Obituary: Karl H. Merz, 86

Karl H. Merz, 86, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Karl was born on November 1, 1938 in Bamberg, Germany to Karl and Barbara (Seufert) Merz. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in French Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed over thirty years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as part of and later Chairman of the Foreign Language Department.

He enjoyed travel, reading, cooking and his dogs.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jami; daughters, Barbara Merz and Sarah Merz Devoll.

He is preceded in death by sisters Gerda (Ruth) Wilke of Whitewater and Rosemary Marquardt of Erlangen, Germany.

At this time, no formal services are scheduled for Karl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

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

Obituary: Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville

Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville, WI, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2025, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn, at his side. He was born in Wauwatosa Township, WI, on November 4, 1932, to Harry W. and Helen (Vahle) Walterman. Tom grew up in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from Davenport High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.

Upon leaving the military Tom attended Augustana College on the G.I. Bill in Rock Island, IL where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While teaching history at Davenport High School, Tom pursued his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa during the summer breaks. He later earned an additional Master’s Degree and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. These academic achievements led him to the positions of Associate Professor of History and Assistant to the President at Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA.

In 1973, Tom was appointed Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Center at Rock County, a position he held longer than any other Dean. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shaped his hands-on approach, earning him widespread respect for his dedication to improving campus facilities and student experiences. In 1990, he accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, which he retired from in 1995.

Tom was an exceptionally humble man and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to every endeavor he undertook and exceptional commitment to improving the educational opportunities for students.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Walterman; his son, Michael (Carolyn Williams) Walterman; his grandchildren, Thomas (Kathryn) Walterman, Maxwell (Krysten Trindade) Walterman, and Elena (Pieter Den Hartog) Walterman; his niece Jill (Dana) Borquin; his nephews Randy (Pam) Raabe, and Ken Raabe and one great-grandchild on the way.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Obituary: Carl Wesley Thayer, 84

Carl Wesley Thayer, a loving husband, father, and grandfather/great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 at the age of 84. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years and best friend, Nancy. He is further survived by his children, Vicki (Randy) Marquardt, Richard (Kathy) Thayer, Craig (Kathy) Thayer, Pamela (Wilbur) Healey, grandchildren (Shelly, Steven, Sean, Seth, Joshua, Justin, Jessica, Rebecca, Jacob, Melissa, Andrew), great-grandchildren (Bethany, Levi, Easton, Nolan, Zack, Ava, Jace), brother of Bruce Thayer, brother-in-law Sidney Traxler. Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Marion, sister Marie, sister-in-law Marty, and a dear great-granddaughter Jordyn Mae Thayer.

Carl loved the outdoors, especially fishing year-round. He saw a lot of the United States during his career as a professional truck driver. He was a very outgoing and special person who liked making friends. 

To honor Carl’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Carl’s memory in your own ways. We know that he will be with us all in spirit.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visitgibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Janet Kay (Wolline) Hintz, 76

Janet Kay (Wolline) Hintz, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born on November 28, 1948, the daughter of the late Herschel W. and Lila (Wade) Wolline Sr. During her free time, she loved doing word searches, going out for rides with her friends, cooking and baking. She was known to make a very good chocolate sheet cake. She enjoyed taking care of other people and always put others before herself. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, animal lover and caretaker who would do anything to see the people that she loved happy. Her warm presence will be missed.

Janet is survived by her children: Matthew (Sara) Hintz and Melissa (Thomas Perrin) Hintz and grandchild: Thomas Hintz.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents Herschel Sr. and Lila Wolline; brother: Herschel Wolline Jr., and sister: Shirley Markham. 

A memorial service will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the funeral home, 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI, 53121 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Hintz family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

Obituary: Thomas W. Duda, 79

Thomas W. Duda, age 79, went to the arms of his loving Lord on January 18th, 2025.

He grew up in a northwest suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights, and attended Prospect High School. There, he was a sports editor of the school newspaper, The Prospector, a member of the Biology Club, Latin Club and Debate Club. In Des Plaines, IL, he worked at First National Bank as a teller. This is where he met his loving wife of 50 years, Maureen, who came in as a customer. Tom then went to work for the Chicago Tribune as an advertising editor.

He loved classical music and played the piano beautifully. He was also known to sing on occasion. Chess was his favorite game to play, and he enjoyed watching Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. For his wife, he would also watch the Chicago White Sox.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Frances Duda (Wagnercyn) of Arlington Heights, IL. Tom is survived by his wife, Maureen Duda (O’Grady); Daughter, Patty Stefaniak; Grandchildren, David, and Jessica Stefaniak; Great-Grandchildren, Catherine and Finnegan Day.

A private service will be held at Mulberry Campus – Memory Care, on Saturday, January 25th. In lieu of flowers, in honor of Tom and the care and love that they gave him, please make a donation to Mulberry Campus in Whitewater, WI.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Donald LeRoy Klemp, 76, of Columbus, WI

Donald LeRoy Klemp, 76, of Columbus, WI passed away on January 20, 2025 at Columbus Health & Rehab. 

Don was born March 21, 1948 in Edgerton, WI to Richard and Elsie Klemp of Milton, WI.  Don graduated from Milton Union High School in 1966 and later graduated from a technical school in Denver, Colorado which eventually led to a 31-year career as a field service engineer with GE Medical Systems. 

Don married the love of his life, Kathleen Gudeyon, on July 27, 1968 in Whitewater, WI and they enjoyed 56 years of making beautiful memories together.  Don was a devoted family man who enjoyed taking his family on camping trips, spending time out on the lake, working on projects in the garage or fixing anything that needed it for family, neighbors, and friends.

Don is survived by his wife Kathy; his five children, Krista (Brian), Suzanne (Chris), Daniel, David and Richard; as well as 6 grandchildren.  Preceding him in death are his parents Richard and Elsie and his brother, David. 

Funeral Services will take place at 11AM on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Willerup Church in Cambridge. Visitation will take place from 10AM until the time of service.  A burial will take place immediately following services at Kroghville Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Columbus Health & Rehab staff for their exceptional care for Don.

Don will be missed by all that knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.

Obituary: Dolores Ann Engel, 92



Dolores Ann Engel, 92, Whitewater, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at The View in Johnson Creek, WI.

Dolores was born on June 14, 1932 in Greenville, OH to Carl and Ellen (Neal) Prasuhn. She met her future husband, Ernest “Fritz” Engel while working as a departmental secretary in the anatomy department at Michigan State University. They would have celebrated their 73rd anniversary this year. Dolores and Fritz moved to Whitewater in 1957 where she assisted Fritz with his
veterinary practice. She was an award-winning photographer. Dolores enjoyed traveling and taking classes at the University, flower gardening, and was a good cook and a great mother to her three sons.

She is survived by her husband Ernest Engel, Whitewater; sons Thomas (Denise) Engel, Bovey, MN and Timothy (Penny) Engel, Glenwood City, WI, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Eric, and brother, Lloyd Prasuhn.

Per Dolores’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.

Obituary: Candace Lea (Kuhnke) Roeker, 73, of Portage

Candace Lea Roeker, age 73, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Tivoli Community in Portage.

Candace was born on August 10, 1951, in Whitewater, the daughter of Harvey and Elaine Kuhnke (Hopp). She attended UW Whitewater, graduating with a degree in education in 1973. After graduation she began teaching special education in Portage. Candy earned her master’s in special education in 1980. She worked for 33 years in the Portage school district helping hundreds of students, retiring in 2006.

After retirement, Candy helped to establish the River Haven homeless shelter in Portage and volunteered there for several years helping women and families. Helping people was a life-long passion for Candy. Candy enjoyed dancing, including clogging, singing karaoke, golfing, traveling and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband Donald Roeker; children, Will (Leslie) Trojanowski, Scott (Adam Olson) Trojanowski, and Keith (Cassie) Trojanowski; step-children, Julie Prudom and Eric Roeker; her grandchildren, Nicholas Trojanowski, Lucas Trojanowski, Noah Trojanowski, Jacob Prudom, Austin Prudom, and Brandon Roeker; her brother, Joseph Kuhnke; her sister, Susan (Jeff) Homan; her brother-in- law, Paul Roemer; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her
sister, Alice Roemer; her sister-in-law, Mae Kuhnke; and her former husband, Jerold Trojanowski.

Visitation and Service will be at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage on January 24th, 2025. Visitation from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM with service at 11:30. There will be a luncheon to follow at the KC Hall Portage.

The family would like to thank Dr. Susan Kreckman and the staff of Tivoli Community and Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital for their care and concern.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to River Haven Homeless Shelter.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

Obituary: June Ruby Gnatzig, 95

June Gnatzig, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at Mulberry Glen in her hometown of Whitewater, WI.

June was born on June 24, 1929, to Mary (Voight) Stelse and Gustave Stelse. June married Roger Gnatzig on January 21, 1951, in Whitewater, WI. June worked at Franklin Junior High for most of her working life. She was a proud servant member of the First United Methodist Church for over 70 years where she enjoyed preparing meals for celebrations, funerals and activities. In addition, she loved participating in her Church Circle and teaching Sunday School.

June loved baking and cooking for her family and friends, watching her soap operas, 2-mile walks-well into her 90’s, reading, doing puzzles, watching her sons’ sporting events and then her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Everyone knew the best place to be during the holidays—“snitching the widest variety of homemade Christmas treats from the three-season porch cookie table!”

June enjoyed infinite time with loved ones.

June is survived by Sons: Hugh (Susan) Gnatzig, Larry (Deborah) Gnatzig, Brian (Sam) Gnatzig, Brent (Pat) Gnatzig. Grandchildren: Vanessa (Danny) Byrd, Daniel (Elizabeth) Gnatzig, Gina (Corey) Meredith, Caroline (Bobby) Gonzales, Amber (Kirkland) Rivers, Lyndsey (Kyle) Serres, Abby Gnatzig and Kelsey Gnatzig and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary (Voight) Stelse, Gustave Stelse and her brothers Loren Stelse and Verson Stelse.

A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI on January 27, 2025, from 10:30 am– 12:00 pm with service to follow. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the Family with arrangements.

A heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice, the staff at Mulberry Glen and Patty Tarpley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Whitewater Fire Department.

You will live in our hearts forever. We love you. Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com

Death Notice: Dr. Chilukuri Rao, 88

Dr. Chilukuri Rao, 88, of Whitewater, passed away December 26, 2024, at a local care facility. A memorial visitation for Dr. Rao will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI.