Obituary: Delores “Dee” Marie Sheahan, 73

It is with great sadness that the family of Delores “Dee” Marie Sheahan, 73, Whitewater, announce her passing. She departed her loving family on February 11, 2023. She was born on March 27, 1949 to Roy and Ina (Larson) Sandvigen.  She spent her childhood in La Crosse, WI and would eventually make her home and raise her family in Wilton, WI. Shortly after her husband, David, passed on December 27, 2007, she relocated to Whitewater, WI to be closer to her family.

She dedicated her life to her family and her love was unconditional. Her family meant everything to her and she to them. She was caring, supportive, and loving. Her heart was compassionate, pure and forgiving. She loved unconditionally and was the best mother and grandmother anyone could wish for. The void she leaves behind is immense and she will be missed forever.

She is survived by her children, Molly (Nate) Parrish, Whitewater, and Bridget Sheahan, Elroy, WI; grandchildren, Stephanie, Kayla, Bryce, Hunter, Maci, and Kelseigh; great-grandchild, Ellie Mae; sister, Karen Ahmad, Henderson, NV; Son in law Don Sadewater, Belvidere, IL and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, LeRoy and Ronnie; step-daughter, Shelly Sadewater and nephew, Omar Ahmad.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.  

Obituary: Larry Milton Rogers, 68

Larry Milton Rogers, 68, of Whitewater, WI passed away on February 14, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Janesville, WI. He was born on March 17, 1954, in Fort Atkinson, WI to the late Milton and Arlene (Zanton) Rogers.

Larry graduated from Whitewater High School in 1974. He was united in marriage to Lynette Boyd on March 18, 1978, at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI. Larry was self-employed most of his life doing what he loved, farming. He started out as a dairy farmer with his father, Milton and in 1996 the herd was sold. After selling his herd he was a hired farm hand. Larry and Lynette were avid farm toy collectors and enjoyed their time together traveling to find new toys to add to their collection. He loved taking care of his animals, which included horses, llamas, donkeys and all his cats. He could often be found mowing his yard or plowing snow with his skid steer.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Lynette; sister, Karen Rogers; mother-in-law, Shirley Boyd; sister-in-law, Marlene Boyd and his brother-in-law Darrel Boyd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Arlene, father-in-law, John Boyd and brother-in-law, Gary Boyd.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Albrecht Funeral Home, Milton with a service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Richmond Cemetery, Delavan, WI. Albrecht Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Inez Louise Hartel, 87, of Fort Atkinson

Inez Louise Hartel, was born as Inez Louise Radke, on June 5, 1932, age 87, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. She passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Inez was predeceased by her parents Alma L. Radke (Foote) and William E. Radke of Watertown, WI and her siblings Mary Brandt and Robert Radke.  

Inez graduated from Watertown High School in 1953 and attended the Milwaukee Hospital County School of Nursing in 1953 to 1956 at which she attained a 3 year degree in Registered Nursing. 

Inez worked at multiple jobs as a registered nurse in Milwaukee, Watertown, Waukesha, Whitewater and visiting nurse Chicago.

Inez met her husband in 1956 at a work Christmas party. While there, she met Douglas Earl Hartel of Fort Atkinson, WI and married him on October 10, 1959.  Over the course of their marriage she had two children.

Inez was a seasoned traveller having been to many countries with her husband, Doug Hartel and her sister, Mary Brandt.  The countries included Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Morocco, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Yugoslavia, Denmark, Spain, Mexico, England, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Columbia, Brazil, Costa Rica, extensively in Mexico, Canada, among others.  Most recently she went on a Viking Cruise on the Danube River.  Inez also traveled extensively in the United States to all of the states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Inez is survived by her husband, Douglas E. Hartel of Fort Atkinson, and two children, Pamela (Daniel) Meihak of Idaho, and Constance (Emmanuel) Hartel Todorov of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She is also survived by three grandchildren, Philip (Audrey) of Idaho, Arin of Georgia and Joseph of California.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is serving the family.  No service will be held.  Any memorials may be sent to the Aging & Disabilities Resource Center of Jefferson County, 1541 Annex Rd., Jefferson, WI  53549 or UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705.

Obituary: Beauford Joe Shepherd, 84

Beauford Joe Shepherd, age 84, of Whitewater, WI passed away February 7, 2023.

Beauford was born in Muscoda, WI on August 22, 1938, the son of Bert and Grace (Fazel) Shepherd. He married Ardella Wilson on June 2, 1962.

Beauford worked for the City of Whitewater for over 25 years. He liked to cheer on the Packers, visit the casinos and dance along to Elvis songs.

Beauford will be dearly missed and is survived by his wife, Ardella; two sons Rory (Jean) Shepherd of Whitewater, WI, Michael (Terri) Shepherd of Milton, WI; five daughters, Sandra Gaffner of Milton, WI, Betty Jo (Dan) Mattrisch of Fort Atkinson, WI, Bobbi Jo (Trent) Dahlke of Waterloo, WI, Billie Jo (Darin) Olp of Whitewater, WI, Wanda (Jennifer) Shepherd of Whitewater, WI; four stepchildren, Bonnie (Bob) Magee of Pound, WI, Pat (Larry) Snorek of West Allis, WI, Fred (Kim) Snorek of Oostburg, WI & Doug (Deb) Snorek of Florence, AZ; 19 grandchildren 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great- grandchildren; three siblings, Don (Irene) Shepherd of San Diego, CA, Norman Shepherd of Clinton, IA and Arlene (Ken) Rundle of West Bend, WI.

Beauford was preceded in death by his parents; twelve brothers and sisters, Basil, Esther, Robert, Clifford, Roland, Margaret, Madeline, Ernest, Bernice, Beulah, Marion, Ken and one stepson; Jerry Snorek.

The family would like to give special thanks to Mercy Hospital staff in Janesville, especially Paul, who gave compassionate care to Beauford.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Joseph Israel Bushey, 13

Joseph Israel Bushey, 13, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 after a valiant fight against Huntington’s Disease. Joseph passed 11 days after his dear sister, Grace, passed from the same disease.

Joseph was born on November 19, 2009 in Madison, WI. He was the son of Chad and Kim (Raatz) Bushey. Joseph was a sweet, gentle and happy boy. He had a smile that would light up the room. He was a NASCAR super fan and loved racing and race cars. He was especially fond of blue race cars and every year for his birthday, race cars were at the top of his list. Joseph was also a very prayerful boy and was excited to meet Jesus. Another one of Joseph’s interests was sand dunes. He thought they were beautiful and interesting. One year, Joseph went on a trip with this family to Michigan where he was able to experience the sand dunes around Lake Michigan and also do some fishing. They all had a wonderful time together making memories that both Joseph and his loved ones cherish deeply. Joseph was a beautiful little boy and his family takes great comfort in the fact that he is with Jesus in Heaven where there is no such thing as Huntington’s Disease. 

He is survived by: his loving parents, Chad and Kim Bushey of Whitewater, WI; his maternal grandparents, Suzanne and David Roth of Tomahawk, WI; his paternal grandparents, Dennis and Peggy Bushey of East Troy, WI; and his loving siblings, Kari, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Perpetua, Ezekiel, Justice, Ava, Hannah, Ezra, and Emily. He is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Samuel, his sister, Grace and his maternal grandfather, Lee. 

Memorial Donations may be made to Chad and Kim’s ministry for the children:  “The Carpenter’s Flock”  (a tax deductible entity) in Joseph’s honor. W5621 Tamarack Trail, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A Funeral Service to thank God for Joseph’s life will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at The Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle, WI (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). Pastor Kevin Tranel will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Joseph will be laid to rest following the service next to his sister Grace in Oak Ridge Cemetery of Eagle, WI. 

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

Obituary: Paul M. Bartness, 81, of Palmyra

Paul M. Bartness, 81, of Palmyra, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Holton Manor of Elkhorn, WI.

Paul was born on July 28, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI the son of Theodore and Mary (Winiecki) Bartness. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from Messmer High School in 1959. Paul married the love of his life, Phyllis Brzezinski on November 11, 1967 and the two would go on to enjoy 49 years together until Phyllis’ passing in 2016. Paul worked as a laborer building electrical transformers for the majority of his working career. He loved his job and enjoyed working hard and providing for his family. Paul was never afraid of work or being busy. When he wasn’t at his day job, he was hunting, fishing, golfing, roofing, painting or any other activity he could think of. He was at his best when he was busy and around people. Paul loved to be social and he had a quick wit and sarcastic personality. He truly was a people person and was fun to be around. Paul was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He also was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and rose to the rank of 4th degree. For leisure, Paul greatly enjoyed spending time in northern Wisconsin with Phyllis at their mobile home. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and he will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his children, Tom (Diane) Atkielski of Manitowoc, WI, Bob Atkielski of Memphis, TN, Mike (Adelaide) Atkielski of La Grange, WI, Jim (Lynne) Atkielski of Tullahoma, TN, and Joan (Joel) Kaczinski of Eagle, WI; and his grandchildren, Jennifer, Shaun (Lisa), Johnathan (Angela), Brandon, Jacqui (Andrew), Tara, Michael, and Katie; and 5 great-grandsons. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack and Teddy, his sister Beverly, and his loving wife of 49 years, Phyllis Bartness.

Memorials in Paul’s honor may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, or The Salvation Army.

A funeral service will be held to honor Paul’s life at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53119). Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Paul will be laid to rest next to his wife in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Palmyra, WI immediately following the service.

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

Obituary: Gregory E. Aprahamian

Gregory E. Aprahamian

Greg died suddenly on January 18, 2023, due to an enlarged heart.

Greg was married to the love of his life, Tammy (Iverson) Aprahamian for 34 happy years. He was the proud father of Brittany (Dan) Dubnicka Aprahamian, Ryan (Daysi) Aprahamian, Tyler Aprahamian, and Megan (Dan) Edwards. He was ecstatic to be Grandpa to Raylee Hope (22 months old), Maxton Gregory (14 months old), and Andrew Roger (almost 8 months old).

Greg is additionally survived by his mother, Patricia Aprahamian, his brothers, George, Leonard, Steve, Charles, and Michael. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Charles Aprahamian and his mother-in-law, Bonita Iverson.

Greg was a highly respected teacher and wrestling coach for over 30 years at Muskego and Kettle Moraine Schools.   He was a positive influence on the lives of many of his students and wrestlers as well as a mentor to so many others. As head coach, Greg led Muskego to a team state title in 1994. Wrestling was a family affair as Greg coached both his sons, and his daughters were team managers, at Mukwonago High School. He also coached football and track through the years, but wrestling was always his passion.

Even in “retirement,” he kept himself more than busy. He invested in properties in Whitewater and made great strides in revitalizing the downtown area. He also kept building onto his dream house on the lake. Even with all that, he always found time to help with his children’s home renovations.

Whenever he could relax, Greg loved swimming in the lake, playing fetch with his dogs, and going to his condo in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed having a beer and watching the Packers, Badgers, Bucks and Brewers.

Greg accomplished many things, but anyone that knew him could tell that he was most proud of being a grandfather.  He loved his three grandkids more than anything and was looking forward to spending as much time with them as he could.

Greg lived his life for his family and passing due to an enlarged heart was painfully fitting. Everything he did was for them. The only thing greater than his work ethic was his love of his family, whom he never stopped loving and supporting.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mukwonago High School Wrestling.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home (930 Main St. Mukwonago) from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

After the funeral service at the funeral home, a Celebration of Greg’s Life will follow at The Venue in East Troy with open bar as Greg would have wanted.

Obituary: Grace Suzanne Bushey, 16

Grace Suzanne Bushey, age 16, left her earthly home for Heaven on Friday, January 20, 2023 at her home with her loving family by her side.

Grace was born on December 20, 2006 in Madison, WI. The loving daughter of Chad and Kim (Raatz) Bushey, Grace was blessed with 11 siblings, whom she loved very much. Grace was quiet and confident in her own way. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She was also very passionate about travel. Her trip to Sea World was one of her favorite memories and Grace hoped to do much more traveling in the future. Grace’s favorite color was purple and her favorite animal was the Beluga Whale. While with her family at SeaWorld, she was so enthralled by the Beluga Whale that she had to be reminded there were other animals to see! Grace was a sweet young lady and will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her family and friends. 

She is survived by: her loving parents, Chad and Kim Bushey of Whitewater, WI; her maternal grandparents, Suzanne and David Roth of Tomahawk, WI; her paternal grandparents, Dennis and Peggy Bushey of East Troy, WI; and her loving siblings, Kari, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Perpetua, Joseph, Ezekiel, Justice, Ava, Hannah, Ezra, and Emily. She is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Samuel and her maternal grandfather, Lee. 

Memorial Donations may be made to Chad and Kim’s ministry for the children:  “The Carpenter’s Flock”  (a tax deductible entity) in Grace’s honor. W5621 Tamarack Trail, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A Funeral Service to thank God for Grace’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 28 at The Chapel in Whitewater, WI (445 Warner Road, Whitewater, WI 53190). Pastor Kevin Tranel will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at The Chapel. Grace will be laid to rest following the service in Oak Ridge Cemetery of Eagle, WI. 

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

Obituary: Ronald Leon Ortelle, 77

Ronald Leon Ortelle was called home to be with his lord and savior on Thursday, January 19, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on September 12, 1945 to Fred and Leone (Hoffman) Ortelle of Rome, WI.  He married his late wife Charlene Ault on November 7, 1964.  He then married Tina Sukowski on May 20, 2017.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963.  Ron and his father-in-law, Ervin Ault, started a business painting and refinishing floors which he did for over 15 years.  He had a true passion for painting.  Ron then was employed at Fairhaven in Whitewater for 31 years in maintenance before retiring.

He was an avid hunter and NASCAR fan, who had a true passion for tending to his beloved lawn and gardens.

Ron is survived by his wife, Tina; children, Dawn (Guy) Dempsey, Tammie (Melissa Marshall) Ortelle, Brittany Sukowski, Nick (Courtney) Sukowski, Tabatha Sukowski; grandchildren, Brandy and Bailey Dempsey, Justin Krantz, Gage Sukowski, Ryder Sukowski, Reign Sukowski, Rhett Sukowski, Blake Sukowski, Miles Sukowski, Alex Turley, Izzy Turley, Hunter Turley; sisters, Bonnie Jean (Dave) Ault, Connie (Jerry) Jansen; seven great-grandchildren; many others loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; parents, Fred and Leone Ortelle; son, Bradley Ortelle; first wife, Charlene; and infant great-grandson.  

The family would like to give special thanks to SSM Home Health and Hospice Team for their care and compassion for Ron.

An evening visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.  Services will be officiated by Martin Wilson and Terry Ault.  Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday. A burial will follow services at Riverview Cemetery in Sullivan.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Thomas L Hoffman, 68

Thomas L Hoffman, 68, born 9/16/54 has passed unexpectedly 1/20/23 at home.

Tom was a sweet caring man with a smile for all, a big teddy as we say.

He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1972, & later graduated from MATC in computer technology; he worked for Randix and Nasco.

In 1990 he married the love of his life Connie (Jackson) Hoffman, enjoying 20 happy years together before she passed in 2010.

He is survived by his devoted sister Debra and brother Gary and his partner Barb all of Whitewater, many cousins, aunt, nieces & nephews, and Mother-in-Law Shirley Jackson, special friend Sarah, last but not least his beloved beagle Nikki.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Dorothy Hoffman, grandparents Emil & Lena Hoffman & Clarence & Maise Olson.

Arrangements by Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Visitation Friday, January 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., followed with 2 p.m. service. Please join the family at Jessica’s Restaurant downtown Whitewater at 3 p.m.

Private burial Monday.

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