Obituaries

Gerald Robert “Jerry” Vannoy
January 23, 1940 – August 30, 2025

Gerald Robert Vannoy, known fondly as Jerry, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on a farm in Kearny, Nebraska, in 1940, Jerry was the second of four children of Robert William and Helen (Lobb) Vannoy.

Jerry’s early years were spent in Nebraska before the family moved to Woodstock, Illinois, and later to Whitewater, Wisconsin. A graduate of Whitewater High School, he played football and served as captain of a team remembered as “The Team with Heart.” That same spirit of determination and loyalty stayed with him throughout life, and the friendships he built on the field endured for decades, with teammates continuing to gather faithfully to this day. Jerry carried his love of sports throughout his life—he was an avid fan of the Packers and the Badgers, and he especially enjoyed watching his children compete and his grandchildren perform at games, concerts, and recitals. He did his best to be there, no matter the distance or the time.

After high school, Jerry attended the Farm Short Course at UW-Madison and went on to run his own farm. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Carol Louise O’Donald, on a blind date arranged by his sister Patti. Jerry and Carol were married soon after, beginning 62 years of marriage built on love and devotion. Their honeymoon was spent at a fishing cabin, a fitting start to a life filled with farming, family, fishing, hunting, and countless outdoor adventures.

Jerry’s life was marked by adventure and simplicity. He loved early mornings in the woods, peaceful days on the water, and the satisfaction of hard work and watching things grow. He traveled widely, creating cherished memories with friends and family across the country.

While his roots were in farming, Jerry later built a second career in the insurance business.

Jerry was a man of action more than words—he lived out his faith in the way he treated people and the way he worked every day. His life itself was his greatest testimony, showing what it meant to live with generosity and quiet strength. In his final days, the many stories shared by friends and acquaintances revealed how deeply he had touched lives far beyond his immediate family.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” — Colossians 3:23–24. His legacy of family, faith, and love for the outdoors will live on in all who knew him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Vannoy. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol, and his sisters Patti (Vannoy) Vochatzer, Barbara Jean (Vannoy) Jones, and Nancy (Vannoy) Schippers. Together, Jerry and Carol raised four children: Tamberlyn Louise (Jon) Dickinson, Kimberlyn Sue (Todd) Harrington, Michael Gerald (Ashlea) Vannoy, and Julie Ann (Josh) Nelson. He was also the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren: Christopher, Austin, Jack, Corrin, Zoey, Joelle, Cecilia, Charlotte, Kaitlyn, Grace, Isabella, and Robert.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Agrace for their compassionate care, which made it possible for Jerry to spend his final days in the comfort of home surrounded by family. 

Funeral Services for Gerald will take place at Nitardy Funeral Homes in Whitewater, WI on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM. until the time of the service.

Memorials in Gerald’s name can be made to Agrace Hospice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

Our family is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Jay. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Morganfield, KY to Jack Fredrick Silvernail and Helen Carter Silvernail.

Jay grew up in Whitewater, WI where he graduated from Whitewater HS in 1962. He received a bachelor’s degree (1966) and master’s degree (1971) at UW-Platteville. He later received his Administration Degree at UW-Madison (1980).

Jay was an Industrial Arts Teacher, track & cross-country coach at Palmyra WI HS 1966-1968. Industrial Arts Teacher, Assistant Principal, track & cross-country coach at Elkhorn WI HS 1968-1983. High School Principal and Athletic Director at Elk Mound High School in Elk Mound WI from 1983 to June 2001, where he started the Elk Mound Booster Club and was inducted into the Elk Mound Booster Hall of Fame, and the High School Principal at Phillips WI from 2001 – 2003.

Jay was a Member of Whitewater, WI Volunteer Fire Dept. from 1972-1983, Past President (10 years) of Price County Snowmobile Trails and Secretary Treasurer of Elk River Pioneers Snowmobile Club for 13 years.

Jay Married Judith Ann Jones, his high school sweetheart, November 26, 1966, in Whitewater, WI They had one son, Jon.

Jay is survived by his wife of 58 years, one son, Jon Carter Silvernail (Ann), Jim Falls, WI; One grandson, Jaron (Tianna) Silvernail Chippewa Falls, WI; 2 granddaughters: Kylie (Adam) Brahmstadt, Chippewa Falls, WI; Kerena (Mat) Burpo, Chippewa Falls, WI; 3 great-grandchildren: Zelda Rae Ann Burpo, Thorin Jon Burpo, and Valerie Jay Silvernail.

He is further survived by: Sisters-in-law: Louise (Bill) Lassner, Sparks, NV Kathy (Dave) Stafseth, the Woodlands, TX Rita (Brad) Gabel, Tempe, AZ; Brothers-in-law: Tom (Stephanie) Jones, Gold Canyon, AZ & Gerry Jones Aurora, CO and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Jack & Helen and father & mother-in-law Leland & Margaret Jones.

Jay loved music, especially bluegrass, and was a member of the Elk River String Band. He was a member of Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Phillips where he was a member of the quartet playing music for weekend Masses. He loved hunting and enjoyed many years hunting at “deer camp” at “the 40” with his son, grandson, and friends. He also enjoyed working in his woodshop and reading. He kept busy in the winter months by grooming snowmobile trails twice a week for over 20 years.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date.

Emma Lou Sederholm, aged 91, passed away at her home on August 8, 2025. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on August 14, 1933 to the late Lewis and Lucille (Custer) Fuller. Emma Lou grew up in the Bondurant/Altoona Iowa area, the proud daughter of farmers.

She attended the University of Iowa, Iowa City and studied to become a Speech/Hearing Therapist. While at college, she met Frederic Sederholm and they were married on June 11, 1955. While Fred worked on his Ph.D. at Iowa City, Emma Lou was busy helping start Speech/Hearing programs at several rural Iowa school districts.

In 1961, Emma Lou and Fred settled in Whitewater after Fred accepted a faculty position at UW-W in the Speech/Theatre Department. Their daughter, Kristin, was born in 1962 and another daughter, Karen, followed in 1966. In addition to embracing motherhood, Emma Lou worked as a Speech/Hearing Therapist for the Whitewater Unified School District for several years.

Emma Lou was a founding member of the Whitewater League of Women Voters, serving as their President for several terms. She also was active in the U.U. Whitewater Fellowship and the U.U. Church of the Lakes in Elkhorn.

In addition to being a Speech/Hearing Therapist, Emma Lou worked in Research and Development for News Log International and as an Administrative Assistant for Holton Food Products.

Emma Lou loved to travel, take care of her flower gardens and read books. Her greatest accomplishment was being a loving mother and grandmother. She always looked forward to family gatherings and our annual family vacations.

Emma Lou is survived by her daughters, Kristin Sederholm and Karen O’Donnell, her grandchildren, Nikita Kammerer and Emily O’Donnell and son-in-law, Louis Kammerer.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Fred Sederholm, her longtime companion Paul Holton and son-in-law, Kelly O’Donnell.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Emma Lou’s caregivers from Home Instead, Janesville, and the Hospice Staff from Commonheart, Watertown.

There will not be a service for Emma Lou. Thank you so much for all the support and acts of kindness shown at this difficult time. Emma Lou will be immensely missed by her family and friends. She was a remarkable mentor and role model and will forever be in our hearts.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences can be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Louis W. Golembiewski, 96, a longtime resident of West Allis, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Milwaukee.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice M. Golembiewski (née Theoret). Louis is survived by his children: Teresa A. Golembiewski of Whitewater, Michael L. Golembiewski of Waterford, Joan M. (Dave) Junkhan of De Pere, and Janet L. (Terry) Bennett of Wausau. He was the proud grandfather of Liam (Miranda) Bennett, Mitchell Junkhan, and Erin (Erik Vogel) Bennett, and the cherished great-grandfather of Henry and Evalyn Bennett, with another great-grandchild expected soon.

Born on September 16, 1928, in Milwaukee to Michael and Mary Golembiewski (née Urbanska), Louis lived a full and vibrant life. He served honorably during the Korean War, volunteered for many years at Polish Fest, and enjoyed playing Sheepshead, visiting the casino, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 30, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp American Legion, Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin, a veterans’ organization close to Louis’s heart.

Aaron T. Persinger, 52, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, peacefully at his home after a short but valiant fight against cancer. Despite facing a challenging battle, Aaron remained the humble, kind, and charismatic person everyone knew him to be.

Aaron was born on July 22, 1973, in Milwaukee. He grew up in Eagle and was a 1991 graduate of Palmyra-Eagle High School. Aaron worked as a contractor for most of his working career and was very skilled with his hands. He could fix or build just about anything and was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need.

On March 27, 1993, Aaron was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Katie Lorenz, and the two enjoyed 32 years of marriage together. Aaron and Katie were blessed with two daughters, Olivia and Lindsey. Their daughters were his greatest pride and joy.

Aaron was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, fishing, and spending time with his canine best friend, Ruby. He has always had a love for dogs but the bond he had with Ruby was truly special. Aaron also had a love for riding his BMW motorcycle and he would often attend ‘bike nights’ with friends.

Above all else in Aaron’s life was his immense love for his family. He was a devoted husband and dad and he will be greatly missed but forever remembered by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Katie Persinger of Whitewater, his two dear daughters, Olivia Persinger of Whitewater, and Lindsey (Eric) Crissey of Whitewater; his sisters, Sarah (Aaron) Schultz of Dousman and Rebecca Reilly; and his father-in-law, David Lorenz of Cochrane, WI. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his canine companion, Ruby.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen Reilly and his mother-in-law, Linda Lorenz.

A Celebration of Life Open House for Aaron will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025 with a time for sharing memories starting at 7:00 PM at the Gibson Family Funeral Home (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). Per Aaron’s wishes, all friends and family are encouraged to wear casual attire.

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

Mary was born June 11, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Mary (Schmid) Partoll. Her early life was spent with her family in Palos Park, IL until they relocated to Wisconsin where she went on to graduate from Whitewater High School.

On July 9, 1960, Mary was joined in marriage to Russell Wickler Jr. at St. Mary’s Church in Palmyra. This union was blessed with four children: John, Vicki, Dee Dee, and Toni.

With four children to keep her busy, Mary spent many years as a homemaker. Her compassionate caretaking personality eventually led her to work in the home health industry, where she traveled to the homes of those whose spirits she lifted with the care she provided. In her later years, it was the caretaking of the Standard Process plant that filled her heart with a sense of pride, ensuring every work area and surface was clean for the hard workers there.

Mary enjoyed playing cards with her family, gardening, baking the holiday fruit cake, and traveling. Mary also loved going to the Fireside, Elvis, John Wayne, Little House on the Prairie, and dancing with her husband.  

Her legacy of kindness lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy and the heart of her life.

Preceding Mary in death were her parents, Joseph and Mary; her son, John Wickler; and her brothers: Joseph, John, and Bernard Partroll.

She is survived by her husband, Russell; her daughters: Vicki (Bill) Wickland, Dee Dee (Mike) Morateck, and Toni (Bill) Isaacsen; her grandchildren: Andrew (Brittney) Wickland, Nikki (Michael) Moro, Nick (Amy ) Morateck, Mike (Jenna) McMorateck, Sam Morateck (Vincent),  Ryan (Alexis) Isaacsen, and Griffin (Ashly) Isaacsen; and her great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Olivia Moro, Cora and Alice Wickland, Rowan and Winslow Morateck, and Rhys and Zaiden McMorateck.  She also leaves behind many other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Fairhaven and Hearthstone staff-especially Terri, Val, Bea, Becca, Andrea, Audrey, Joe, Simon, Mia, Stephanie, Jess, and Joylynn.

A visitation for Mary will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 919 W Main St, Palmyra, WI 53156.

Dorothy Otting died on May 26, 2025, at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.

She was born to Leo and Josephine Levasseur on April 3, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, IA. She married Kenneth Otting on June 7, 1952, in Marion, IA, and the couple enjoyed 65 years together. Ken passed away in September of 2017. She taught elementary children at Delavan School District, retiring in 1992.

Beginning in 1971, she and Ken traveled the world together – first on their own and then with tour groups. The couple continued their beloved hobby until age and declining health left them unable to do so.

She and Ken will be buried at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater. Per her wishes, there will be no formal services.

A special thank you to the staff of Agrace Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Kenneth A. and Dorothy A. Otting Scholarship Fund at UW-Whitewater.

www.Olsen-Gibson.com

Gerald “Red” J Markham, age 93, passed away near his LaGrange farm peacefully on August 14, 2025.   Red was born on March 6th, 1932, on a farm in Eagle WI, the son of Millard & Mary-Ann Markham.  He married his high school sweetheart, Eloice Loughead on October 24th, 1953, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Eloice passed in July of 2012 at the age of 81, after 59 years of marriage.

Gerald grew up on a farm near Little Prairie, WI near Adams school where he attended grade school. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1950, where sports were a big part of his life. After high school he started his own farming operation on the Benson farm in 1951 with help from younger brothers, sisters and older sister Rosie as the housekeeper.  By 1957, Gerald and Eloice moved to a larger farm near Whitewater, also a dairy operation with hogs & chickens. In 1966 he was chosen by the Whitewater Jaycees as the “Outstanding Young Farmer in the Area.”  This award led to the making of four seasonal films of ‘Farm Family’ by Encyclopedia Britannica to educate city children about life on the farm; one can still view these today on YouTube.  The Markham farm would eventually grow to 325 acres of primarily cash crops. Gerald and Eloice spent two decades of winters in their home in Apache Junction, Arizona and truly enjoyed the ‘warm’ active community lifestyle.  Red had deep friendships with his Kettle Moraine Drive neighbors; Fred & Cindy, Knuckle & Becky, Grenzow’s, Ronny & Mary, Beth & Richard, & Nancy.  An avid football fan he enjoyed watching Badger games, Packer games, and any other football games on TV. Dad was a very devoted family man with his brothers, sisters, and children. He truly enjoyed the Markham family reunions with relatives from four of his sibling generations.  From his big armchair he was always on the phone with family and friends at all times of the day.  His adventurous spirit and generosity with his grandchildren will be missed tremendously. 

Gerald & Eloice were loving & caring parents and raised five children:  Kurt (Grace) of Beijing China, Pam (Frank) Torchia of Antioch Il., Dale (Kristin) of Milton Wi., Steve (Judy) of Stillwater MN., Tricia (Pat) Rude of Stillwater MN.; and his thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.   He is survived by his sisters & brothers; Joanne Flahive, Kathleen (Dick)
Brinkhaus, Duane (Liz), Roger (Carol), Jake (Rosie), David (Mary-Ellen), Philip (Barb). Predeceased by his sisters & brothers; Rose-Marie, Elizabeth, Robert, Donald, Gordon, Kenneth. We would like to thank the staff at SSM Health, Milton Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the care they showed Red.

A visitation will take place on Saturday. August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street in Whitewater WI. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM, also at St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery following mass with a luncheon for gathering to take place afterwards.

Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.

 https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/d-20592501/whitewater-wisconsin/gerald-j-
markham/august-2025

Mr. Delmar Lee Pieper, 87, passed away on July 5, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington. Born on May 18, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois, Delmar lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to family, service to his country, and a deep appreciation of the natural world.

Delmar proudly served in the Wisconsin National Guard and was called to Washington during the Berlin Wall Crisis in 1961. His commitment to duty reflected a lifelong sense of responsibility and patriotism that remained with him throughout his years.

He had a passion for landscape and nature photography, and particularly enjoyed exploring the area around Mt. Rainier. Delmar also found great joy in restoring and repairing antique automobiles.

Delmar is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; sons Joe (Deanna) and Kevin (Jocelyn); granddaughters Hannah (Simon) and Abby; grandsons Jeffrey, Jacob, and Jackson; sister Ronette; and brothers Jim and Dale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Fern, his sister Patricia and brothers Daryl and John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in honor of Delmar’s memory.

May his legacy live on through those who knew him and the passions he shared so generously.

Editor’s note: Mr. Pieper was an alum of Whitewater High School.