Life Events

Obituary: Peter Anthony Spangler, 66

Peter Anthony Spangler, 66, of Fort Atkinson, Wis., died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday morning, March 22, 2022.

Born Dec. 8, 1955, in Fort Atkinson to Paul and Diane (Gutreuter) Spangler of Johnson Creek, Peter attended St. Lawrence Catholic School and then Johnson Creek elementary, junior and high schools, graduating in 1974.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in technology education with an emphasis on metals from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1979 and later a master’s degree from UW-Stout in Menomonie.

Peter also was a licensed journeyman/master machinist and tool-and-diemaker and was certified in quality engineering and assurance. 

Upon graduation from college, Peter taught metals for one year at Mayville High School. However, believing that he needed “real-world” experience to best teach students, he left to work as a machinist, becoming the first full-time employee at Aztalan Engineering in Lake Mills. He worked at several other machine shops throughout the years, as well.

In the 1990s, Peter returned to the education field for a total 18 of years. Among them were more than eight years teaching technology and engineering, overseeing the student apprenticeship program and advising the FIRST Robotics team at Mukwonago High School.

He also taught at Jefferson, Lake Mills and Beloit high schools, and was a full-time metals instructor for two years at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee and a part-time instructor at Madison Area Technical College-Fort Atkinson.

Peter married Christine Marie Blumer on June 4, 1988. The two of them enjoyed camping and traveling, particularly to the national parks in Utah, Montana, Colorado and Maine. However, his two “bucket-list vacations” took place in 1979, when he went on a three-month cross-country motorcycle trip by himself, and in 2012, when he and Chris joined friends in Chile for three weeks, including a week-long cruise of the Patagonian fjords.

Their roadtrips out of state slowed down after 1998, when they purchased a cabin on Lake Alice, east of Tomahawk, Wis. There, Peter enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, boating, hosting family and friends, socializing with neighbors and snoozing in the shade. 

He loved rooting around in his Bobcat, doing landscaping at home and the cabin. He undertook large remodeling projects at both properties, exhibiting his talents in design and craftmanship.

Peter was in his element when tinkering in the workshop. In recent years, he spent much of his time at the Wisconsin Manufactory, a building in Whitewater he and Chris purchased in 2016 that houses Wisconsin Makers. Peter served as president of that nonprofit makerspace and enjoyed planning many activities, especially the annual UW-Whitewater iron pour.

He was secretary of the Whitewater Rotary Club, volunteered as a Skills USA judge, was a member of the Wisconsin Technology Education Association and was active in several makerspace meet-up groups.

Peter loved playing board games and cards — especially euchre, poker and Hand-and-Foot — as well going to the theater; attending old engine and car shows; sitting around a campfire; following national politics and discoveries in astronomy, archaeology and science; and doing anything and everything techie. He also loved aviation, having earned his pilot’s license in 1979. 

Peter is survived by his wife, Christine; eight siblings, Jill Hanus, Hartford; Lynn Spangler de Curruchich (J. Robert Curruchich), Johnson Creek; Mary Beth (Eugene) Mess, Watertown; Michael (Tracey) Spangler, Stratford; Amy Spangler, Johnson Creek; Lisa Spangler, Milwaukee; Kristin (Donald) Grant, Johnson Creek; and Matthew Spangler, Johnson Creek.

He also is survived by his aunts and uncles, Cyril Spangler, Madison; MaryAnn Spangler (Dennis) Langbecker, Marana, Ariz.; James (Phyllis) Spangler, Jefferson; and Sally (Larry) Soltis, Mount Horeb; sister-in-law, Patricia Wehr, Milwaukee; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Eric Mess; and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, April 8, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fort Atkinson, with the Rev. Dr. Sara Rabe officiating. A luncheon will follow. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Facemasks are optional.

A private burial of the cremains will be held at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, will go to support the makerspace and other local STEM education programs.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is in charge of arrangements.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Obituary: Betty J. Schneible, 93

Betty J. Schneible, 93, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Fairhaven of Whitewater.

Betty was born on December 11, 1928 in Waukesha, WI the daughter of Earl and Edna (Detlof) Lander. She grew up in the Waukesha area and graduated from Waukesha High School. Betty was blessed with a son, Curt. She worked as a Test inspector for General Electric Corporation for the majority of her working career. She was a long time member of Jerusalem Presbyterian Church of Wales, WI. Betty was outgoing and kind. She was at her best when spending time with her family and friends. She was a social person and enjoyed a good game of Sheepshead or Euchre. She also had a special love for music and even wrote a few songs.  Betty will be missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her nephew, Sam Lander and her dear friend, Mary (Michael) Schuetz. She is also survived by other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving son, Curt and her ex-husband, Bill Schneible.

A Funeral Service will be held to honor Betty’s life at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). The Rev. Ken Casey will officiate the service. Betty will be laid to rest next to her son immediately following the service in Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra.

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

Obituary: Joy S. Stuckey, 78, of Fort Atkinson

Joy S. Stuckey, a loving mother, ascended peacefully on butterfly wings to the gates of heaven on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born in Berwyn, IL on May 27, 1943, the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Zuetel) Rode. On January 19th, 1963 she was united in marriage to the late Bruce Stuckey at Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Illinois. She was currently residing in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Joy worked as an administrative assistant at Jefferson County Human Services, Parsons Chiropractic Services, and Dr. Moulton’s Dental Clinic. She made many friends over the years that brought laughter and smiles to those around her. She loved any and all flowers, especially lavender, lilacs, lilies, and tulips. Watching her houseplants and flower gardens bloom as well as the butterflies, squirrels and birds that visit would bring her great pleasure. She enjoyed watercolor painting, sewing, knitting, crafting, and traveling the states. Joy loved all animals, especially cats. 

Joy’s passion was devoting her life to her family. She is survived by her two daughters; Sharon (Steven) Olson and Susan Stuckey, both of Fort Atkinson, WI. She has five grandchildren: Candice (Jonathan) Franks, Dawn (Mark) Wokasch, Matthew (Libby) Stahl, Craig Olson, and Maxwell Stuckey. She was also well loved by her eight great grandchildren: Emma Wokasch, Hailey Olson, Sophia Wokasch, Alyvia Olson, Madelynn Franks, Oliver Stuckey, Lainey Franks, and Ryleigh Olson. She is survived by her sister Loralee Gerrietts.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son, Robert Stuckey.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date and time to better appreciate her love for nature and gardening.

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

Obituary: Carolyn Marie Ferriano

Carolyn Marie Ferriano is at peace, after a years-long battle with debilitating health issues. Carolyn spent her last 8.5 months receiving wonderful care at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg.  She never lost her incredible will to live or her sense of humor.

Carolyn is survived by her loving family: husband Frank, daughter Sharon, son-in-law Greg and grandchildren, Samuel and Anna. She is also survived by her brother Bob Hofstetter and his wife Susie, and their kids/grandkids, and by many members of Frank’s family – his sister Annette, nieces, nephews. Carolyn adored them all.

Along with family, Carolyn had so many beautiful friends. She loved them all dearly, including Maureen and Lowell Youngs and Greg’s parents, Barbara and George Mischio.  If Carolyn loved anything more than her friends and family, it was animals. In particular, their cat Sir Arthur, whom we believe was waiting for her as she passed.

Carolyn met Frank Ferriano, in 1963 in New Jersey. They were married in 1965 and moved to Wisconsin in 1968.  They had 57 wonderful years together, many of them spent attending concerts, shows, plays and movies. They also enjoyed their gourmet dinner club and bridge club.  But their favorite thing to do together was to travel.  Carolyn and Frank enjoyed many cruises, trips to Europe, Alaska and Hawaii.  They also made time to visit family in various parts of the country.

Carolyn had a wonderful career as a nurse, and did it all, from teaching nursing to hospital nursing, nursing home, doctors office and home health care. She was incredibly intelligent and caring.  She never stopped teaching.  The staff at Agrace all talked about how much they learned from her.

After Carolyn retired from nursing, she and Frank returned from living part of the year in Florida so they could fully participate in their grandkids’ lives. They were at all their activities/sports/dance/music programs, etc. We looked forward to our Anna Maria Island trips together every year. That was Carolyn’s favorite place. She loved the beach, sunsets and looking for shells. We will treasure every moment we had with her there.

Carolyn was a talented seamstress, who also did needlepoint, crochet and knitting.  She made countless gorgeous blankets, shawls, scarves, bags, and decorative items.

We could not have gotten through these last 8 months without Agrace.  It is where Carolyn always said she wanted to end up, and it was beautiful to see the friendships she developed with the staff.  We are forever grateful for the loving care she received there.

We will have a memorial gathering for mom in the spring – date TBD.

Donations can be made to either Agrace Hospice or the Dane County Humane Society in Carolyn Ferriano’s name.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI

Obituary: Michael Kelly, 59

Michael Kelly was born on an army base in Kansas on July 24, 1962. He lived some of his childhood in Germany, where his mother was born. Michael peacefully transitioned into pure spirit with his Divine Source whom he chose to call Tunkashila on the first day of spring, 3-20-22. He went peacefully on a hospice bed with dear friend, Jude Christensen at his side. She provided emotional and physical support throughout his illness. He was not alone.

Michael was the third and youngest son of Ann Elizabeth and James Gary Kelly. He is survived by his special friend, Bob. Bob and Michael met at a time where they contributed to each other’s strengths and care. Bob was a primary loving support during his cancer journey. Everyone whom he called a friend knew they were special to Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill. His one surviving brother, Jim, lives in Mexico.

Michael lived with cancer for five and a half years. He was grateful for his heath care team from St Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Froedert in Milwaukee, and his overnight hospice team at Ft. Memorial Hospital. He trusted and accepted cancer treatments and did not project future outcomes as he fully lived in the present with a positive attitude.


Michael was a strong advocate for recovery from addictions. He shared his addiction and recovery experience, strength, and hope with people in the recovery community for nearly 30 years. He was an asset to people in recovery. It was an honor for him to be the assistant director of the SABLE House 15 years. He had a strong impact on those living there for the purpose of recovery support.


Michael had a passion for creating beauty with interior, flower, and landscape design. His passion was that of a special events designer and coordinator. He enjoyed hiking, helping others, spirituality, meditation, Myofascial Release Bodywork, and laughing, especially being snarky.

Michael’s brother Jim wrote the following for a eulogy:
“…I’m sorry I can’t be with you all to pay respect and honor Mike. I think all of us who knew Mike would agree he was a kind giving soul. This was not the likely outcome for someone who went through some of the experiences Mike was confronted with in his life. As his brother I know Mike as a person who overcame many obstacles to become the giving person he became. He used his mishaps and tragedies that happened to him in his life to help others. Many of you who knew Mike on a personal level know this well. The people who knew him are the better for it. Sometimes he could be quite serious, but considerate in what he was trying to accomplish. I will miss Mike as I’m sure all of you will. He became an enlightened being despite all the dark times he went through in his life. This is what Mike has left us with, the realization that we can overcome darkness and transform into the light. This was Mike’s gift to us all. Wherever you are Mike thank you for everything, thank you for being my brother and thank you for all the people you touched in your life.”


Please join in to celebrate Michael with a memorial brunch to share memories on 3-26-22 from 10 a.m. until noon, at his favorite, Jessica’s Restaurant, at 140 W Main St in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For those who choose to make a financial donation, Michael’s wishes were that donations go to the Dave Gallup Foundation which supports individuals in early recovery. You can use Cash App: $DaveGallupFoundation
As another option, you can donate in Michael’s honor to a charity or non-profit of your choice. Thank you.

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Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan

Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan, WI died on March 20, 2022, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. Laurie was born on August 3, 1957, daughter of the late Erwin and Janice (Green) Kant. Laurie was a very active person and touched the lives of many people. Laurie married her husband, Ronald Hull on February 14, 1988, at the First Congregational Church of Elkhorn, WI. She was a founding member of the Lakes Shores Library System and held a seat on their board for over thirty years. At the time of her passing, she held the title of President of the Lakes Shore Library System Board. Laurie spent much of her career as a Librarian, between being a medical librarian at Medical Associates of Wisconsin and a children’s librarian in Burlington. Laurie was a very talented crafter, working in painting, gardening, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, and taught as a quilting instructor at Blackhawk Technical College. She was a champion of women’s rights, helping those who needed it, and fighting the good fight no matter the cost or how hopeless the cause. A pacifist who was in ROTC during her college years, repelling off buildings and reassembling M-16s with parts left over. A lover of fast cars but rarely went above the speed limit, a protector to all animals who needed a home, and thought that Clark Griswold was an amateur when it came to holiday decorations. In her later years she grew to have a passion for fitness and weightlifting and encourage everyone around her to get active because, “if I can do it, anyone can do it.” Laurie loved all things Disney, Disco music, and was well known for curling up on a gloomy day to watch Hallmark Christmas movies regardless of the month. Through all her life she loved and taught those around her to love without question, with the saddest fate, according to her, being “an obituary that doesn’t make you wish you knew them.” Loved by many and feared by some, she will be deeply missed by those who were able to get to know her. Laurie is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Michael Craney; and great nephew; Benjamin Grossen. She is survived by her husband, Ron; son Daniel (Sarah Defranco) Kant-Hull; and sisters, Kathleen Craney, Alison (Richard) Madero, and Melinda (John) Allen. A Memorial Service will be held for Laurie on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Christ, 54 S. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI 53548. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation Mission of Mercy; Wisconsin Library Association Foundation; Walworth County Humane Society; Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter; or Open Arms Free Clinic. Online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.         

Obituary: Shirley M. Meisner, 89

Shirley M. Meisner, 89, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2022, with her family by her side.
Shirley was born on February 9th, 1933, in Hebron, Wisconsin to Franklin and Irma (Pelchen) Koepke. She spent much of her early life in Hebron, going on to graduate from Whitewater High School. On January 20th, 1951, she married Arthur Meisner and together they raised a family in Whitewater.

She enjoyed sewing; she became a seamstress and worked with Art Lein’s Men’s Clothing Store. She also loved to work on puzzles and watch her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by her children, Bruce (Elizabeth) Meisner of Wolcott, IN, Scot (Kellie) Meisner of Chetek, WI, Vicki (Ray) Garlock of Whitewater, WI, and Lori (Mark Hoffman) Roach of Jefferson, WI; her grandchildren, Julia, David, Jacob, Matthew, Tom, Michelle, and Christopher; her eight great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Laura Koepke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Irma; her loving husband, Arthur; two brothers, Wayne and Russell; and a granddaughter.

Private services are being held.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Hearthstone and Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hearthstone Memory Care.

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

Obituary: Linda S. Lehman, 61

Linda S. Lehman, 61, of Whitewater, WI passed away with her loving husband by her side on March 15, 2022 at Agrace Hospice Center in Janesville, WI.

Linda was born on January 31, 1961 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of Bruce and Sue Carol (Schroeder) Omdoll, Sr.. Linda grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee Marshall High School. She was united in marriage to Michael Lehman on June 27, 1992 at Wellington Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. The couple was blessed with a son, Bret in 1998. Linda was happy and good spirited; she loved her family and she loved people. Her passion in life was music, specifically 80’s Rock. She also had a special connection with animals of all kinds, including bugs. She was loved and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by: her loving husband of 29 years, Michael Lehman of Whitewater, WI; her son, Bret Lehman of Jefferson, WI; her siblings, Bruce (Susan) Omdoll, Lisa (Richard) Heitl, Lora (Dan) Cieszynski, John (Charlotte) Omdoll and Shari (Kory) Schuhmacher; and her siblings-in-law, Gary (the late Julie) Lehman, Charles (Tina) Lehman and Patricia (Charles) Wozniak. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bruce Omdoll, Sr..

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Linda’s family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Linda will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

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

Obituary: Carrie “Maisie” Condon, 99

Whitewater/Brodhead, WI – Carrie “Maisie” Condon, age 99, passed away on March 7, 2022 while at her home in Whitewater.

Maisie was born on July 27, 1922 in Stoughton, WI, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Whaley) Taylor.
She married Gurnsey Condon in 1946 in Southern Wisconsin.

Maisie was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ of Whitewater, the Alpha Club, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Fairhaven Auxiliary, Whitewater Country Club and Women’s Golf Association and the Golden Girls (a group of friends of 60 years and older).

Maisie is survived by two sons, Gurnsey (Noele) Condon of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and John (Terry) Condon of Kissimmee, FL; three grandchildren, Sean Condon of Minocqua, WI, Kristin Condon of Woodbury, MN and Andrew Condon of Pleasant Prairie, WI; two great-granddaughters, Ryan and Devan Condon; one great-grandson, Jude Besl and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Maisie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gurnsey in 2004 and all of her siblings.

Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, 1109 East 9th Avenue, Brodhead, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at noon. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead. The Condon family asks that you kindly consider making a charitable donation to UNICEF, Save the Children, or a charity of your choice rather than floral donations. To extend online condolences to the family, please visit: www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Dianne Camplin, 86

Dianne Camplin died peacefully on March 10, 2022 at the age of 86 after suffering a stroke in February. A beloved wife, mom, and grandma/Mimi, she was born on June 3, 1935 to Alois and Marianne Mueller.  She graduated from Menomonee Falls High School and met her husband, Dave when they were maid of honor and best man in her cousin’s wedding. They married in 1956 when both were attending UW-Whitewater where she was an active member of Theta Sigma Upsilon sorority. Graduating with a degree in elementary education, she spent most of her 27-year teaching career at Rockwell School. She was proud to have taught many 5th and 6th grade students math, science, and how to crochet. Dianne and Dave spent most of their adult lives in Fort Atkinson and moved to Fairhaven in Whitewater in 2016.

Known as “Auntie,” her love of children extended to babysitting in retirement.  This began when Dave’s brother, Bill and partner, Kitty moved to Fort. Their children, Satchel and Savannah were Dianne and Dave’s first “grandkids.” She then took care of children of other family friends. These relationships continued years after the babysitting ended. 

Dianne retired at 55 and enjoyed leisure life and gardening. She realized her greatest joy at the age of 60 with the birth of their first grandchild, Rivkah soon joined by sister, Shira and then cousin, Parker. Being a grandma was her favorite ‘job.’ She and Dave traveled to Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, and California to visit, attend school plays, bnot mitzvah, graduations, birthday parties, and celebrate holidays.  

Dianne was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church for over 60 years.  She was also a member of a ‘Sewing Club’ comprised of several local friends where Dianne perfected the craft of darning socks. After many years, the sewing ceased; however, the gatherings continued with the Fort Pizza Hut $5 all-you-can-eat buffet being a favorite lunch spot. 

She will long be remembered for her deviled eggs, Oreo cookie ice cream dessert, chocolate zucchini cake, and her favorite phrase: ‘It is what it is.’

She is survived by her children, Karen Douglas and son-in-law, Roger Douglas of Walnut Creek, CA; Steve Wolf-Camplin and daughter-in-law, Nicole Wolf-Camplin of Wilmington, NC. Also survived by the loves of her life, grandchildren: Rivkah Wolf-Camplin of Atlanta, GA; Shira Wolf-Camplin of Asheville, NC; and Parker David Douglas of Seattle, WA. She is further survived by Dorothy Thode; Don and Bonnie Camplin; Fred and Ruth Ann Camplin; Bill Camplin and Kitty Welch; and Gene Camplin.   She is further survived by nieces and nephews and several dear friends,  many of them fellow Fort teachers. Dianne was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, David Camplin in February of 2020 and her brother, Ronald Mueller in 2010.

Correspondence can be sent in care of the Café Carpe, 18 S. Water Street West in Fort.  Memorials can be made in Dianne’s honor to: Jefferson County Humane Society or the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, April 24 at Bethany Lutheran Church with visitation at 2:00, a service at 3:00 and a reception to follow. 

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