Life Events

Kelley Sue Marotta, age 56 of Janesville, WI passed away on April 18, 2023, at Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center following a brief illness. She was born in Wauwatosa, WI on July 1, 1966, the daughter of John and Marian (Bruns) Lawrence. She grew up in Janesville and graduated from Parker High School in 1984.

Kelley graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in Education and received a master’s degree in 1997. While attending UW-Whitewater, Kelley did practice teaching in the Whitewater School District and after receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was hired by the district where she continued to teach for 31 years.

Kelley married Jeffrey R. Marotta on November 9, 2002. She was a member of Roxbury Church of Christ and Order of Eastern Star Chapter # 69. She was a former member of the Janesville Chapter of Job’s Daughters.

Kelley enjoyed Christian Music and crocheting as well as volunteering for the Eastern Star and Job’s Daughters.

Kelley is survived by her husband, Jeff Marotta; two daughters, Sarah and Grace Marotta, both at home; her mother, Marian “Sue” Lawrence; her brother, Michael (Cindy) Lawrence; two nieces, Autumn and Carly Lawrence; her mother-in-law, Linda McDonald; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kelley was preceded in death by her father, John Lawrence; stepmother, Barbara Lawrence; stepfather, Gary Sandvig; father-in-law Richard Marotta, stepfather-in-law, Mark McDonald.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at ROXBURY CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2103 Roxbury Road, Janesville. Pastor Jon Grice will officiate. Visitation will be held at the CHURCH Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Friday, April 28th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to be used for the education of Kelley’s daughters.

The Marotta family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

Judith M. Indermuehle, formerly Judith Koch, 70, of Dousman, WI passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Aurora Summit Hospital.

Judi was born on November 5, 1952 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Robert Zimmerman and Madalyn (Blust) Gruel. She grew up in the Chicagoland area and after graduating high school, Judi moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin. She continued her schooling and graduated with a degree in Practical Nursing from MATC in Fort Atkinson. Judi worked for many years as a nurse and she enjoyed her occupation very much. She was always interested in others’ needs and she made sure those around her felt loved and cared for. Although she had a career as a nurse, her favorite job was being a mother to her three children, Shawn, Jason and Heidi. She took great care of her kids and provided for any need they had. Judi had a fun and quirky personality and a great sense of humor. One example of Judi’s care for others was her habit of keeping popsicles and a box of toys for the neighborhood kids to enjoy. It brought her great joy to be able to make other people feel special. Judi was loved dearly by her friends and family and she will be missed.

She is survived by: her three children, Shawn (Jessica) Koch of Milton, WI, Jason (Jessi) Koch of Burlington, WI, and Heidi Koch of Manitowoc, WI; her 6 grandchildren, Awrista, Lila, Emma, Deerin, Christopher, and Owen; her sister, Cheryl Koch of Dousman, WI; and her “brother” Corky Baraglia of Dousman, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ralph Zimmerman, and her mother-in-law Lila Koch.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Marcia Marie Kuper Yochum passed away April 8, 2023, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Omaha, NE, daughter of Herbert Kuper and Marie (Bay) Kuper. After completing high school in Columbus, NE she obtained her nursing degree from Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha. She held nursing positions and nursing related positions in Omaha and Ogallala, Nebraska, Clinton, Iowa and Fort Atkinson, WI. She married David Yochum on January 29, 1972. She considered her husband of 50+ years as a man of many hats literally and figuratively. She shared, he was often willing to engage in a variety of projects including, lightheartedly, “my quirky personality.”

She was a member of the United Church of Christ, having been past Moderator of the Nebraska Conference. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Fontana (Wisconsin) Garden Club. Marcia often said that in her associations, there were many remarkable role models in each group. While husband David was Executive Director of Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, the Yochum family presented over 15 Christmas programs on Christmas morning for any Fairhaven residents willing to view the serious and not so serious skits. Marcia enjoyed themes, (often whimsical), decorating for various occasions. Marcia said she would like to be remembered as an Appreciater of People and Life. “I am amazed at people’s stories, both sad and glad. Many people have used their happenings to become stronger people.” Over the years Marcia became increasingly more appreciative of God’s Nature and the magic of everyday objects and happenings. Marcia tried to follow her deceased nephew’s philosophy of being more fascinated than fearful of the world. Marcia enjoyed reading, trekking, “splashing at the aquatic center,” traveling and engaging in continuing education events.

Marcia is survived by her husband, David, children: Steven (Sarah) of Chanhassen, MN, their children Simone and Finn. Also, son Jeff (Angie) of Muskego, WI and their twins Winston and Zoey, and infant son Cooper. She is also survived by her sister, Karlyn Carson of Studio City, CA, sister-in-law Lea Kuper of Plattsmouth, NE, niece Leigh Anne (Dave) Koehler of Papillion, NE and their daughter Meredith, niece Michelle Kuper of Pasadena, CA, and brother-in-law Dan (Jan) Yochum of Congress, AZ. Preceded in death were her parents, her brother David Kuper of Council Bluffs, IA and nephew Ryan Kuper of Pasadena, CA.

A Memorial Service for Marcia will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider a memorial to Fairhaven Retirement Community, the Congregational United Church of Christ Church, Whitewater, or to a public/private garden of your choice. If you are attending the service, please wear bright colors as a tribute to the brightness Marcia brought to our lives. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Thelma Mae Robbins, (Seagren), 83, Whitewater, WI, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Thelma was born on May 19, 1939, in Louisville, KY to John William and Edna Lee (Pendleton) Robbins.  Family was very important to Thelma.  She raised her four children, and she was like a mother to her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children: Jeff, Darby, JoDee and Doug; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Steve Lose, Cindy Lose, and Becky Wafford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Robbins Lose; nephew Rick Lose. 

A private burial will be in the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Audrey A. Gatz, 92, of Whitewater, WI and previously of East Troy, WI passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater, WI.

Audrey was born on June 23, 1930 in Racine, WI the daughter of Berthel and Laura (Green) Olsen. She grew up in the Racine area and graduated from Horlick High School. After high school Audrey attended University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Audrey taught high school Spanish and English for the majority of her working career. She taught in Tomahawk, WI and also taught at Fort Atkinson High School and Whitewater High School. Audrey enjoyed her teaching very much and made an impact on many lives over her career. Audrey was united in marriage to William Gatz and the couple was blessed with four sons, Larry, William, Michael, and Christian. After her retirement, Audrey traveled extensively all over the world. She spent time in China, The Galapagos Islands, and many other countries and destinations. She made wonderful memories traveling with different friends and women’s groups. In her later years, Audrey spent time at her home in East Troy feeding the birds and watching the wildlife from her deck. She loved having her family come and stay with her for extended periods but was just as content at home on her own. Audrey was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma and she will be missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her children, Larry Gatz of San Diego, CA, William (Sarah) Gatz of Madison, WI, and Christian (Penny) Gatz of Reedsport, OR; and her grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Hammer of Madison, WI, Austin Gatz of Boise, ID, and Amanda (Konnor) Holden of Portland, OR. She is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William, her son, Michael, her sisters, Joan Hashimi and Carol Frost, and her granddaughter Marie Gatz.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, WI.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Scott “Orville” A. Oldenburg (61) passed away on Sunday, March 26th, 2023, after a lengthy battle with his health that led to leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family, in his home, at the time of passing.

Scott was born on March 8th, 1962, to Lyle Oldenburg and Yvonne Henry (Brown/Oldenburg) in Fort Atkinson, WI. Scott grew up in La Grange, WI. After high school, Scott became a farm mechanic at Larson Company in Darien, WI. Later he worked and retired as an operator at the Wastewater Treatment plant in Whitewater, WI.

Scott married Lori Butke on July 10th, 1982, at First English Lutheran Church. In the following years they became parents to 3 children Adam, Andrew, and Ariana.

Scott’s passions included being a devoted member of the Whitewater Fire Department for 19 years. He spent his time four-wheeling, snowmobiling, playing cards, camping, and vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL. He loved his home, yard, and pool. Scott also spent many years tooling around in his garage, but his favorite place was anywhere with his family and friends.

Scott was a positive, courageous man, and a beacon of light as he battled many health challenges throughout the past 18 years.

He was preceeded in death by his father Lyle Oldenburg, mother Yvonne Henry, stepfather Carl Henry, father-in-law Harley Butke, mother-in-law Phyllis Butke, and sister-in-law Connie Meyer.

He was survived by his loving wife Lori Oldenburg, son Adam and wife Micki Oldenburg, son Andrew and wife Hannah Oldenburg, daughter Ariana and Aaron Walters. Grandchildren Mason, Taylor, Isaac, and Drew. Brother Steve Oldenburg, sister Lezlie Oldenburg, and cousin Edie Oldenburg.

A memorial service will be held at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI on Thursday, April 13th at 5:00 p.m. Following the service there will be a celebration of life at Second Salem Brewing Company from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Whitewater Fire Department on behalf of Scott Oldenburg.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Sandra Miles, 65, Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at her home.  A full obituary will follow.  Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.