Life Events

Obituary: Susan (Sue) M. Anderson, 79, of Fort Atkinson

Susan (Sue) M. Anderson, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother of Fort Atkinson, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Blue Grotto/Vista West of Madison on Feb 23, 2023.  

Sue was born on March 15, 1943, in Chicago to John and Lillian (Lewis) Krismanick. Sue met the love of her life, Ronald (Ron) Anderson when they were 19 years old and married on July 20, 1963.  Together they explored the world, raised a family, and built a business (Anderson Machining Service, Inc. in Jefferson and Whitewater) that touched and supported many in the community over their 58 years together.  Sue’s motto in business, and life, was the “golden rule.”  She always considered how her actions impacted people around her in a positive way.

To know Sue was to be treated to her incredible warmth, generosity, and intelligence.  Sue loved a challenge, from teaching herself how to program CNC machines, to piecing thousands of quilt pieces, to her daily sudokus. No one in her family would doubt that she would succeed at anything she put her mind to.

Above all, Sue loved spending time with her family.  The consummate hostess, she and Ron made whipping up a feast for 20 look effortless.  In quieter moments, she was never happier than watching the sun go down over a body of water at the end of the day with her beloved husband.  Whether at their home on the Rock River, over Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or on the gulf coast of Florida while hunting for petrified sharks’ teeth, Sue loved a good sunset.  More recently Sue and Ron would head to the “friendship bench” in Santa Monica, where they would watch the sun drop below the Pacific Ocean horizon and return home with stories of strangers who became friends as they sat on the bench with them and took in the colors at the end of the day.

 Sue is survived by her daughter Julie Anderson, sons Erik (Corina) Anderson, Matthew-Drazy (Laetitia) Anderson, and Kyle (Shawyn) Anderson, brothers John Krismanick and James Krismanick, sister Marian Gralski, grandchildren Ian, Seadna, Serra, Declin, Esme, Severn, and Luna. She is preceded by her loving husband Ronald (Ron) Anderson in 2022 and her brother Joseph Krismanick in 2020.  Sue is also survived by many, many photographs of sunsets she has taken over the years, from the curled and fading photos on peel-apart film to digital photos galore.  None truly compare to the beauty and light she brought to all around her.  We will hold her in our hearts and think of her with every technicolor twilight.

A small family ceremony is planned at Nitardy Funeral Home 1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Sue will be interred at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.  Please feel free to add a photo of a favorite sunset on the tribute wall in Sue’s honor.  Online Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Beulah M. Rogers, 91

Beulah M. Rogers passed away peacefully in her sleep at Our House in Whitewater on February 22, 2023.

Beulah was born on November 11th, 1931 in Shullsburg, WI to Raymond and Gladys Alexander.  When the family relocated Savanna IL, Beulah met her future husband Ralph (“Trigger”) Rogers.  They were married on February 12, 1949 and relocated to the Whitewater area soon after.

Beulah worked at several locations, retiring after 25 years from UW-Whitewater Esker Hall at age 78.  Besides raising their six children, Ralph, Beulah and extended family made many wonderful memories at their second home away from home Up North near the Lake Tomahawk area.

The loves of Beulah’s life were her grandchildren….and shopping.  She actively attended and supported each of their extracurricular activities while endlessly spoiling them with her shopping sprees.

Beulah was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her son Gary, granddaughter Stacie and grandson Justin.

Beulah is survived by her daughter Jean Vining (Rich Ott), sons Les (Sandy), Russell (Mary) , Rick (Jackie) and Ken (Lynne).  She is further survived by grandchildren Vikki (Sam) Nielsen, Ron (Jessica) Vining, Dan (Nani) Rogers, Derek (Angela) Rogers, Jeremy (Kristen) Rogers, Ryan Rogers, Marissa (Greg) Rogers, Brandi (Brandt) Hemsath, Aimee Rogers, Ben (BobbyJo) Rogers, Lindsey (Tony) Pennuto, Josh (Savanna) Rogers; 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren with the 3rddue in June.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Kendra, Sarah, Gretchen and staff at Rainbow Hospice in addition to all of the staff at Our House for giving Beulah and her family such kind and compassionate care.

Per Beulah’s wishes, private family services will be held.

Obituary: Melvin R. Schrader, 95

Melvin R. Schrader, 95, of LaGrange, WI passed away on Tuesday, February 14 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI.

Melvin was born on September 2, 1927 in LaGrange, WI the son of Edwin and Alena (Knutson) Schrader. Melvin grew up on the family farm and after his schooling he would continue to work the family farm for a few years before purchasing his own farm. Melvin started as a dairy farmer with his father. He would continue to dairy farm after his father passed away and then later in his farming career, Melvin sold the cows and went to cash crop farming. He was a very hard worker and took pride in farming and providing for his family. Melvin was giving, friendly and just generally a happy man. On December 7, 1974 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, June Weigand at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Palmyra where Melvin was a lifelong member. Melvin and June would go on to enjoy many years together making wonderful memories. Melvin’s interests included good food, polka music, and he also enjoyed a nice Snickers bar. One of the highlights of Melvin’s later years was having the windmill on his farm restored. He was very pleased with the result and seeing the beauty restored to the windmill brought him a lot of joy. Melvin was a good man and he will be missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his wife of 48 years, June Schrader; his niece and nephews, Donna (Dennis) Scherer of Fort Atkinson, Glenn Jacobs of East Troy, John Jacobs of Janesville, and Steve Jacobs of Whitewater; his brother-in-law, Dave (Virginia) Weigand of Elkhorn; his brother-in-law John Weigand of Aldie, VA; and nieces, Jennifer Weigand of Fort Atkinson, and Sara (Jeff) Buising of Boca Raton, FL. Melvin is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ethel.

Per Melvin’s wishes, no formal services will be held.

Memorials in Melvin’s honor may be made to the St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Palmyra, WI.

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

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.