Life Events

Obituary: Senora Margarita (Carrillo) Zamora, 95

Senora Margarita (Carrillo) Zamora, 95, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at her home.

Margarita was born on October 17, 1926 in Amarillo, Texas to Porfirio and Herlinda Carrillo. She was married to her husband, Jose Zamora Sr. and they spent over 70 years raising their family of seven children.

Margarita loved to sew, cooking, shopping, helping with her grandchildren and going to breakfast with family. She truly enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and her family was most important to her.

Margarita was survived by her children, Othon (Guadalupe) Zamora of Whitewater, Evelio (Maria) Zamora of Texas, Ana M. (Alfredo) Lira of Whitewater, Jose (Kathy) Zamora of Whitewater, Herlinda Zamora of Texas; grandchildren, Jennifer Zamora, Adam Zamora, Gerardo Zamora, Juan Manuel Zamora, Fred (Jennifer) Lira, Melissa (Mike) Jouni, Vanessa (Josh) Kubitz, Daniel (Marie) Zamora, Zachary Zamora, Jose (Angie Fryer) Zamora, Lance (Anndrea) Brown; 18 great-grandchildren; special dog, CC Marie; many other friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose Zamora Sr.; infant child; and son, Juan Manuel.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice staff Gretchen and Kendra for their exceptional care for Margarita.

A mass of Christian burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the time of mass. A burial will follow mass at Calvary Cemetery.

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

Obituary: JoAnne (Jenson) Coulthart, 81

JoAnne (Jenson) Coulthart passed away on May 7, 2022.  Jo was born in Janesville, August 31, 1940 to Mary (Young) Jenson.  Her early years were spent in Brodhead with her mother, grandfather Arthur Young and great-grandmother Emily (Bridle) Burns.  The family moved to Edgerton, Wisconsin where Jo graduated from the Edgerton High School in 1958.  Jo later attended UW-Whitewater where she met her future husband, Charles Coulthart, playing bridge at the Huddle – a popular hang out with the college kids.

They married on August 26, 1961 in Edgerton and began their married life in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  Jo continued her education and received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and she taught many years in the Fort Atkinson School District.  Upon her retirement, Jo received many letters from former students and we have enjoyed reading these letters.  She also took great pride in mentoring college students as they completed their student teaching assignments under her supervision.

Community was extremely important to Jo and she gave many hours of service to the community throughout her time in Whitewater.  She was very active in the Whitewater Jaycettes, she earned the statewide C.A.R.O.L (Outstanding Young Woman) award in 1971, an election poll worker, Meals on Wheels, the Breakfast Kiwanis Club (including the yearly bridge marathon, high school scholarship, poinsettia sales, Easter lily sales, pancake breakfast and much more), the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (Alpha Club and Minnieska), PEO, and numerous church activities.

Through their 45 years of marriage, Jo and Chuck enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, golfing and traveling.  Together they attended Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, visited the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, visited the Salzburg, Austria setting for Jo’s favorite movie ‘The Sound of Music’ and saw the Badgers play football in Hawaii.  After Chuck’s passing in 2006 Jo continued to travel the world with a fellow widower, Alice Scherer; they saw the Great Wall in China, the Red Square in Moscow, Machu Picchu in Peru, took a safari through South Africa and traveled through the Panama Canal.

Jo is survived by her two sons, Tim (Madonna), and Craig (Lori) and four granddaughters; Chelsea (Alex) Sturtevant, Haley (fiancé Vaughn Brockel), Jessica (fiancé Chris Miller) and Carly Coulthart.  She is also survived by her brother Bob Jenson.  She was preceded in death by her husband and parents Mary and Ralph Jenson.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 on May 20, followed by a Memorial service at 11.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate honoring Jo through a donation to Oakwood Foundation, Agrace Hospice or your favorite cause.


 

Obituary: Gladys M. Mould, 74

GLADYS M. MOULD, age 74 of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Friday, May 6, 2022 surrounded by her family at the Rainbow Hospice center in Johnson Creek.

She was born on October 3, 1947, in Edgerton to Harold and Anna (Scheldon) Owens. Gladys worked as a secretary for an insurance company in Whitewater for many years prior to her retirement. In her early years she enjoyed figure skating, bowling, sewing and she was an avid reader and was part of a book club at the Mulberry Glen in Whitewater.

She is survived by her sons Robert (Debra) Boss of Whitewater, Michael (fiancé Lisa) Kincaid of Wauwatosa; grandchildren Cody Kincaid, Justin (Missy) Boss, Khadija Boss, Shantel Boss; great grandchildren Ilanna Barret, Kaiya Barret, Mollie Occelshaw, Jamason Boss, Keegan Kincaid and sister Gerry Bowey of Janesville, brothers Richard Owens (Cindy) of Darien, David (Marcella) Root of Beloit and Duane (Donna) Root of Whitewater, Clyde Owens of Oshkosh. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carol Root, brother Howard Root.

A celebration of Gladys’ life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street in Whitewater, with a gathering time from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Please visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com or www.nitardyfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence and to share a memory.

Obituary: Curtis Chester Millard, 66, of Fort Atkinson

Curtis Chester Millard, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 3.

Curt was born on November 12, 1955 to parents Chester and Harriet (Kienbaum) Millard in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Curt grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School in 1974. He went on to study at Madison Area Technical College.

In 1985, he married Maureen Schindler of Fort Atkinson at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson.

Curt worked for 30 years as a pressman at W.D. Hoard & Sons. He was always willing
to help colleagues and friends, and earned a reputation of reliability among all who
knew him. He would not hesitate to help a neighbor in need by shoveling driveways or driving over to fix a TV.

Curt was always incredibly dedicated to his family whether bringing them a meal at
work, helping them move, or simply checking in. He was in contact with his daughters
every day and always provided a shoulder to lean on.

Curt enjoyed grilling and cooking new recipes. His family was always in awe of his
intelligence, and despite valiant attempts, no one could ever beat him at “Jeopardy.”

Curt is survived by his wife, Maureen of Fort Atkinson; daughter, Megan (Wesley) Chiu
of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Erin (Alex) Herrera of Waukesha; sister, Ellen Millard of
Whitewater; sister-in-law, Laurie Millard of Reedsburg, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Millard; father and mother-in-
law, Doug and Dolores Schindler; and two brothers-in-law, Mike and Tim Schindler.

Private services will be held, followed by a celebration of life at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, please consider a donation to the Fort Atkinson Food
Pantry or the Humane Society of Jefferson County.

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

Celebration of Life: Mike (M.O.) O’Connor

The O’Connor family invites you to join us for a Celebration of Life in loving memory of Mike (M.O.) O’Connor. The family will gather Sunday, May 22, 2022, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Spring Creek Golf Center, 4787 Yandry Road, Cold Spring, WI. Golfing brought much joy to Mike’s life so it’s only fitting that we celebrate his life at his favorite golf course. We welcome guests to share memories and photos of Mike.

As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

– The O’Connor Family

Obituary: Thomas (Tom) S. Grotelueschen, 88, of FL

Thomas (Tom) S. Grotelueschen was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 24, 1933, to parents Edmund and Josephine (Nowak) Grotelueschen. He passed away, in the presence of loved ones, in Hospice Care at Cape Canaveral Hospital, FL on March 4, eighteen days short of his 89th birthday.

A Celebration of Life is planned by the family at Evergreen Golf Course, on Sunday, June 26th from 1:00-4:00 p.m., N6246 US Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Please bring a story of remembrance to share.

Tom is predeceased by first wife, Kathleen (Kay) Amend Grotelueschen (1985) In their 25 years of marriage, they raised daughters Amy Oselio (Rick), Sally Fairbairn (Jim) and son, Tag Grotelueschen. Grandchildren are Kathleen Streuly, Aubrey Fairbairn, Brandon (Marcus), Andres, and Thomas Oselio, and Tess and Holden Grotelueschen. He is also predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Catherine and Michael Weyer and their children Pat, Mike, and Julie Weyer.

Tom is survived by wife Francine Pease and her children Kurt (Dana) and Kristi Pease. Tom was also “Papa” to Sydney and Samantha Pease and Lauren Campbell. Tom and Francine spent their retirement traveling in their RV and hosting family and friends at Tom’s Place on the Sumo River in Tomahawk, WI. He taught everyone to fish and how to bait their own hook – using worms. His fishing skills were legendary! Tom and Francine moved to Cocoa Beach, FL from Whitewater, WI in 2014. Tom continued his activism with his “Letters to the Editor” and in the League of Women Voters.

Tom is lovingly remembered by his various roles. He was a lifelong educator (Mr. G/Dr. Grotelueschen), an adored grandfather, Papa Tom, or the “funny/nice guy” who told jokes. His last name was often a challenge as well as was his middle name of Savage which made him an easy target for childhood bullies. He was also a literary man who read voraciously and wrote his memoirs as well as dozens of “Letters to the Editor” to various papers. His Donald Duck impressions were memorable! He was an active man who enjoyed participating in most sports in his youth but gave up golf numerous times- in frustration.
He never shied away from expressing himself in person or in print. His many “Letters to the Editor” reflected his lifelong love for public education and his abhorrence toward injustice and prejudice, He started teaching seventh grade students in 1959 in the Milwaukee Public schools, continued at Roseman Campus Elementary School, and became full-time faculty at UW-Whitewater in the College of Education in 1965. Tom received many teaching awards including The Blue Key National Honor Fraternity. Tom retired from UW-Whitewater in l992 as Emeritus Professor. He also worked on a federally funded project at the University of Florida for two years (1970-72).

The family is establishing a scholarship in Tom’s name at UW-Whitewater, WI in acknowledgement of his 30 plus years as a passionate educator. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests donations be made to UW-Whitewater Foundation and marked for the “Thomas S. Grotelueschen Endowed Scholarship.” UW-Foundation; 800 W Main St; Whitewater, WI 53190.

Obituary: Barbara Jean Smith, 89, of AZ; owned The Red Lantern Restaurant with her husband

Barbara Jean Smith (nee Clark) passed away peacefully from congestive heart failure on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at her residence in Green Valley, AZ.  She was born on May 4, 1932 in Detroit, MI.

She and John, her husband of 65 years, owned and operated The Red Lantern restaurant on Main Street in Whitewater from the mid 70’s to late 80’s.  After selling their business, the couple worked as managers at La Quinta Hotels around the Southwest, eventually settling in Green Valley for the past 25 years.

Barb was preceded in death by her sisters (Dorothy and Tina) and her brother (Harry).  She is survived by her husband, John Earl Smith of Green Valley, sons Tim (Maribeth) Smith of North Plains OR, Kevin (Barb) Smith of Escondido CA, Dan (Sandy) Smith of Mequon WI, and Mike Smith of Portland OR, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A cremation and scattering of ashes will be at a later date.

Obituary: Judith Ann Sweat, 81

Judith Ann Sweat, 81, found her peace with the Lord on Saturday, April 30, 2022.  Judy was born December 2, 1940 in Elgin, Illinois at St. Joseph Hospital.  Her parents were Clayton Wood and Martha Colberg Rohr.  Her growing up years were in Elgin and after she married Richard Sweat, they lived in Canada for several years.  She moved back to the states with her four children and settled again in Elgin.  She worked several years for the Methodist Board of Pensions in Evanston, Illinois before moving to Whitewater 20 years ago. She brought her granddaughter, Angela Garcia, with her at this time.  Judy enjoyed reading, puzzles and having coffee with a friend. 

              She left behind four children; Rebecca Garcia, Chicago, IL, Deborah Aceves, Whitewater, Susan Butler, Fort Atkinson, and David Sweat; beloved granddaughter, Angela Garcia, New Jersey, Sister, Nancy (John) Hoffmann, Whitewater, and special friend, Sharon Martin and her family of Whitewater.  There are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren scattered throughout Illinois.  She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Carol Wood, Elgin, IL and Sally Sodt, Richey, MT.

              Following Judy’s wishes there will be no services.  Those wishing to provide a memorial may do so by choosing your favorite charity.  Inurnment will be in the Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Illinois.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. 

               Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Obituary: Terence A. Bolger “Terry” of Barrington, IL; Treated UW-W Wheelchair Basketball Team to Biplane Rides

Terence A. Bolger “Terry,” son of the late John and Adelaide Bolger, beloved husband of Mary Jeanne Bolger, nee Lee. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Brendan and Kenneth, and a sister, Adele. He is survived by brother-in-law, Joseph (Suzy) Lee, Tom (Mary Jo) Lee, and Roseann (Steve) Vanacker, sister-in-law, Carole Bolger, plus many loving nieces and nephews. Terry was a Palatine resident for over 40 years until his recent move to Barrington. He was the owner of T.A. Bolger Realtors, Inc. with seven offices in the northwest suburbs. Terry owned, built, and managed several commercial shopping centers in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Wheeling, and Rolling Meadows.

Terry was an avid flyer. As a Stearman aerobatic champion, he enjoyed sharing his passion with children. Especially notable, was arranging rides with five other Stearman biplane pilots by using a hoyer lift for the wheelchair bound basketball team from Whitewater, WI. It was a thrill for them to experience an open cockpit flight as well as a thrill for Terry and his pilot friends. Always challenged to try new things, Terry restored three antique private planes, a 1941 Plymouth Coupe, and a 1943 John Deere tractor. He enjoyed sporting clays shooting. He and his wife of 49 years were longtime members of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Art Institute of Chicago. Terry was extremely passionate about helping the less fortunate, donating to and supporting several food pantries in the area. Terry’s humor, kindness, and generosity will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149. W. Main St., Barrington, IL. Funeral mass will be held the following day, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Community Church, 120 Ela St., Barrington, IL. Burial to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1185 W. Algonquin Rd., Palatine, IL. Please omit flowers; Memorial donations may be made in Terry’s name to The Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134, solvehungertoday.org, or a food pantry of your choice.

Obituary: John J. Holford, 88 (Updated with arrangements)

John J. Holford, 88, of Whitewater passed peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 4, 1933 as a twin in Beloit, WI, the son of the late Elmer and Marie (Gibbons) Holford. John attended the Whitewater Campus School, graduated from College High School in 1951 and earned nine letters in football, basketball, softball and track. He also played the cornet in the band, at several community events and with Jake Catania’s Dance Band at Whitewater Lake Inn. A rare and first time occurrence was when John and his twin brother, Jim, were named College High’s twin Junior Prom Kings in 1950.

After completing four years in the United States Air Force as a Link Trainer and Simulator Instructor testing military pilots in radio aids for navigation, John earned his Bachelor’s Degree at WI State Teachers College, Whitewater in 1960.  He also earned his Master’s Degree in Math and Science from the same university in 1969.

John’s teaching years began at Pecatonica High School, IL, then Clinton High School, WI, and finished teaching Chemistry at Burlington High School, WI for 28 years.  All of John’s Chemistry classes learned that “All roads lead to the mole!”  John also worked one year as a Detail Representative with the UpJohn Pharmaceutical Company in southeastern Iowa.

Favorite pastimes of John’s were pheasant hunting with his Brittany Spaniels and fishing Wisconsin lakes.  Yellowstone Lake and the Mississippi River were his favorite fishing and camping destinations.  John’s favorite expression was, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”   For many years, John traveled to Maulers, France to visit his three older grandchildren and family where they all enjoyed many summer activities. Discovering the little hamlet of Holford in England was a particular surprising highlight of one of their many adventures. Being of Irish Descent, John also enjoyed his driving trip around Ireland researching his Irish heritage.  Packing the car and taking an extended driving trip out west through many Colorado sites, Disneyland, San Francisco and the Redwoods in California was a trip his own children will always remember. After retirement, just taking a drive discovering new country roads was a fun pastime. Along the way, you would often hear John listening to classical music, Big Band tunes or hits from the 1950’s era. Reading historical novels was also a lifetime pleasure along with being a loyal fan of the Whitewater Warhawks, Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. And, a good day was joining his early morning friends at McDonald’s for coffee and conversation.  John was a member of the St. Patrick’s Church, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post #173.

John married Carol Jones in 1960.  Four children and five grandchildren survive him, Michael (Mary) and their twins, Meghan and Grace from Janesville, WI, Theresa (JeanLuc) from La Crosse, WI and their children, Caroline, Matthieu and Anna, Thomas (Sally) from Salida, CO, and Peter from Whitewater..  John is also survived by a twin brother, James (Theresa) of Lake Geneva, WI, and a sister, Veronica Hanauer of Shawano, WI.  A sister, Johanna Wilke of West Bend preceded him in death.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Marquardt Home Health, Marquardt Hospice and all the special caretakers, Yolanda, Patricia, Brenda and Ashley for their kind and caring attention to John and comfort to the family during John’s last months at home.

A Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. You may attend the mass virtually at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1359752021

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John Holford’s name may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or to support pediatric oncology at American Family Children’s Hospital:

University of Wisconsin Foundation

US Bank Lockbox 78807

Milwaukee, WI 53278

         or online:

https://www.supportuw.org/giveto/KidsCancer

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