Life Events

Arlen Gilbert (Arlo) Butt passed away peacefully on August 6, 2023, surrounded by his family. Arlo was born on June 20, 1951, in Elkhorn, WI, to the late Orville and Jessie Butt. He was a man of great patience, kindness, and humility. Arlo’s gentle nature and unwavering positivity made him deeply loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Arlo is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne Butt, who stood by his side throughout their 40-year journey of love, friendship, dancing and many mischievous escapades. He is also survived by his two children, Carmen (Thomas) Thornton, and Chester (Jennie) Larson. Arlo was a loving and devoted dad to them, always providing guidance and support. They, along with his three grandchildren, Nolan Larson, Savannah Chesser Thornton and Keyon’Dre Thornton were his pride and joy.

In addition to his immediate family, Arlo is survived by his dearest sister, Elaine (Dan) Kelleher, and their two children, Casey (Ashley) Kelleher and Corey (Bryony) Kelleher who shared many cherished memories, an occasional Arlo (Early) Times, and much laughter throughout their lives.

Arlo was also preceded in death by his baby sister, Carla Jean Butt who died in infancy.

Arlo lived his whole life in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He started his education at Lakeview Elementary and Whitewater Middle School, setting the foundation for his future success. He graduated from Whitewater High School in the class of 1969, carrying with him a strong work ethic.

Arlo proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard for six years. His commitment to duty and honor was unwavering, and he served with distinction.

After dedicating 45 years of his life to Trent Tube in East Troy, WI, Arlo retired in 2016. His dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the company, and he was highly respected by his colleagues.

Outside of his professional life, Arlo found joy and relaxation in various hobbies. He was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers, always cheering them on with enthusiasm. Arlo also enjoyed engaging in friendly competition through activities such as fishing, euchre, pickleball, bowling, and volleyball. He had many lifelong friends who were always there to support him through the good times and bad.

A private burial service will be held at a later date for immediate family members to honor Arlo’s life. A celebration of life will take place on August 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Staller Winery, W8896 County Road A,
Delavan, WI. This gathering will provide an opportunity for friends and extended family to come together, celebrate him with an Arlo (Early) Times and share stories and memories of Arlo’s remarkable journey.

Arlo will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and humble nature will forever be remembered and cherished.

May you rest in peace our sweet Buttman. We miss you so much already.

Editor’s note: Updated on 8/7/23 to add survivor names.

Paul D. Stader, 69, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at SSM St. Mary Hospital-Janesville. He was born October 14, 1953, in Ft. Atkinson, WI to the late George A. and Leona L. (Schmidt) Stader.

Paul was a 1975 graduate of Glen Oaks. He enjoyed riding his bike, watching television and being a Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Paul worked at Kandu Industries and was known to have a huge heart, very easy going, and not too much really bothered him.

Paul is survived by his sister Christine (Craig) LeRette of Aurora, IL; nephews: Michael Kersten and Scott Kersten both of Janesville; nieces: Beth Kaderly of Arlington, TX and Kari Kersten of Beloit; five great nieces and nephews; and four great great nieces; special friends, Sandy Borck, Joy Sarnow, Jody Nichols, Scott Spangler, Deb Murphy and staff at Rem Bond Place; and numerous cousins. He was preceded by his parents George and Leona Stader.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brad Urlaub officiating. Paul will be laid to rest next to his parents at the Milton Lawns Memorial Park Mausoleum, Janesville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Kandu Industries, Inc. in Paul’s name.

A very huge thank you from Paul’s family to the staff members at Rem Bond Place and also his former group living home on Gershwin for the absolutely wonderful care given to Paul over all these years.

Marlene “Granny” Brunckhorst (Smelzer), 86, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 in Whitewater, WI.

Marlene was born on December 18, 1936, to Harold and Pearl (Adams) Smelzer of Dodgeville, WI. She married William Brunckhorst at the First Congregational Church in Spring Green, WI on August 16, 1958. Marlene began her education in Highland, WI and graduated high school in 1953. She went on to study education, receiving her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and her Master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Marlene worked as a third grade teacher at East Troy Elementary School in East Troy, WI for a number of years where she met some of her lifelong friends. Marlene enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with her family on Squirrel Lake in Minocqua, WI. She also loved shopping at TJ Maxx, going out for a delicious meal and spending time with friends.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Jane (Joe) Loizzo of Minocqua, WI; grandchildren: Lauren Bailey of Woodbridge, VA, Jackson Bailey (Evie) of Fond Du Lac, WI, Andy Loizzo of Oconomowoc, WI, and Alison (John) Bohl of Beaver Dam, WI; great-grandchildren: Violet and Cecelia Loizzo and Morgan and Blake Bohl; nephews: Michael (Tara) Cotherman, and Steve Cotherman; niece, Michelle (Mark) Humbert. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; daughters: Anne and Mary; parents: Harold and Pearl; sister Sandra; brother Ronald and sister-in-law Marge.

A Celebration of life honoring Marlene will take place from 2-5 p.m. on August 18, 2023, at the Fuzzy Pig, N8660 Clover Valley Rd., Whitewater, WI 53190. Please feel free to come and go during this time to celebrate Marlene with her family.

Memorials may be made to the Bill and Marlene Bruckhorst Endowment Scholarship for International Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Stanley W. “Stan” Trewyn, 79, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Marquardt Health Center in Watertown.

Stan was born on April 4, 1944 to John and Nellie (Gray) Trewyn, and was one of seventeen children. He grew up in Whitewater and later worked as a mechanic at Nestle Purina in Jefferson.

Stan enjoyed fishing on Trippe Lake, gardening, riding around in his Camaro, and spending time with his cat.

He is survived by his children, Earl (Crystal) Trewyn of Necedah, WI, Sheila (Terry) Wolf of Whitewater; grandchildren, Remington Trewyn, Kendra Trewyn, Connor Wolf, Dakota Wolf; great-grandson, Kaysen; siblings, Roger Trewyn, Tom Trewyn, Pearl Luebke, Kathy Laskowski, Richard Trewyn, Clarence Trewyn; and many nieces and nephews.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie Trewyn; 10 siblings, Janice Garrett, Elroy Trewyn, Earl Trewyn, Merrill Trewyn, Roy Trewyn, Lulur Hartwig, David Trewyn, James Trewyn, Betsy Welters, and Gerald Trewyn.

A graveside service will take place at Cold Spring Cemetery on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Teresa Ann (McDonald) Hering left this world on July 9, 2023 due to complications from Alzheimer ’s disease. Terry was born February 16, 1947, to Keith and Mildred (Northrup) McDonald in Canton, IL. She was the youngest of 7 and spent her childhood on the family farm near Genoa City, WI helping care for chickens, cows, cats, and dogs. 

Terry studied education at the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater (UWW), where she met Timothy Hering. They married on August 2, 1969, and started their family in Whitewater, WI.

Terry worked many different jobs, but her favorite was being a mom. She spent 20 years at the UWW and retired after 11 years in the library. In retirement she was able to follow her passion of sharing her paintings with the world.

Tere was a ray of sunshine throughout her life. She loved cats and dogs, music, singing, art, beauty, the ocean, travel, gardening, laughing, and being Ama to her grandchildren. She was a talented artist, and the best at supporting her family and friends. Tere loved to share her fun and was quite often goofy and helped to keep those around her looking on the bright side of life.

She is survived by daughters, Amy Hering Randall of St. Paul, MN, Kelly (Chad) Murray of Eau Claire, WI, and Laura (Joe) Granger of Duluth, MN, grandchildren, Vida, Elsa, Zen, Daniel, Iris, and Violet, siblings Mary Miller, and Paul (Sue) McDonald, many loving nieces and nephews, and many friends made during her journey through this life.

Tere was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Mildred McDonald, husband, Tim Hering, and siblings Gary MacDonald, Sabra Burkoth, William McDonald, and Sandy McDonald.

We wish Tere many more happy adventures, and will always try to carry her love of beauty, nature, laughter, and kindness with us.

Teresa’s family wishes to thank her loving caregivers at Azura Memory Care and with St. Croix Hospice and asks that memorials be sent to the Stand in the Light Memory Choir of Eau Claire, WI (https://www.standinthelightmemorychoir.org) or the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/give). A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.

There will be a celebration of life gathering for Buck and Mary Westrick on August 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater, WI. Would love to share and hear your stories of Mary and Buck.  A small luncheon will be served along with cash bar. Everyone is welcome.

The obituary for Buck may be viewed here, and for Mary, here.

Sally L. Lilly, age 82, of Whitewater passed away on July 19, 2023. She was born in North Prairie, WI to Maurice “Tex” and Edna Mae (Edwards) Klix. Sally graduated from Mukwonago High School in 1959. In 1961 Sally married Ralph Lilly in North Prairie, WI.

Sally worked as a file clerk for Burns Industrial before her retirement in 1994.

Throughout her life Sally loved many things such as: living at the “Lilly Pad” farm for 50 years, spending time with her family, trips to the casino, scratch offs, playing the lottery, watching her birds, and her 4’oclock beer time.

Sally is survived by her daughter Lisa (Denis) Dahm of Milton, WI, son Mark (Marci) Lilly of Whitewater, WI, four grandchildren Ian (Stefanie) of Janesville, WI, Mitchell (Colleen) of Palatine, IL, Marshall of Boston, MA, and Morgan (Rafael) of Janesville, WI, three great-grandchildren Averie, Alaric, and Nora. Also her sister Dawn (Gary) Jones of Pewaukee, WI and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, and sister Norene.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI. Prior to the service there will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service burial will take place in Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made out to American Lung Association.

Ben McCready, 1951-2023

Ben McCready passed on peacefully on July 10, 2023, at home, with his wife holding one hand and his son holding the other.

Ben’s life began on August 14, 1951, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a city that was always close to his heart, even as his life took him to New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, California, Texas, and probably a few other places we don’t even know about. His mother Sally taught him about art, and he quickly developed a remarkable talent. His father Donald’s career eventually brought the family, including Ben’s late brother Matt and brother Sam (currently of Monona) to Wisconsin, where Ben attended Whitewater High School and the University of Wisconsin.

Ben’s career began in politics, working on presidential and gubernatorial campaigns across the country. He did everything from selling Fuller Brushes to selling life insurance before he realized he wanted to create a different path for himself by doing something he actually enjoyed. Ben started painting portraits in the early 1980s, moving quickly from charging $25 to doing commissioned work for stars like Robert Redford and Paul Newman and painting the program art for the NHL All-Star Game.

In 1985, Ben met the love of his life, Anne (Gray) McCready. They were married just months after their first date and began a partnership that brought both of them untold joy. They welcomed their son Bo in 1988 and lived together in Lake Geneva, Whitewater, and DeForest, Wisconsin, and finally Georgetown, Texas. They were inseparable.

Ben’s incredible career as a portrait artist brought him face to face with presidents, movie stars, business leaders, and legendary minds who all ended up impressed by him. He took the love of art instilled in him by his mother and turned his passion into a fantastic career. Now, his art hangs in hundreds of government buildings, boardrooms, and museums worldwide.

Ben also loved finding ways to make a difference in his communities. He coached soccer, track, tennis, and hockey, sharing athletic and life lessons with the generations that followed him. He mentored aspiring artists and offered guidance to so many people who’ve shared that they wouldn’t be who they were today without his influence.

But his professional and community accomplishments were nothing next to his love for his family. He wanted the best for his wife, son, and granddaughters in every way possible, from the best table in the restaurant to the best husband, dad, and grandpa, which they were all so lucky to have. His wife Anne, son Bo (Brittany), and granddaughters Maisie and Willow are here to carry on his legacy.

Ben lived a life that is impossible to summarize. It was far too short, but it was filled with enough living and love for a thousand years. Every interaction with Ben left people feeling better about themselves than they did before.

Metastatic melanoma eventually led to cognitive challenges, but even when he couldn’t say much else, he could clearly tell his family “I love you.” That tells us all we need to know about his life – so full of the love he shared with us, and the love we shared with him, that carries him forward on the next step in his journey.

Ben’s family will be at the Biergarten at Olbrich Park in Madison on Sunday, July 23, from 4-7 p.m., for an informal event to honor Ben’s life. We hope you can join us there.