Life Events

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

Charles William Hill, 89, was called to Heaven and died on Friday, April 15, 2022. Charlie is at peace now as he is reunited with his wife of 64 years, Barbara. He was a devoted dad to Steve and Lori, Sheryl and Keith, and Sarah and Bob, loving “Grampy” to Stephen, Matty and Coley, Nick and Kena, Jackie and Jereme, Jon and Ally, Mikey and Hope, Steph and Darrin, and Anna, and proud “Grandpa Grandpa” of Max, Maya, and Brody, Emi, Liam, and Eva, Allie and Ryan, Charlie, Tommy, Maddie, Hank, and Teddy, and Calvin plus two more “greats” on the way.

Besides his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Charlie is survived by sister, Margaret “Peggy,” sister-in-law Karen Lee, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, parents Neal and Mildred Hill, mother-in-law and father-in-law Martin and Eleanor Roth, sister Dorothy Frutiger and husband Dick, brother-in-law Dick Simons, brother-in-law John Roth and wife Bonnie, brother-in-law Sam Roth and wife Romelle, brother-in-law Paul Roth, sister-in-law Rosemary Hadrath and husband Sterling “Bud,” brother-in-law Martin Roth and wife Ardis, and brother-in-law Charlie Roth.

Charlie was born in Whitewater on February 17, 1933, where he attended and graduated from Whitewater High School. At age 17, Charlie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, went to Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and became a member of ANGLICO (Air & Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) 1st Marine Division. He spent 17 months and 19 days in Korea. After the war, Dad was stationed in Chicago as a recruiter. In October of 2014, Charlie was able to travel to Washington, D.C. on the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight, along with Sheryl as his guardian. It was a great event in Dad’s life.

Moving back to Whitewater after his time in the Marines, Charlie attended U.W.-Whitewater. Dad played on the undefeated “Quaker” football team his freshman year. As the Quakers became the Warhawks, Dad remained a great supporter of Whitewater athletics. The Hills and their many friends had a tailgate party on Homecoming before the U.W.W. football games for many years.

Through the years Charlie had a variety of jobs; most were in the construction field. He was a salesman, construction manager, and business owner of Klein Supply Sales & Service.

Charlie and Barb bought an old farm in the town of Genesee that they worked hard remodeling. Dad and Mom also maintained a huge garden for many years.  They both worked together to make canned tomatoes, pickles, and more. Dad and Mom purchased a cottage in Lakewood, WI that they remodeled and rebuilt extensively to fit their growing family. Charlie enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and driving the pontoon with family to see the loons, the eagles, and a great variety of birds and other wildlife in the Nicolet Forest.

If you met Charlie Hill, then you knew of his great sense of humor and quick wit. Dad was rarely at a loss for words and enjoyed telling jokes and limericks until the end. He sure enjoyed his perfect whiskey Manhattans also!

Our family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice in Green Bay for the wonderful care given to Charlie in his last days.  A thank you also goes to DaVita Dialysis Center in Waukesha as well as Summit Woods Senior Housing for the loving attention given to Dad.

We will have a service to honor Dad at the Wales-Genesee Lions Club Hall in Genesee Depot, WI at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14th. Following the service, we will celebrate the lives of both Charlie and Barb Hill at the Lions Club Hall. All are welcome to join us. Charlie Hill’s burial with military honors will be on Saturday, August 6th, 11:00 a.m. at the City of Mauston, WI cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Charlie’s memory are appreciated to the family to be designated to the Honor Flight Program and other charities.

Nancy Jo Fardy,
(New Berlin, WI)

Nancy went to Heaven peacefully on April 15, 2022 at age 85. Nancy is survived by her beloved sister Patricia Roberts, and her brother Bill Fardy, cherished nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Preceded in death by her parents Mike and Helen Fardy, her sister Jeanne Trewyn, brother-in-law George Roberts, and sister-in-law Mary Lou Fardy.

Nancy was born on July 12, 1936 in Coffeeville, Kansas, the youngest of 4 children. The Fardy family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin when Nancy was a young girl. After graduating from Whitewater High School, Nancy went to Spencerian Business School in Milwaukee then worked for 39 years as an Administrative Assistant with the Milwaukee Police Department.

After retiring from the Police Department, Nancy worked part time at Marshall Fields.

Nancy was an active parishioner at Holy Apostles Church and member of the Choir. Nancy was also a member of the Shamrock Club of Milwaukee and the Choir. You could find Nancy marching in St. Patrick’s Day parades, bartending at Irish Fest, singing in the Mass at Irish Fest, and listening to Irish and Celtic music.

Nancy was also a committed volunteer to many other organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and the New Berlin Library.

Nancy was fun, loving, adventurous, loyal, kind, and incredibly generous. Nancy was all about Wisconsin sports—a very loyal and vocal Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. She loved to travel—around the country, as well as international. Her travel companions included family, friends, and elder hostel groups. Nancy was all about family—such a presence at every holiday, party, and family gathering. Nancy always took the time with friends, her brother and sisters, and her many nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all.

A visitation is being held this Friday, April 22nd at HOLY APOSTLES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 16000 W. National Ave. New Berlin, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.

The Fardy family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Waukesha Memorial hospital and Angels Grace hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.

For those wishing to make a gift in Nancy’s memory, the family invites you to give to any of these charities: Ronald McDonald House, Holy Apostles Church, or Irish Cultural & Heritage Center of Wisconsin.

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family
Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659
Online Obit, Condolences, Directions
www.churchandchapel.com

Phillip T. Huebner, 34, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at his home.

Phillip was born on April 24, 1987 in Waukesha, WI the son of Phillip and Donna (Schmidt) Huebner. Phillip grew up in the Palmyra area and attended Palmyra-Eagle High School. He worked as a material handler in the manufacturing industry for the majority of his working career. Phillip had a good heart and was kind to everyone. It was easy for him to make friends and he enjoyed being social. He also liked to spend time outside in nature hiking and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. Phillip was artistic and had a special connection to music. He was always ready to share a favorite song with a friend or family member. He also appreciated a good joke or pun and was willing to share those as well. Phillip was loved by his family and he will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his brother, Joshua (Emily) Huebner of Whitewater, WI; and his nieces, Hadley, Harlow and Halia. He is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Phillip and Donna Huebner and his grandparents.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, WI. The Rev. Mike Payne will be presiding over the service.

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

Rita M. Schea, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, surrounded by loving family in her home in Janesville, WI.

Rita was born December 15, 1932, in Chicago, IL to John and Catherine (Kopczyk) Biernacki.

Rita married Norman W. Schea on May 30, 1953, in Chicago, IL.  They had three daughters and moved to Elmwood Park, IL in 1963.  Rita enjoyed cooking, baking, fishing trips to Wisconsin, and spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her warm smile, genuine personality, and her ability to make others feel welcome in her home.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman of 41 years; son-in-law, Robert Smelcer; parents, John and Catherine; siblings, John (Delores) Biernacki, Eleanore (Chester) Musiala, Paul (Eleanor) Biernacki, and Patrick (Ann) Biernacki.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Carl) Hallmann, Karen Smelcer, and Karolyn (Mark) Angelacos; grandchildren, Amanda Hallmann, Jessica (Gerad) Krakel, Rob Smelcer, Michael Smelcer, Christina (Micah) Vaughn, and Zachary Angelacos; great grandchildren, Ansley, Lillian, Weston, Dominic, Viviana, Corbin, and Rowan.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.

Rita’s family would like to sincerely thank all her St. Croix Hospice caregivers for their kindness and compassion. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Liliana (Vena) Pizzichini passed peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022 in the home of her grandson, Christopher and his wife Michelle Haferman. She was just nine days shy of her 96TH birthday.

She was born in Kenosha, WI to Italian American immigrants, Luigi and Angelina (Turco) Vena. Lil, as known to her friends, was a 32-year resident of Kenosha, a 54-plus-year resident of Whitewater, and, most recently, a 9-year resident of Claremore, OK., where she lived with her daughter Patti.

Her entire adult life was a social one, serving and interacting with the public. Lil moved from Kenosha to Whitewater in 1958, with her husband, Pete, and their four children. There she and her husband went into business with her sister Mary and her husband, Tony Rutoski, opening The Main Café, bringing the first pizza and Italian cuisine to the City of Whitewater. After the sale of the restaurant, she managed the camera shop on Main Street for seven years. Then, while with the Commercial Bank for fifteen years, she helped those in the community with their banking needs. Her generous volunteer work was extensive–at the Madison VA Hospital, with Meals-on-Wheels, on the city’s flag committee, and occasionally at M.A.T.C. Fort Atkinson, where she taught Italian cuisine. Lil was a member of the American Legion Aux and the Whitewater Lionettes, serving terms as president for both organizations. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where she served on the church council, visited with shut-in members, and belonged to the Christian Mother’s Society. 

Lil spent portions of many winters in Claremore, OK, with her daughter, Patti, prior to moving there in 2012. In Oklahoma, she was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and the Claremore Senior Center. Her additional interests were traveling, dining with friends, furniture refinishing/restoration, writing Letters to the Editor to the Whitewater Register, and playing cards, especially bridge. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them.

If desired, donations may be made in her name to the Claremore Senior Center, Claremore, OK. 

Lil is survived by her children, Judi Pizzichini, of Whitewater; Patti Converse, of Claremore, OK; Rose Ann Bishop (Bryan), of Whitewater; and Tony Pizzichini (Angie), of Englewood , CO. She is also survived by her sister Mary Rutoski, of Whitewater; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law of many years, Frances Iorio, of Kenosha; and several nieces and nephews.    

A visitation will be held at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on Monday, April 25 at 11 a.m. with a graveside service to follow in Calvary Cemetery at noon.

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

Amelia Jane (Strand) Butler gained her wings on March 30^th, 2022, while vacationing in Spearfish City, South Dakota. She was born into a blended family in January of 1997 to Robert A. Strand and Eydie A. Strand of Whitewater, Wisconsin. She was welcomed by three brothers and one sister. Throughout the years Amelia was always the sass and spunk of the household.

During Amelia’s short 25 years, she focused on many hobbies including 4-H, marching band, movies, video games, and spending time venturing outdoors with friends and family. In 2015 Amelia graduated from Whitewater High School and later that year met Mike Butler. The two grew close, fell in love and in July of 2018 they were married at Heart Prairie Church in Whitewater. In July of 2021 Mike and Amelia were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Atlas Allen Butler. Atlas was her world. It was always Amelia’s dream to become a mother and it came naturally to her. From a young age, she spent much of her time with her nieces and nephews and loved watching them grow. Amelia was referred to by her friends as the light in the room, she had a contagious smile, laughter, and kindness that touched the hearts of everyone she met.

After her first job, Amelia was hired by CTPS in Fort Atkinson as a temp. She was taken on as a permanent administrative assistant employee shortly thereafter. Eventually, she was sent to multiple corporate locations to offer assistance and training, even during the pandemic. She enjoyed traveling for work and making new friends along the way. She continued to make a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. Walking into the journey of motherhood she found a work life balance at CTPS with the ability to work from home, while caring for Atlas. Her caring heart and strong work ethic will be greatly missed by the company.

She is survived by; her loving husband of three years Michael Butler, her 8 month old son Atlas, Parents: Robert Strand, Whitewater; Eydie Strand, Shell Lake; In Laws: Dave & Marci Butler, Lake Geneva; Sister April Kugath, Menomonee Falls; Brothers: Brett (Beth) Strand, Oregon; Kristofor (Robyn) Kugath, Watertown; Brandon (Erika) Strand, Mequon; Mike’s siblings Ayhla, Pandora, Uriel, Skyler, Addie, Logan and Morgan Butler, Lake Geneva; Nephews: Zachary & Callan, and Nieces: Brianna, Kate, Avery & Allie. In addition to family, Amelia leaves behind close friends: Ashley Mattert, Cheyenne Swanson, Lexie Nelson, Maddie Rasmussen, and so many more.

Amelia was preceded in death by grandparents George & Carol Strand, Gordon & Betty Cannon; her Great Aunt Ne-Ne whom she had a very special connection with; Aunt Erla Lynn Hill, and Uncle Douglas L. Cannon.

In light of the tragedy in their young lives, a GoFundMe page has been set up to offer financial help for Michael and Atlas. https://gofund.me/4bbb5c1e
A benefit has also been set up at First Citizens State Bank, P. O. Box 177, Whitewater, WI 53190, where a check can be made to the Atlas Butler Benefit Fund.

A visitation will be held on April 15^th at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a private service for close friends and family.

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

James Allen Jacobson, 80, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Saturday, March 12th, 2022 at Fairhaven Nursing and Rehab in Whitewater, WI.

Jim was born on February 20th, 1942 in Marquette, MI to Albert and Madeline Jacobson. He is survived by his wife Patricia Bureau Jacobson of Whitewater, WI, two sisters Judy Cook of Big Rapids, MI and Nancy Nelson of Golden Valley, MN, three daughters Colleen (Steve) Hebert of Whitewater, WI, Tammy (Steve) Fisher of Elkhorn, WI, and Wendy (Rich) Schneller of Oconomowoc, WI, eight grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Madeline and his brother Ron Jacobson.

Jim lived his young years in Marquette, Michigan, where he played football, baseball, and senior hockey. He did not have any high school hockey background, but he received a Warrior Hockey scholarship to Michigan State University in East Lansing. After graduation, he went on to play in the US hockey league for the Green Bay Bobcats and the Marquette Rangers.

He later taught high school and coached the track and basketball teams at Eben High School. He eventually received the Mott Foundation fellowship to get his masters in Flint, Michigan. Jim then went on to work in community education, becoming a principal in Hilbert, Wisconsin, and coaching the football team there. From there he became the junior high principal for 25 years in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His final education years were spent in Adams Friendship, Wisconsin, as a high school principal.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed going hunting with friends, working at the Whitewater food pantry and serving on its board. He also served on the church council at First English Lutheran Church and headed the Meals on Wheels program for several years. Helping out with ushering was a big part of his life. He loved to travel, play tennis, and play hockey until he was 70. He was instrumental in setting up senior pickleball for the Whitewater senior center.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all the doctors and nurses who worked with him as he battled MDS. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim name may be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry, First English Lutheran Church, or Agrace Hospice. No funeral will be held in honor of Jim’s wishes. A celebration of life is planned for June 4, 2022 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Prairie Village community center, 925 Burr Oak Trail, Whitewater, WI. Please join us in celebrating Jake.

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