Obituaries

Suzan Sorensen Wade, in her 72^nd year, died in a single vehicle accident in Richmond, WI on August 2, 2020.  Born February 20, 1949, in Randers, Denmark, Suzan immigrated with her mother Karoline Marie (Mia) and stepfather Jens Kristian (Kris) Lai to Ontario, Canada in May 1956.  Suzan completed a certificate as a Child and Youth Worker and later in Gestalt Therapy.  She worked for many years helping troubled teens in Toronto.  She loved to travel and throughout the ‘70s, “flowerchild” Suzan travelled throughout Far East Asia, including teaching children in remote jungles like Brunei and Sarawak, Borneo. In the early ‘80s, Suzan moved to Wisconsin to manage the Gestalt Therapy Retreat. In Wisconsin, Suzan met her soul mate, Ronald Wade and they were wed on April 6, 1985. Together they managed the dairy and family farm for many years.

Suzan was open minded, kind and giving of her time and resources, including non-profits like PBS and Public Radio, which she supported for many, many years. She also volunteered for The Hope Institute of Uganda, which led to the sponsorship of a young man to attend Iganga Boys’ School in Uganda. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, enjoyed the company of people and was a great listener.  Oftentimes she could be found in her vegetable and perennial garden or starting a new knitting project. She had an affinity for coffee, and it was a rare sight to see her without a mug in her hand. Her passions included traveling, enjoying music, movies, art galleries, tours and live performances, cooking all styles of food (especially Danish food), fiber arts, caring for many animals over the years including Bubba, crosswords and reading. In 2008, she went to hear the Dalai Lama speak. Suzan was a loving wife, stepmother/grandmother (“mormor”, Danish for grandmother), sister, aunt, cousin and good friend to many others.  Her spirit and constant smile will be sorely missed. 

Suzan is survived by her sister Gynna (Henning) Thomsen of Copenhagen, Denmark; her brothers: Niels John (Beth) Lai of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Mark Lai (Shelley Carter) of Elora, Ontario, Canada; stepson Steven (Mindy) Wade of Whitewater, WI; stepdaughter Lynn (Mark) Walters of Oregon, WI; nieces and nephews Tom and Gitta Thomsen; Krista, Naomi and Severin Lai; and three grandchildren, Molly and Emma Wade and Henry Walters; family and special friends including Julie, Victor and the Feidlers.

Suzan was preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Due to current public health safety concerns, an outdoor visitation will be held at the home of Steven & Mindy Wade, at W8918 Territorial Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190 on Friday, September 4 from 2pm to 7pm. A virtual only Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept 5 at 1pm with Pastor Susan Bresser presiding. Instructions for accessing the Celebration of Life will be available at visitation or by contacting family. Graveside services are postponed at this time and will be held when international travel is permitted. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may wish to give to Richmond United Methodist Church, where she was a member. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to express a very special thanks to area emergency services, the Babcock family and two others who were driving by and stopped to help. We are eternally grateful to you all for your quick and caring response.

David J. Davenport, 73, of Watertown, went to his Heavenly Father on Monday, August 24, 2020, at Fort HealthCare in Fort Atkinson. With dignity he endured 28 years of the challenges of progressive multiple sclerosis.

David James Davenport was born on December 11, 1946, in Monroe, the son of Robert and Dorothy (nee Hoeppner) Davenport. On August 17, 1968, he married Karen Lee at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. He received his Bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and his Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He had practices in both the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson communities. David was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc.

David loved music. He was part of the traveling Statesmen Men’s Choir at UW-Eau Claire during his college years. He also was part of a Barbershop Chorus and sang in church choirs. During his last nursing home years, the staff would report that he sang loudly in his room often.

His greatest hobby was meeting people and taking time to get to know them well. This led to a love of community. In Whitewater he served on the city council and was very active in Jaycees and Kiwanis. He was also an avid stamp collector.

David is survived by his wife, Karen Davenport of Nashotah; daughter, Dana Triebold of Oconomowoc; grandchildren, Madelaine, Hayden and Payton Triebold; brothers, John (Sue) Davenport of Waupaca and Peter (Cathy) Davenport of Thornton, CO; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Troy Davenport.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc with Rev. Steven Hillmer officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to the church or the MS society. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com

Rita K. Roselle went home to the Lord on August 23, 2020. Rita was born on December 21, 1931 in Chicago, IL and was the daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Burkhardt) Kois. She attended St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from St. Alphonsus Commercial High School. Rita began her 47-year career as a legal secretary at The Chicago Board of Trade and went on to work at various private law firms in Whitewater and Elkhorn.

She married Melvin L. Roselle on October 17, 1959 and they made Whitewater their lifelong home. Rita and Melvin loved Whitewater and early in their marriage rented rooms to single college students in their first home on Park Street. In 1966 they moved into the home they built on Douglas Court where they raised their family. Besides being a working mother, Rita enjoyed cooking delicious family recipes, decorating and hosting family gatherings for all occasions.

Rita’s Catholic faith was central to the life she lived and her membership and service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was a life-long endeavor. She served several terms on the Parish Council and was an active member of the Christian Women’s Altar Society. Later in life she and her lady friends were known to attend daily mass, communion services, and rosary recitations.

Rita was a passionate sports fan, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, Marquette Golden Eagles and her two favorite tennis players-Roger Federer and her daughter, Kristin Roselle Summers. She also thrived on following the athletic pursuits of her 5 grandchildren.

Rita will be cherished in memory by her daughter, Cynthia (Richard) Kollauf of Wind Lake, WI and Kristin (Scott) Summers of North Wales, PA; grandchildren Sara (Jack) Kampf, Nicholas (Lauren) Kollauf, Kristina Kollauf, Shannon (Sean) Zwoyer, and Alex (Noelle Peyton) Summers; and great-grandsons, Casen and Conor Zwoyer. She joined in heaven her parents, husband, brother, Jerry Kois, and special cousin, Bernadette Reichardt.

A funeral mass will be held on August 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Whitewater, with a visitation from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery Whitewater.

The Family would like to acknowledge the loving caregivers from Autumn Leaves Memory Care, Franklin, WI and Legacy Hospice, Elm Grove, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Legacy Hospice Services.

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

Cathy Dickmeyer, age 65, was accepted into the Lord’s loving arms on August 19, 2020.

Cathy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University with a nursing degree, she loved working with terminally ill children at both Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana and Milwaukee Children’s Hospital where she would often spend the night simply holding the hand of a dying child who she knew would not live until the morning. She then moved to Whitewater where she was a fulltime mother to her three young children, assisted in starting a local pregnancy help line and was the drama director at Community church. She devoted the last 19 years of her life to Fairhaven Senior Services.

Cathy was a lifelong student of the Bible and Christian literature. She personified what a loving mother looks like to her children. It was her life’s goal to love, guide and assist her family through the good times and bad. In her later years she enjoyed ancestral studies and researched not only her own family tree but the ancestry of others as well. Above all, Cathy will be remembered as a loving, giving, humble, compassionate Christian woman, always caring for and serving others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, LaMar and Esther Shedron, and her infant sister, LuAnn. She is survived by her three children, Paul Dickmeyer of Madison, WI, and Martha and Charles Dickmeyer of Whitewater, WI; her sister Carol Bell of Dallas, TX; her two brothers, Paul Shedron of Silver City, NM and John Shedron of College Grove, TN; and her ex-husband, Mark Dickmeyer, of Fort Wayne, IN.

A memorial celebration will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Starin Park.  Gathering will be informal, but family is requesting that guests follow social distancing.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Cathy’s name to either Fairhaven Senior Services or the charity of your choice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Celebration of Life for Barbara Walenton

Saturday, September 12th @ 2 p.m. at The Farm, 10438 N. County Line Rd., Whitewater

Food will be catered by Casual Joe’s

March 19, 1922 – August 10, 2020

Jessie Jean (Harris) Butt was born March 19, 1922 in Delavan the daughter of Jesse and Pearl Mitchell Harris. Graduate of Delavan High School and Wisconsin Academy of Cosmetic Art, Milwaukee, WI. Worked at beauty shops in Janesville prior to marriage to Orville L. Butt in Delavan Nov. 18,1944. He died June 20, 1984. They lived in the Delavan and Richmond area their married life. Member of Richmond United Methodist Church and served as treasurer for many years. Served as Richmond Town Clerk for 14 years. A member of Fairfield Grange for over 70 years, holding various offices in the Grange and was also a member of the Grange Degree and Drill Team. She belonged to Richmond Crafters for many years. Her family and the little country church were her life.

Survived by son Arlen (Dianne) Butt of Whitewater; daughter, Elaine (Dan)Kelleher of Delavan. Four grandchildren, Casey, Corey, Carmen and Chester. Sisters in law and many nieces and nephews also survive. Great Grandchildren, Kya, Natalie and Declan
Nolan, Savannah, Keyon’Dre.
Predeceased by her parents and an infant daughter Carla Jean and sister Frances Christiansen.
Her sister Charlotte Holt also survives. In lieu of flowers memorials made to Richmond United Methodist Church are suggested. Private Family services due to Covid 19 will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 13 at 10 a.m. at the
church. Burial will follow in Richmond Cemetery. Betzer Family Funeral Home is serving the family.

Raymond Leo Erikson, 84, of Cambridge, MA and previously of Eagle, WI passed away on March 30, 2020.

Ray was born on January 24, 1936 the son of the former Leo and Mary Erikson from Eagle, WI and brother of Gordon Erikson.

Ray was a pioneer in cancer research.

Ray died peacefully at home in Cambridge, MA with his wife Donna and daughter Amanda by his side.

Sally Link Christopher entered eternal life on August 5, 2020. Mourned by children Mark (Sue) Spring Valley, WI; David (Kim) Maiden Rock, WI; Ann (Andrew) Chattanooga TN; Eric (Maggie) St. Paul, MN; and grandchildren Paul, Ben (LaChelle) Minneapolis, MN; Rachel, Daniel, Chattanooga, TN. Preceded in death by husband Dale, who served First United Methodist Church of Whitewater as pastor from 1978 until 1992. 

Born March 16, 1933, in rural Menomonie, WI, graduated Menomonie High School in 1950 and St. Olaf College in 1954. Married Pastor Dale Christopher June 1955. Worked as a high school teacher in IL and WI, and for 11 years as an Admission Counselor for St. Olaf College, retiring in 1994. Enjoyed 10 years living in Charlottesville, VA before returning to Midwest to reside in Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Memorials preferred for Parkinson’s research at Michael J Fox Foundation or Church World Service c/o First United Methodist Church of Stillwater, MN. The family appreciates the loving care she received from Boutwells Landing/The Gables and HealthEast Hospice.

Wallace “Wally” Edward Green, 90, of Whitewater (formerly of Fort Atkinson) entered eternal life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Fairhaven Retirement Center just one day shy of his 91^st birthday. Wally was born in Carroll, Iowa on August 4, 1929, son of James and Henrietta (Krause) Green.

Wally grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin and often claimed he “ruled the streets.” Truth be told, he readily admitted he wasn’t the best student so it’s possible he did rule the streets in the rough and tumble days of the post-depression years. He had quite a sense of humor and didn’t take himself too seriously, joking the only good thing coming out of Whitewater was Highway 12.

Wally’s lifelong passion for ice fishing was matched only by his flair for telling fish(y) tales. One tale that was actually verified by eye witnesses involved falling through the ice which, according to him, was the mark of a true ice fisherman.

Before ice fishing there was baseball. Wally turned down a professional tryout with the Chicago Cubs minor league team to stay home with his ailing father. Or possibly the Cubs thing didn’t work out because he was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. No one really knows for sure except maybe his wife, Ethel, who spent her honeymoon in St. Louis watching the Cardinals play ball.

Wally proudly served in Korea as a member of the US Coast Guard during the Korean War and returned to Whitewater and his job at General Motors in Janesville. During his career at General Motors, he was ultimately promoted to safety inspector and, apparently, could “shut the plant down if something didn’t pass [his] inspection.”

On May 3, 1958, Wally married Ethel Britzman at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helenville. That was a pivotal moment in his life and actually quite a stroke of luck for Wally since initially Ethel hid in the bathroom at the Edgewater Supper Club just to avoid him. They were married nearly 56 years until Ethel passed away on March 17, 2015.

Wally had many jobs in his life from pin setting in a bowling alley, to a job at a dry cleaning business, to cleaning at the Dwight Foster Public Library, to servicing funerals for Kutz Livery Service. He often referred to himself as “Wally Work,” although Ethel was known to question that nickname. His longest working stint was at General Motors from which he retired in 1979 at the age of 49. He collected a pension longer than he collected a paycheck and was well aware of his good fortune, fondly referring to his past employer as “Generous Motors.”

After giving up his baseball aspirations, Wally played softball for many years, managing a team in the “over 30 league” in Fort Atkinson. He loved all sports, including bowling, boxing, and…gambling. He twice won an appearance on TV for his lottery efforts. His quip of “I’d rather be lucky than good” will forever be remembered.

Wally was a member of Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church for many years. He served for a time on the church council and was a faithful attendee and usher until he moved to Fairhaven Retirement Center.

Wally spent his last five years checking out every aspect of the services at Fairhaven. He moved into an apartment, transitioned to assisted living, was cared for at Hearthstone beginning in January, and spent his final days on the skilled nursing floor. He was grateful for the kindness of staff and the family wishes to thank Fairhaven for the special care they gave him every step of the way throughout his final chapter.

Wally is survived by daughters, Julie (Dale) Schmeling, Connie Meyer (Jim Jorgenson), and Shari (Pete) DeWind; grandchildren, Taylor (Bobby) Siebert and Jennifer Schmeling (fiancé William Meerbott), David (Lauren) Meyer and Meredith Meyer, and Claire and Alyssa DeWind. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Finn Siebert, Zion and Ruby Meyer. Also surviving are nephews, Keith (Sandy) Hoffman and Brian (Angela) Hoffman of Jefferson; niece-in-law, Christine (Ron) Wahlquist of Connecticut; brother-in-law, Bill Fuchs of Jefferson; cousin Donna (Jack) Taylor of Idaho; and longtime friend Karen Mepham of Fort Atkinson. Wally was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his step-brother, John Perry; a grandson, Zachary Jensen; a nephew, Alan Hoffman; sister-in-law, Loretta Fuchs; and Don Mepham, best friend and partner in crime.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial gift to Fairhaven Retirement Community (Whitewater), Rainbow Hospice Care (Jefferson), or Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church (Fort Atkinson).

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private graveside services at Evergreen Cemetery will be held for immediate family only.

Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Benjamin Haoxiang Liang, always called Benny, beloved son, brother, and grandson unexpectedly passed away on July 20.

Benny, a member of Delta Tau Delta, graduated from Wabash College with a Biology major and Philosophy minor in May of 2020. Benny was set to pursue a master’s degree in Human Performance at the University of Indiana. During his High School years, Benny won a Wisconsin State title twice. However, he had to give up swimming at Wabash because of a developing heart condition. Benny never stopped his love for swimming; he moved on to coach swimmers and inspired people around him. He had been a head coach at the Woodland Country Club, and an assistant coach at Carmel Swim Club. He had previously coached at the Sugar Creek Swim Club, Indiana University, and Wabash College.

Benny loved his family and enjoyed reading, writing, singing, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends. He liked sports, running, cross-country, soccer, and snowboarding. He enjoyed nature, and loved animals and plants. He never stopped enjoying life, smiling, laughing, listening, talking, and always kept on thinking. He had been a college writer for Swimming World Magazine.

He was always thinking forward, set high standards for himself, and never stopped pursuing his dreams.

Benny will be missed by his family, friends, swimmers, classmates, teammates, and more.

A gofundme page has been established. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association in his name.