Life Events

Obituary: Stanley W. “Stan” Trewyn, 79, of Fort Atkinson

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

Obituary: Teresa Ann (McDonald) Hering, 76

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.

Celebration of Life for Buck and Mary Westrick

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.

Obituary: Sally L. Lilly, 82

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.

Obituary: Ben McCready, 71, of Texas

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.

Obituary: Sheila R. Dieter, 49

Sheila R. Dieter, age 49, of Jefferson passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 9, 2023. She was born in Fort Atkinson to the late Mary Jane Pennington and Gerald Dean Dieter. Sheila graduated from Whitewater High School and spent the majority of her early years in the Twin Oaks Trailer Park in Whitewater. In 2017 Sheila moved to South Carolina where she lived until 2022. She moved back to Jefferson in 2022 where she enjoyed music and singing, making beautiful bead jewelry, spending time with her one eyed calico kitty Sita, whom she loved, and recently playing Nintendo Switch. Sheila enjoyed reading her Bible and loved the Lord. Sheila was baptized at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Jefferson.

Sheila is survived by a sister Annette (Brian) Belt of Warren, WI; a brother Yancy Dieter of New Lisbon, WI,; several nieces and nephews, Josette Hamby, Kirstie (Christian) Drew, Brian Hamby, Christopher Hamby, Samantha Hamby and Lucas Dieter. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Jerry Dieter and a niece Xanthea Dieter.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Friends may call from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Steven Alan Meisner, 62 (Updated with arrangements)

Steven Alan Meisner, 62, of Whitewater, WI passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI following a brief illness.

Steve was born on April 17, 1961, in Beloit, WI to LaVerne and Judith (Kutz) Meisner. He married Barbara Lindl on May 19, 1985, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

Steve was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band. He first picked up a squeezebox at age five. After mastering the accordion, he took on the trumpet, tuba, bass guitar, button box, and occasionally drums and banjo. During his over 50-year career he performed with the nation’s top accordionists, polka icons and musicians, sometimes averaging over 250 performances annually. He has either produced, performed on or created nearly 50 projects, including LPs, CDs, singles, jingles, commercials, movies, and videos – including appearing as a guest on other artists’ recordings. He appeared in two movies, countless times on radio and on national, regional and local television. His tireless effort resulted in numerous awards from nearly every polka and ethnic organization including the International Polka Association (IPA), National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI), Iron World Polka Hall of Fame, Maryland Accordion Club, and many others.  

If he wasn’t entertaining audiences with his music, he was spending time with his wife, three children and six grandchildren, working on his many classic cars, enjoying life on Whitewater Lake, by the pool or on his boat, bird and squirrel watching from his favorite couch in his sunroom, or having a Korbel at his tiki bar with family and friends. His immense love for his family and friends was unmatched. He was always willing to help anyone out in time of need, give sound advice, answer any question or just listen and talk. Everyone knew that Steve was a true friend and would always be there for them. He was a surrogate father and brother to so many as well as a true one-of-a-kind friend to all. As such his care for all had lovingly been dubbed “MeisnerCare” by those close to him.

He is survived by his wife Barb Meisner, Whitewater; children Whitney Meisner, Whitewater, Lindsey Meisner (Nik Martin), Whitewater, Austin Meisner (Madison Holverson), Whitewater; siblings Daniel Meisner, Vashon, WA and Michelle (John) Bush, Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren Evan, Jacob & Rosalia Copeland (Whitney Meisner) along with Sam, Eli & Jack Martin (Lindsey Meisner & Nik Martin). He was preceded in death by his parents.

The dates have been set and plans are underway for two special events following the passing of Steve Meisner on June 1, 2023. The first will take place on Thursday, August 17, at 3:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 401 W Main St, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. This will be a church service that will include special music in honor of Steve. There will be no visitation preceding the service. Then, on August 19, a celebration of epic proportions will happen at The Schwabenhof, 14750 Silver Spring Dr, in Menomonee Falls. The pavilion will open at 12:00 noon with music, dancing, food, beverages, and fun lasting until the evening. A short presentation will be made during the day. Photos and other memorabilia will be displayed. Most of all, this will be an epic party that Steve would truly be proud of. Already scheduled to perform is the Eddie Rodick Band, Klancnik & Friends, LynnMarie along with Kathy from Canada, the Mike Schneider Band, Jeff Winard, the Jimmy Monsen Band, Brian McCarty, Garrett Tatano, the Steve Meisner Legacy Band, plus others (performers are subject to change). This memorable event will give Steve’s family, friends, and fans, a chance to be together, share stories, and enjoy the day – all in honor of Steve Meisner. More details will be provided as both of these events draw closer. Although no formal hotel blocks have been established, here are a few area hotels near the Schwabenhof you may consider: 

Hyatt Place, 11777 W. Silver Spring Dr., 414-462-3500
Holiday Inn Express, 10831 W. Park Pl., 414-979-0250
Hampton by Hilton, 5601 N. Lovers Ln., 414-466-8881
Hilton Garden Inn, 11600 W. Park Place, 414-359-9823

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Geraldine M. French Jennings, 93

Whitewater, WI – Geraldine “Gerry” M. French Jennings, age 93, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 23, 2023 at Fairhaven Retirement Community, Whitewater, WI. She was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Merle and Irene (Batcher) French.  Gerry lived in Cortland, NY when young but considered Paw Paw, MI, to be her hometown. Gerry started school cello lessons in the 6th grade, which led to taking private lessons in the 11th and 12th grades with Mrs. Baldauf.  Gerry also twirled baton with her high school and college bands. She even competed in baton twirling competitions.  Gerry’s parents were very supportive of her musical talent. After graduating from Paw Paw High School, Gerry completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, where she studied cello with Louis Potter. She continued her musical training in cello at the Juilliard School of Music, New York City with the world-renowned cellist Leonard Rose. She then transferred to Teachers College-Columbia University to complete a Masters in Music Education while continuing private cello studies with Mr. Rose.

Gerry taught music and other subjects her first year teaching in Niles, MI.  During the following summer, Gerry went on a six week music study tour of Europe.  On that tour she met Robert (Bob) Jennings. They struck up a romance and were married a year later.  Gerry and Bob had three daughters Pam, Lisa, and Linda.  After marrying, they lived in Michigan and South Dakota before landing in Whitewater, WI.  Gerry played her cello as a soloist and chamber musician as well as in various regional orchestras as they moved from state to state. One of the highlights was serving as principal cellist of the Waukesha Symphony for 10 years. Gerry also taught private lessons to many outstanding students over 55 years.  Gerry was a P.E.O member for over 50 years, being a founding member of Wisconsin Chapter CI.  She was also a member of UW-Whitewater Faculty Dames helping host events.

After Gerry served at UW-Whitewater as an adjunct cello teacher for a few years, she returned to school teaching by establishing a new orchestra program in the Delavan-Darien school district. Gerry played a significant role in string education in southeastern Wisconsin over the years through her dedication in founding and leading this new string orchestra program for almost 25 years. Gerry served in various officer positions of the Wisconsin American String Teachers Association (ASTA). In 1992 Gerry received the ASTA State Award of Distinguished Service. Another musical venture through the years was when Gerry and her vocalist husband performed in joint recitals sharing their love of music.

During Gerry’s retirement, she held different board positions in the Wisconsin Cello Society, which promoted cello playing in the state.  Like her mother before her, Gerry was a staunch proponent of women’s right to vote and became an active member of the League of Women Voters.  She helped in various ways to promote different voting issues. Gerry was a faithful member of the Whitewater Congregational-UCC for 57 years. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and kept active on boards and committees until the age of 91. 

Gerry loved to travel with her husband, family, and friends.  Taking family camping trips to enjoy the great outdoors was one of Gerry’s pleasures.  Gerry enjoyed tagging along when her husband Bob led five Music Study Tours to Europe.  They loved to meet new people and belonged to the UWW International Foreign Student Program, hosting foreign students for meals in their home.  They also belonged to the Whitewater Gourmet Club, cooking meals using recipes from different regions around the world. Most of all Gerry and Bob enjoyed the thousands of musical performances they attended, the entertaining conversations with friends, and spending enjoyable moments with their family. 

Gerry was predeceased by her parents, her infant son Brian L. Jennings, her sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Lew Ingersoll, and her husband of 56 years Robert L. Jennings. She is survived by three daughters: Pamela A. Reiling (Ross), Lisa J. Munson (Le), and Linda G. Jennings; three grandchildren: Amber Moore (Adam), Kirstie Foeller (Paul), and Kyle Reiling (Priscilla); five great-grandchildren: Israel, Madelyn, Arelyn, Colton, and Avery; two nieces: Carol Buchheit (Larry) and Janice Westerling (Cliff); and one nephew: Roger Ingersoll (Deb).

A family memorial celebration of Gerry’s life was held at Fairhaven Retirement Community on Friday, July 7, 2023, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery.  The Reverends Dr. David MacDonald and Luke Bocher officiated.  Nitardy Funeral Home assisted the family.

Memorials can be made in Gerry Jennings’s name to:

Fairhaven Foundation – (contact Paul Kuenning 262-473-2140)

PEO Scholar Awards: Chapter CI\WI – https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-psa

ASTA Foundation – https://www.astastrings.org/Web/Donate_to_ASTA/Web/Support_ASTA/Donate_Now.aspx?hkey=c870cee0-c4e0-442d-a464-6a319227de63

Obituary: Roberto De Leon, 56

Roberto De Leon, 56 years old, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023. Roberto was born February 23, 1967 in Cotui, Dominican Republic to Guadalupe De Leon and Martin Farias.

Roberto moved to the United States in 1989 to play baseball, signing with the Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate.

Roberto worked at OSI in Fort Atkinson for 25 years in Sanitation. In Roberto’s free time, he lived and breathed baseball, so much so that he accumulated many trophies, awards, and plaques. He also created lifelong friendships through his passion for baseball. Additional hobbies included cooking, listening/playing music, and spending time with family/friends.

Roberto is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Ana Maria De Leon; children, Abisai Obrajero, Giezi Arturo Obrajero, Anna Jael (Victor) Quiroz, Sara Ann (Fredelin Quiroz) De Leon, and Risa De Leon. He’s survived by brothers and sisters. In addition, he leaves behind grandchildren. Roberto was preceded in death by his parents Guadalupe De Leon and Martin Farias as well as his daughter Rachel De Leon. For 24 years our mother’s dedication to her vows- for better or worse, were demonstrated by her actions throughout the years while he was living with Huntington’s disease. This was a true testament to our family that love never fails.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Dunlap Memorial Home, 604 S. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home until the time of service. Burial will follow at Cold Spring Union Cemetery, N1340 Cold Spring Rd. Fort Atkinson.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com