Life Events

Lori Lynn McGowan, 59, Whitewater, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI.

Lori was born on April 25, 1963 in Milwaukee, WI to Harry and Karen (Pickelmeyer) Leslie. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1981 and attended UW-Whitewater for 4 years with a focus on early childhood education. Lori married James McGowan on May 23, 1987. After their marriage, they moved to Guam where James was stationed. Here she served as the Program Coordinator for the Navy childcare center along with the Tender Shepherd Lutheran Church childcare program. After having her two boys and moving back to Wisconsin, Lori chose to be a stay-at-home mom and loved nothing more than watching her children grow and being a part of their lives. She loved to cook and loved her flowers. Lori and Jim shared a love for shopping for antiques as they traveled the states. She always loved experiencing new things with her family and friends. Lori was a devoted servant of God and we know heaven just got one big-hearted, feisty angel.

She is survived by her husband, Jim of Whitewater; sons, Patrick and Jeremy McGowan, Whitewater; parents, Harry Leslie of Birnamwood, WI and Karen Leslie of Milwaukee, WI; sisters, Heidi (Gary) Seibak, Sussex, WI and Pamela (David) Kozinski, Milwaukee, WI. She was preceded in death by her sister Dawn Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190 with Rev. Rusty Lyons officiating. Friends may call at the Nitardy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Private burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Birnamwood, WI. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jane M. Clark, 68, of Whitewater passed away after a courageous fight with multiple myeloma
on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at UW Hospital in Madison.

Jane was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on January 29, 1954.  She was the daughter of Cecil and
Anne (Schluttner) Moench.  Jane had worked at UAW Legal Service for 37 years and retired in
2017.  She was a member of Mount Zion Church. 

Jane “Janey” was all about family. She absolutely loved and adored her children and grandchildren. She was there for them every day and they were the light of her life.

Jane is survived by her two sons, David (Danelle) Clark, Mike (Jessica Moe) Clark; six grandchildren, Mason, Morgan, Makayla, Alison, Lance, Kerstin; and Mark Luther – who was her loving significant other for 22 years. She is also survived by nine brothers and sisters, Ceil (Donald) Brown, Fran Moench, Cheri Shuman, Cindy Moench, Tom Moench, Peggy (Steve) Arneson, Bill (Brenda) Moench, Maer Moench Brentlinger, Pete (Kathy) Moench; many nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Anne Moench.

A memorial visitation will be on Saturday [please note corrected day], November 26, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A celebration of life will be held afterward at Dave and Danelle Clark’s home at N493 Old 26 Road, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jane’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Margarete Wildi, 87, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16,
2022 at her home on Whitewater Lake.

Margarete was born on May 12, 1935, in Ingolstadt, Germany to Anton and Margarethe (nee
Ernst) Sprenger. During World War II the family moved to Munich, Germany. Margarete
received her business education at the Riemerschmid Handelsschule in Munich. After completing her education, she spent a year in New York City in 1953 and in 1956 a year in Chicago. Margarete loved traveling between Europe and the United States by ship. In 1959, Margarete met and married John Wildi, who at the time, was a member of the U.S. Forces in Germany. Upon John’s return to civilian live, he and Margarete settled in Illinois and later Wisconsin, living at Whitewater Lake since 1972.

Margarete enjoyed working in the insurance business and spent much of her career at Binning & Dickens Insurance Agency of Whitewater, retiring at age 72. During her life, Margarete loved spending time with family and friends, being with her two grandsons and family at the lake, traveling to Mexico with her husband, John, and belonging to the German American and Florence Bassett Clubs. Margarete’s passion was playing bridge!

Margarete is survived by her husband of 63 years, John; daughter Karin (Phillip) Ritter of Menomonee Falls; two grandsons, David Ritter of Sturgeon Bay and Jacob Ritter of Menomonee Falls, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Anton, mother, Margarethe; her son, Karl Wildi; two sisters, Louise Elliott and Anita Smith and many other dear family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Fuzzy Pig, N8660 Clover Valley Road, Whitewater, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund or Agrace Hospice Care.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lois Linda Mach. She was unexpectedly called to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

Lois was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on February 29th, 1952, a leap year baby. The daughter of Raymond and Caroline (Detloff) Hookstead, she married her high school sweetheart, Frank Mach III (the silver fox) on January 9th, 1971. 

Lois snuck off to get a job at Fairhaven in 1976 and began a 40-plus year career as Laundry Services Manager. She was named employee of the year in 1997, and continued working in a part-time capacity even after retiring. She deeply loved her Fairhaven community, and was also a dedicated and active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson.

Surviving Lois are her beloved husband and two daughters (who both believe they were her favorite), Stacey (Bill) Bieberitz and Kasey (Joe) Wierschem, all of whom will desperately miss her annual off-key Happy Birthday phone calls. 

Her absolute pride and joy were her four grandchildren: Elizabeth and Jordyn Bieberitz, and Jack and Ben Wierschem. As their devoted Nani, she convinced herself they had no faults, and delighted in spoiling them beyond measure. 

Lois will be lovingly remembered for her constant prankster shenanigans, her love of loud music, and her sweet moves on the dance floor. As someone who brought joy everywhere she went (and at a frighteningly fast pace when behind the wheel of a car), the smile she gifted those she loved with every time she saw them will be particularly missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 11th at 3 p.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson with Father Tim Renz officiating. Visitation will be held 1-3 p.m. prior to the services.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Ryan Brothers EMT team, special neighbors Adam and Sarah, as well as to the entire ER staff at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Harley Russell Osborne, 49, Whitewater, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 4, 2022 after a valiant battle with cancer.
 
Harley was born on January 2, 1973 in Madison, WI to David and Marjorie (Jungenberg) Osborne. He was much loved and will be immeasurably missed.

Harley had a passion for the open road and was happiest with the wind in his face. The best times of his life were spent exploring the highways and byways; be it riding his Harley Davidson, traveling with family in his motorhome or driving his semi from coast to coast. He enjoyed many hobbies including rock climbing, collecting movies and assembling models. He loved spending time with his friends and family and his grandchildren were his greatest joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda of Whitewater; son, Damien (Tiffany) Boyd of North Carolina; sister, Brenda Osborne, Madison; brother by choice Jim (Laura) Schehr, Hustisford; stepchildren, Alan (Sierra) Kessler, Jefferson, Dakota Marx, Whitewater, Cheyenne (Kyle) Harris, Cambridge; Grandchildren, Jaxson, Riley, Londyn, Kendall, Cole, Duncan, Dalton, Daxton, Brynlee, Liam and Rowan, Fur Babies, Louie and CC as well as many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until time of the service. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.
 

Walter W. “Wally” Goeglein, 69, of Whitewater passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at his home.

Wally was born on May 17, 1953 to Eugene “Spider” and Rosemary (Roe) Goeglein.  He spent his early life in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1971.  He then went on to UW-LaCrosse where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 1975 .  After graduating, Wally began his career with the Coburn Company, where worked for over 40 years of his life.  Wally met the love of his life Mary Kettwig in Whitewater and they later wed on June 1st, 1979.  Over their 41 years of marriage, they created wonderful memories together, which Wally held very near to his heart.

Wally had a love for sports.  He loved the Wisconsin Badgers, especially the Women’s Badger hockey team and was a season ticket holder.  He had a passion for track and field, especially Whitewater Track and Field.  He prided himself as the unofficial timer of races. He was especially proud of the 4 X 400m team relay record that he held for over 40 years at Whitewater High School. He also enjoyed race cars and spent many free weekend nights going to midget car races. Later in life, Wally found a passion for Indian motorcycles.  He went on numerous rides to amazing places with great friends. Wally was a beloved member and president of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group-Madison.

Wally was also a retired volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Whitewater Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.  He enjoyed caring for his community alongside the brave men and women whom he served with for many years.

Wally will be remembered for his gusto for life, his contagious laugh, generous heart and love for his family. 

He is survived by his children, Graham (Autumn) Goeglein, Jessica (Tom) Ackley; grandsons, Abraham and Harrison Ackley; sisters, Maribeth McLaughlin, Catherine (Jamie) Heber; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Toni) Kettwig, Dan (Kathy) Kettwig; special companion, Kelly and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wally is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Mary Goeglein; parents, Eugene and Rosemary Goeglein and his brother Eugene T. Goeglein.

A funeral mass will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.  Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the time of mass. A private cremation burial will take place at a later date. Guests may attend mass virtually at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1159179378.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Whitewater Fire Department and Rescue Squad for the excellent and compassionate care of Wally the day he passed.

A donation can be made in Wally’s name to The ALS Association at their website donate,als.org

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

Clarice Paula Piper, 97, died October 26, 2022, at SSM/St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville, WI. She was born on October 7, 1925 in the Town of Wellington, Monroe County, to Pastor Paul and Lydia (Scheitel) Monhardt. Clarice was baptized, confirmed, and married by her father at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge, Town of Wellington/Ontario, WI. On June 22, 1947, Clarice married Lisle J. Piper, Jr. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cold Spring for many years. Clarice graduated from the Wisconsin State Teachers College-Whitewater in 1947. She taught business education for four years, then was employed as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for 27 years, retiring in June 1991.

Clarice (Cleca) is survived by one daughter, Debra, of Whitewater, one son, Jon (Karen) of Cottage Grove, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sisters Mildred Jessie and Althea Leland.

A private funeral service was held Sunday, October 30, 2022 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cold Spring, with Pastor Schallert officiating. Interment was at the Cold Spring Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cold Spring, or to the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Special thanks to Dr. Dong and the cardiology staff at SSM/Dean Madison for their help over the past few years.

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