Jeffrey Charles Barnett, 74, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on January 12, 2021, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife, Barbara, by his side.
Jeff succumbed to the ravages of Lewy Body Dementia, Raynaud’s Disease, and Parkinson’s, and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; son David and his wife Heather; sister, Nancy; grandchildren Matthew and his wife Emilie, Manda, Michael, Mikaela, and Makenzie; and great-granddaughter Hallee. Jeff was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone who knew him.
He was born on October 24, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Jean Barnett. He received his bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University, his Master’s from Bucknell University, and his PhD from Penn State University. He was an educator his entire life, teaching math and education at Northern Illinois University and Fort Hays State University, where he became Assistant Dean of Education. In 1989, he moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he became the Dean of the Department of Education at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater until he retired in 2010.
He loved reading, woodworking, gardening, and camping, but his true passion was martial arts. In 1987, he earned his black belt. After moving to Whitewater, he began a TaeKwonDo program at UW-Whitewater in 1990, teaching the first Beginning TaeKwonDo class. That program still continues today. He was the faculty sponsor for the Warhawk Karate Club founded by his son, and that club also still exists on campus.
He and Barb were members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Whitewater, WI.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on Friday, January 15, 2021. Funeral services will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Whitewater on Saturday, January 16. The viewing will be from 9-10 a.m., with the service from 10-11 a.m.. Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com.
Samuel Joseph Deegan, of Richmond, passed on January 6, 2021 at Vintage on the Ponds in Delavan.
He was born February 16, 1944 to Henry and Frances (Schmidt) Deegan in Lake Mills, WI. The family moved to Delavan in 1956 and attended St. Andrews Catholic School and Delavan/Darien High School.
Sam married Kay June Turner on September 17, 1966.
He worked for Lyle Mawhinney in Richmond, Norwood Mills in Janesville, Hendricks Rental Properties in Beloit, and F O F Products Inc. in Delavan. Sam was a handyman and made screened windows and doors under his personal business, Deegan Wood Products.
He is survived by his wife, Kay of Delavan; his sons, Patrick (Kim) of Elkhorn, Michael (Lisa) of McFarland, Timothy (Penny) of Waterford, Rick (Heather) of Trevor, and Jason of Racine; brother, Leo (Mickey) of Janesville; 13 grand-children/step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, William, Donald and David.
Sam was a regular attendant of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.
As per Sam’s wishes, a private service for family will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater prior to his cremation. A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled for a later date.
Memorials can be sent to Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson which will be forwarded to the family.
Frank Ferd Kelling, 91, of East Troy, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, December 13th, 2020 at Fairhaven Senior Residence in Whitewater, WI, after contracting the coronavirus and developing other complications. Frank was born on Tuesday, July 30th, 1929 to Frank J. and Erna A. (Mundt) Kelling at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He spent his early years in Johnson Creek, graduating from Johnson Creek High School in 1947. He then attended Wisconsin State College at Whitewater and became a member of the Delta Kappa fraternity (the house later became a student rental property where his daughter lived in while attending UW-Whitewater as well). He graduated in 1958 and earned a Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education degree. The day after his college graduation, he married his sweetheart, Ruth Sidona Klemke, on Flag Day: Saturday June 14th, 1958 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Johnson Creek, WI. He then began his career as a sixth grade teacher at East Troy Junior High. He furthered his studies by earning a Master of Science: Educational Psychology degree in 1965 from UW-Madison, and transitioned to the position of school psychologist for the East Troy Community School District. He held this position until the time of his retirement in June of 1991. He thoroughly enjoyed his tenure there and made many friends along the way. Many remember the Ticonderoga pencils that accompanied him to each evaluation.
Frank served in the United States Army on active duty during The Korean War, until his honorable release to the Enlisted Reserve Corps for a period of five years. He earned the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, and the United Nations Service Medal with one overseas bar.
He was a member of the Wisconsin School Psychologist Association, St. James Church of East Troy, and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was a self-taught, but very accomplished, woodworker and created many classic pieces over the years including models of airplanes, boats, board games, signs, birds, benches, birdhouses and feeders (that became squirrel houses), camping kitchens, ornaments for each grandchild, and wooden features to place on his infamous snow sculpture animals. He would carefully study images and work diligently to complete the project. Frank also enjoyed repurposing items that he would find on trips to Goodwill or St. Vinnie’s, then present them to family, friends and visitors to their house. When he was able, he enjoyed gardening, hunting Up North, airplanes, bird watching, nature, camping, hiking, watching skydivers, kites, and hot air balloons. He enjoyed the work of Leo Buscaglia and Fred Rogers, and sought to make others laugh or feel special, occasionally sending cards “signed” by a famous person he knew a person liked, making secret installations of woodcut animals along highway on-ramps or on a pole near your home, using “extra” paint to coat the street sign pole or a rock in a neighbor’s yard, complimenting people on their appearance, and other escapades.
Before his vision failed, Frank was an avid reader and life-long learner. He encouraged curiosity and a sense of wonder. “Papa Questions” were often anticipated prior to family gatherings, like “If you put all the pies eaten today end-to-end, how many times would it circle the earth?” Total strangers occasionally became friends after he “pulled a Frank” as it became known to family, often asking random individuals, “How do you like your car?” “Is that a good restaurant?” “Where did you get that shirt?” He enjoyed asking following the activities of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children as they grew, often writing details or taping newspaper clippings into notebooks to spark later conversations. The circus held a special place in Frank’s heart. His sisters remember trips they took with him to the circus and many other experiences he gave them. And let’s not forget his deep, hearty laugh.
Frank is survived by his son, Christopher K. Kelling (Laurie E. Lambert) of Morrow, OH; his daughter, Renée K. Barr (Charles B. Barr) of Fort Atkinson, WI; his grandchildren Molly C. Barr of Oakdale, MN, Kate L. Barr of Madison, WI, Owen L. Kelling of Cincinnati, OH, Claire E. Kelling of State College, PA, and Hannah E. Kelling of Lakewood, OH; his sisters Joyce Konkol of West Allis, WI and Gail Frasier of Lake Mills, WI; his cousin Shirley Bendall of Watertown, WI, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ruth S. (Klemke) Kelling (by about 48 hours), his mother Erna, his father Frank, and his uncles Owen E. and Roy F. Kelling; as well as many other uncles, aunts, and cousins.
No visitation or funeral service will be held at this time due, in part, to the current public health situation, but also his personal wishes. Frank expressed a hope that one day some of his cremains might join his beloved stocking cap (made from wool yarn that Ruth carded, spun, and knitted) that blew onto the rocks by Lake Michigan and was taken by the crashing waves into the lake. A private family memorial may be planned at that time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food pantry, school (remember those Ticonderoga pencils), Goodwill or other organizations, so a child who may need the basics can enjoy life just a bit more. Be curious and adventurous (but safe). Help your friends and neighbors. When you can, visit the elderly. For now, send cards, pictures or other signs of hope to those who may find it slipping away. Other expressions of sympathy can be sent to his daughter, Renée (620 W. Cramer Street) who will share them with the rest of Frank’s family.
Thank you, friends and neighbors in East Troy, past and present, for keeping a watchful eye on Frank and Ruth, especially as the years took their toll. Your visits, cookies, cards, calls or other contacts helped shorten days when nothing seemed to be moving around out their window. They both wanted to stay in the home (that seldom changed) for as long as they could, comfortable in the routine of their lives with their little dog, Sophie, and the Westies that preceded her. Thank you also to the staff of Home Helpers of Burlington, WI; so many fellow teachers and former students, and finally, the many thoughtful, caring and dedicated employees at the Fairhaven Senior Residence who provided care, comfort and compassion during his stay and final hours.
“The man who was the circus is weak Close his eyes, let him sleep… And while he sleeps he can’t help remembering… The man who was the circus is gone Still the show must go on.” – SHEL
Roberto “Bob” Rodriguez Jr., 87, of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.
Bob was born on October 2, 1933 in Laredo, Texas to Roberto Sr. and Sofia Rodriguez. His parents divorced when Bob was young and his mother raised him and his four siblings. At a young age, Bob would find odd jobs to help his mom in any way he could. He was an excellent student but felt that he needed to stop his education to go into the workforce. Later on, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. While stationed in Hawaii, Bob earned his GED. He served two four-year hitches and was honorably discharged twice. He also served during the Korean Conflict in Japan. He truly enjoyed his time in Hawaii.
While visiting his sister, Bob met the love of his life, Maria. They were married for 30 years. They enjoyed traveling together and took many spontaneous trips. He worked at Generac over the years, until Maria suggested he retire. Maria passed in 2015.
Bob enjoyed reading, especially mysteries, watching western movies and anything cowboy related, watching Wisconsin sports, completing crossword puzzles, watching TV game shows, buying and trading books, and enjoyed spending time with family, especially his sister-in-law in Arizona.
He was a member of the Whitewater VFW and previously served as the Commander.
Bob is survived by his children, John (Rosemary) Villarreal, Calixtro (Sherri) Villarreal, Isabelle Villarreal, Phillip Rodriguez; grandchildren, Alex, Jon, Tony, Stevie, Efram; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roberto and Sofia Rodriguez Sr.; wife, Maria; and siblings.
At this time, there are no services.
Donations in Bob’s name can be made at the Whitewater VFW and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Veterans Hospital in Madison and Mercy Hospital in Janesville, for their exceptional care for Bob. Another special thanks to Giselle Robbins, Bob’s friend and caregiver with Bright Star.
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.
JAMES KIESLER age 57 of Whitewater passed away on Friday January 1, 2021 at the University Hospital in Madison. He was born on April 25, 1963 in Fort Atkinson to Patricia and James Kiesler. James enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers in the company of his cat Spaten. He made many friends at the Lohff’s Assisted Living.
He is survived by his Sisters Kathleen (Robert) Roser of Milton, Mary (Rick) Olson of Fort Atkinson, and Uncle Don (Inez) LaDien of Jefferson. Nieces, Laurie (Mark) Buckley, Lisa Crofoot, Richelle (Dan) Rottmann, nephew Ryan Olson. Great nieces and nephews, Sophia Glick, Alexia Rottmann, Lilyan Rottmann, Jamison Rottmann, Jayden Olson. His close friend Dan (Hege) Quale and the many friends at Lohff’s Assisted living in Whitewater.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and Brother Kevin Kiesler. Visitation will be at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services.
Prayer services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday January 8, 2021 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating.
Charlotte Loth passed away on Dec 30, 2020 at Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn, WI of COVID related complications. She was born on March 18, 1928 in Whitewater, WI to Ellis Arthur Uglow and Dorothy May Mules Uglow.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Ellis Uglow, her husband Fritz, son Greg, and brother Thane Uglow. She is survived by her daughter Karen (Tom) Heuerman, East Troy, her son Bob (Jean) Loth, East Troy, and daughter in law Sue Loth, Elkhorn; grandchildren Stacey Heuerman, East Troy, Dean Heuerman, Barneveld, WI, Theresa (Erik) Anderson, Elkhorn, Jeb (Caty) Loth, Elkhorn, Allen Loth, East Troy, Brooksie Loth, Highlands Ranch, CO, and Claire Loth, Phoenix, AZ; she is further survived by great-grandchildren Alexa Heuerman; Aiden Macara; Landon, Caleb and Hallie Loth; Jackson, Katie and Nic Anderson; sister Bonnie (Dave) Stanley, Whitewater, WI, sister in law Carol Uglow, Madison, WI and many other friends and family.
Charlotte was born and raised in Heart Prairie (near Whitewater), WI. She graduated from Whitewater HS in 1946 and attended UW Whitewater for two years. She met Fritz when she was a bookkeeper at the Equity Co-op in East Troy. They married in 1950, making their home in rural East Troy where Fritz farmed and Charlotte was a waitress at Linden Terrace Supper Club and then later as a clerk at the Road Ranger and Shell gas stations in town. Their family grew and their years together multiplied until Fritz’s death in 2001.
Charlotte was an active member at East Troy and Troy Center Methodist Churches through the years.
She was a loving daughter, sibling, mother, wife, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed a good game of Sheepshead, pinochle and others. She would often say “this ain’t no lovefest” when playing cards with the family. She enjoyed going to the casino and scratch off lottery tickets. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention her love for the Brewers, Badger football and Packers, seldom missing a game!
According to Charlotte’s wishes, she wanted to be cremated with no memorial service. Memorials may be directed to Troy Center Methodist Church (8801Briggs St), Troy Center Fire Dept (N8870 Briggs St), your local food pantry or other charity of your choice.
Kendall T. Des Jardin Jr., of East Troy, was born into eternal life on December 27, 2020 at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy (nee Anderson) of 30 years; loving step-dad of James Allen of Whitewater and Kim (Bruce) Pontel of Harshaw; proud uncle of Daniel (Lisa) Des Jardin, Jeff (LaDonna) Des Jardin, John Des Jardin, Kris (Christian) Valencia, and Brian (Sandra) Des Jardin. He is further survived by a brother Philip (Ann) Des Jardin, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by a brother David Des Jardin and a step-son Steven Allen.
Kendall was a proud farmer. He worked for Sawyers Meat Market for many years and then went on to be a Meat Inspector for the State of WI. retiring at the age of 70. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Whitewater and the Milwaukee Yacht Club. He loved farming, fishing, sailing, and his furry little companion, Katie. He will be greatly missed.
Special thank you to his caring Doctors & Nursing Staff and Angels Grace Hospice Care.
Funeral Services will be held for Kendall at a later date.
Richard “Dick” Harold Kraus Sr, 94, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.
Dick was born on August 31, 1926 in Whitewater, WI to Arthur and Bertha (Krebs) Kraus. He graduated from Whitewater College High School. Dick married Frances Roselle on July 3, 1948. Together they operated a dairy farm for many years. They moved to Fort Atkinson where Dick started working for the City of Fort Atkinson for over 28 years and retired at the age of 92. He enjoyed woodworking, history and was a great story teller. He loved to give things to others and was known for dressing up as Santa Claus.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Frances of Whitewater; children Sally (Roger) Gransee, Whitewater, Richard Jr (Pam) Kraus, Whitewater, Debbie Bartz, Milwaukee, Sue (Rick) Lien, Cold Spring, Sandy (Greg) Olds, Whitewater, Sharon (Mike) Goldner, Allentown, PA, Sari Burrow, Whitewater; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Elmer, Dorothy, Robert, and Mary Lou; grandchildren Rachel Bartz and Jorden Lien; great-grandchild Finley Olds.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI. Rev. Susan Bresser is officiating. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to fund a memorial to be placed along the bike path in Fort Atkinson to honor Dick and his work for Fort Atkinson. Online condolences may be made by visiting nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Arthur “Art” E. Duerst, 92 of Elkhorn, WI, died Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Vintage on the Ponds of Delavan, WI. He was born August 17, 1928 in LaGrange Township, WI, the son of the late Edwil and Emma (Beutler) Duerst. Art graduated from Whitewater High School with the Class of 1946. He was united in marriage to Joan M. Loughead on April 15, 1950 at LaGrange Methodist Church.
Art worked as a dairy farmer in the Town of LaGrange in Heart Prairie, WI. Together, they raised four children.They were known as the Swiss Kids and with his help raised suffolk sheep and showed for many years at the Walworth County Fair. After moving off the farm, he was able to see his family homestead be moved to Old World Wisconsin where it is now known as the Sanford Home. He was very proud of his Swiss heritage and thrilled that the home will be safe forever. He and his wife were the managers of an apartment building in Whitewater for many years and then moved to Elkhorn.
Art loved playing cards, and was a member of the Elkhorn Cribbage Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family every summer at the annual family camp weekends. He was a member of the UCC church in Delavan and sang in the choir, he loved to sing in his early years he was in a barbershop quartet known as the Agriculturists. Art was a real character and held a positive outlook on life. He spent his last years at Vintage on the Pond and became a real favorite of all the staff.
Art is survived by his four children; Gary (Ann) Duerst of Monona, WI, Kristine (Mike) Brown of Colby, WI, John (Pam) Duerst of Whitewater, WI, and Sue (Bob) Earle of East Troy, WI, eleven grandchildren; Rachel (Jason) Solberg of Eau Claire, WI, Heather (Paul) Thompson of Madison, WI, Jamie Crahen of Cottage Grove, WI, Katie (Dan Aaron) Crahen of Monona, WI, Sarah (Andy Fasching) Brown Fasching of San Tan Valley, AZ, Matthew (Steve Gillitzer) Brown of Madison, WI, Anna (Dao) Vang of Ridgeland, WI, Meghan (Kyle) Anderson of Waukesha,WI, Brian (Heather) Duerst of Waukesha, Wi, Hannah (Nathan) Anhalt of East Troy, WI and Audrey Earle of East Troy, WI, and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joan and their son, Brian Duerst.
Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory, 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear a face covering. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the family to give to Art’s favorite charities, N7891 Pleasant Lake Rd. East Troy, WI 53120. Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Duerst Family.
