Life Events

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 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 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

Phyllis J. Hoffer, 74, of Fort Atkinson, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021 at her home.

Phyllis was born on July 21, 1946 in Whitewater, daughter of the late William and Ruth (Fields) Carroll. She married Marvin Hoffer at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater on June 1, 1968.

Phyllis was very active with her children while they were growing up; she was their Scout Leader, Den Mother and Sunday school teacher. She also had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren.

Phyllis was a kindhearted lady who always wore a smile on her face, no matter what challenges she faced. She led by example and stayed strong to the end.

Phyllis had worked for many years at UW-Whitewater.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Marvin Hoffer; children, Curt Hoffer, Dawn (Jay Pitz) Masone, Lana (fiancé, Mike Moreland) Hoffer and Paul Hoffer; grandchildren, Thaddeus Hoffer and Katie and Jacob Erdman; her sister, Portialee Armstrong and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. Friends may call from 1 p.m. at the church until time of service.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

A Memorial Service will be held to honor the life of Donald “Doc” Kelley on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  A visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Donald “Doc” Merl Kelley, 64, Whitewater, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Doc was born on August 14, 1956 in Elkhorn, WI to Lloyd and Irene (Clifford) Kelley.  He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1975.  On October 2, 1982 Doc married Cindy Lasee in DePere, WI.

He worked for Triebold Implement for 25 years as a semi-truck driver.  Doc then worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian at Washington Elementary School for 18 years.  He loved being around the people and the kids.  They were like family.  Doc was a volunteer firefighter for Whitewater for 29 years.  He enjoyed camping, watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers and the Warhawk football team.  Doc was known for the phrase “Hi-ya, Hi-ya”. 

He is survived by his wife Cindy, Whitewater; children Natalie (Ryan) Mussack, Prairie Du Sac, WI, and Lauren Kelley, Whitewater; siblings Kay Wall, Florida, Lloyd Kelley, Jefferson, Janet (Eric) Gill, Beloit, Richard (Pat) Kelley, Footville, and Ron Kelley, Whitewater; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to the Whitewater Fire Department in Doc’s name.  The family would like to thank Alden Estates and Agrace Hospice for the care they showed to Doc.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

William Truman (Bill) Berry, 88, of Whitewater, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, April 16, 2021. Bill was born in Boone, Iowa on September 30, 1932. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Pauline and Jack Mustapha. Bill had four siblings: Jo Betty (Barrow) Tyler, Patty Ann Barrow, Karen (Mustapha) Langmade, and Jack Mustapha. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth (nee Stotts).

Bill graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. After working in Holstein, Iowa for five years as a teacher, head boys basketball coach, freshman-sophomore football coach and freshman-sophomore track coach at Holstein High School, Bill completed his master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The Berry family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin where Bill would oversee setting up a new athletic training department at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He would also teach in the physical education department. He spent 24 wonderful years at UWW.

In 1985 Bill enjoyed a two-year stay in Manama, Bahrain where he was employed by the Bahraini government. His many faceted jobs included teaching and research at the Bahraini College of Health Sciences, rehabilitation of injured athletes, establishing fitness clubs for adults, and conducting hospital seminars and consulting.

In 1997, Bill was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame. He was also honored by his induction into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Bill is survived by his children, Kim (Lee) Woyahn, and Kris Smith; his grandchildren, Kendra (Nic) Barnes, Michael and Jenny Woyahn, Joshua (Jamie) and McKenna Smith; his great grandchildren Emily and Cora, and many other family and friends.

Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, and taking walks with Ruth up north in Arbor Vitae in the summers and in Orange Beach, Alabama in the winter months. He will be missed by family and friends. A private memorial service will be held at a later date in the Northwoods.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.

Evelyn F. Shields, 92, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021. She was the beloved mother of Russell W. (Velma) Shields, Beaver, PA, Thomas F. (Marilyn) Shields, Kokomo, IN, Adelaide (Michael) Atkielski, Elkhorn, WI; 5 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James, and daughter Barbara Shields. Evelyn enjoyed gardening and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will be in the Lakewood Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Cheswick, PA. Memorials may be made in Evelyn’s name to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Marcus “Mark” E. De Mott, 96, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Mark was born on December 4, 1924 to Hugh and Agnes (McCann) De Mott in DeTour, Michigan.  He graduated from De Tour High School and began working in agriculture in his early adult years in Illinois.  While in Illinois, he left farming and began working in manufacturing. During this time, he was offered a promotion which brought him to Whitewater, where he resided the remainder of his life.  He opened the De Mott Coffee Cup (in the late 50’S & early 60’s) where many people gathered for lunch, dinner or friendly conversation over a cup of coffee.   His entrepreneurial spirit helped him pursue other endeavors throughout his working career.  In 1993, Mark married Mavis Thorne at St. Patrick Catholic Church. 

Mark was a very generous person and had a great sense of humor.  He was very innovative; his age did not limit him.  His faith and family were most important to him.  Mark was an active member St. Patrick Catholic Church. 

Mark is survived by his siblings, Sister Frances De Mott, IBVM, Lester (Joyce) De Mott, Sister Marguerite De Mott, SSND, Norma Killips, Gerald (Cindy) De Mott, and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by parents, Hugh and Agnes De Mott; wife, Mavis De Mott; siblings, Orson (Rosemary) De Mott Sr., Joan (Edward) Grossback, Carol De Mott; brother-in-law, Benjamin Killips Sr.; nephew, Martin De Mott; and niece, Frances Parks.

Funeral services will take place at 11AM on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place from 9:30AM until the time of services.  You may attend the service virtually at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/423992136.  A burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery following services.

A donation can be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mark’s name.

The family would like to give special thanks to Heather Schneider for her exceptional care for Mark.

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

Arnold (Arnie) Jacobs, 88, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2021. He was born on February 9, 1933 to Marion and Minerva Jacobs. He was Father to three boys, Grandpa to six grandchildren and Great Grandpa to four great grandchildren.

Arnie farmed from the moment he could reach the pedals of a tractor and continued until he couldn’t anymore. His dad (Marion) was a John Deere dealer in Whitewater, but that didn’t stop his love of Allis Chalmers orange tractors. He used the Allis orange to successfully compete in local tractor pulls.

Even though Arnie and Kenlyn (Boltz) were both born and raised in Whitewater, they met on McCann Lake in northern Wisconsin while vacationing. Arnie married Kenlyn on June 18, 1955, and they celebrated 56 wedding anniversaries together. They farmed side by side in Whitewater later choosing to move their farm life to Bruce, Wisconsin where they first met.

He was known as a loyal sponsor and dedicated player in softball, volleyball and basketball. As years progressed, he became a power throwing bowler in local leagues.

He had a contagious gift to gab, and anyone who experienced his conversations knew there wasn’t a topic he didn’t have an opinion on. 

Arnie will be greatly missed in the fields of farm and softball.

Surviving family: Son; Bob (Tammie), Grandchild; Jeff (Nicole), Great Grandchildren; Lily and Bobby all of Weyerhaeuser, WI, Grandchild; Jenny (Ryan) Stebnitz, Great Grandchildren; Ella and Ava all of Sun Prairie, WI. Son; Ken, Grandchildren: Lacy and Johnny all of Bruce, WI. Son; Scott (Traci), Grandchildren; Paige and Brianna all of Bloomer, WI. Brother; Donald of Whitewater, WI.

Predeceased by his parents Marion and Minerva, wife Kenlyn, sister Norma and brother Lawrence.

Special thanks to Jim, Winnie, Clara and Dash for the special care and kindness you showed for Arnie and for keeping him laughing. 

Pall Bearers: Jeff Jacobs, Lacy Jacobs, Johnny Jacobs, Dave Jacobs, Gordy Jacobs and Jim Smith.

A graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday, April 14^that 12 p.m. in Whitewater where he will be joining Kenlyn once again.

On December 11, 2020, the eternal choir of Heaven welcomed Audrey J. Tuinstra into its presence.

Audrey was born on January 29, 1933 on the south side of Chicago to John and Eleanor Jackson. Although she was surrounded by a great number of extended family, she only had one brother, Bradley. The most influential person in her life while growing up was her grandmother, Frances Hilberger, who spoke only Polish. As a child Audrey enjoyed playing street games with her friends during the summer months and attending White Sox baseball games with her father.

She attended Lindbloom High School where singing soon became her lifelong passion. What she enjoyed most about this time was her friends and participating in the choir. In her junior year she began conducting a children’s choir at a local Methodist church. Her favorite teen idols were Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.  Audrey’s lifelong dream was to become a teacher.  She attended the Chicago Teacher’s College of Chicago for only a short time and then began to work for Illinois Bell while continuing to freelance as a soloist and sing in the church choir.

While Audrey was studying voice, she met her husband-to-be, John Tuinstra. They were married at the Methodist Church on 55^th Ave. in Evergreen Park on March 20, 1954. In the 1960’s they moved from Chicago to Whitewater where John Jr. helped John Sr. with the landscape/farming business which John Jr. maintained throughout his life. Audrey assisted him in the business handling paperwork, scheduling appointments, performing other duties, and raising four children. Both she and John continued to be musically active in the community maintaining close ties with many performance opportunities through the university. They passed the legacy of their love of music and animals to each of their four children.

When Merrilee and Jay were in their late elementary years, Audrey began her food service career at the Delta Zeta sorority which eventually led to a full-time position at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she worked until her retirement. She continued her love for cooking and students by volunteering for the College Luncheons and after school programs at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. Audrey took great pride in updating the “Cradle Roll” of the church and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. FUMC choir director Christine Hayes commented, “Her full sound lifted the soprano section and her solo passages, which she quietly accepted when asked, were exquisite in delivery.  I stood in awe of her voice that I could only dream of having. Audrey’s dedication to the choir was boundless.”  Audrey’s favorite times of the week were Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.  She also treasured having a captive audience to tell her jokes.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Fairhaven for their care and dedication, to the many lifelong friends who have reached out, and to FUMC for their support.

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