Life Events

Obituary: James Emil Toennies, 88

James Emil Toennies, age 88, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022 at his home in Whitewater, WI.  He was born on May 22, 1933, in Sheboygan, WI to Emil and Bertha Toennies.

Jim grew up in Sheboygan, WI and was the youngest of two boys. He attended Sheboygan North High School, graduating in 1951. After high school Jim attended UW-La Crosse where he played college basketball. He graduated in June, 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. In July, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret F. Lonsdorf and in August was drafted into the U.S. Army to be stationed in Seoul, South Korea for eighteen months.  Upon his return, Jim received a Master of Science degree from UW-La Crosse in Physical Education and subsequently taught and coached basketball in Des Plaines, IL and Sheboygan, WI. In 1962, Jim was hired at UW-Whitewater where he taught physical and health education for thirty-one years before retiring in 1993. In 1971, he obtained a Doctorate of Health & Safety degree from Indiana University. During his time at UW-Whitewater, Jim served several years as intramural director, cross country coach, assistant track coach, health education coordinator, and the Williams Center facilities coordinator.

Jim also served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis Club and served as Chairperson of the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board for six years. He served on several committees including the local Housing Committee, Swim Fundraising and Skateboard Fundraising committees, and the Special Olympics.

Jim enjoyed playing tennis, riding with his bike club, cross county skiing, swimming, and camping with his family and friends. He especially loved watching all of his kids and grandkids play in sporting events. In retirement, Jim and Margaret spent every winter in Estero, Florida where he loved having his children and grandchildren visit. Jim was an avid supporter of all Warhawk sports. He also enjoyed attending UW-Madison Badger football and basketball games and following the Brewers, Packers and Bucks. Jim especially enjoyed gathering with family and friends for morning coffee or afternoon happy hour to shoot the breeze.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret of Whitewater; sons: David (Joanne) of Middleton; Steve of Lake Geneva; Bill of McFarland, and daughter: Lisa (John) Walsh of Sun Prairie, grandchildren: Kristine and Kimberly Walsh of Sun Prairie, Bailey and Daniel Toennies of McFarland, and Jack and Cole Toennies of Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and son, Robert.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may donate to:

The James E. and Margaret F. Scholarship Fund c/o UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.  800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, or

The First English Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI.

Private services for the family will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.  

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on July 9th, 2022 in Whitewater. Please refer back to this link: https://nitardyfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/268633/James-Toennies/obituary.html#tribute-start for a specific time and location as the date nears. 

Online condolences may be made at https://nitardyfuneralhome.com

Bob and Nikki Knudsen Celebration of Life updated

Just a reminder that the Celebration of Life for Bob and Nikki Knudsen is this Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89 S, in Whitewater. Eulogies at 2:30 p.m. If you would like to share some memories or stories you may do so immediately after. The family would love to hear them!

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.