Life Events

Obituary of Mary J. Goeglein has been updated with arrangements

A Memorial Service will be held to honor the life of Mary J. Goeglein on May 22, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Evergreen Country Club in the Pavillion, N6246 US-12, Elkhorn, WI 53121 .  Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m., with visitation afterwards until 5:00 p.m.  Please note masks will be required.

Mary J. Goeglein, 61, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by her family on October 22nd, 2020.

Mary was born on November 29th, 1958 in Fort Atkinson to Robert A. and Jane E. (Graham) Kettwig. She spent all of her early life in Whitewater; graduating from Whitewater High School in 1977 and then UW-Whitewater in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. On June 1st, 1979, she married the love of her life, Walter “Wally” Goeglein, at United Methodist Church in Whitewater. After graduating, she pursued a career at her alma mater as an administrative assistant. Here, she touched many lives and dearly enjoyed mentoring and building friendships with her student workers.  Many kept in contact with her after their graduation and she enjoyed following their further careers and adventures. 

Many described Mary as a caring, warm-hearted person that was always willing to help others. She was gentle yet bold, and always had so much love to give. Her smile was bright and contagious; she lit up any room she entered. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; and enjoyed cooking wonderful meals for family and friends.  One of her favorite activities was riding her Can-Am Spyder “Cora” and she was a beloved member of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. She loved all things Disney and made many trips “home” to Walt Disney World which brought her so much joy.  She enjoyed watching Badger, Packer and Brewer games and loved the spirit of Wisconsin sports. One event you could always find her at was Irish Fest in Milwaukee; enjoying the music, the food and all things Celtic.

Mary is survived by her husband Wally; her son Graham (Autumn White) Goeglein of Madison; her daughter Jessica (Tom) Ackley of Raymond; her brothers Thomas (Toni) Kettwig of Poinciana, FL, and Dan (Kathy) Kettwig of Port Orchard, WA; and her grandchildren Abraham and Harrison Ackley; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Estelle Villwock.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Agrace Hospice, Cedar Crest Assisted Living, and Visiting Angels for all of their compassion and kindness.

A memorial service for Mary will be held in the Spring of 2021 when we can all gather to share our beloved memories of her and honor her spirit.

Memorials in Mary’s name may be given to the ALS Association at their website donate.als.org to benefit ALS research.  You can also send a memorial in her name to Agrace Hospice by either going to their website or if you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to “Agrace Foundation” and mail it to: Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Roscoe J. Harrison, 94, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Services

Roscoe J. Harrison, 94, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.

Roscoe was born on April 12, 1927 in Marion, Ohio to Roscoe and Rosetta (Gibbs) Harrison.
After graduating high school, Roscoe enlisted in the United States Navy as a seaman first class. On October 22, 1949, Roscoe married the love of his life, Josephine, in West Allis. He enjoyed a successful career working for AT&T as an instructor for commercial phone systems.

Roscoe was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.

Roscoe is survived by his son, Martin (Eileen); grandsons, Kendall (Jessica) and Nathan (Stephanie) Harrison; great-grandchildren, Spencer, Cole, Kai, Nina and Julian Harrison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Rosetta; Wife, Josephine; daughter, Gale Ann.

Funeral Services will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The service can be attended virtually at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7902565423. A burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson.

The family would like to give special thanks to Fairhaven Senior Services and Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson County for their exceptional care for Roscoe. Memorials, if desired, can be made to Fairhaven Senior Services, or Rainbow Hospice.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Steven Emmet Parrish, 68, Whitewater, formerly of Tomah, passed away at home on Monday, May 17, 2021 surrounded by his family

Steven Emmet Parrish, 68, Whitewater, formerly of Tomah, WI passed away at home on Monday, May 17, 2021 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with lung cancer..

Steve was born on January 4, 1953 in Milwaukee, WI to Lorenzo and Joyce (Doyle) Parrish. He graduated from Royall High School in Elroy, WI in 1971. He then went on to make a lifelong career in maintenance engineering and retired 5 years ago.

Steve lived a simple life and found joy in spending time with his loved ones. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was also a Wisconsin sports enthusiast. He loved to watch the Badgers, Bucks and Brewers, but believed that there was no greater team than the Green Bay Packers.

One of his greatest qualities was his relationship with his grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Gramps” by them and their friends. He was a hands-on grandpa and spent as much time with them as he could. He was truly up for anything. This would include fishing trips, rooting them on at sporting events, playing video games, board games, puzzles, going strawberry picking, dying Easter eggs, carving pumpkins, attending music concerts, State Fair trips and even attending a Comic-Con event.

He will be remembered for his great love of family, his gentle soul, a tireless devotion to his grandchildren, a witty sense of humor, and a lifestyle of simplicity.

He is survived by his children: Nate (Molly) Parrish, Whitewater, Christopher Parrish, Milwaukee; grandchildren Bryce and Maci Parrish; siblings Vikki Parrish, Madison, Gail (Walter) Spodeck, Shallimar, FL, SueAnne (Bill Rudy) Parrish, Louisville, KY, Wanda Elliott, Tomah, WI, Jan Parrish, Hoonah, AK, Scott Parrish, Winston-Salem, NC, Tracy Parrish, Tomah, WI, Jill (Marc Gabrielson) Noel, Onalaska, WI. He is preceded in death by his mother Joyce Chase and step-father LaVerne Chase, father Lorenzo Parrish.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice or to the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

James “Jim” Treder, 83, of Whitewater passed away on May 15th, 2021 at the Mulberry Glen Senior Living Community

Jim was born on November 12th, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to Donald and Eleanor (Zingheim) Treder. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School. Jim served his country in the United States Army for 8 years. He married Henrietta Herman on December 14th, 1974 in Milwaukee, WI. Jim worked for Bucyrus Erie Foundry and Grede Foundry in Milwaukee. Jim was a gifted athlete who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for a short time. He was an avid NASCAR fan and worked at the Daytona Speedway for 8 years. In 1995, Jim and Henrietta adopted each other’s adult children, resulting in the largest adoption of adult children in Milwaukee County. He loved his 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren very much. In 2019, Jim and his son Craig went on the Honor Flight to Washington DC. The family appreciated the staff and volunteers and their effort in making it possible.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Henrietta of Whitewater; children Cindy (Bob Dietz) Trapp, Craig (Shelly) Treder, Tim Treder, Colleen Treder, Brian Treder, Kelly (Bruce) Bayer, Donald Treder; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; sister Joan (Gene) Esche, Arizona; god daughters Sandy Suhm and Jodi Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the LaGrange Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the staff at Mulberry Glen and Rainbow Hospice for their care of Jim. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider sending memorials to the Whitewater High School Athletic Department in Jim’s name.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Filemon “Fil” Co Yao, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – surrounded by his loving family

Filemon “Fil” Co Yao (given name, Yao Yee Thun), 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 – surrounded by his loving family. Fil was born November 12, 1933 in Fukien, China to parents Yao Bong Hok and Co Ay. He was one of 9 siblings.

Fil moved from China to the Philippines at the age of 7, where he hid in the hills during WWII. After, he went on to support his father’s various businesses. Eventually, he attended medical school, graduating from The University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of The Philippines, in 1958. Fil’s mother supported his move to The United States, where he continued his medical studies. In 1959, he landed in Evergreen Park, Illinois to complete his surgical residency at The Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH). At LCMH he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Donnellan – a nursing school student – whom he married in 1963.

In 1967, Fil and Betsy moved their young family to Whitewater, Wisconsin after Fil was recruited by Dr. Stephen Ambrose to open a local practice. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was on staff at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief of Surgery multiple times, until his retirement in 1995. He touched many lives through his practice and his involvement in the local community. To this day, there is probably only one degree of separation between those he impacted and the community he embraced – and that embraced him.

After retirement, Fil and Betsy moved to northern Illinois where Fil enjoyed playing golf (just as he did at the Whitewater Country Club), going out to dinner, sipping a good scotch (especially if it was on sale), and playing the markets. He was happiest when surrounded by his family. A July 2019 trip to his ancestral home and birthplace was one of his favorites – culminating with a family reunion and family wedding. His last trip to Hawaii is one that the family will cherish forever – as it was over the holidays, just prior to the pandemic – and where he was joined by over 20 relatives from around the world.

Fil is loved and survived by his wife, Betsy, and their three children – Phillip (Alison), James (Sarah), and Maria; one granddaughter, Elli; his brother, Benito (given name, Yao Yee Pua) (wife, Annie); and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces. He died surrounded by his adoring family, with Jeopardy – an afternoon ritual with Betsy – on in the background. He will forever be remembered for his infectious smile, twinkling eyes, and welcoming demeanor.

Per Fil’s wishes, the family is not planning a formal memorial service at this time. However, the family invites anyone who wishes to share a favorite photo and/or story to visit the tribute wall to Fil at: https://www.myfarewelling.com/memorial/filemon-yao

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation (noting that the gift is for the Dr. Yao Memorial Fund):

Via check – payable to:
The Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation
611 E. Sherman Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Via the website –
http://www.forthealthcare.com/ways-give/foundation/

Carole Ellen Oker, age 80, was called home by the Lord on April 28, 2021

Carole Ellen Oker, age 80, was called home by the Lord on April 28, 2021. Carole was married to her devoted husband Don for 60 years after a 6-year courtship. They raised two wonderful children: Kimberly Schauder (Brandt) and Marc (Jessica) Oker. She loved her grandchildren: Emily Schauder, Samantha Oker, Sydney Oker, Steven Lorenzo and Alyssa Lorenzo. She was born in Chicago, IL to Francis and Regina (nee Osadnik) Leavy on April 6, 1941. Carole was preceded in death by her brother James and sister Sharon.

A service will be held on Saturday June 12, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI: 10:00 a.m. visitation; 10:30 a.m. dedication presentation; and 11 am Mass with Father Mark Niehaus officiating. 

Please join family and friends after the service at 841 Brewhouse – Whitewater Room, 841 E. Milwaukee Street, Whitewater.

Patricia Yvonne Maas, 78, Whitewater, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 on her return trip from their winter residence in Green Valley, AZ

Patricia Yvonne Maas, 78, Whitewater, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 on her return trip from their winter residence in Green Valley, AZ.

Pat was born on April 20, 1943 in California to Joe and Esther Anderson. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1961. She married Dale Maas on October 13, 1962 in Beaver Dam. Pat and Dale owned and operated Dale’s Bootery in Whitewater for 37 years. She enjoyed reading, camping, skiing, and many other outdoor activities. Pat also enjoyed cooking with Dale most of their 58 year marriage. Pat and Dale spent many of their retirement winters in Arizona.

She is survived by her husband Dale; children Jeffrey ( Sharon) Maas, Cortland, IL, Renee (Rick Oberlin) Maas Cerney, Bryant, AR; grandchildren Sarah (Matthew Larson) Maas, Jacob Maas, Spencer Chapman, Mackenzie Cerney, and Ben Cerney; sister, Sandy (Richard Ross) Anderson, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by parents.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Services Announced for Mary Ellen Pope, who passed away on March 13, 2020

Mary Ellen Pope, a long-time resident of Whitewater, Wisconsin, lost her battle with Multiple Myeloma on Friday, March 13, 2020, at the age of 91, at Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care in Janesville, Wisconsin. Born to August and Helen (Wellnitz) Frei on March 8, 1929, in Chewelah, Washington, she was the fifth of eight children. When she was a toddler, the family packed up everything they could fit in their 1927 Chevy sedan and traveled back to Wisconsin during the Great Depression. She attended Finch School in La Prairie, a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade, and even though she was bothered by her lack of a high school diploma, it never stopped her from going for something she set her heart on achieving. While working on the family farm with her parents and siblings, she learned a strong work ethic, which showed when she was named the Chicken Plucking Champion at the Rock County Fair as a teenager. Mary Ellen was a fun-loving girl who loved to dance and it was at a barn dance she met Charles Donald Pope and fell for him and his motorcycle. In 1950 they married in Janesville at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and in 1965 they moved their family to Whitewater. Each time Mary Ellen had one of their nine children, she was back in the barn, with the baby in a stroller, helping milk cows and finish chores. After Donald’s death in 1967, Mary Ellen ignored popular opinion about a woman in business and continued to run the farming operation with her sons. In 1971, Mary Ellen married Robert James McCulloch at St. Patrick Catholic Church and in 1972 they had a daughter, Yvonne. Even though the marriage ended in divorce, they remained great friends until his passing in 1985. Mary Ellen was a very active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Whitewater and through the 55 years she attended she served as a Parish Council Member, Parish Trustee, Acolyte, and on the Christian Women’s Altar Society. One thing was always clear that St Patrick’s was a second home to Mary Ellen.

Mary Ellen will be missed by her children: Charles (Linda), Michael (Karen), Kevin (Nancy), Virgil (Sandra),Craig (Cathleen), Anne (Brian) Morgan, Serena (Lance) Elliott, Donald (Sally) and Yvonne (Scott) Fanshaw; daughters in law: Betty, Kathy, and Lisa; as well as her grandchildren: Carrie (Jason) Mathison, Christopher (Jill) Pope, Nathan (Carrie) Pope, Abigail Zinzow, Charles J.(Liz) Pope, Michael A. Pope, Olivia (Chris) Hale, August Pope, Ryan Pope, Anson (Sara) Pope, Wade (Shalanna) Pope, Shane (Rebecca) Pope, Angie Pope, Rebecca (Paul) Morris, Sarah Pope, Virgil S.(Marissa) Pope, Elyssa Pope, Emma Pope, Audrey Pope, Jonathan Pope, Helena Pope, Ashlee (Jacob) Prochnow, Torrin (Angela) Thatcher, Madeleine (Craig) Spangler, Carli Pope, Peyton Pope, Savannah Pope, Gabriel Pope, Jenna Pope, Kenley Pope, Grace Fanshaw, and Sophia Fanshaw; 24 great grandchildren; her sister, Linae Frei; sisters in law: Agnes Frei, Shirley Thompson, and Darlene Pozin; plus many beloved nieces and nephews and close friends. She will be greeted in heaven by her sons, Mark and Paul; son in law, Thomas K. Thatcher; daughter in law, Sonja Isaacsen; grandchildren-in-law, Jason Zinzow and Teresa Pope; her parents; and siblings: Cecelia Sowles, Joseph Frei, Leo Frei, Marguerite Frei, Cletus Frei, and Patricia Clark.

Through all the hard times and tragedies in her life, Mary Ellen’s faith in God and Jesus sustained her and held her up. Her strength is an inspiration to everyone who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, WHITEWATER, with Rev. Mark Niehaus officiating. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic all guests are asked to please wear a mask and practice good social distancing practices. Interment was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family with arrangements.  Donations in Mary Ellen’s name can be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care, Janesville.  For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

The family would like to thank Dr. Natalie Callender, Michelle Lackner, and the team for Multiple Myeloma at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for giving us two years longer with Mom.  A grateful thank you to Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care in Janesville for their caring and kindness through the loss of mom and helping her make a dignified passing to Heaven.

Eugene “Gene” Goeglein passed away peacefully on April 26, 2021 in Lake in the Hills, IL surrounded by his family

Eugene Goeglein
Born: November 10, 1949 in Fort Atkinson, WI
Died: April 26, 2021 in Lake in the Hills

Eugene “Gene” Thomas Goeglein , 71, of Lake in the Hills Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021 surrounded by his family. Gene was born November 10, 1949 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to parents Eugene and Rosemary (nee Roe) Goeglein.

Gene resided in Whitewater, Wisconsin until he went off to study education at the University of Nebraska. He received his Bachelor’s in education while playing football for the Nebraska Cornhusker’s as a walk on. This is where the start of his lifelong love for the Nebraska Football Program began. Gene went onto receive his Master’s in Education from the University of Madison and completed his education with post graduate work in education policy and leadership studies at Loyola University.

Gene spent 41 years in the field of education, having many roles including physical education teacher, football/track/wrestling coach, athletic director, dean of students, principal and finished his career as the Regional Superintendent of McHenry County. Gene retired in 2011, however continued to work with the schools, performing health, life and safety inspections until 2020.

While Gene loved his career, nothing meant more to him than his two daughters, Kate and Kristie. The love he had for his girls was evident in everything he did. That love became seven times sweeter when they gave him the most precious gift of all, his grandchildren. In the many roles he had throughout his life, “Papa” was by far his proudest and most honored role.

When Gene wasn’t working, with his family, or cheering on his Huskers, he could be found on the golf course, sharing his famous jokes and stories with the lifelong friends he made on the greens.

Gene will be remembered by his daughters, Kate (Adam) Brink, and Kristie (Aaron Krejci) Brokaw, their mother Linda Goeglein, his grandchildren, Jay, Cameron, Taylor, Owen, Gavin, Cayden, and Alivia, his siblings, Maribeth McLaughlin, Walter Goeglein, and Catherine (Jamie) Heber, along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene’s name may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, as he was always giving back to the children, he spent his life educating.

Visitation will be Monday, May 3, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to time of prayer service 6:30 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Mass will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.

For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com

Jean Annette Bergey, 68, Whitewater, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 at her home

Jean Annette Bergey, 68, Whitewater, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 at her home.

Jean was born on December 13, 1952 in Madison, WI to Kenneth and Mae (Nygaard) Kleppe. She graduated from Mount Horeb High School. Jean married Mark Bergey on November 15, 1969. She worked alongside her husband at Bergey Jewelry Store in Whitewater from 1975 until they retired in 2018. Jean enjoyed spending time with family, reading, bowling, needlepoint including Norwegian Bell Pulls. She also loved her casino trips with the girls, shopping and trips in the ’57 and ’05 T-Birds.

She is survived by her husband Mark; daughter Heidi (Michael) Hayes, Whitewater; grandchildren Melanie (Jason Knilans) Hayes and Dustin Hayes; sister Judy (Richard) Weichmann, Monticello, WI.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com