Life Events

It is with our heavy hearts, that we share the passing of Juliette L. Horner, 13, of Whitewater. She was a precious young girl who attended Whitewater Middle School as a 7th grader. She always came to school with a smile on her face, looking forward to seeing her friends. Juliette was involved in clubs, choir, and she enjoyed playing her flute in band. Juliette also enjoyed gaming and socializing with her friends.

She excelled in creativity through building Legos, knitting, origami, and drawing. Juliette’s perfect summer day would consist of: Having a family cookout, spending hours swimming in the family pool and ending the night with making smores by the campfire. Words used to describe Juliette include full of smiles, creative, shy, cheerful, friendly, helpful, excelled in creativity, bright, musician, smart, swimmer, fun, and mischievous.

Juliette will be missed and is dearly loved by her mother, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, many more extended family and friends.

We are overwhelmed by the support we have received so far and can’t thank you all enough for helping the Horner family during this difficult time.

Contributions on Juliette’s behalf can be made at any Premier Bank location, payments through Zelle using email juliettememorial@gmail.com, or send funds to Premier Bank in Whitewater at 200 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A memorial service will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 3 PM until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mary Jean Sorensen, 75, Whitewater passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater.

Mary was born on May 1, 1948, in Elkhorn, WI to Glenn and Doris (Christiansen) Morgan. She grew up in rural Darien, WI, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse through elementary school and enjoyed many creative adventures with her cousins and four siblings. She looked forward to occasional rides along with her father on his milk truck route and developed a lasting love of flower gardens from her mother, along with an aptitude for preserving massive quantities of homegrown apples and vegetables.

Mary graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1966 and was among the first generation in her family to attend college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Madison. While in Madison she met many life-long friends, including her husband Donald Sorensen. They were married on September 2, 1972, in Darien, WI.

Throughout her life, Mary exemplified a deep love for children as well as a childlike wonder. Her children, grandchildren, and relatives fondly remember her enthusiasm for games, crafts, Bible stories, camping, and museums, along with her uncanny ability to remember a song for every topic. She loved family gatherings and was always ready to organize sing-alongs and games of volleyball, football, trivia, or charades. She also cared for enumerable children beyond her family—as a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Atkinson and in the Whitewater School District, and as a servant in her community. She led Girl Scout troops, welcomed in neighbors, and taught Sunday School for over fifty years. She served generously as a member of the First United Methodist Church and later Living Word Fellowship in Whitewater, especially as a leader in the Sunday School, Christian Women’s Club, and prayer ministries.

In her later years, Mary exhibited a faith and resilience that was an inspiration to many as she survived a severe brain hemorrhage. She was always ready with a laugh, a smile, and a loving hand-squeeze. She took great comfort in Psalm 23 and remained uncomplaining and devoted to God through all circumstances. Her loving and faithful personality will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband Don of Whitewater; children Daniel (Allysse) Sorensen, St. Croix Falls, WI, and Christine (Adam) Jeske, Madison; grandchildren Phoebe and Ezekiel Jeske; siblings Sandra (Ray) Boyd, Texas, Michael Morgan, Texas, and Sharen (Lee) Kwetinski, Verona, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Karen Morgan.

The family would like to express profound gratitude to the remarkable staff of Fairhaven for the kindness and dignity they afforded Mary during her time there.

A memorial service will be held at Living Word Fellowship on Saturday, May 4, with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11, and lunch to follow.

Donations may be made in Mary’s honor to Fairhaven (send checks made out to Fairhaven Foundation to 435 West Starin Rd., Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190) or Living Word Fellowship (212 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.)

Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Charlotte L. Seiler, 98, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Fairhaven Assisted Living Facility (Hearthstone) in Whitewater, WI. She was born August 4, 1925 in Evanston, Illinois to Dorthea G. and Raymond C. Taylor. 

She moved to Libertyville, Illinois in 1933.  Char graduated from Libertyville High School in 1943.

She met her husband, Maynard H (Si) Seiler, Sr. when they were in high school and were married in 1945. They remained married for 41 years until his death in 1986. While living in Libertyville, she was a member of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, which will be her final resting place with her husband, Si.

She was a Realtor with Century 21 Taylor and Seiler until her retirement in 1989 when she moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 2015, to be closer to family.   She enjoyed playing bridge, golf and playing the organ. She was an avid reader and loved painting, ceramics, quilting, and crocheting.

She is survived by her children: MJ Seiler (Janie), Jamie Gunter (Rich), and Todd Seiler (Michele). She has 5 grandkids Ricky Gunter, Randy Gunter, Molly Beitz, Eric (Samantha) Seiler, Scott (Isabella) Seiler, and 5 great grandchildren, Connor, Cora, Ryan, Lucas and Roland.  There are also several nephews and nieces and special Sister-in-Law Mariana Taylor. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard H (Si) Seiler, Sr., her parents and 2 brothers Clyde Taylor and Ronald G Taylor. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Lawrence Church or a charity of your choice in her name. There will no service per her wishes. 

We’d like to thank Fairhaven Senior Services and Rainbow Hospice for their great care as well as her 2 special friends, Sharon and LaVon.  Both who made her smile all the time.  

A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For info call 920.397.5579. nitardyfuneralhome.com.

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Sandy passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 04, 2024.

She was born in Fond du Lac, WI on May 24, 1939, to James and Lorraine Fisher.

Sandy graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1957 and received her Operators license from Wisconsin College of Beauty in 1959.  She worked as a hairdresser until her retirement.

She married Irv Madsen at 1^st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater on August 6, 1960. Sandy loved bowling, golfing, playing cards with friends, volunteering at church, the Thrift Shoppe, delivering Meals on Wheels, Women’s Federation and the Jayceette’s.

She is survived by her husband Irv, brother JP (Karen) Fisher, sister Pam Fisher, 3 daughters, Jodi (Jim) Stoppenbach, Terri (Brad) Stallings, Cyndee (Kent) Kelsey, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dave Fisher and sister Sally Grabowski.

The family is so grateful for her excellent care from Nicole Gosh, Jim Middlestein, Nellie Redinius, Nikki Middlestein, Allison Seitz, and all of the past caregivers (Evie, Jackson, Mary Kay, Vicki and Steve) and friends (the Albrecht’s, Oberle’s, Cobb’s, Voh’s) who have helped with “Team Madsen.”

We would also like to thank Rainbow Hospice, Nitardy and all of the SSM Health facilities.

Visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI on Saturday, March 09, 2024 from 10 am to 11:30 am, with a celebration of Sandy’s life to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to 1^st English Lutheran Church, UW-Whitewater Athletics or the Madsen Family Scholarship at UW-W, or your charity of choice in Sandy’s name.

Carmen A. Catania passed away peacefully at home on February 29, (Leap Day) 2024. During his short time in hospice care, he was visited by many neighbors and friends.

Carmen was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 19, 1939, the first child of Jacob J. and Hazel A. Catania. He is predeceased by his sister, Marianna Heinz, and is survived by his brothers, John (Beth) and Joseph (Peggy) Catania; his beloved sons, Mario (wife, Amy and son, Dylan) and Anthony (wife, Terri and children, Joshua, Niki, and Samuel). He also leaves behind his devoted wife Mary Lou, and stepdaughter, Melissa Joseph.

Carmen graduated from Whitewater City High School (1957), UW – Whitewater (1965 – BS), and VanderCook College (1967 – MMEd).

Carmen began his musical career as a US Navy musician trumpeter in 1957. After four years, he began his teaching profession in Germantown, Slinger and Onalaska, WI; La Crescent, MN, and UW Wausau, WI. Other activities included conducting several bands in the La Crosse area. His trumpet experience included classical performances (La Crosse Symphony), accompanying Motown groups and several community bands.

Carmen moved to Green Valley, Arizona in 2003, where he was extremely active in the musical community including two jazz bands, Green Valley Concert Band, Bavarian Band, and many small jazz ensembles for almost 15 years. As the former GV Concert Band Manager, he orchestrated the relocation of the band concerts to Sahuarita Auditorium. He loved conducting the Bavarian Band and was proud to serve as a docent at the San Xavier Mission.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer, jazz aficionado, and loved attending mass at Our Lady of the Valley. Carmen married his wife, Mary Lou, at Madera Canyon on December 3, 2006, and enjoyed visiting the desert landscapes and loved spending time in his home overlooking the golf course in Green Valley. His stroke several years ago robbed him of his high energy and enthusiasm for outdoor activities; however, he never lost his love for fine food and his love for all things Wisconsin including his Italian family, his Packers football team, and of course, delicious cheese.

No services have yet been scheduled as of this announcement.

JoAnn Bickle (Frye), 63, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on February 29th in her home after courageously battling cancer for two years, with the help of Rainbow Hospice and her family by her side.

JoAnn was the youngest daughter of Donald and Betty Frye. Preceded in death by her parents, in-laws (Wayne and Norma Bickle), and sisters (Sarah and Donna). JoAnn graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and married her high school sweetheart Mark Bickle. This past December they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Mark and JoAnn made Fort Atkinson their home, raising their family here. JoAnn’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother, followed by the joy of becoming a grandmother. While JoAnn held many different jobs/roles, her biggest professional accomplishment was obtaining her CDL license and then spending 4 years driving cross country with Mark. She took such pride in her garden and enjoyed boating and camping. JoAnn will be deeply missed by her husband Mark; daughters, Megan and Lindsey; granddaughter, Amya; siblings Jerry (Judy), Jim(Darlene), Jeff, Janet(Hugh) Wakefield; her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as dearest friends.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson on Thursday, March 14th. A visitation will begin at 11 am, with a service to follow at 12:30. Following the service, there will be a light lunch at Haumerson’s Pond Warming House. We want to thank our family, friends and various professionals who assisted in JoAnn’s valiant battle. And we want to give a special heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice for helping with her wish to spend her final days at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rainbow Hospice or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. “To let go takes love; I love you, and I know you love me too. Goodbye, dear one. “

Daryl Dean Pieper, 80, of Whitewater passed away on February 28, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Daryl was born on October 6, 1943 in Fort Atkinson to Melvin and Fern (Meinert) Pieper.  He grew up in Whitewater and was active in baseball, basketball, and excelled in football.  Daryl also sang in the choir and played in the school band.  He received the Spade and Spoon award in his junior year.  Daryl graduated Whitewater High School as the class president, homecoming king, and student council president.  He also received All Conference award for football both junior and senior year, and was a letter award winner in football, baseball and basketball.  After graduating high school, Daryl took some college courses at UW-Whitewater.  On September 9, 1967 Daryl married Judith Amborn at St. Patrick Catholic Church and were wed until her passing on December 21, 2005.  Daryl married Darlene Dianna Mumm on October 13, 2007 at Lutherdale Bible Camp. He was part owner of Fort Body Incorp.

He was a founding member of the “Chuckers” in Whitewater, member of Whitewater Snow Seekers, and confirmed at United Methodist Church in Whitewater.  Daryl was a loyal volunteer at Lutherdale Bible Camp.

Daryl enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, deer hunting, and playing cards (especially Sheep’s Head, Canasta, Hand and Foot, Euchre).  He appreciated old cars and going to car shows. Daryl also enjoyed traveling to Arizona for the winters, family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren, red wine, spending time at the lake in Northern Wisconsin, and going to Canada to fish for walleyes.  He liked going to Rick’s for a great meal, going to Norske Nook for lemon meringue pie, watching the Packers play, and Sudoku puzzles.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Darlene Dianna Pieper; daughter, Sara (Gregory) Klug of Bookings, SD; step-children, Kelly (Shawn) Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Tony Menneke of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Daniel Klug of Bookings, SD, Katherine Klug of Bookings SD; step-grandchildren, Brennan Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Brady Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Abbee Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Connor Menneke of Fox Lake, IL, Cayden Menneke of Woodstock, IL; siblings, Dale Pieper of Whitewater, Delmar (Mary) Pieper of Tacoma, WA, Ronette (Dave) Steinke of Washougal, WA, Jim (Kathy) Pieper of Whitewater; sister-in-law, Joyce (Robert) Stubbs; and lifetime special friend, Tom Jewell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Fern Pieper; wife, Judith Pieper; sister, Patricia Mikkelsen; and brother, John Pieper.

The family would like to give special thanks to Mercy Health Hospice for all the support and care.

Memorials can be made to Lutherdale Outdoor Ministries in Elkhorn, Whitewater Fire Department, or First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

An Evening visitation will take place from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, with a visitation starting at 10 AM, until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Amanda R. Pohle, 33 of Whitewater passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly at her home on February 5th, 2024. 

She was born in Mukwonago on September 1st, 1990, (Labor day that year) to Karen Pohle and Paul “P.J.” Heytens. Amanda lived in Mukwonago with mother and at the age of 2 years old moved to West Allis where she was raised by her mother & Stepdad Scott Kaboskey until she became an adult. When she was 16 she moved to West Bend where she graduated from West Bend-West High School. After graduation she & her family moved to Waukesha where she was “Reunited” with her high school sweetheart Josh Corbeil. They had 2 beautiful children Carter & Juliette, before going their separate ways. From there Amanda focused on being the best parent she could with the disabilities she was diagnosed with as a young teen. Amanda had her ups & downs including conquering addiction, battling RSD, & inflammation of her spine, where she was told she would never walk on her own again, but she did. 

Later in life she met the love of her life & soulmate Dan Rynes after having her 3rd child Skylar. Amanda & Dan went on many adventures together & most of all she loved to go riding on their motorcycle & hanging out with her girls. Amanda was a fighter, had incredible strength, & kept fighting until February 5th, 2024, when her body gave out. 

She is survived by her unconditional, loving fiance Dan Rynes of Whitewater & will truly be missed by her mother Karen Pohle & Mike Swanson (aka Dad) of Delavan. Her 3 children are Carter age 11, Juliette age 9 & Skylar age 3 & her Brother Killian Kaboskey of Weatherly, PA. Also, her Step-brother Cody Swanson of Delavan, and Sister Miranda (King) Heytens; Aunts & Uncles Matt Pohle (Holly) of East Troy, Gary Schmidt of Waukesha, Andrew Schmidt (Emmy) of Slinger, Steven Riddle (Stephanie) of Horizon, Maggie Liebner of Oak Creek; Uncle & Godfather Jeff (Caroline) Heytens, Bruce Heytens, Tony (Beth) Miller, Helen “Mel” Miller, Jodielee (Phil) Mussa Heytens, and cousins Brucie (Sammi) Heytens, & Kyle Heytens along with many other dear cousins. She will also be missed greatly by her Grandparents, Robbin Riddle, Janice Swanson and David Pohle, Boni(Jerry) Ernst & other extended family, friends & neighbors.

She is preceded in death by her Dad Paul “PJ” Heytens, Uncle Mike Heytens; Grandpa Jim “Papa” Riddle, Ferm “Rocky” (Marge) Heytens, Shirley Kruichak, & Neil Swanson, Sr.

Great-Grandparents; Dominick “Gramps” Cefalu & Fredrick (Margery) Pohle.

A very special thanks to the whole team at HHS. Sam, Sarah, Val, Michele, Emma, Haley & many others. Also, a heartfelt thank you to everyone at SEM & we can’t forget “JUDGE.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 3rd from 1-4 p.m. at Nora’s, 1843 US Hwy 12/18 in Deerfield, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials/donations to Lakeland Animal Shelter or NAMI would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Lois Arlene (Anderson) Benes, 88, of Whitewater (formerly of Middleton) passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her home, with family by her side.

Lois was born April 15, 1935, to her loving parents, Harriett and Randolph Anderson of Whitewater, WI. Lois lived and played on the ‘home farm’ through all of her growing up years, where she was fiercely protected and mothered by her older sister Gwen (Vandiver). She also had two older brothers, Berwyn and Vinton, whom she would help on occasion with the farm chores! Lois graduated from Whitewater City High with the class of 1953 and soon after graduation, married the love of her life, James W. Benes. After their marriage, Jim soon enlisted in the Army and Lois, along with their first born (Diane) stayed in Whitewater with her parents. After Jim’s military service was complete, the family moved to Madison for Jim to attend the UW Madison.

Lois spent the next 4 years with her growing family of 3 at Truax apartments, where she said were some of the best years of her life. This is where she got involved and would meet with 10-12 other women to discuss the stock market. They called themselves ‘Profits Preferred’ and even after she moved from Madison to Middleton, she still remained active watching the Dow!

Lois was a very compassionate and humble human being, who graciously followed the good Lord’s path he put before her. From country girl to city girl, to mother of three, to mother of many, she always answered his call …

From 1964 through 1986, Lois fostered over 60 infants and children. She always said she wanted a bus full of children and they couldn’t have been blessed with a better driver!

Her passion to help these foster children who arrived, or those she picked up directly from the hospital, was evident. You could hear the love when she spoke of them, and you could see the love when her family recently found items she had saved throughout the years, like their homework, crayon drawings, and first haircuts. Lois also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for a time, and was always up for ‘wheeling away’ in their motorhome for an Elderhostel adventure! Lois and Jim traveled to many places with the Elderhostel Program, along with some unplanned back road adventures that her husband always seemed to take her on! She thoroughly enjoyed all of these adventures and could tell you by memory, all the towns, dates, history and mishaps they encountered on each one of them!

Lois and Jim also belonged to the Westport Squares square dancing club for over 40 years, where they traveled to every State Square Dance Convention, not missing one in those 40 years! Square dancing was her passion and she acquired many lifelong friends over the years through their club. Lois’s conversations will be deeply missed, whether it was about the weather, the love of her country, or hearing the love she had for whomever she was talking with.

When the last allemande left was called, her 3 children Diane (Paul) Shiveler, Gary (Sherrie) Benes and Kay Benes, knew she was already ‘gussied’ up and waiting for her partner ‘Jimmy’ (DOD; August 2, 2023) to take her home …

Besides her 3 children, she also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters, 1 step great- granddaughter and two special foster daughters, Tamara and Julian.

She is also survived by two sister in laws, Marilynne (Jack) Albrecht and Sherri Benes (Kevin Coursey) along with many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Fairhaven Senior Services for their unending compassion and support, along with Rainbow Hospice.

The family has established an internship with KMLT in memory of their parents.

Memorials can be made to:
Kettle Moraine Land Trust
Memo: James W and Lois A Benes Internship
PO Box 176
Elkhorn, WI 53121

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Rodney ‘Mike’ Sprague, age 75, of Janesville, WI departed this life on Monday, February 12, 2024.

Mike was born on January 29, 1949, in Geneva Township, WI, the son of Edward F. and Helen M. (Gerlach) Sprague.

He graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1968. Then went on to proudly served in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War, as a Light Weapons Infantryman. During this time he received numerous medals including; Vietnam Service medal with two Bronze Service Stars and Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster. Upon returning home with honorable discharge he met and married the love of his life Christine ‘Chris’ Hoefler on February 9, 1974. They went on to have two daughters Laura and Lydia.

He spent many years employed at Mastermold in Johnson Creek as a supervisor. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, being a “handyman,” telling sarcastic jokes and spending time with his dogs.

His love though was his family- attending their sporting events cheering them on and spoiling his only grandchild Gianna who called him Bapa.

Mike is survived by his wife Chris Sprague; two daughters Laura (Quincy) Hutcherson and Lydia Sprague; granddaughter Gianna Hutcherson; brother Robert (Linda) Sprague, sister Kathleen Ball; his dog Winnie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jerome and Ross Sprague; two sisters: A. Diane Crusan and Jeanne Flitcroft.

Mike will have a private burial with Full Military Honors at a later date. The APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.apfelwolfe.com