Life Events

October 20, 1936 – December 20, 2023 Whitewater, WI – Brian Kevin Beck (James Peter Beck) passed away on December 20, 2023 after a brief stay at Rainbow Hospice. He was born October 20th, 1936 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Warren and Carmen (Haberman) Beck. His childhood years were spent in Appleton and Ripton, Vermont (1948-1954 Bread Loaf Campus) where his father was an English professor while writing numerous books. He graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton with a B. A. after serving in the Army from 1959-1963. He earned his Masters from Columbia University and his Ph. D from University of Wisconsin. He was an English Professor at UW- Whitewater from 1966 till he retired in 1994 and continued to be involved with UW – Whitewater activities throughout his life. He sought to make better students by aiding their communication and helping them to think on their own. “For me, “true education= not What to “know-believe-do,” but HOW to think things through. An overlooked paradigm; an invisible elephant in the room.”

Brian owned 3 different sail boats and spent several summers sailing the Great Lakes and writing articles for sailing magazines (Canadian Yachting, Outdoors, Sail, etc….). In addition to the 150+ published articles, he self-published 7 books, and wrote many “how-to-do-it” articles for teachers and others as well as poetry, humor, cartoons, and satires. Brian’s work and his everyday life reflected his unique personality and sense of humor. Chester, his Potato-head character is well known and can be seen in local places as well as places he traveled. “Travel not for pleasure, but for significance.” EUROPE: France, England, Germany, Spain, Italy. AFRICA: Egypt, Morocco. SOUTH AMERICA: Brazil-Paraguay-Chile-Bolivia-Peru-Ecuador. ASIA: India; Thailand; Burma; Indonesia; Philippines; China; Japan. He thoroughly enjoyed photography and has many slides from his travels. The natural world was also a love of his and he could be seen biking throughout the area while collecting vegetation for his visual art projects. He created numerous creative displays while living at Fairhaven. Brian stated the four greatest experiences in his life: My “work,” so-called work but really an Everest adventure of the intellect I was blessed to be called to pursue; My friendship with Robert Flegl; The psychotherapeutic odyssey with J. Hadley M.D. “soul-mother”; Travel: on sea, on land- and by velo: “the bicycle wheel as the stylus hearing the music of the 33-rpm record of the path-trail-road.”

He donated his body to the Medical College of Wisconsin…the research continues. Brian is survived by his cousins, Susan Church Pitzner and children, Barb, Cyndi and David and cousin Bobby Haberman and son Jeff from Jefferson, and friends in many places. He was preceded in departure by his friend Amy K. Peterson in 1984 and Robert Flegl in 2003. A Memorial Service will be held at Fairhaven on Thursday, January 4th at 1:00 p.m., with a small reception to follow.

Douglas Eugene Zimmerman, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 25, 2023.

Douglas was born on February 5, 1946 to Marvin and Thelma (Groom) Zimmerman. Douglas attended school in Fort Atkinson.

On October 27, 1962 Douglas married Connie Krieser in Dubuque, Iowa.

Douglas worked for the Jefferson County Highway Department as a Truck Driver for 36 years up until his retirement in 2004. Following his retirement Douglas worked part time for Simonson Oil in Fort Atkinson.

Douglas enjoyed many things in life, he enjoyed showing horses, helping his children with their steer and horse projects for the upcoming fairs, playing the accordion and playing the chord organ. Douglas was a big family man and was always so proud of his family.

Douglas is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Connie Zimmerman; Children: Deanna (Dennis) Karbowski of Elkhorn, WI, and Leslie “Butch” (Bev) Zimmerman of Fort Atkinson, WI; Grandchildren: Douglas (Alyssa) Zimmerman of Fort Atkinson, WI, Brooke (Fiancé Ryan Tews) Zimmerman of Fort Atkinson, WI, and Curtis “CJ” (Fiancé Kayla Pallansch) Zimmerman of Janesville, WI; Great-grandchildren: Roman Zimmerman, Reese Zimmerman, Bennett Zimmerman, Daxton Zimmerman, and Tenlei Tews. Sisters: Sandra Friedl, and Joyce (Walter) Carroll. Sister-In-Laws, Mavis Daugherty, Kay Daugherty, and Virginia Daugherty.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Thelma; Infant sister, Myrna; Son, Brad Zimmerman; Brothers Dennis (Ellie) Daugherty, Vince (Deanna) Daugherty, and Reginald Daughtery.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home at 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson with Pastor Steve Steele officiating. Friends may come visit with family from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home. A burial will follow the services at the Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made out to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cold Spring, and Rainbow Hospice.

A special Thank You to the staff at Rainbow Hospice and Alden Estates for your amazing care towards Douglas.

James (Jim) D. Allen passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 23, 2023. He was born on Oct 10, 1960, to Richard Allen and Nancy (Anderson) Des Jardin in Fort Atkinson, WI.  He loved to travel abroad and to the big cities of the US.  London called his name numerous times as he loved the culture, architecture, fashion and wine.  Jim meant more to his family than he will ever know.

He was a WHS Class of ‘79 graduate and attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Friends and family alike will remember Jim for his humor, vibrant personality and willingness to serve his community. If you were given a nickname by Jim, you truly made his list of special people.

Living in Whitewater his entire life, he became Whitewater’s biggest advocate, cheerleader, front-runner.  He served on the Whitewater Common Council for 15 years and was once again serving as the president. His dedication to the city and his recent fight to restore the two Whitewater lakes to their once usable state, was his newest passion.  His dedication to the City and the committees he was part of include Community Development Authority Board, Birge Fountain restoration, Plan & Architectural Review Commission and the recently formed Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC).  Beyond the committees, Jim worked tirelessly trying to convince a grocery store that Whitewater would be a good fit and often emceed the 4^th of July Parade.  There were so many issues over the years to which he selflessly gave his time and dedication.  The ‘yeas and nays’ he made were well thought out and researched in detail, prior to his vote for the betterment of the community he dutifully served. 

Jim worked at Randy’s Supper Club / Randy’s Funhunter’s Brewery where he loved his ‘regulars,’ the staff, wedding guests and meeting new customers.

Later, he worked for Catering & Food Services at UW-Whitewater, connecting with and mentoring staff whom he loved like family.  Many of his co-workers became lifelong friends.

After retirement, Jim drove school bus for the Head Start Program with Nelson Bus Company-  the littles also became a big part of Jim’s heart.  He enjoyed making sure they had a smile each day along with a happy, safe ride.

He anonymously would leave presents on doorsteps for families that needed a little help during the Holidays.  While being private about his own life, he had compassion and empathy for others and called on many just to check on them.

James is preceded in death by his brother, Steven Allen (1981), his father Richard Allen (2011), his stepfather Ken Des Jardin (2020), along with many special friends and family.

He is survived by his mother Nancy Des Jardin (East Troy), sister Kim (Bruce) Pontel (Harshaw), stepmother Gloria Allen (Delavan), nieces Danielle (Jeremy) Stowers, Kellie Pontel (Whitewater), five nieces, two nephews, loyal friends and extended family members.              `.

Thank you to the WW Police Department & Walworth County Sheriff’s Department for quickly responding to the family’s call.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal service, but family and friends may call during visitation hours on Friday, December 29, from 4-6 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater.

Jim will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery next to his brother Steven, during a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  The American Heart Association, the City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC), a local pet rescue or Humane Society.

Romelle Koch passed away peacefully at home in Whitewater, WI on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the age of 87.

Romelle was the oldest child of Romeyn and Evelyn (Dietz) Schweitzer. She married Caroll Koch on August 1, 1959. Caroll died on May 16, 2008.

While attending Wisconsin State Teachers College (now UW-Whitewater), Romelle edited the Student Handbook. After graduation, she taught business subjects at the Milwaukee Vocational School. After her marriage, she moved to Whitewater and worked in various offices at the university for 14 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. While working at the university, she typed the algebra textbook that was used in the mathematics department for several years.

After her youngest child entered junior high, Romelle went to work at St. Patrick Catholic Church as the Religious Education Secretary for several years and the weekly bulletin editor for over 25 years, retiring in 2010.

Romelle was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, its women’s society, a charter member of the Whitewater Sno-Seekers Snowmobile Club, secretary of the Lauderdale Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club, a girl scout leader, secretary of Boy Scout Troop 102, general leader and project leader for the Whitewater 4-H club, project leader for the LaGrange 4-H club, member of the Walworth 4-H Senior leaders, County 4-H awards committee, and a member of the Theta Sigma Upsilon and Alpha Gamma Delta Sororities. For many years, she organized the Theta Sigma Upsilon annual spring alumni luncheon, and kept the alumni membership records up to date.

During her retirement, Romelle enjoyed spending time with her daughters, playing all kinds of cards, especially bridge, going out to eat with friends, putting together jigsaw puzzles, reading, doing counted cross stitch, sewing and doing volunteer work, including typing the local senior center monthly newsletter.

Romelle is survived by three daughters, Kandace Koch, Karis Koch, and Julie (Andy) Jaeckel, two brothers, Dan (Cathy) Schweitzer and Tedd (Bridget Caitlin) Schweitzer, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, infant Jack Richard and Jeremy (Jere), sister, Ruth Ann Acker, brothers-in-law, Kenneth Acker, Herman Koch, Raymond Koch, Harry Plucinski Jr., Edward Schlorb, David Congdon, and sisters-in-law, Beatrice Schlorb, Lila Koch, and Hazel Congdon.

Memorial Services for Romelle will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Editor’s note: The following message was provided by City Manager John Weidl on December 23.

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of the Council President, Mr. James Allen. At the request of family, the Whitewater Police Department conducted a welfare check at 8:00 p.m. this evening, during which Mr. Allen was found deceased.

Please know that his next of kin have been duly notified. As we come to terms with this unexpected loss, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Allen’s family, friends, and colleagues. His long-standing service to our community has left a unique mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.

In this difficult time, let us honor his memory and continue his legacy of service. Further details regarding any arrangements will be shared as they become available.

With deepest sympathy,
John S. Weidl
City Manager, City of Whitewater

In Memoriam: Lt. Col. Mark Thomas Diebolt

Plattsburg, NY – 12/16/1932
Austin, Texas – 10/07/2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. Mark T. Diebolt, an extraordinary man whose life was a testament to values, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Born in Plattsburg NY, Mark left an indelible mark on the world. He lived a life of passion, integrity, and honor and dedicated himself to love of country and fighting Communism.

As a child in the 1940s, Mark was crushed by a tractor and was confined to a full body cast for months. He later told stories of cutting ice from Lake Champlain and hauling the blocks into the ice house. His father was a professor who taught economics at NYU and took the family to post-WWII Japan to help reconstruct the country through the Marshall Plan.

An accomplished athlete, he played almost every sport, including football, when helmets were made of leather. As a young adult, Mark continued his journey, attending Colgate University, where he honed his intellect and immersed himself in the study of classical philosophy. He was a New York State Golden Gloves boxer in the welterweight division and displayed tenacity and prowess, not only in the ring, but later as a fighter pilot, earning respect and admiration from his peers.

After graduating from Colgate University in 1955, Mark joined the U.S. Air Force, embarking on a career that would see him through some of the most critical moments in history. His aerial skills were unmatched, and he served as an Air Operations Officer and a Tactical Fighter Pilot during the Cold War leading up to and including the Vietnam War. His dedication to duty and exceptional flying abilities earned him a legendary status among his fellow aviators. He also stood ready on nuclear alert, fifteen days a month in Okinawa, Japan from 1959-1962 before later serving in the Vietnam War.

During the Vietnam War, he was in charge of the largest Forward Air Control Base at Long Tiên, ultimately completing three tours in the war-torn country. As a pilot with the 559th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron), part of the 12th Fighter Wing (Billy Goats), he flew more than 800 hours of combat missions from Cam Ranh Bay providing close air support, and also flying between 750-1000 combat hours hitting targets along the protected Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos. His list of proficiency with aircraft included, but was not limited to: A-1 (A,D6), F-4 (B,C,J), O1 (E,F), U-17, T28B, T33, T-34A, T39, F86F, F5E, RF5A, F5B, F100 (C,D,F).

But most important to him, it was in Cam Ranh Bay in 1969 that he met his second wife Jean Anne Youngstrom, a combat nurse in Vietnam, and the love of his life.

While serving in Vietnam, Mark was soon attached to the CIA to support the Lao Hmong guerrilla army with a number of other exceptional pilots known as the Ravens. Most of those missions were declassified in the late 1980s and these warriors, unlike any today, are immortalized in two books, The Laotian Fragments and The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos, cementing their legacy as a true heroes.

Later in 1974, he was assigned the role of Military Attaché to the Shah of Iran, where he trained the Persian Air Force and introduced electricity to remote mountain villages in the region.

Back in Texas, when asked what medals he earned in combat, he often said, “Every time they nominated me for a medal, I told them to give it to that guy or this guy, there are plenty of men who flew more hours and deserved it more than I did.” Nevertheless, among his many medals earned in combat, he was awarded not one but two Distinguished Flying Crosses (the highest medal for extraordinary aerial achievement), and he was the first ever member of the U.S. Air Force to receive a Navy Commendation Medal. He loved flying with the U.S. Marines!

Away from the cockpit, Col. Diebolt had a passion for politics, authors such as Lawrence Durrell, the French language, the timeless melodies of Edith Piaf, all sports that interested his children, and collecting firearms. His appreciation for culture and art reflected the depth of his character and the philosophical underpinnings that drove him to excellence while fighting for liberty. Mark was not only a man of action but also a father who demanded excellence from his children in academics and sports, instilling in them the values of discipline and hard work.

Col. Mark Diebolt leaves behind a legacy of courage, honor, and an unyielding commitment to duty and integrity. As we mourn his passing, let us remember and celebrate a life fully-lived, a life that was built on selfless dedication to others, one that not only touched the skies but went further, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew, and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Col. Jean Y. Diebolt; children Mark Diebolt JD, [Melinda Diebolt], Amy Diebolt Kristofitz [Brian Kristofitz], Karen Diebolt JD, [Bob Samuelson], Alison Diebolt Linton [Tom Linton], Stephen Diebolt, Brienne Diebolt-Brown [Karl Brown PhD], Erik Diebolt DO; brother Craig Diebolt; and 14 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. at 9 a.m. on January 10, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Edgar Allan Poe Society, Inc. A 501(c)3 started by the Ravens to give scholarships to descendants of Lao and Hmong refugees of the Vietnam War. EAPLS, Inc., 507 Rolling Green Dr., Lakeway, TX 78734-5222

…quoth the Raven “Nevermore.”

Professor George B. Hafer, 91, of Whitewater, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Glenwood at Mulberry.  No formal service will be held at this time.  Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Judith “Judy” (Nee Roe) Triebold, 90, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 10, 2023. Born in May of 1933 to Wilfred and Virginia Roe, Judy was raised on the family farm just outside of Whitewater, WI. Judy graduated as Valedictorian from Whitewater City High, Class of ‘51, and then from Whitewater Teacher’s College (now UW-Whitewater). After graduation, she taught at Finch School, a one room school located near Richmond, WI. Judy sometimes shared favorite stories from her teaching experience: one cold winter day several hardy farm boys, students of hers, lifted her car and turned it sideways in the school garage, leaving her stranded. On another occasion, Judy discovered there were rattlesnakes in the school basement. One of her students indicated that it was no problem, that he was experienced in such matters, and that he could easily dispatch them. A short time later, the snakes were turned out into a nearby field. Imagine allowing a student to do that today!

Judy fell in love with her High School sweetheart, Richard Triebold, and they were married on July 2^nd, 1955. Richard and Judy lived in Janesville, WI, where Judy took a job in the chemistry department at Parker Pen. They moved to Rockford, IL., for a time, and then returned to Whitewater to help establish Triebold Implement, Inc., where Richard and Judy worked together for many years.

Judy was loved by everyone who knew her, and her kind heart and giving spirit set an example of how to live a gracious life. She became a second mother figure to her younger brother Don, and they built a special bond, which lasted a lifetime. For years Judy served on various church boards; taught Sunday School and confirmation class; was a 4-H leader, teaching gardening, sewing, knitting, cooking, and choir; was a member of the Congregational Ladies Circle; a member of Alpha Club; and served with many other organizations. In addition to all of her service, Judy loved to paint, and was well known for her annual Christmas cards, which often had a bright red Cardinal painted somewhere in the background. She was a devoted wife to Richard, and mother to Raymond (Mindy), Joanne (Gary), Jeannine (Jerry), and Robert (Ellen).

Judy was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and is survived by her children; her brothers, Dean (Colleen) and Don (Mary); her brother-in-law, Don Triebold; her grandchildren: Jason (Jenelle) Himebauch; Amy (Nicholas) Jordan; Claire (Scott) Albrecht; Adam (Emily) Triebold; Jane Judith Triebold; Kyra Triebold; Kelsey Triebold; Jacob (Carly) Kincade; Kaitlyn (Nathan) Palacios; and Stacey (Tony) Heilberger; her great-grandchildren: Margaret, Andrew, and Bridget Jordan; Jude and Jonah Himebauch; Carter Albrecht; Everett Heilberger; and Evangeline and Emmett Palacios.

We wish to thank all the people who took such good care of Judy: the fine staff of Fairhaven and Hearthstone; the staff of Rainbow Hospice Care; and all the kind friends and neighbors who called on Judy just to let her know that she was loved and not forgotten.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., Saturday January 13^th, at the UCC Congregational Church, 133 S Franklin St, Whitewater, WI. A Service of Remembrance will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rainbow Hospice Care (Jefferson, WI), Fairhaven Senior Services, or to Bethel House (in Whitewater).

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Helen Louise (Harris) Agnew
January 3, 1930 – December 8, 2023

MILTON – Helen L. Agnew, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at Milton Senior Living. Helen was born at Whitewater Hospital on January 3, 1930 to Arthur and Nellie (Logan) Harris. She graduated from Whitewater High School and married William Agnew in 1949. Bill and Helen enjoyed a happy 61 years of marriage and together, they built the legacy of Agnew Farms, which continues today.

Mom and Dad were active in the Rock County agriculture industry, with the Rock County 4-H Fair being near to their hearts. Through the fair, they met many of their dear friends. Mom spent much of her free time volunteering for the North Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima 4-H, Mercy Hospital, and Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church. Mom was proud to be the mother to four children, and always provided three meals a day and a warm and inviting home. In their retirement, they enjoyed their place at Blackhawk Campground on Clear Lake, where many sunny afternoons were spent with their children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren all considered Grandma’s house a home away from home. Mom has missed Dad for 13 years and we are grateful that they are reunited in heavenly love. Mom was loyal, unwavering, and generous with her time. She was the heart of our family. Special thanks to the staff at Milton Senior Living, for their many years of care and compassion, and Mercy Hospice for ensuring a peaceful passing. 

Mom is survived by her four children: Bob (Sherrie) Agnew of Whitewater, Steve (Carla) Agnew of Milton, Connie Agnew Carwardine of Milton, and Jeff (Jean) Agnew of Fort Atkinson; 10 grandchildren: Stephanie Agnew, Carrie (Rebecca) Agnew, Kris (Janelle) Agnew, Jessica (Nick) Sarbacker, Leslie (Al) Hulick, Katie (Mike Jelen) Bentz, Jacob (Mel) Agnew, Alex (James Brue) Agnew, Jedd (Sam Migliozzi) Agnew, and Billy (Mariah Allard) Agnew; step-grandchildren Joe (Lori) Carwardine and Jessica (Kevin) Schneider; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Mom was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Bill; her sisters Barbara Hale and Betty Ann Webb; sister-in-law Carole Agnew Brandt; son-in-law Jim Carwardine; and great-grandson Ty Rivers.

Friends may call on Friday, December 15, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church (8605 E. Cty Hwy A, Janesville), with a 2:30 p.m. memorial service to follow. Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton are assisting the family. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gathering Place or Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.

It is with great sadness that the Coppenbarger family announces the passing of Mrs. Eva Lavonne Buck Coppenbarger, 92, on Dec. 8, 2023, in Arden, NC. Mrs. Coppenbarger was born Jan. 18, 1931, in Columbus, Kansas, to Oliver Francis and Alpha Augusta Buck. She grew up in Baxter Springs, KS, attending Pittsburg State University as an undergraduate. She received her Master of Music in Piano Performance degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN, in 1955. Mrs. Coppenbarger started playing piano at age five and by the age of fifteen had a weekly live radio program entitled “The Piano Artistry of Lavonne Buck.”

Mrs. Coppenbarger was hired as an adjunct piano teacher and accompanist in 1965 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, becoming full-time in 1971, retiring in 1993. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Roger Dean Coppenbarger. She is survived by her sons Brent (Sonja) of Cleveland, SC; Curt (Katie) of Hudson, WI; Casey (Nancy) of Arden, NC; and grandchildren Sarah, Nate, Ethan, Cole, Rebecca, and William.