Life Events

Trudy A. Thatcher, 67, of Whitewater passed away on December 11, 2021 at The Glenwood in Whitewater.

Trudy was born to Wilbur and Gertrude (Dietz) Thatcher on November, 27, 1954 in Waukegan, Illinois. 

She was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers.

Trudy is survived by her sisters, Therese Fleming of Fort Atkinson, Celena (Doug) Gwaltney of Antioch, IL, Liz Thatcher of Milton, Chris (Paul) Trewyn of Whitewater; brother, Brian Thatcher of Whitewater; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Gertrude Thatcher; and brother, Thomas Thatcher.

A memorial mass will take place at 11 AM on January 8, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rainbow Hospice, Wisconsin American Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Sara Jane Woods, 82, Whitewater passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater, WI. 

Sara was born on December 24, 1938 in Peoria, IL to Riley and Evelyn (Moore) Woods.  She graduated from high school in Zanesville, OH in 1956.  Sara received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ohio in 1960 and in August of 1972 received her Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Sara worked as a lab technician at the Fort Atkinson Hospital until she started as a third grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Whitewater.  Upon retirement she opened Studio S, a yarn and weaving store in Richmond from 1992 until 2011.  Sara was a master knitter and spinner.  She was active in the Whitewater spinners and knitting guild for many years.  Sara taught weaving and won many awards for her woven and knitted garments.  She had a love for traveling and went on a number of Holland America cruises.   

She is survived by her sister, Stacia Paxton; niece and nephews: Joel Paxton, Julienne Sullivan and John Paxton. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law Forrest Marvin Paxton.

Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

“May the winds of Heaven blow softly….And whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.” 

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

It is still hard to believe that our dear Robert (Bob) Lewis Knudsen, age 79, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 1, 2021, and has since been joined by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nicole (Nikki) Knudsen.

Bob was born on November 13, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Lewis John and Phyllis Lorraine (Clancy) Knudsen. He grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, graduating in 1961 from Nicolet High School. He always loved sports as indicated by his walking to Milwaukee Braves games. One of these times Warren Spahn saw him and a friend on the way and kindly gave them a ride to the ballpark in his pink Cadillac!

While at Wisconsin State University –Whitewater, Bob met Nikki. He graduated in 1965 with a BBA in Business Administration, and they were married on November 6th of that year. They lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while Bob was in the Air National Guard and served in the states.

Returning to Whitewater, Bob bought Taft Insurance and began his lifelong career as an independent insurance agent, ultimately running his own agency, Knudsen Insurance, until his retirement.

Anything sport or game related, Bob either played it, coached it, attended it, or watched it on television. He was a lifelong fan of all sports teams in Wisconsin. He also was an avid fisherman, both ice and water, ran for many years, later walking 5 miles per day, bowled for his Chi Delta Rho (Lambda Iota) fraternity winning the University Championship and for the Whitewater University Gorillas that won the Wisconsin BAC Championship in 1965. He continued bowling throughout his life (300!). Enjoying the nice November weather this year he played some of his best golf just a couple weeks before he passed away.

Survived by his daughter, Kara (Mark) Voeller, and his son, Leif (Kimberly) Knudsen, grandchildren, Megan (Wellnitz) Watters, Jordain Wellnitz, and Anakin Knudsen, and great grandchildren, Kooper and Kane Watters. Also, survived by his dear brother Thomas (Cindy) Knudsen, and sister-in-law, Georgia Stilp, his nephews and niece and their families. Also survived by many dear friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother-in-law, David Stilp, and fishing buddy Mitch Simon.

The family would like to thank the members of Jefferson County Sheriff Department and Nitardy Funeral Home for their help navigating this ‘life’ event. Also, thank you to all those that expressed their condolences. It is much appreciated!

A celebration of life will be held in early May 2022 for both Bob and Nikki at Willow Brook Golf Course.

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

Nicole (Nikki) Marie (Stilp) Knudsen: September 18, 1945 – December 15, 2021

It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Nicole (Nikki) Marie (Stilp) Knudsen, age 76, on December 15, 2021, just two weeks to the day after losing her husband of 56 years, Robert (Bob) Lewis Knudsen.

Nikki was born on September 18, 1945, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin to David D.E. and Yvonne Marie (Deney) Stilp and spent her entire early life there. She had many stories from these early years, one of which was helping her mom care for all manner of injured animals and nursing them back to health, including skunks, squirrels, raccoons, birds, and so on!

After graduating from Oconomowoc High School, she attended Wisconsin State University – Whitewater where she met her beloved husband, Bob. They were married November 6, 1965, in Oconomowoc and resided in the Milwaukee area while Bob was in the service. After that, they moved back to Whitewater where they lived the remainder of their lives.

Besides her dear family, friends, and faith, another important part of Nikki’s life was art. She explored all manner of artistic endeavor; haiku, papermaking, creating books and designing greeting cards, pencil drawings, and painting that displayed her love of nature in all its forms. She was an accomplished and award-winning water colorist, displaying and selling pieces throughout the Midwest. For several years, she and three others had their own gallery. Active in the art world, she was on the board of the Milwaukee Arts Council, a member of the Black Hawk Artists in Fort Atkinson, was honored with a retrospective of some of her works at the Hoard Museum, etc.

Nikki was predeceased by her husband, her parents, in-laws Lewis and Phyllis Knudsen, brother David Stilp, and many dear family members and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Kara (Mark) Voeller, and son, Leif (Kimberly) Knudsen. Grandchildren Megan (Wellnitz) Watters, Jordain Wellnitz, and Anakin Knudsen. Great grandchildren, Kooper and Kane Watters. Further survived by her Brother-in-law, Thomas (Cindy) Knudsen, Sister-in-law, Georgia Stilp, and her dear niece and nephews and their families. She is also survived by many special family members and friends.

The family would like to thank Nitardy Funeral Home for their help and compassion, Marija for the care and love she provided Nikki in recent years, our beloved Miss Veronica, Miss Jackie, and Miss Nikya for their aid and support during the last weeks of her life. There truly are angels on earth! Also, a special thank you to Rainbow Hospice and their staff.

A celebration of life will be held in May 2022 at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater.

Lyle A Blaedow

(1933 – 2021)

Lyle A Blaedow: age 88, of Whitewater, WI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 23, 2021.

Lyle was born in Waukesha, WI on July 4, 1933, the son of the late William and Orpha (Klix) Blaedow.  

Growing up in Little Prairie, WI Lyle had two brothers and two sisters (Beverly, Judith, Wayne, and Robert “Rocky”).

On October 25, 1951, Lyle married the love of his life Theressa S Grelewics.  Together, they had seven children (Dan, Mike, Debbie, Tim, Randy, Kim and Chris).  Theressa passed in September 1999.

Lyle worked for over 25 years at Trent Tube in East Troy Wisconsin.  Upon retiring, Lyle’s primary focus was his family, traveling, fishing, and becoming closer to his Lord and Savior.  Lyle would often say, “there is a better place for us after our life here on earth is over and that he was ready when the Lord wanted him”.

In recent years, Lyle enjoyed Friday night fish fries with his son Dan and daughter-in-law Dori.  Sunday dinners with his son Kim and daughter-in-law Brenda.  He was also an avid bowler and especially enjoyed spending time with his sister Beverly and her husband Richard shopping and joining friends at the senior center.

Lyle was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who will be greatly missed.  At the end of every encounter, Lyle would always take the time to say, “I love you”.

Lyle also enjoyed sharing his cat Sammy with his many friends and neighbors at Mulberry Glen Apartments.  Neighbors would ask Lyle to “bring Sammy out” so they too could enjoy Sammy’s antics.

Lyle was preceded in death by his father, William, mother, Orpha, wife of 47 years Theressa, daughter Debbie, sons Randy and Michael, brother Wayne, sister Judith Foltz and grandson Mikey .

Lyle is survived by his sons Dan (Dori), Tim (Antonio), Kim (Brenda) and Chris (Maggie) as well as by many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Lyle is further survived by his sister Beverley (Richard) Grosskreutz of Whitewater, WI, his brother Rocky Blaedow of Rhinelander, WI and his sister-in-law Ginger Blaedow of Palmyra, WI and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Thursday January 6, 2022 at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI.  Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 am until time of service.  Private family graveside service will be at Little Prairie Cemetery, Little Prairie, WI.  Online guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Ernestine “Ernie” Vanderlin, 97, of Madison passed away peacefully on Friday, December, 25, 2021 loved by family and friends, at Our House Senior Living in Cambridge.

She was born on March 12, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Francis and Albina (Volkar) Schonta.  She was very proud of her Slovenian heritage.  She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and the University of Chicago, where she met her husband, Carl J. Vanderlin Jr. They were married September 16, 1950 in Chicago.  He preceded her in death March 12, 1982.  They resided in Chicago and Whitewater before settling permanently in Madison in 1961.  She retired in 1991 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she served as Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor.

In 1968, Carl’s position with the University of Wisconsin allowed them to spend three years living in Nairobi, Kenya as part of a foreign aid project.  The experience was one that she cherished and which had a great effect on her life.  While there, Ernie taught English and shorthand at Kianda College in Nairobi.  Ernie enjoyed travel, and often visited her children living in other parts of the United States.  She enjoyed music, reading, sewing in her spare time, and cooking for family, friends, and colleagues.  She also loved to enjoy a daily shot of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey.

Ernie is survived by her six children; Geoff (Roberta) Vanderlin of Dixon, IL, Eric (Anya Piampongsarn) Vanderlin of Albany, CA, Martha Vanderlin of Wailuku, HI, Jenny (Charlie Pors) Vanderlin, Pam (John) Noyd, of Madison, Molly Vanderlin of Madison; and three grandchildren; Scott (Margot Wojdyla) Vanderlin, Carrie (Dan) Widolff, and James Noyd as well as two great-grandchildren; Quinn Widolff-Behrens and Caia Widolff, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Frank (Marcella), Robert (Beatrice) Schonta; and son-in-law, Tim Wheeler.

There will be no public service during this difficult time, but a Celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at a later date when we can all gather safely.

It was Ernie’s wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to Our House Senior Living – Cambridge or Heartland Hospice – Madison.

The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Our House Senior Living in Cambridge and her teams at Heartland Hospice and My Choice; and all who visited her, brought her treats, and made her smile.

The Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jessica Marie Osterberg, age 40 passed away unexpectedly Tuesday December 21, 2021 at her home.  Jessica was born April 2, 1981 to Larry and Evelyn (Nugen) Maize.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1999.  She obtained her certification as a Medical Assistant and then married the love of her life Andrew Osterberg on May 3, 2003.  She worked for many years in surrounding area clinics and currently worked at Blackhawk Technical College. 

Jessica was a kind soul with a generous heart. She possessed a magical spark of joy that those around her cherished. She loved socializing, traveling, getting dressed up and spending time with family and friends.  She was a supportive friend and loved by many. 

Jessica is survived by her husband Andy, her father Larry (Karen) Maize, sisters Mary Ellen (Jason) Mackey and Katlyn Maize, step-father Samuel Rasch, step-brother David Rasch, mother and father-in-law Karlyn and Randy Osterberg, and brothers-in-law Jeffrey (Melinda) Osterberg, and Karl (Tina) Osterberg.  She was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Rasch, and her grandparents.

Visitation will be Friday December 31, 2021 from 5pm-7pm at the Albrecht Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Milton, WI.  Masks are recommended but not required.  

A private family burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.  

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Tucker, 86, on December 24, 2021 from her battle with cancer.  Ellen was born in Palmyra, WI on May 30, 1935. She sang at her first funeral at age 9.  She also sang at weddings, on WCLO Radio and on TV, with one of her many talents being yodeling.

Ellen graduated from WHS in 1952, and married Dean Tucker of Whitewater on July, 13, 1957.  She worked as a telephone switchboard operator and in the UW Whitewater campus police department until her retirement. She belonged to the First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater, where she planned funeral luncheons for its members for many years. 

Ellen was an excellent cook and baker, known for her platters of Christmas cookies and homemade candy, including her famous caramels! She enjoyed motorcycling, gardening and visits with family and friends.

Ellen is survived by Dean, her husband of  64 years, her children Gary Tucker of Oregon City, OR, daughter DeAnn DiPrima of Antioch, IL, grandchildren Sean (Liane) DiPrima of Beloit, WI, Paige DiPrima of Antioch, IL, brother Jerry (Shirley) Grant of Whitewater, sister-in-law Shirley (Eugene) Grant of Batavia, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Eddie, Doris, Margie, Eugene, Sharon, and a baby daughter.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to Agrace Hospice for the care they have given Ellen in her final days.  We would also like to thank family and friends for the many flowers, cards, calls, texts, visits, kind words and prayers that you have given; please know how appreciated and loved you are, and that we are truly grateful to you all.

Visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5 PM to 7 PM. On Thursday, December 30, 2021 visitation will be from 10AM to 11 AM at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater with a memorial service to follow.  Burial will be held after the service at Hillside Cemetery of Whitewater. Memorials can be made to the First English Lutheran Church, Agrace, the Jefferson County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.  Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.