Life Events

Calvin “Jim” Johansen, 74, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in Union Grove.

Jim was born on October 30, 1946 to Everett and Helene (Cash) Johansen in Janesville. He attended Whitewater High School and after graduating, immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. Jim served his term in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged. On November 6, 1968 Jim married Patricia Brown at Whitewater Assembly of God Church. He worked at Hawthorn Mellody in Whitewater until it closed, and also worked at UW-Whitewater as a maintenance technician.

Jim loved watching sports, and enjoyed helping people, belonging to his church and reading his Bible. He saw to it that he joined his family in many activities, including camping. He also liked playing ping-pong, card games, and taking his kids fishing.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pat Johansen; sons, Dean Johansen, Tom (Brooke) Johansen, Steve (Patience) Johansen; grandchildren, Dean, Austin, Jake (Nicole), Ashton, Aidan, Avery, Isaiah, Ander, Caleb, Aubrey; one great-grandchild, Emmalynn; siblings, Diana (Jeff) Simes, Howard (Sue) Higgins, Pamela (Terry) Stritzel; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father: Everett Johansen, mother: Helene (Cash) Higgins, step-father: John Higgins, and brother: John Johansen.

Memorial services will take place at noon on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Turning Point Church in Janesville. Visitation will take place from 11AM until the time of service.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Wisconsin Veteran’s Home for their exceptional care for Jim.

A donation can be made in Jim’s name to Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, 620 S 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53214, or Wisconsin Parkinson Association, 16655 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 330 Brookfield, WI 53005.

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

Waunakee – Gordon Elliott Parks passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Waunakee Manor, in the presence of family members.

Gordon was born in Indianapolis on February 25, 1929, to Howard Elliott Parks and Angela (Collins) Parks, the third of four children. He attended school in Indianapolis and in St Louis, Missouri. He received the B.A. from the University of Missouri in 1950, where he was inducted into the Mystical Seven and Phi Beta Kappa. In 1954 he obtained the master’s degree from the same school. He was awarded the PhD in History from the University of Wisconsin — Madison in 1964.

Professor Parks taught history in Texas: at the University of North Texas in Denton and at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, and in Wisconsin: at the University of Wisconsin — Whitewater, where he also served for many years as University Archivist. He retired in 1991.

From 1948-1979 Gordon served in the Army Reserve, then in the Army, and then in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.

On May 10, 1952, Gordon married Helen Ruth Lowry after a short courtship. They were married for nearly 62 years.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents, his brother John and John’s wife Margaret, by his sister Marian and her husband William, by his brothers-in-law Bert Weidinger and Fritz Lowry, by sisters-in-law Marie Lowry and Ann Lowry, by an infant son Danny, and by his son-in-law Tony Spragg.

Gordon is survived by seven children: Alan (Jean), Frank, Katie, Elizabeth (Willard Hanson), Christopher (special friend Caroline Jam), Howard (fiancee Sammy), and Matthew (Linda). He is survived by eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, by his sister Evelyn Weidinger, and by his sister-in-law Etta Johnson, and by many nieces and nephews.

Gordon enjoyed trips to the lake home, classical music, cooking, baking bread, and politics.

Gordon’s family thanks St Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Waunakee Manor and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate and expert care.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

Lolita Ann Matson Kachel, 92, passed away peacefully with family by her side September 2, 2021 at her home in Whitewater after a brief illness. Lolita was a local businesswoman and philanthropist, as well as a mother of 7 and grandmother of 12.

Born April 10, 1929 in Wausau WI to John and Laura Matson, Lolita spent her early years in Ringle, WI and her high school years in Eagle River, WI.  Her father, John B. Matson was Vilas County Superintendent of Schools and was a major influence on her appreciating the value of education.  

Growing up in the North Woods, Lolita loved spending summers with her Finnish Grandma Emma Matson and aunts on their farm, overlooking Sand Lake in Phelps, WI.  Sand Lake was also the summer home of Al Capone’s lawyer, and her aunts entertained her with tales of Capone hiding out at his lawyer’s home when things got “too hot” in Chicago.

Lolita attended Whitewater State Teachers College in 1946. She enjoyed college and was a member and president of the Women’s Self Government Association, president of Theta Sigma Upsilon Sorority and a member of the A Capella and Treble Clef choirs. While attending college she met her husband, David L. Kachel. Shortly after graduating in 1950 with a degree in Business Education, Lolita and Dave wed on August 27, 1950 in Eagle River, WI. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing in February, 2011.

Lolita first taught in Mishicot, WI.  Later, while raising her family, she worked side by side with her husband in the family businesses.  Her business skills acquired in college proved invaluable throughout her life partnership with Dave at the Wisconsin Dairy Supply, later in the real estate business of DLK Enterprises, Hawk Bowl, and Brookdale and Blackhawk Manors. Lolita was on the Board of Commercial Bank for 40 years and served as Chairman for 6 of those years.

Lolita and Dave were huge supporters of education at all levels. Together they donated funds to Whitewater Unified School District for the fulfillment of many educational and sports projects. They were founding donors of the Whitewater Aquatic Center to ensure that swimming could become a sport at Whitewater High School, as well as being utilized by the public.  They awarded numerous scholarships to WHS students to assist with college costs. 

At UW-Whitewater Lolita and Dave supported numerous UW-Whitewater projects to improve the campus. These included the DLK/Kachel Fieldhouse, the Gymnasium in Williams Center, the Kachel Family Sports Complex, the Center for Entrepreneurship in Hyland Hall and the Kachel Center in Young Auditorium. Throughout the years many UW-W students have received scholarships and been employed in various Kachel businesses. 

In 1995 Lolita received the Distinguished UW-W Alumni Award. She and Dave were awarded the UW-W 1990 Service Award, as well as the UW-W Athletic Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award in 1998.

Lolita and Dave were founding supporters of the Whitewater Food Pantry. Lolita continued supporting numerous community organizations, including the Whitewater Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and Bassett House Federation of Women’s Clubs.

The Methodist Church was an integral part of Lolita’s life.  She was a 71-year member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of Esther Circle. In later years, she watched every Sunday service at home on TV.  Lolita and Dave were also instrumental in the establishment of Whitewater churches’ Bethel House.

Lolita’s greatest joys in later years were visits by her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her Children: Linda (David Katz) Sherman Oaks, CA; Jon (Terri), Whitewater; David (Trish) Milton, WI; Laurence (Karen) Whitewater; Kerri (Jeff McDonald) Whitewater; Thomas (Jenny) Madison, WI; and Michael (Sonia) Kachel, Whitewater. Grandchildren: Andrew, David Jon, Kristyn, Kaili, Samantha, Max, Molly, Jourden, Madeline, Emery, Camden, and Keaton Kachel. Sisters: Donna Berg, Whitewater; Eunice (Rolf) Grimsrud, Superior, WI and Sister-in-law Mia Matson, Poway, CA. Nieces: Brenda (Berg) Lowry, Appleton, WI; Sandra (Berg) Miller, Madison, WI; Lisa Olberg, Minneapolis, MN; Debra Grimsrud, Superior. WI. Nephews: John Matson, Poway, CA; Donald (Star) Matson, Pasadena, CA. Grandnieces: Logan Lowry; Mia and Zoe Matson. Predeceased family include: Husband David L. Kachel; Parents John B. and Laura E. Matson, Laurence M. and Jessie A. Kachel; Brother John E. Matson and Brother-in-law Rodney D. Berg.

Our heartfelt thanks for the special care provided by the My Care of Wisconsin team, Patti DePorter, RN and Agrace Hospice Care. Many thanks to family, friends and neighbors for their calls, cards and visits.

Funeral services will be held Thursday September 9, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater at 12 noon with visitation at the church from 10 am until noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The First United Methodist Church, the Whitewater Food Pantry, or the UW-W Foundation Student Scholarship Fund.

Phyllis Jane Butke, 91, Whitewater passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville.

Phyllis was born on July 5, 1930 in Whitewater, WI to Emil and Anna (Krueger) Storck.  She attended Whitewater City High School.  Phyllis married Harley Butke on November 26, 1948.  He preceded her in death on November 12, 1990.  She and Harley raised 3 children: Robert, Connie and Lori. Once the children went to school Phyllis worked for Whitewater Electronics and Universal Electronics for many years.  She enjoyed bowling, camping, playing cards and snowmobiling.  Most of all she loved being with her family. Phyllis was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

She is survived by her children: Robert (Vangie) Butke, San Antonio, TX, Lori (Scott) Oldenburg, Whitewater; grandchildren: Robert (Alex) Butke, Cheryl (John), Stephanie Butke, Adam (Micki) Oldenburg, Andy (Hannah) Oldenburg, Ariana Oldenburg, Shelly Cole, Nicholas (Kacy) Meyer; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Genny Goehl; brother, Melvin (Judy) Storck; sister-in-law, Susan Storck.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Connie Meyer; sister Rosie Peyer; brother, Lawrence Storck.

A private burial service will be held at Richmond Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Whitewater, WI—Ernest (Ernie) Robert Staebler, Age 81 passed away Monday August 30, 2021 at Fairhaven in Whitewater, WI following a courageous battle with Brain Cancer.

Ernie was born in Burlington, WI to parents Bertha & Paul Staebler on December 14^th, 1939. He grew up in Waterford, WI where he graduated from Waterford High School. Ernie was baptized, confirmed, & married at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Waterford, WI. Ernie married Margaret N. Mayer on September 18^th, 1965 and was married almost 56 years. Ernie spent his working life employed as a precision tool grinder (33 years) at Charter Wire in Milwaukee, WI.

Ernie & Marge moved to Whitewater, WI in 1981 when they started their custard stand Frosty’s Frozen Custard and ran it for 23 years. During his time at Frosty’s you could see him after work most days at Frosty’s working in his vast flower gardens. He earned much recognition from his gardens including a commendation from Gov. Thompson and a writeup in national publication Birds & Blooms. When he wasn’t working in his gardens he loved to fish & hunt. Thru the years you would have found him on dartball & horseshoe leagues in the area where he loved razzing his competition.

Ernie is survived by his wife Margaret (Mayer) Staebler and their two remaining children, Charlene Staebler & Keith Staebler. His youngest daughter Teresa (Ryan) Pope lost her battle with Cancer in 2018. Ernie has four grandchildren. Brianna & Skylar Staebler (Keith), and Madisyn & Logan Pope (Ryan & Teresa). Ernie has two older brothers Paul II (Sharon) Staebler and William (Marilyn) Staebler. He is preceded in passing by his father Paul I Staebler and mother Bertha (Moritz) Staebler.

Funeral services will be held Monday September 6^th, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI. Visitation will be from 1-3pm. Services will be conducted at 3 pm by Pastor Steven Blyth of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Palmyra. Celebration of life to follow.

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

Gayle Lynne Golinski, 82, of Fort Atkinson passed away on September 1, 2021 at her home.

Gayle was born on April 7, 1939 in Fort Atkinson to Urban and Dorothy (Leedle) Beischel. She attended Fort Atkinson High School and graduated in 1957. Gayle was very active in band and received a band scholarship, but passed it up to get married to her high school sweetheart, Jerry. She was Homecoming Queen of 1956. On July 24, 1957 she and Jerry Golinski were married in Bettendorf, IA and together they had three children. Together, they owned and operated the Arcadia Lanes in Fort Atkinson and Jerry’s Polish Palace. In her later years, Gayle enjoyed working with the public at various establishments, with most recently being at Mobil Station in Fort Atkinson.

She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was very proud of them all. Gayle was a very giving person and never would take anything in return. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler, carrying an average of 180 and passed along this talent to her three children. Gayle loved her lottery tickets and she and her beloved dog, Oliver, drove all around to get them; always hoping she would be the big winner. She enjoyed her daily phone conversations with her siblings and would often get together with them for luncheons.

Gayle is survived by her children, Lynne (Doug) Blank, Julie (Brad) Peterson, Steven Golinski; grandchildren, Lucas Waga, Lacey Waga, Carleena Blank, Alexa Blank, Colton Peterson; great-grandchildren, Jayden Olson, Chase Waga; brother, Dean; sisters, Shirley and Karen; beloved dog, Oliver; nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; brothers, Joe and Dick; and sister, Barbara.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. A burial will take place at a later date at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Anne Elizabeth Johnson (Nee Wilmot), devoted wife of Robert, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 30, 2021 at the age of 77 in Oconomowoc, WI. She was born on August 8, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI. Preceded in death by her parents Teresa Wilmot and Robert Wilmot. Survived by her three children Christopher, Teresa (Gary) and Julia (Blake), grandson Michael and brothers Mike, Robert and Jim (Paulette). Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Anne graduated from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in 1962 and later married Robert on September 18, 1965 at St. Sebastian Church in Milwaukee, WI. This year would have been their 56^th wedding anniversary. Anne graduated from Harper College in Palatine, IL and then worked as a registered nurse caring for developmentally disabled individuals for over 30 years. She was actively involved in events and fundraising for Northpointe Resources (now Aspire), a service provider for disabled individuals. She enjoyed reading, home decorating and gathering with her family and friends. Anne and Robert lived in Arlington Heights, IL until 2018 when they moved to Whitewater, WI.

A memorial service and final place of rest is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Aspire Living.

Donations by mail can be made to:

Attn: Kristen Hermes
Aspire
1815 S. Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162

Donations by phone can be made to:

Director of Creative Philanthropy Kristen Hermes at 708.236.0979, extension 3592.

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

Jean Ann Lyford, 91, of Whitewater, Wis., entered into Heaven on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.

Jean was born on May 8, 1930, in Big Bend, Wis., to John and Ethel (Raht) Keller. She graduated in 1948 from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wis. On Sept. 20, 1952, Jean married John Lyford. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2021. She dearly loved her family, and she supported John in his ministry in several areas of the country, including churches in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oconto, Wis. Jean also was active in Beja Shriners of Green Bay, with Daughters of the Nile.

She is survived by her children: Susan (Jeffery) Woods, Fort Atkinson, Timothy Lyford, Green Bay; grandchildren: Jennifer (Joe Zweep) Woods, Michael (Laura) Woods; great-grandson Rowan Zweep. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Marjorie Kirchenberg.

A memorial service will be held in the near future at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater. Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to Bethel House in Whitewater or online at PresbyterianMission.org. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Allen Luzi, of Whitewater, passed away August 6, 2021.

Allen was the beloved son of Mark and Katherine Luzi. He is survived by his mother, Katherine, and brothers, Andrew and Armin.

No service is planned at this time.