Obituaries

Obituary: Louis W. Golembiewski, 96, of West Allis

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.

Obituary: Aaron T. Persinger, 52

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

Obituary: Mary Wickler, 87

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.

Obituary: Dorothy Otting, 94

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

Obituary: Gerald “Red” J Markham, 93

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

Celebration of Life: Kelly S. O’Donnell

A private Celebration of Life for Kelly O’Donnell will take place on August 17th (Kelly’s birthday) at the Cravath Lakefront Community Building. Kelly’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the cards, phone calls, text messages, and other acts of kindness that were shown at this difficult time.

Obituary: Delmar Lee Pieper, 87, of Tacoma, WA

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.

Obituary: Opal Fay Durfey, 96, of Holmen, WI

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.

Obituary: Rise (Pfeifer) Hebebrand, 72

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.

Obituary: James M. Leaver, 85

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.