Obituaries

Opal Fay Durfey, 96, of Holmen, Wis., and formerly of Whitewater, Wis., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Emplify Health by Gundersen in La Crosse. 

She was born March 10, 1929, in Adams County, Wisconsin to Fredrick and Elsie (Colburn) Schoff. Opal was proud of the fact that she raised her son, Larry, by herself as a single mom. She held various jobs but was employed in housekeeping at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater until her retirement.

Opal enjoyed baseball and was a Milwaukee Braves and then a Milwaukee Brewers fan. She also looked forward to spending time with her family.

Survivors include her son, Larry (Kathy) Durfey; two grandchildren, Shane Durfey and Caley (Jim) Ellenberger; and two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Aislynn.

A private graveside service will be held for Opal’s family at Green Mound Cemetery in Holmen.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at the funeral home website, www.fredricksonfuneralhomes.com.

After a long battle with cancer, Rise (Pfeifer) Hebebrand passed away peacefully Saturday, July 26, 2025 in hospice.

Rise (pronounced Ree-sah) was born on June 14, 1953 to Ray and Betty Pfeifer. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1971 and attended UW-Whitewater.

Rise was a treasured member of the well-known local band, The Mourning Dayze, along with brother Rick. Rise sang as though every night could be the last time she sang and she never held anything back. She sang from her heart and soul and always gave and shared what she had with others. She did not simply visit this world, she left an everlasting magical musical mark, wishing us all a song in our hearts.

Rise is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jerry Hebebrand, brother Rick (Astrid) Pfeifer, sister Renee (Alan) Pfeifer-Luckett, nephew Roland Luckett, niece Rachel Luckett, stepchildren Denise (Chow) Pacholski and Jeff (Kathie) Hebebrand, and step grandchildren, Jake Pacholski, Ben Pacholski, Max Pacholski, Kelsey Hebebrand, Zach Hebebrand, and Jordan Hebebrand. Rise is preceded in death by her parents.

The visitation, funeral, and lunch will be held at First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, WI on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation takes place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at the church.

James Marshall Leaver died Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, at the age of 85.

Jim was born on October 8, 1939, in Yuma, Arizona, to James and Eleanor Leaver. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California; Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California; and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The day after graduating from Marquette, he married Rose Mary Gittens; they were together for more than 60 years.

Jim and Rose Mary moved to Tucson, Arizona, where Jim completed his master’s degree in literature at the University of Arizona, and then to Whitewater, where for 37 years, Jim taught English at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also completed his PhD in literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He retired from teaching in 2000.

Jim grew up speaking both English and Spanish and later in life learned to speak and read Russian and some Italian and Portuguese. He led several student tours to Russia, and he often used his translation skills to assist others.

After his retirement, Jim wanted to pursue three diverse interests: he wanted to be a ventriloquist, a tap dancer, and a painter. He succeeded in two of the three, by taking tap classes and performing in recitals and by teaching himself to paint. He started by copying the works of famous artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Winslow Homer. Later he moved on to painting original landscapes and portraits, including many of his grandchildren.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he played the conga drums at mass and served as the unofficial sexton of Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater for many years. He served two terms on the Whitewater City Council.

Family and friends will remember Jim for his sense of humor, love of music, intellect, compassion, and willingness to help his neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Gary Leaver, Rosemary Zumsteg, and Lorene Leaver. He is survived by his wife Rose Mary, sisters Jennifer Saver and Ann Leaver, sister-in-law Joan Gittens, daughters Sarah Day and Liz Cowperthwaite (John), son James Leaver, and grandchildren Lily, Hugh, and Noah Day; Sol Burgos; and Veronica Leaver.

All are invited to attend a celebration of Jim’s life and a display of a selection of his artwork, to be held August 16, 2025, from 3 to 5 PM at the White Memorial Building (Whitewater Arts Alliance) at 402 W. Main Street, Whitewater. Family members will present a brief program beginning at 3:30 PM.

Updated 7/31/25 @ 10 a.m. to add a request to honor Linda by wearing colorful attire to her service.

As we celebrate Linda Kinson’s life, we thought we’d share how blessed we were to learn lots of valuable lessons from “Nonny” as her grandchildren called her:  
 
Prayer and forgiveness are so important.  Even when they don’t get answered or reciprocated here, He hears all, sees all, knows all and loves infinitely more than we could imagine.  That’s why He’s in charge and we aren’t (whew!)  

Adventure is where it’s at, from the Alumni Association trips to Africa and Austria to Croatia, Italy, and Greece with her girls. Not to mention Motorcycle Mama up North.   
 
Generosity of time, money, and spirit have no boundaries, especially with family and even more with kids and grandkids.   
 
Always show up.  You don’t have to say much, just be there for your people.  
 
Give to every charity that asks. Choose to believe the best about what they do with your money, no matter what your children say.   

Use Carmex by the 1/4 hour for optimal heart health.  
 
Toothpicks after drinking water help with oral hygiene and … well, optimal heart health. 
 
Help the less fortunate without reservation whenever and wherever it is needed.  
 
Welcome newcomers, even the ones from Illinois… God bless ’em.  
 
Always remember every birthday, anniversary, and other exciting life event with a beautiful card and always right on time.  
 
Put dry croissants from the cruise buffet in your purse to snack on regardless that you’ll be eating gourmet Italian fare in a few hours.  
 
You might be sad because I’m gone, but be happy because, well… I was here for a solid 84 years (born June 19, 1941) and now…I’m with Him. I beat you slow pokes (I finally get to say that!) I’m playing tennis, riding bikes and kayaking without pain. Can walk without laying down, no more pain meds and I can fully see and drive (your streets are safer now without me behind the wheel), and here they’re lined with gold. Check on my husband Hank: he’s a handful but loves to see and hear from you. He just doesn’t stop long enough to tell you 🙂
 
My kids and grandkids are pretty cool too, and they are: Henri Kinson (wife Mendy), kids Henri Brady, Cole, Shane, and Jimmy.  Son Chris and daughter Nicole with husband Temo and kids Maya, Zoeh, Andre, and Gabriel. Pray for them and keep ’em out of trouble.  
 
Oh, and turns out God does know more than all of us, including timing.  Say yes to Jesus and we’ll see you up here! You’re gonna love it…just like He says!  Romans 10:9, John 3:16.  
 
Visitation for Linda will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI.  Please honor Linda by wearing colorful attire to her service.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at 841 Brewhouse, 841 E. Milwaukee Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Whitewater Arts Alliance, 402 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Marcelaine (Blodgett) McCulloch passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, peacefully at home. She was born on August 4, 1934, to Lloyd and Mabel Blodgett.

She graduated from College High in 1953.

She married Elmer McCulloch on June 4, 1955, and they spent 70 loving years together.

Together they had 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Marcie worked at Fairhaven before retiring in 2000. She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Marcie is survived by her husband, Elmer McCulloch, children, Edward (Susan) McCulloch, Steve (Violet) McCulloch, Patricia (Tom) Germundson, Duane McCulloch, and Nancy Behm. She is further survived by her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 10 siblings, and her grandchildren Rebecca Germundson and Jason McCulloch.

A visitation will be held, Monday, July 28, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI. A service will be held following the visitation at 11:00 A.M.

Mary Diane Trojan, August 10th, 1937 – July 15th, 2025

Born August 10, 1937, and living in Potosi, Wisconsin.  She is the daughter of Gwendolyn (Roesch) Kaltenbach and Celestine (Kelly) Kaltenbach.  She is survived by a brother, David Kaltenbach and (Shirley Adams Kaltenbach, with many nieces and nephews.) 
 
Diane attended both the State University of Eau Claire and Platteville. She received her B. S. with a major in Vocal Music and a minor in English in 1959.  In that same year, she married the love of her life, Jack Trojan.  Together they shared 66 years of marriage. 
 
Education and music were her passions.  Diane taught all grades in her 34 years career as a music educator.  Her first teaching position was close to her hometown in Southwest Wisconsin, Lancaster.  After only 2 years, she moved to Tacoma, Washington, with her husband, and as a substitute she taught all grades in Vocal Music in the Tacoma School System.  After one year, they moved to Mayville, Wisconsin where she was highly successful in producing many High School Broadway Musicals.  Her greatest pride was watching her students come home from the weekend of Solo and Choir State Music Contests with so many First-Place medals and honors.  Her career also took her to Cuba City, Wisconsin then finally to Whitewater. 
 
While living in Whitewater she taught Vocal Music in Palmyra, Wisconsin for 22 years before retiring. During her long retirement, she sang in several music groups and professionally for special occasions for many of her friends and family.   She loved her Dachshunds, having had 4 during her lifetime.  She was active in the local Emerson Club for many years, a member of D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.  She loved to travel and was fortunate enough to have seen much of the World. She will be missed by past students, friends and family.

James E. Holford, 91, of the Lake Geneva area passed away at his home on July 17, 2025.

Jim was born at the Beloit Municipal Hospital on August 4th, 1933, along with his identical twin brother, John.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marie Holford of Whitewater, Wisconsin, brother John Holford and Sister Johanna Holford Wilke of West Bend, Wisconsin.   He has one remaining sister, Veronica Holford Hanauer of Shawno, Wisconsin. 

Jim and his brother were active in many sports and music programs in grade and high school.  In 1953 Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He served in the US and Korea during the Korean conflict.  After his honorable discharge in 1957, he enrolled in the Marquette University Dental Program, receiving a DDS degree from Marquette in September of 1963.  While at MU, Jim met fellow MU student Theresa Noll.  The couple were married in 1962.  After a number of years as a General Dentist, Jim enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Dental Specialty School of Endodontics under the supervision of Dr. Louis Grossman.  He received his Endodontic Specialty degree in May of 1973.  Jim practiced Endodontics in San Francisco and Oakland, California, before returning to Wisconsin and opening his practice in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Jim enjoyed hunting with his golden retriever and playing golf with his friends.  He organized and served as an usher/greeter at Gesu Church on Marquette’s campus for many years.  He will be greatly missed hy his family and friends.

Services for Jim will be held on Wednesday July 23rd, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Geneva.  There will be a short visitation prior to the services starting at 10:00 am.  Military honors will be held immediately after the service at St. Francis de Sales.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Jim’s name to St. Francis de Sales to have a mass held in Jim’s name or to the St. Francis de Sales Angel Fund.

Celebration of Life for Jerry Gorby
Saturday, August 2nd | 2:00–5:00 PM
Willow Brook Golf Course
N9035 Hwy 89 S
Whitewater, WI 53190

A short program will begin at 3:00 PM, but guests are welcome to come and go anytime during the afternoon. A light meal and beverages will be served.

Please join us to share memories and celebrate the life of “Gorbs.”

Janice Marie (Christen) Terracciano passed away the evening of July 3, 2025 at Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Palm Harbor, FL after a two-week battle with pancreatic cancer.

Janice was born on April 20, 1956 to Werner F. and Nora A. (Downey) Christen at Fort Atkinson Hospital. Her sisters, Marcia, Joanne, and Linda were at home in Whitewater to welcome her.

She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Whitewater High School. Janice became a creative culinary chef and sous chef while working at several Lake Geneva restaurants including Red Geranium and Geneva Inn.

Jan loved visiting Florida and eventually became a permanent resident. On June 28, 1999, she married James Terracciano on a sandy beach near Treasure Island, FL.

They resided in the Clearwater & Spring Hill area all their married life until Jim’s illness in late 2023. They briefly lived in the Catskill, New York area until Jim’s passing in 2024. They loved their Boston terriers and enjoyed 25 years of Florida sunsets, boating, kayaking, and visiting casinos together.

Janice continued her culinary skills at many beach resorts and restaurants. She loved gardening around their home and cooking late dinners for Jim while enjoying a good wine.

Janice is survived by her daughter, Nicole Garfield (JD) of Louisville, KY, and her three sisters, Marcia Petak (Ronald) of Fond du Lac, WI, Joanne Christen of Elkhorn, WI, and Linda Malvitz (Dale) of Elkhorn, WI. She is also survived by six nieces and nephews all in Wisconsin. She is further survived by her in-laws, the Terracciano family of upstate New York.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, on September 18, 2024, her parents Werner and Nora Christen, her infant sister, Karen, and her grandparents.

Private arrangements are pending in Florida.
Cremation has taken place.