Obituaries

Josephine Ann Faith Hagele Hobbs was received into God’s care on Saturday, September 30. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. She was born on June 27, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA and was the daughter of Josephine Swank Hagele and Ferdinand John Hagele, Jr. She graduated from Springfield, PA high school in 1955. She studied piano and harp at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, with harp as a secondary instrument.  Those years included one year of study abroad at the Mozarteum Akademie in Salzburg, Austria. She completed her formal education with graduate studies at Wichita State University, from which she graduated in 1961 with a Master of Music degree in piano. She was then appointed to the music faculty at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA, where she taught until she married her high school sweetheart, Lewis Hobbs, on June 16, 1962. They lived in Madison, WI for three years and on Mount Hamilton, CA, for one year before moving to Williams Bay, WI in 1966, where they then lived for 57 years. Jo Ann was the mother of three children: John David Hobbs, Michael Samuel Hobbs, and Dara Kristin Hobbs, born respectively in 1963, 1967, and 1971.

Jo Ann taught piano and piano pedagogy for 28 years at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and performed regularly as a pianist and harpist. She received an excellence in teaching award at UW Whitewater. Before and during those years, she also taught piano and harp privately in her home. For that work, she received an excellence in teaching award from the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association and was named a fellow of the Music Teachers National Association. After retiring from UW Whitewater, she continued to teach piano and harp privately in her home until 2017.

Jo Ann was active in the Williams Bay Lutheran church as a teacher and musician and served on the boards of a number of community organizations. Her interests and hobbies included family events and vacations, especially a 50th-wedding-anniversary cruise to Alaska with her whole family and many trips to Cape May, NJ; Long Island, NY; and Germany, where she and Lewis frequently visited their daughter Dara. She rejoiced at becoming a grandmother and a great-grandmother. She enjoyed attending concerts and plays, gardening, travel, walking, reading, and needlework.

Jo Ann died peacefully at home on September 30, 2023, surrounded by family members. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lewis; sons John (Ann) and Michael (Laura), and daughter Dara (Henning); grandchildren Lauren (Paul), Rebecca, Penelope (Jaska) and Thomas; great-grandchildren Louis and Eliza; her brother Jack Hagele, nephew Matthew Hagele (Catherine) and niece Meg Hagele (Curtis), great- nephew William Hagele, sister-in-law Sandi Van Etten, and several cousins. If desired, memorial gifts may be directed to Doctors without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, or the JoAnn Hobbs endowed piano scholarship at UW Whitewater.

On October 17 a visitation will be held at Toyntons’ funeral home in Walworth, WI from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

On October 18 there will be a one hour visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Williams Bay Lutheran Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM.  

For more information call the funeral home at 262-275-2171.

RITA MAGDALENE SCHACKMANN RASMUSSEN, 96, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on September 3, 2023, at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

Rita was born on August 12, 1927, in Newton, IL to Edward and Mary (Miller) Schackmann. She was one of 12 children. Rita attended a one room schoolhouse in the 1930s. Soon after school she travelled to Chicago where she became a nanny for an area doctor. In 1964 she married the love of her life, Nels Rasmussen from Gurnee, IL. She was able to be a stay-at-home mom of ten children! She enjoyed the farm life. Rita was an excellent cook, baker, flower and vegetable gardener. Her family will forever be talking about her grilled cheese with a spread of grape jelly. Also, her laughter can be heard throughout the home every time she watched All In The Family, Johnny Carson or The Golden Girls.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Joe. She loved old time country music and had a lifelong love for Merle Haggard. Rita was a devout catholic, attending St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson for 50 years.

She will be deeply missed by her children Edward and Alan Rasmussen of Fort Atkinson, Boyd (Julz) Rasmussen of Whitewater, Mary (Scott Sleaver), also of Whitewater. Diane (Gunther) Nothnagel of Manassas VA, Larry Rasmussen of Marshall, Wisconsin, Dixie Fields (Don, deceased) of KenoshaWI, John (April) Rasmussen of DeSoto, WI, Cindy (Scott)Yaun of DeSoto, WI, April (Chuck) Miller of La Crosse. Rita also has 23 grandchildren, over 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild. Rita has one brother, Gene (Donna) Schackmann of Newton IL, sister Therese (Joe, deceased) Bruemmer and sister-in-law, Eunice , all of Newton, IL still surviving.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Clarence, Ralph, Joe, Herman, Donald, Paul, Frank and Donald. Sisters that are preceding her are Charlene and Margaret.

Private services were held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson with burial at Hebron cemetery.

Memorials can be made to St. Josephs’ Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and the staff at Fairhaven and Hearthstone Assisted Living in Whitewater. visit www.nitardfuneralhome.com to leave your condolences for the family.

In Loving Memory of Richard Vultaggio

June 15, 1947 – September 14, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Vultaggio, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Rick left this world on September 14, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin, on June 15, 1947, the only son of Sam and MaryJane Vultaggio.

Rick was a longtime resident of Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he established himself as a prominent figure in the local business community. Rick was the proud owner of Vultaggio Plastering and Vultaggio Rentals and took pride in providing quality services to the local community and university students.

In 2009, Rick and his wife, Kathy, embarked on a new adventure when they moved to Arkansas and built their dream horse ranch in the mountains of Shady Arkansas. In Hot Springs, Arkansas, they purchased a 72 unit apartment complex and ran it together for 14 years. Rick found immense joy in the ranch’s beauty and serenity, enjoying hours of horseback riding. It became a place of countless cherished memories for him and those who visited.

While visiting family in Wisconsin, Rick contracted COVID-19. He was initially showing signs of improvement, but his condition abruptly deteriorated during the journey back to Arkansas. He was admitted to a local hospital in Missouri, where he received excellent care. However, due to his immune compromise resulting from his ongoing battle with cancer, he was unable to overcome the virus. Kathy, his devoted wife, was by his side until the very end, providing comfort and support as he entered his final rest.

In addition to his beloved wife, Kathy, who stood by his side through life’s joys and challenges, Rick is survived by his cherished children: daughter Jenna Rebman (Ryan), sons Joe Vultaggio and Tony Vultaggio (Michelle), and his four grandchildren: Teegan, Brendan, Nolen, and Lyla. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Kerri Valencia (Christian), Tyson Ray (Jenny), Tammie Haveman (Dave), and Bonnie Ray, along with twelve step-grandchildren.

Rick was known for his warm-hearted nature, generosity, and quick wit. He had an ability to bring smiles to the faces of those around him and had an uncanny knack for telling a good story. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

To honor Rick’s life and celebrate the impact he had on all who knew him, an open house will be held on October 14, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at T&D Grill, located at 300 W. Main Street, Palmyra, Wisconsin. 

In the spirit of Rick’s easy-going nature, the event will be casual dress, allowing friends and family to come together, share memories and celebrate a life well-lived.

Janice (Jan) Bette (Klitzkie) Millard, 81, of Whitewater, WI peacefully departed the earth to be with those who left before her on September 27, 2023 surrounded by her family. 

Janice was welcomed by her loving parents George Harley and Elva Klitzkie on March 8, 1942 in Watertown, WI. Jan attended Duck Creek country school through 8th grade, followed by graduating from Jefferson High School in 1960. She worked at Universal Electronics for a short time before finding her career as a CNA at Fairhaven, where she later retired after 30+ years. 

Jan met Len, the love of her life in 1963. Excited to start their lives together, they quickly married on December 7, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Golden Lake, WI. 

Jan had many fond memories traveling with Len while he was working as a bus/semi driver. Alongside travel, Jan also loved to read, draw, go for walks, enjoy nature, and spend time with her family and beloved pets. 

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Len (Butch), her parents George Harley and Elva Klitzkie, siblings George, Jim and Joyce, brother-in-law Richard (Chick), sister-in-law Bonnie, grandson Lucas, and last but not least her furever friend, Beethoven. 

Jan is survived by her Loving children David (Pin) Millard and Deb (Ted) Ballman, siblings Gene, and Janet, sister-in-law Shelby, grandchildren Christy (Mark) Wiggins, Nicholas (Christina) Rasmussen, Tamara (Mike) Lawien and Jodi (Casey) Badura, great- grandchildren Taylor Kyle, Haiden Badura, Nieces Luann Gauthier, Donna (John) Mickelson, and great nieces and nephews. 

No formal services will be held. 

We want to give a special thanks to Whitewater rescue, Fort Healthcare ER staff, UW Flight for Life and UW Neuro ICU for their excellent care.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Mary L. Isaacsen, 78, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side.

She was born on October 13, 1944 in Whitewater, WI the daughter of Frank and Caroline (Rebenstorf) Kligora. She grew up in the Whitewater area and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1962. On February 18, 1967, Mary was united in marriage to David P. Isaacsen at the Palmyra United Methodist Church and the Lord blessed their union with four sons, Mark, John, William, and Michael. Mary and David enjoyed 28 years of marriage together until David’s passing in 1995. Mary was very involved in her local community. She was a member of the Palmyra Lioness for a number of years and was a long-time member of the Palmyra United Methodist Church. She also served as Sexton of the Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra for more than 50 years and took pride in caring for the cemetery. Mary was a caring person and never hesitated to help a friend or neighbor in need. Above all else in Mary’s life was her love for her family. She was a loving wife and mother and a very proud grandmother. Some of her best times were spent crafting, baking cookies and making Christmas wreaths with her children and grandchildren. In her younger years, she and David made many wonderful memories in Northern Wisconsin. Mary was a good lady and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind. 

She is survived by: her four sons, Mark (Kelly), John (Amy), William (Toni) and Michael (Cindy); her grandchildren, Brady, Blake, Rachel, Owen, Ryan (Alexis), Griffin (Ashly), Jeremy (Emilie), Miranda (Alec), Jacob (Crystal), Jameson, and Shaina; her great-grandchildren, Addelyn, Raegan, and Finnegan; her honorary grandchildren, Jestine, Alyssa, and Makenna; and her siblings, Jeanette (Jim) Elliot of Delavan, WI, Frank (Elaine) Kligora of Milton, WI, Donald (Carolyn) Kligora of Whitewater, and Harvey (Debbie) Kligora of Caledonia, WI. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, and her loving husband, David. 

Memorials in Mary’s honor may be made to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Jefferson County, WI (ADRC) to be used in the Transportation Department, or the Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra, WI. 

A funeral visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the Palmyra United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband in Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra, WI immediately following the funeral service. 

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

James L. Davis, 85, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.

Jim was born on February 3, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Roy and Grace (Jamison) Davis. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago. He was employed as a salesperson for SMC Corporation. Jim enjoyed fishing and was quite a history buff. His granddaughter says he loved being the lady’s chauffeur. He married Veronica Trees in Villa Park, Ill in 1989. She preceded him in death on August 31, 2009. Jim was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Whitewater.

He is survived by his children Shawn (Sue) Girtz, McHenry, IL and Melissa Burmeister of Indiana; grandchildren Trisha Davis, Samantha (Brad) Severin, Julia Girtz and Nicholas Burmeister; great-grandchild Miles Severin. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter Stephanie Luengen.

A Memorial Service with Rev. Dr. David McDonald officiating will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the Stephanie Luengen Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Gerald (Gerry or Jerry) William Lehto, aged 88, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, at Hearthstone Memory Care at Fairhaven Senior Services, Whitewater, WI.  He was born on December 13, 1934, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Ebba and Archibald Lehto and later developed a close relationship with his step dad, Leo Sweeney.  He graduated from Bayview High School, Milwaukee and completed a Junior Accounting Course at Spencerian College.   He served in the Army from 1955-1957, marrying Alice M. Hoffman in October of 1955, in Milwaukee, while on leave. They raised a loving family in Racine, where he worked as an Accountant for Racine Steel Castings.  Upon retiring in 1993, he was recognized for 31 years of dedicated service.  He is survived by his loving children Karen (Steven Armstrong), Janet (Joseph Cunningham), Ronald Lehto, and Gail (Thomas Zugger); his grandchildren Diane (Kurt Rasmussen), Devon Armstrong, Lauren (Austin Cary), Michael Cunningham, Jordan and Jacob Lehto, Nathan Zugger; his great-grandchildren Isabelle and Oliver Rasmussen; and stepchildren and step-grand and great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ebba Sweeney, his first wife Alice M. (Hoffman), his second wife Patricia (Shears), as well as in-laws, stepchildren, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a nephew.   

Family, friends, and others are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Olm Fellowship Hall at Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 W. Starin Rd., Whitewater, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. A gathering with family to start at 10 a.m. with an 11 a.m. celebration of life to share stories and to reminisce and honor the life of Jerry.  The family wants to thank the wonderful care given by the staff at Hearthstone and Rainbow Hospice. In lieu of flowers one could make a donation to The Fairhaven Foundation, Rainbow Hospice Care, or the American Red Cross of Wisconsin.  

To view Jerry’s full obituary with service information and to share on line condolences, please visit: https://nitardyfuneralhome.com/ 

Marcia Light Pomplun, age 66, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at UW Hospital in Madison with her devoted husband by her side. Her passing followed a valiant battle with a sudden, devastating illness.

Marcy’s courage and determination over her last three weeks were unsurprising to those who knew her. For years, she had been stoic and uncomplaining about the multiple sclerosis (MS) that had progressively robbed her of her mobility and imposed other limitations and chronic pain. Her intelligence, kindness, sense of humor, and deep love for her family always shined through despite her health challenges.

She was a loving mother to sons Sam and Nick and their partners Colleen and Nina, and a warm, attentive grandmother to Silas, Cora, Ellis, and Sunny. Her interests included hiking in the National Parks when she was still able, as well as art, literature, music, Jeopardy, dogs, nature, and progressive causes. She was a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and the UW volleyball and basketball teams.

Marcia Light was born March 30, 1957, to the late Raymond and Zenobia Light in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where she grew up. Known as a talented musician and pianist, she graduated from high school near the top of her class. Marcy earned a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979.

She married her high school sweetheart, Steve Pomplun, in August 1979. They lived in Janesville, Sun Prairie, and Black Earth before buying a 1904 folk Victorian house on Madison’s near-east side in 1989, which they restored over the next 26 years and in which Sam and Nick grew to adulthood.

Marcy was an accomplished and collaborative science professional who spent her career in research at UW-Madison. After working in a bacteriology lab for many years, she took a position at the Carbone Cancer Center, performing high-level analyses in support of Phase I cancer research. She retired in 2015 due to the progression of her MS. She and her husband moved to a more accessible home near New Glarus in 2015.

She is survived by husband Steve, sons Sam (Colleen Frey-McGovern) and Nick (Nina Knorr); grandchildren Sunny, Silas, Cora, and Ellis; brothers Mark (Vicki) Light and Alan (Kathleen) Light; siblings-in-law Tom (Georgene) Pomplun, Nancy (Dave) Cummings, Alan (LeeAnn) Pomplun, and Kris (David) Doorn; many beloved nieces and nephews; lifelong friends Anna DeWind Walls, Marsha Beste, and Kari Fox; and countless other heartbroken relatives and friends.

At Marcy’s request, memorial services will be small and private. Please consider memorial donations in Marcy’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Dane County Humane Society.