazing bike rides on his Harley Sportster. The Harley being a gift from his father when he was young. Bear and Gloria went on many rides and enjoyed many miles together. Now, they ride together again.

Bear will be missed dearly and will remain in our hearts forever.

There will be NO formal service, due to Bear’s wishes of being sent home to Wisconsin to rest with his dear wife.

Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, in Bear’s memory, to “BACA” “Bikers Against Child Abuse.”

Obituary of Doris Schindel Zahn

Doris S. Zahn, 89, died peacefully at her home, Wednesday, November 11, 2020. She was born in Juneau, WI, on July 12, 1931 to Fred and Edith (Zemlo) Schindel. She attended St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Juneau, and later graduated from Horicon High School after the family moved to a small farm in Burnett. She learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and frugal living from her mother Edith.

Her dad Fred worked with Karl Zahn at the Dodge County highway department and thought he was a young man with too much promise to be a laborer. Doris married Karl on February 16, 1951. They supported each other through earning five degrees in education. Both started their careers in rural one-room schools and were devoted to children through teaching. Doris retired on June 1, 1990, from the Whitewater Public Schools after spending much of her career as a reading specialist at Washington Elementary. Even until recently, people would tell her of the impact she had on their lives as an educator. She joined Delta Kappa Gamma in 1968, and was a member for more than 50 years, serving as president from 1996 to 1998. She contributed much to the organization, which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Doris had many creative talents, and during the summer months she could be found sewing school clothes for her daughters and continued by sewing Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Her basement was a potpourri of flowers, seasonal containers, and bows. Each year she created centerpieces for the annual Delta Kappa Gamma holiday auction—searching out just the right trimmings. Even last year, she made her famous Christmas chocolate pizzas for friends and family.

She was a devoted Christian and active at University Lutheran Church in Whitewater. In the 1970s she volunteered many summers as a Girl Scout leader at Oakwood Knoll summer camp near East Troy.

Carrying on the spirit of Karl, she supported the UW-W community with her attendance at fine arts events, faculty emeriti luncheons and football, basketball, and baseball games. They were proudly inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

In March 2014, she drove Karl, who was undergoing cancer treatments, to Orlando, Florida, for the Warhawk baseball training games. They both loved getting to know the players and their families.

Her greatest memories included the many cruises she took with Karl all over the world. Recently, her family supported her love of travel with trips to Naples, Florida, and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the Falcon family, including her dear, dedicated driver and friend Sergio Falcon, a senior at UW-Whitewater.

We also thank her devoted caregiver Christina Aranda; neighbor Dave Haberman; Rev. Dale Blanchard at Triune Lutheran Church in Sharon; and many local friends who drove her to games, events and appointments. Phone calls meant the world to her. If you want to honor Doris, please call on someone who is confined to their home as she was.

She is survived by her daughters Laura (J. Peter) Zahn Pohl of Wheaton, IL, and Karla Zahn (Andrew Ketterhagen) of Oostburg, WI; grandchildren Nicholas (Justyna) Pohl (Naples, FL), Erica (fiancé Matt Eich) Pohl (Vernon Hills, IL) and Harper Westfall (Towson, MD); great-grandchildren Ella Rose and Emilia Grace Pohl (Naples, FL); and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. Karl Zahn, granddaughter Elli Zahn Westfall, brother LeRoy Schindel and sister Joyce Schindel Bartelt.

If she said thank you once, she said it a million times recently as she was so grateful for the blessings life had given her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorials can be made to the Karl and Doris Zahn Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Foundation or the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority of UW- Whitewater at uww.edu/give

Burial services will be private, followed by a celebration of her life sometime next year.

Visit www.schneidermichaelis.com to leave condolence or light a candle in her memory. 

Doris Mae Schwebke, age 84, died Friday, November 13, 2020, at SSM St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital. She was born on July 1, 1936 in Ashtubula, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Della (Hinkle) Kincaid. She was the widow of Reginald Schwebke who preceded her in death in 2006.

She was a homemaker and stay at home mom as her children grew up. While they were attending school, she did volunteer work for the schools they attended. Doris resided in Wisconsin much of her life but following Reginald’s retirement, they lived in Florida for a time until returning to Wisconsin.

Doris is survived by four children, David Salem, Debbie Deegan, Cindy Salem, and Randy (Julie) Salem; grandchildren, Jeremy Deegan, Jason Deegan, Josh Salem, Danielle Ehlert, Nicole Salem (Jessie), Nathan Salem (Stephanie), Nicholas Salem (Beth), and Zachary Salem; great-grandchildren, Mason, Ashley, Deven, Kameron, Kolton, Liam, Alina, Landen, and Kaiden; brother, Ronald; and sister, Jean. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Joey Salem; as well as three brothers, Richard, Edward, and Ray.

Private family services will be held at a later date with entombment in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. The family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, Janesville.

“I will remember you all and will look on with a smile. Understand in your hearts that I have only gone to rest for a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.”

You may share a memory at www.henkeclarson.com

Helen S. Ramirez nee Panagiotopoulos, 36 of Whitewater, became our angel on November 10th, 2020. 

She is survived by her husband, Richard Ramirez; daughter, Addalynn Ramirez; mother and father, Alpha and Sam Panagiotopoulos; brother, Sammy Panagiotopoulos; her fur babies, Brendul and Brandy and many family and friends. 

Helen welcomed everyone she met with open arms and made you feel like family.  She always had a kind word to say and made you look at the world in a brighter light.  She was a loving wife, a strong supportive mother, she was the glue that held her family together, and a best friend to us all.  She did not say no, she just found a way to make it happen for you.  There are not enough words in any language to express how Helen truly made this world a better place just by knowing her.  Helen has touched each and every one of us.  We will forever carry a piece of her with us.  Her bright smile and giving nature will stay with us to guide us to be better.  

Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dunlap Memorial Home, 604 S. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Graveside services will follow at 1:45 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery, 410 S. Wisconsin Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. You can also continue to support the family via her go fund me page (Love to Helen).

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com