Life Events

On Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, Ethan Ryan Graciano Juan, beloved son and brother, became an angel at the age of 4. 

Ethan was born November 22nd, 2016 in Fort Atkinson,  WI to Luis and Leanna (Carlock) Graciano Juan. He enjoyed going to early childhood in the mornings. 

He loved superheroes, especially spiderman, and had fun playing fortnite and minecraft with his family. He also enjoyed building blocks, sword fighting and most of all, playing with his little sister, Nevaeh. He loved watching movies with his family. 

He was the kindest, sweetest little boy who would just light up the room and put a smile on everyone’s faces in an instant. He loved to help out, was very outgoing and social. He was a smart and intelligent little son.

He will be missed greatly by his parents, Luis Graciano Juan, Leanna (Carlock) Graciano Juan; sister Nevaeh Graciano Juan, grandparents Mayolo Palacios, Susana Perez, Suzanna Carlock; also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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

            James Zanton, age 71, died January 22, 2021.

            He was born November 30, 1949 to Merlin and Darlene (Wegner) Zanton in Johnstown, Wisconsin.  He attended Johnstown Community School and graduated from Whitewater High School.  Jim – a 4^th generation dairy farmer – started farming side by side with his father.  Jim married Mary Jo Simon in 1976, and they had seven children.  He then farmed alongside Mary Jo and all the children, milking fifty-eight cows a day, baling hay, and picking up rocks.

            Jim won the FFA’s highest award, the American Farmer Degree.  He and Mary Jo met through the Grange and were the “National Grange Couple of the Year” in 1985.  He was a member of the National Grange Youth Committee in 1986.  He served as Master of the local Grange, was vice-president of the Wisconsin State Grange and was a member of the National Grange Dairy Committee.  Jim recruited over five-hundred new Grange members and organized the local Grange chapters of Wolf River, Four Lakes, Harmony, Rock Prairie, Jonesdale, and Blue Valley Pomona.  As well as Junior Granges of Rock-Walworth, Turtle, and Rock Prairie.  Jim organized the Grange basketball tournaments and Grange softball tournaments for rural youth.  He organized the Grange for Vet school to bring a school of Veterinary Medicine to Wisconsin.  He acquired more legislative votes than any other person to get it passed.

            In 1988, he was granted a real estate license.  He specialized in farms, farmland, farmettes, and rural homes, working primarily for Shorewest Realtors.  In 2007 he was named Sales Director of the Janesville Shorewest office.  In 2014 he was voted Realtor of the Year.  For many years, Jim organized Shorewest’s Salvation Army Golf Outing Fundraiser.

            Jim was on the Johnstown town board for six years, and the planning and zoning committee for eleven years.  He worked for McNall Farms, helping them rent twenty-one farms.  Because he was so involved in the Johnstown and Milton area, every drive with Jim was filled with stories about the properties he had become so familiar with.

            Sports held a special spot in Jim’s life.  He was a Milwaukee Brewers season ticket holder since 1988 and a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder since 1990.  In 2008 he even became an owner of the Packers!  He loved pick-up games of basketball and baseball in his youth and instilled the love of sports in his children.  During halftime of every Packer game the family would run outside to get in a quick football game before the 2^nd half.  The family enjoyed playing a world series game, boys vs. girls, every year.  Jim and Mary Jo attended as many of the children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, sometimes driving from town to town to catch different games, meets, and events in the same day.  They even regularly attended Steve’s football games in River Falls.  Jim was also proud to coach little league baseball and girls’ softball for eighteen years in the Milton Recreation League.

            Jim and Mary Jo loved to travel.  Fun family trips were a yearly event.  Some of the most memorable trips were to Washington D.C., California, South Dakota, Texas, Las Vegas, New York, Pennsylvania, and of course, Disney World and Disneyland.  Jim loved musicals and other performances and spent a lot of time in the audience of his children’s and grandchildren’s show choir performances, musicals, gigs, Sunday school plays, piano recitals and more.  He enjoyed all levels of performances: from the county fair to New York and Las Vegas.  Jim especially loved the music from Hamilton.

            He was a lifelong member of First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, serving as chairman of the Finance Committee for three years.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Zanton, grandson Daniel Zanton, brother-in-law Larry Taugher, in-laws Joe and Marie Simon, sister-in-law Katie Simon, and sister-in-law Adele Simon.

            Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; Dr. Geoffrey (Sara) Zanton and their five children, Anna, Sam, Henry, Luke and Maggie; Jennifer (Michael) Mood and their four children, Simon, Zeke, Abe and Jonah; Patricia Zanton; Marie (Adam) Stapleton and their child, Corinthea; Elizabeth (Jon) Maloto and their children, Elijah and Isaiah; Thomas (Caitlyn) Zanton and their children, Cora and Bailey; Stephen Zanton (girlfriend Mariah Cooper); sister, Judi Taugher; sister-in-law Jody Zanton; brothers-in-law Greg (Dianna) Simon, Jerry (Denise) Simon, and Dan (Lori) Simon; and nephews and nieces.

            His battle with cancer is over, but his zest for life and love will live on forever. 

                                         “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

A public visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Whitewater.  A private family service will take place at 11 a.m. at the church and will be live-streamed from www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.  The public visitation will be socially distanced, and masks are required. 

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations in memory of Jim, to Salvation Army, 514 Sutherland Ave. Janesville, WI 53545 or Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc (MACC Fund) maccfund.org

The family would like to give special thanks to Jim’s healthcare team, especially the oncology unit at Mercyhealth in Janesville. 

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

Robert “Bob” J. McLernon, 84, Whitewater, WI formerly of Lake Geneva, WI died peacefully at home Sunday January 24, 2021 after a long illness.  He was born March 14, 1936 in Elkhorn, WI the son of the late Walter and Alma (Renner) McLernon.  He graduated from Lake Geneva High School and treasured the friendship of classmates.  He was united in marriage on August 19, 1961 to Carol M. March in Lake Geneva, WI.  Robert served as street superintendent for the City of Lake Geneva for many years retiring in 1992.  After retirement, Bob was elected supervisor for the Town of Geneva.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father, uncles, sons, brothers and friends.  A farm on the outskirts of Lake Geneva where the family picked up rocks, baled hay, and raised dairy calves was his prized possession. He enjoyed tinkering in the barn.  In addition to the calves, they had Hereford cattle, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, sheep and a horse or two.  He coached the 4-H baseball team.  His Labrador dogs brought him happiness. 

Bob was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Carol, his three children, Bonnie (Scott) Schupbach of Little Chute, WI, James McLernon of Whitewater, WI and Edward (Lonnie) McLernon of Lake Geneva, WI, a granddaughter, Kristin Moritz, a grandson, David (Jessica) Schupbach and two great-grandchildren, Brady Moritz and Jovie Schupbach.  He is also survived by two brothers, Larry (Lynne) McLernon of Lake Geneva, WI, Don (Judith) McLernon of Hilbert, WI, one sister, Ella Ficker of Lake Geneva, WI and one sister-in-law, Dorothy McLernon of Lake Geneva, WI.  Bob was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Richard, who died in October.

An open house celebration of Bob’s life will be held Saturday January 30, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin Street, Elkhorn, WI.  Memorials may be given in Bob’s name to: First Congregational United Church of Christ Lake Geneva, 715 Wisconsin Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 which he was a member, or the Richmond United Methodist Church, N6197 Church Road, Delavan, WI.  Online-guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  Arrangements completed by Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI.

The McLernon family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for their wonderful Care.

James Edwin Olsen completed this life’s journey Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021, at his home, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born September 14, 1947 to Francis A. and Betty J. (Wiley) Olsen in Fort Atkinson, WI.  Jim grew up and attended elementary and high schools in Whitewater, WI, graduating in 1965.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1968.  He then joined the Merchant Marines and sailed the Great Lakes for one year following his military service.  

Jim attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and went on to further his education with a degree in Fluid Power Technology, graduating June, 1972, from Kenosha Technical Institute (now Gateway Technical College) in Kenosha, WI.

On January 6, 1973, he married Diane Heinle in Elkhorn, WI.

Jim retired from HUSCO International, Waukesha, WI, after 42 1/2 years as a hydraulic Senior Project Engineer/Account Manager, Industrial Products Division, a career he truly loved, designing and “finding decoder rings” for problem solving both in the office and on customers’ sites, and he was dedicated to.  His employment took him to all parts of the USA, Canada, Japan, China, and South Korea.  

Jim had a strong work ethic, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with new hires and co-workers, especially when called upon to teach basic hydraulics, with a passion and ease that others readily understood and absorbed, like the hydraulic oil that seemed to flow through his own veins.

In his retirement, Jim enjoyed collecting antique walk behind plows, attending auctions, estate and yard sales, along with his previous pastimes of fishing, woodworking, repairing small equipment that he always seemed to discover and then find someone who needed it, being a fearless handyman fixer at home, awaiting his next homemade “delicious” meal, searching for the perfect fish fry, watching the Green Bay Packers, and often begrudgingly – yet ever the victorious the Scrabble opponent when challenged to the game to humor his bride.

Jim is survived by Di, his wife of 48 years, many dear relatives, treasured friends, some wonderful neighbors, and fond former colleagues and coworkers.

Both Jim and Diane, “Team Olsen,” will be eternally grateful to all of the doctors and staff at Aurora Medical Center – Summit, Doctors Adam Siegel and Ellen Ziaga and their Oncology and Radiology teams at The Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for the compassionate treatments Jim received, the Aurora at Home Hospice “Metro Team,” and our cherished loved ones for their constant prayers and loving support.

To honor Jim, please toast him with an old-fashioned – with olives, help your neighbors blow snow (and always remember to clean out the fire hydrants!), take a kid fishing, and truly treasure the gift of time.

Godspeed.

In lieu of floral gifts, kindly consider a donation to either:

Western Lakes Fire Department – drone equipment fund, the Oconomowoc Food Pantry, and/or Aurora at Home Hospice/Aurora Ziber Family Hospice.

Due to the current COVID pandemic, private services will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home.   Private interment will follow.

www.pagenkopf.com

Linda L. Gregoire, 79, of Whitewater, WI died peacefully at home with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

Linda was born on August 4, 1941 the oldest of three children, to Lester and Mattie Lee (Rader) Mikkelsen. She married Donald Gregoire, Sr. on July 1, 1960 and the two enjoyed over 40 years of marriage until Donald’s passing in 2000. Linda was a strong woman and extremely loyal friend. She loved her Wednesday quilt group and quilt retreats. Her monthly lunches with old classmates and friends were filled with laughter and could last for hours. Spending time with family and friends was very important to Linda. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend and she will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

Linda is survived by: her three children, Don (Jill) Gregoire, Jr. of Whitewater, WI, John Gregoire of Whitewater, WI, and Brenda (Carl) Kienbaum of North Fond du Lac, WI; her six loving grandchildren, Carl Kienbaum, Bradley Gregoire, Chelsea Kienbaum, Cami Gregoire, Madalee Gregoire, and Cary Gregoire; and her siblings, Leslie Schlesner and Mike (Tami) Mikkelsen.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, Donald Gregoire, Sr.

The Gregoire family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Porter and staff of SSM Health Fort Atkinson and Agrace Hospice for the comforting care they provided to Linda.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial gift to First United Methodist Church Women’s Circle of Whitewater or Agrace Hospice.

A Memorial Service to honor Linda’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Linda will be laid to rest during a private family burial at Hillside Cemetery of Whitewater at a later date.

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

Joan E. Kraege, 89, Whitewater, died on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at her home.

Joan was the daughter of Clifton and Rose (Henderson) Henderson and was born on November 7, 1931 in Whitewater, WI. She was a great-granddaughter of the first settler in Cold Spring Township, Alexander Henderson, 3 miles east of Whitewater in 1837. On September 1, 1954 she was united in marriage to Fred Kraege and their entire life has been spent in Whitewater. Being physically handicapped since her birth, she enjoyed her life caring for her friends of the universe: parakeets, turtles, tropical fish, abandoned cats, pigeons, chickens, and her joys of the later years were the returning robins from the south. She was proud of her indoor violets and her rosebush named “Seven Sisters” for over 50 years. She enjoyed traveling and seeing much of the country in her younger years. Joan liked to have lunch with her friends in the city for over 20 years.

Joan is survived by several cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; sister, Vivian, and brother Allen. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

James “Jim” Coleman, 83, Lima Center, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Mercy Hospital Janesville. Jim was born on April 19,1937 in Lima Center to Ed and Diana Schneider Coleman. He graduated from Whitewater High School. Jim married Catherine Coleman on February 24,1968. Jim was a carpenter and retired after 18 years at Mercy Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; children Joe of Lima Center; Dan (Karen) of Milwaukee and granddaughter Esterly; he is also survived by his brother Mike (Kay) Lima Center and brother-in-laws Rusty Coe, Washington State and Fred McCann, Janesville plus wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers and 5 sisters.

Per Jim’s wishes there won’t be any service. Monroe Funeral Home of Delavan is assisting the family.
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Brent A. Kepp, of Whitewater, WI passed away on January 13, 2021 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison due to complications to a recent diagnosis of AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Lynne was by his side. Brent was born in Edgerton, WI on September 21, 1952, the son of LeRoy and Margery (Bretzman) Kepp. Brent was a graduate of Whitewater High School and also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Brent recently retired from Lloyd’s Plumbing & Heating, where as a Master Plumber he co-owned and operated this family business with his brother-in-law, Lloyd La Reau, also a Master Plumber. In the 40 plus years, he made close relationships with those he worked with, indeed his second family.

In the summer months, Brent enjoyed being outdoors, working the landscape around his home that he and Lynne derived much pleasure from. All who knew him would agree that he was an analytical thinker and there wasn’t any problem he couldn’t solve, whether he was at home or at work. He was also an avid reader with knowledge in many areas.  He was passionate about ancient Indian civilizations. He made many friends in the archaeological societies that he joined.

Brent is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lynne; his sisters, Sharon La Reau of Harshaw, WI, and Wendy McConnell of Whitewater, WI; his brother, Michael Kepp of Chandler, AZ; many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Lloyd La Reau and David McConnell and his sister-in-law, Garnet Kepp.

A private celebration of Brent’s life will be held at a later date. Anyone who wishes may make a donation in Brent’s name to Echo Inc., a non-profit organization in Janesville, WI, dedicated to helping those in need.
HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME
www.henkeclarson.com