Obituaries

Obituary: Joy S. Stuckey, 78, of Fort Atkinson

Joy S. Stuckey, a loving mother, ascended peacefully on butterfly wings to the gates of heaven on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born in Berwyn, IL on May 27, 1943, the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Zuetel) Rode. On January 19th, 1963 she was united in marriage to the late Bruce Stuckey at Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Illinois. She was currently residing in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Joy worked as an administrative assistant at Jefferson County Human Services, Parsons Chiropractic Services, and Dr. Moulton’s Dental Clinic. She made many friends over the years that brought laughter and smiles to those around her. She loved any and all flowers, especially lavender, lilacs, lilies, and tulips. Watching her houseplants and flower gardens bloom as well as the butterflies, squirrels and birds that visit would bring her great pleasure. She enjoyed watercolor painting, sewing, knitting, crafting, and traveling the states. Joy loved all animals, especially cats. 

Joy’s passion was devoting her life to her family. She is survived by her two daughters; Sharon (Steven) Olson and Susan Stuckey, both of Fort Atkinson, WI. She has five grandchildren: Candice (Jonathan) Franks, Dawn (Mark) Wokasch, Matthew (Libby) Stahl, Craig Olson, and Maxwell Stuckey. She was also well loved by her eight great grandchildren: Emma Wokasch, Hailey Olson, Sophia Wokasch, Alyvia Olson, Madelynn Franks, Oliver Stuckey, Lainey Franks, and Ryleigh Olson. She is survived by her sister Loralee Gerrietts.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son, Robert Stuckey.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date and time to better appreciate her love for nature and gardening.

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

Obituary: Carolyn Marie Ferriano

Carolyn Marie Ferriano is at peace, after a years-long battle with debilitating health issues. Carolyn spent her last 8.5 months receiving wonderful care at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg.  She never lost her incredible will to live or her sense of humor.

Carolyn is survived by her loving family: husband Frank, daughter Sharon, son-in-law Greg and grandchildren, Samuel and Anna. She is also survived by her brother Bob Hofstetter and his wife Susie, and their kids/grandkids, and by many members of Frank’s family – his sister Annette, nieces, nephews. Carolyn adored them all.

Along with family, Carolyn had so many beautiful friends. She loved them all dearly, including Maureen and Lowell Youngs and Greg’s parents, Barbara and George Mischio.  If Carolyn loved anything more than her friends and family, it was animals. In particular, their cat Sir Arthur, whom we believe was waiting for her as she passed.

Carolyn met Frank Ferriano, in 1963 in New Jersey. They were married in 1965 and moved to Wisconsin in 1968.  They had 57 wonderful years together, many of them spent attending concerts, shows, plays and movies. They also enjoyed their gourmet dinner club and bridge club.  But their favorite thing to do together was to travel.  Carolyn and Frank enjoyed many cruises, trips to Europe, Alaska and Hawaii.  They also made time to visit family in various parts of the country.

Carolyn had a wonderful career as a nurse, and did it all, from teaching nursing to hospital nursing, nursing home, doctors office and home health care. She was incredibly intelligent and caring.  She never stopped teaching.  The staff at Agrace all talked about how much they learned from her.

After Carolyn retired from nursing, she and Frank returned from living part of the year in Florida so they could fully participate in their grandkids’ lives. They were at all their activities/sports/dance/music programs, etc. We looked forward to our Anna Maria Island trips together every year. That was Carolyn’s favorite place. She loved the beach, sunsets and looking for shells. We will treasure every moment we had with her there.

Carolyn was a talented seamstress, who also did needlepoint, crochet and knitting.  She made countless gorgeous blankets, shawls, scarves, bags, and decorative items.

We could not have gotten through these last 8 months without Agrace.  It is where Carolyn always said she wanted to end up, and it was beautiful to see the friendships she developed with the staff.  We are forever grateful for the loving care she received there.

We will have a memorial gathering for mom in the spring – date TBD.

Donations can be made to either Agrace Hospice or the Dane County Humane Society in Carolyn Ferriano’s name.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI

Obituary: Michael Kelly, 59

Michael Kelly was born on an army base in Kansas on July 24, 1962. He lived some of his childhood in Germany, where his mother was born. Michael peacefully transitioned into pure spirit with his Divine Source whom he chose to call Tunkashila on the first day of spring, 3-20-22. He went peacefully on a hospice bed with dear friend, Jude Christensen at his side. She provided emotional and physical support throughout his illness. He was not alone.

Michael was the third and youngest son of Ann Elizabeth and James Gary Kelly. He is survived by his special friend, Bob. Bob and Michael met at a time where they contributed to each other’s strengths and care. Bob was a primary loving support during his cancer journey. Everyone whom he called a friend knew they were special to Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill. His one surviving brother, Jim, lives in Mexico.

Michael lived with cancer for five and a half years. He was grateful for his heath care team from St Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Froedert in Milwaukee, and his overnight hospice team at Ft. Memorial Hospital. He trusted and accepted cancer treatments and did not project future outcomes as he fully lived in the present with a positive attitude.


Michael was a strong advocate for recovery from addictions. He shared his addiction and recovery experience, strength, and hope with people in the recovery community for nearly 30 years. He was an asset to people in recovery. It was an honor for him to be the assistant director of the SABLE House 15 years. He had a strong impact on those living there for the purpose of recovery support.


Michael had a passion for creating beauty with interior, flower, and landscape design. His passion was that of a special events designer and coordinator. He enjoyed hiking, helping others, spirituality, meditation, Myofascial Release Bodywork, and laughing, especially being snarky.

Michael’s brother Jim wrote the following for a eulogy:
“…I’m sorry I can’t be with you all to pay respect and honor Mike. I think all of us who knew Mike would agree he was a kind giving soul. This was not the likely outcome for someone who went through some of the experiences Mike was confronted with in his life. As his brother I know Mike as a person who overcame many obstacles to become the giving person he became. He used his mishaps and tragedies that happened to him in his life to help others. Many of you who knew Mike on a personal level know this well. The people who knew him are the better for it. Sometimes he could be quite serious, but considerate in what he was trying to accomplish. I will miss Mike as I’m sure all of you will. He became an enlightened being despite all the dark times he went through in his life. This is what Mike has left us with, the realization that we can overcome darkness and transform into the light. This was Mike’s gift to us all. Wherever you are Mike thank you for everything, thank you for being my brother and thank you for all the people you touched in your life.”


Please join in to celebrate Michael with a memorial brunch to share memories on 3-26-22 from 10 a.m. until noon, at his favorite, Jessica’s Restaurant, at 140 W Main St in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For those who choose to make a financial donation, Michael’s wishes were that donations go to the Dave Gallup Foundation which supports individuals in early recovery. You can use Cash App: $DaveGallupFoundation
As another option, you can donate in Michael’s honor to a charity or non-profit of your choice. Thank you.

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Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan

Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan, WI died on March 20, 2022, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. Laurie was born on August 3, 1957, daughter of the late Erwin and Janice (Green) Kant. Laurie was a very active person and touched the lives of many people. Laurie married her husband, Ronald Hull on February 14, 1988, at the First Congregational Church of Elkhorn, WI. She was a founding member of the Lakes Shores Library System and held a seat on their board for over thirty years. At the time of her passing, she held the title of President of the Lakes Shore Library System Board. Laurie spent much of her career as a Librarian, between being a medical librarian at Medical Associates of Wisconsin and a children’s librarian in Burlington. Laurie was a very talented crafter, working in painting, gardening, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, and taught as a quilting instructor at Blackhawk Technical College. She was a champion of women’s rights, helping those who needed it, and fighting the good fight no matter the cost or how hopeless the cause. A pacifist who was in ROTC during her college years, repelling off buildings and reassembling M-16s with parts left over. A lover of fast cars but rarely went above the speed limit, a protector to all animals who needed a home, and thought that Clark Griswold was an amateur when it came to holiday decorations. In her later years she grew to have a passion for fitness and weightlifting and encourage everyone around her to get active because, “if I can do it, anyone can do it.” Laurie loved all things Disney, Disco music, and was well known for curling up on a gloomy day to watch Hallmark Christmas movies regardless of the month. Through all her life she loved and taught those around her to love without question, with the saddest fate, according to her, being “an obituary that doesn’t make you wish you knew them.” Loved by many and feared by some, she will be deeply missed by those who were able to get to know her. Laurie is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Michael Craney; and great nephew; Benjamin Grossen. She is survived by her husband, Ron; son Daniel (Sarah Defranco) Kant-Hull; and sisters, Kathleen Craney, Alison (Richard) Madero, and Melinda (John) Allen. A Memorial Service will be held for Laurie on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Christ, 54 S. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI 53548. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation Mission of Mercy; Wisconsin Library Association Foundation; Walworth County Humane Society; Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter; or Open Arms Free Clinic. Online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.         

Obituary: Shirley M. Meisner, 89

Shirley M. Meisner, 89, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2022, with her family by her side.
Shirley was born on February 9th, 1933, in Hebron, Wisconsin to Franklin and Irma (Pelchen) Koepke. She spent much of her early life in Hebron, going on to graduate from Whitewater High School. On January 20th, 1951, she married Arthur Meisner and together they raised a family in Whitewater.

She enjoyed sewing; she became a seamstress and worked with Art Lein’s Men’s Clothing Store. She also loved to work on puzzles and watch her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by her children, Bruce (Elizabeth) Meisner of Wolcott, IN, Scot (Kellie) Meisner of Chetek, WI, Vicki (Ray) Garlock of Whitewater, WI, and Lori (Mark Hoffman) Roach of Jefferson, WI; her grandchildren, Julia, David, Jacob, Matthew, Tom, Michelle, and Christopher; her eight great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Laura Koepke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Irma; her loving husband, Arthur; two brothers, Wayne and Russell; and a granddaughter.

Private services are being held.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Hearthstone and Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hearthstone Memory Care.

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

Obituary: Linda S. Lehman, 61

Linda S. Lehman, 61, of Whitewater, WI passed away with her loving husband by her side on March 15, 2022 at Agrace Hospice Center in Janesville, WI.

Linda was born on January 31, 1961 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of Bruce and Sue Carol (Schroeder) Omdoll, Sr.. Linda grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee Marshall High School. She was united in marriage to Michael Lehman on June 27, 1992 at Wellington Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. The couple was blessed with a son, Bret in 1998. Linda was happy and good spirited; she loved her family and she loved people. Her passion in life was music, specifically 80’s Rock. She also had a special connection with animals of all kinds, including bugs. She was loved and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by: her loving husband of 29 years, Michael Lehman of Whitewater, WI; her son, Bret Lehman of Jefferson, WI; her siblings, Bruce (Susan) Omdoll, Lisa (Richard) Heitl, Lora (Dan) Cieszynski, John (Charlotte) Omdoll and Shari (Kory) Schuhmacher; and her siblings-in-law, Gary (the late Julie) Lehman, Charles (Tina) Lehman and Patricia (Charles) Wozniak. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bruce Omdoll, Sr..

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Linda’s family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Linda will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Carrie “Maisie” Condon, 99

Whitewater/Brodhead, WI – Carrie “Maisie” Condon, age 99, passed away on March 7, 2022 while at her home in Whitewater.

Maisie was born on July 27, 1922 in Stoughton, WI, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Whaley) Taylor.
She married Gurnsey Condon in 1946 in Southern Wisconsin.

Maisie was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ of Whitewater, the Alpha Club, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Fairhaven Auxiliary, Whitewater Country Club and Women’s Golf Association and the Golden Girls (a group of friends of 60 years and older).

Maisie is survived by two sons, Gurnsey (Noele) Condon of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and John (Terry) Condon of Kissimmee, FL; three grandchildren, Sean Condon of Minocqua, WI, Kristin Condon of Woodbury, MN and Andrew Condon of Pleasant Prairie, WI; two great-granddaughters, Ryan and Devan Condon; one great-grandson, Jude Besl and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Maisie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gurnsey in 2004 and all of her siblings.

Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, 1109 East 9th Avenue, Brodhead, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at noon. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead. The Condon family asks that you kindly consider making a charitable donation to UNICEF, Save the Children, or a charity of your choice rather than floral donations. To extend online condolences to the family, please visit: www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Dianne Camplin, 86

Dianne Camplin died peacefully on March 10, 2022 at the age of 86 after suffering a stroke in February. A beloved wife, mom, and grandma/Mimi, she was born on June 3, 1935 to Alois and Marianne Mueller.  She graduated from Menomonee Falls High School and met her husband, Dave when they were maid of honor and best man in her cousin’s wedding. They married in 1956 when both were attending UW-Whitewater where she was an active member of Theta Sigma Upsilon sorority. Graduating with a degree in elementary education, she spent most of her 27-year teaching career at Rockwell School. She was proud to have taught many 5th and 6th grade students math, science, and how to crochet. Dianne and Dave spent most of their adult lives in Fort Atkinson and moved to Fairhaven in Whitewater in 2016.

Known as “Auntie,” her love of children extended to babysitting in retirement.  This began when Dave’s brother, Bill and partner, Kitty moved to Fort. Their children, Satchel and Savannah were Dianne and Dave’s first “grandkids.” She then took care of children of other family friends. These relationships continued years after the babysitting ended. 

Dianne retired at 55 and enjoyed leisure life and gardening. She realized her greatest joy at the age of 60 with the birth of their first grandchild, Rivkah soon joined by sister, Shira and then cousin, Parker. Being a grandma was her favorite ‘job.’ She and Dave traveled to Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, and California to visit, attend school plays, bnot mitzvah, graduations, birthday parties, and celebrate holidays.  

Dianne was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 60 years.  She was also a member of a ‘Sewing Club’ comprised of several local friends where Dianne perfected the craft of darning socks. After many years, the sewing ceased; however, the gatherings continued with the Fort Pizza Hut $5 all-you-can-eat buffet being a favorite lunch spot. 

She will long be remembered for her deviled eggs, Oreo cookie ice cream dessert, chocolate zucchini cake, and her favorite phrase: ‘It is what it is.’

She is survived by her children, Karen Douglas and son-in-law, Roger Douglas of Walnut Creek, CA; Steve Wolf-Camplin and daughter-in-law, Nicole Wolf-Camplin of Wilmington, NC. Also survived by the loves of her life, grandchildren: Rivkah Wolf-Camplin of Atlanta, GA; Shira Wolf-Camplin of Asheville, NC; and Parker David Douglas of Seattle, WA. She is further survived by Dorothy Thode; Don and Bonnie Camplin; Fred and Ruth Ann Camplin; Bill Camplin and Kitty Welch; and Gene Camplin.   She is further survived by nieces and nephews and several dear friends,  many of them fellow Fort teachers. Dianne was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, David Camplin in February of 2020 and her brother, Ronald Mueller in 2010.

Correspondence can be sent in care of the Café Carpe, 18 S. Water Street West in Fort.  Memorials can be made in Dianne’s honor to: Jefferson County Humane Society or the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, April 24 at Bethany Lutheran Church with visitation at 2:00, a service at 3:00 and a reception to follow. 

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

Obituary: Jeffrey “Jeff” John Halko, 66 (Updated with Arrangements)

Jeffrey “Jeff” John Halko, 66, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville.

Jeff was born on June 12, 1955 in Chicago to Michael and Marie (Arruda) Halko. He grew up in the Silver Lake area where he graduated from Wilmot High in 1974. Jeff forged lifelong friendships in his youth before leaving the area to hitchhike across the country with new found friend, Rikki, landing in Libertypole/The Gulch, before returning to California. He met and married Cynthia Lamb in 1982, operated his first window cleaning business, Spotless Window Cleaning, in Monterey. They moved their family to LaCrosse, WI where he owned and operated Sunshine Window Cleaning until 1998. Jeff relocated to Elkhorn, WI following his divorce and purchased Picture Perfect Window Cleaning. He soon met and married Colleen Eissens in 2002, who joined him in the window cleaning business.

Jeff loved his work and his customers. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed singing, playing guitar, dancing, golfing, scootering with his dogs, getting together and catching up with ‘ol friends, making new ones, good conversation and spending time with family. He enjoyed watching Badger football, basketball and volleyball, as well as Packer football.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Colleen Eissens; his sisters Paula Kunz (Bill) and Laura Hart (Larry); his brother Larry Halko; his children Jacey (Lamb-Halko) Bubbers and Caleb Lamb-Halko; his grandchildren Tybalt Barbosa, Cianna Bubbers, Roman Bubbers, and Lannie Bubbers; his stepmother-in-law Rose Eissens; his stepchildren Chloe Barbosa (Jessy), Skylar Gabel-Eissens and Sean Gabel-Eissens; his beloved proteges Joe Oachs, Ryan Boeck and Dave Boeck; his canine kids Simon and KiRa.

He is preceded in death by his parents Michael Halko and Marie Janks, his brother George Halko; his in-laws Alvin Eissens and Alice (Akker) Bolluyt.

Every day presents a new opportunity to choose joy, despite our sorrow.  Please join us to celebrate the life of Jeff Halko and the joy he brought to our lives.  Please bring your memories, ones that make you smile, laugh and feel blessed to have known a person so full of love, joy and playfulness. 

The Celebration of life will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 24, 2022 at Evergreen Country Club, N6246 US 12, Elkhorn, WI.  An informal service will take place at 2 p.m., with light refreshments and socializing to follow.

Cards may be sent in c/o Picture Perfect, PO Box 112, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Online condolences can also be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Marie Augusta Traxler, 77

Marie Augusta Traxler, 77, Whitewater, passed away at home on Sunday, March 13, 2022, after battling lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family.

Marie was born on April 20, 1944 in Whitewater, WI to Woodrow and Marion (Schultz) Thayer. She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1962. Marie married Sidney Traxler on June 29, 1968 at the Palmyra Methodist Church. She was employed as a program assistant for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and retired in 2007. Marie was the state treasurer of the Wisconsin National Guard enlisted association auxiliary. She enjoyed crafting and playing cards with her friends and taking care of others was her passion. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years, Sidney; children: Melinda (Michael) Ulsberger, Fort Atkinson, Susan (Bradley) Meyer, Milwaukee; grandchildren: David and Sarah Ulsberger, Preston and Addison Meyer; great-grandchildren, Dominic McKinnon and Adrian Ulsberger; brothers: Carl (Nancy) Thayer and Bruce Thayer; brother-in-law, David (Dottie) Traxler and many cherished friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-in-law, Marty Thayer and Karen (Tom) Chwala.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022 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 Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The family would like to thank Kendra, Sarah, Gretchen and Terri from Rainbow Hospice for their loving care and support. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com