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.
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 14that 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 55th 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
Lauren “Red” Meske, 83, Whitewater, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Lauren was born on July 2, 1937 in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Vernon and Phyllis Meske.
Lauren graduated from Whitewater High School and then served in the United States Army. Lauren worked in both construction and maintenance until retirement. He was an avid reader and loved everything about sports. He could talk for hours about his favorite high school, college, and professional teams. Lauren enjoyed classic country music, especially George Jones and playing cards with his buddies. He also enjoyed sitting on his porch with his dogs while visiting with friends and neighbors.
Lauren is survived by his two sons David (Lyn), Knoxville, Tennessee and Donald (Dawn), Whitewater, Wisconsin; grandchildren Devon (Blake) and Peighton.
Graveside Services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Erik Peter Stottrup, 79, of Waterloo, Iowa passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at his home in Whitewater, WI.
Erik was born on September 28th, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1958. Erik earned his Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Southern Illinois University in 1963. After graduation, Erik started his journalist career at the Southern Illinoisan newspaper in Carbondale IL. He worked as a reporter and writer at the Chicago Suburban News and later for a construction trade magazine.
Erik retired from his celebrated journalism career in 2001 from Krause Publications in Iola, WI.
On June 15th, 1963, Erik married his wife, Janet Nottelmann-Stottrup, and together raised two sons.
Erik enjoyed cheering on the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, as well as College football. He also enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandsons.
He enjoyed travelling especially to the Keys in Florida where he spent a few months during the winter every year with his Wife.
His other passions were politics, history, and reading; he played an active role in raising money for political parties by making phone calls and contributing to causes he strongly believed in. He was also a lifelong member of the SIU Alumni Association.
Erik is survived by his wife Janet Stottrup; children, Erik Paul Stottrup., Wife, Marie Stottrup (Hartland, WI) and Stephen Stottrup, Wife, Anita Stottrup (Chicago, IL); Sister, Enid Stottrup-Weygandt (Madison, WI), Brother-in-law, Jerry Weygandt; Grandchildren, Andrew Stottrup, Willem Stottrup, and Markus Stottrup, Many nieces, nephews and cousins on all sides of the family.
He is preceded in death by his father, Sigurd Stottrup, mother, Maxime Stottrup, younger sister, Sigrid Stottrup, and his in-laws, Herman and Zada Nottelmann.
No formal funeral services will be held at this time due to Covid. A graveside service will take place at Stonegate Cemetery in Hartland, WI, on April 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm CDT.
(Reutebuch family submission) James John Bruynell, age 84, of Oceanside CA, went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 21, 2021. Jim was born to Erma and John Bruynell on September 18, 1936. He grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, attended Mishawaka High School and graduated in 1955. Jim was a proud and active member of every community he lived in. He served in the United States Army for 3 years and the majority of that time was spent at The Redstone Arsenal. He worked as an Engineer and a Sales Engineer for Dodge Manufacturing and Reliance Electric of Rosemont, Illinois for 44 years.
Jim Bruynell
He was part of the Cursillo Movement for over 60 years in Indiana and Illinois. Jim served in the Kairos Prison Ministry for many years, where he shared the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Moreover, Jim served weekly at Brother Benno’s, serving the poor and marginalized. If you couldn’t find Jim on a Saturday morning, he was out feeding the migrant workers a hot breakfast. Also, he had a special love for the Capuchin Franciscans who welcomed his family to Northwest Indiana and befriended them.
Jim was an avid, gifted joke teller and loved to share a smile with everyone. He enjoyed fishing and was especially fond of the family summer trips at Big Fish Lake. He cherished many memorable fishing trips with his sons and grandchildren. He could fix just about anything and got plenty of opportunities to so with his large family. He loved playing the drums and delighted in family musical sessions in Wisconsin. Jim was a dancing enthusiast and had so much fun on the dance floor. He never missed the opportunity to celebrate his family and was most proud of his nine cherished children, 21 grandchildren, and precious one great grandchild. His family was a priority in all he did.
Jim enjoyed ocean walks and oceanside meals with his beloved wife and best friend, Carol. They enjoyed traveling and visited most of Europe together. He adored waking up to the California sunshine daily, and he grew beautiful lemons. He delighted in mailing his family boxes of his prized California fruit. Jim was proud of his Belgian roots and the little Flemish community that he came from. He made sure his family knew their special Belgian blood and stories.
He made the best batches of Chex mix to share. He loved people, conversations, and sharing a meal. Jim was loved by so many. Jim was Santa for many decades and shared joy with many by helping to bring the magic of Christmas to his community.
His favorite hobby was his postcard ministry. He sent hundreds of postcards to loved ones and shared his faith, life lessons, and unique, funny sayings. Jim had a passion for connecting with people.
Above all, Jim was a follower of Christ. His retirement business card was Isaiah 41:18 “For I, the Lord thy God will hold your right hand saying, Fear not, I will help you.” This was the card he shared with as many as he could. In Jim’s final hours, all that could be heard, were the sweet words of gratitude to our dear father, grandfather, and husband for a life well lived.
Joy is one word to describe Jim’s life and legacy. As Trisha, his granddaughter, so beautifully recalled, “Grandpa, when I think of you, I think of joy. Joy that is generous and energetic, unwavering, and unconditional. Joy that is readily given and therefore plentiful – because it’s the kind of joy, it seems, that is replenished by the very act of sharing it with others. How lucky am I to have a Grandpa like that. To know joy like that. To have been loved like that.” Jim simply loved people and enjoyed meeting everyone. He wanted to know their story. As Jim’s son, Paul, so lovingly shared, “It’s been just hours since he left this earth, but I guarantee he has shaken hands with three quarters of heaven.”
Jim is survived by his loved wife of 30 years, Carol Bruynell; nine children: Jim (Marie) Bruynell of Haverhill, MA; Mary Sue (Tim) Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Tim (Heather) Bruynell of Anderson, SC; Beth (Mike) Ringel of Austin, TX; Amy Sky of Huntsville, Al; Tom (Kim) Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Carly (Ken) Kolanda of Maricopa, AZ; John (Madison) Brand of Monticello, IN; Paul (Mary Kate) Brand of East Hampton, CT; 21 grandchildren: Kara Bruynell of San Diego, CA; Laura (Dan) Brosnan of Beverly, MA; Trisha Bruynell of London, England; Ellen (Nick) Pantuosco of Clinton, MA; Alexis (Trevor) Parmentier of Round Rock, TX; Thomas (Jordan) Bruynell of Indianapolis, IN; Ryan Bruynell of Mountain View, CA; Christine Bruynell of Cary, NC; Angela Paolella of Pleasanton, CA; Zachary Ringel of Austin, TX; Cody Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Jeremy Reutebuch of Whitewater, WI; Michael Bruynell of Pleasanton, CA; Collin Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Luke Varghese of Anderson, SC; Ethan Varghese of Anderson, SC; Conor Torres of Maricopa, AZ; Whimsy Brand of East Hampton, CT; Grady Brand of East Hampton, CT; Remy Brand of East Hampton, CT; and Matthew Riordan of Haverhill, MA; one great grandchild: Oliver Brosnan of Beverly, MA and last, but not least: Baby Pantuosco to arrive in August 2021.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Gyrarmati; his mother, Erma and father John.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23 at 10:00 am. A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am at the Serra Center at Mission San Luis Rey, 4070 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057. A Graveside Service with the presentation of Military Funeral Honors at 12:00 pm at the Old Mission Rey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brother Benno’s, https://www.brotherbenno.org, in memory of Jim.
