Life Events

Ilana Margarite Lathrop, 80, of Palmyra passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Lake Country Landing in Oconomowoc.

Ilana was born on April 10, 1940 to Clarence and Alice Walz at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ilana graduated from Waukesha High School and met her husband, Alfred (Ike) Lathrop, shortly thereafter. They were married for over 60 years and had three children together.

Ilana went back to school (WITC, Waukesha WI) when she was 40 and received her Accounting Associates Degree. She started her own Accounting and Tax Preparation practice in Palmyra, called L&L Accounting, Inc. She retired her practice (for the most part) around 2000. Ilana and Alfred moved to their retirement home in Mercer, Wisconsin. They spent about twelve years in the northeastern WI, and then returned to Whitewater to be closer to family and friends.

Ilana and Alfred enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada and stopping at various sites to enjoying the adventure along the way. She also enjoyed crafting, making dolls, making jewelry, doing taxes even after retirement, and playing slots at any chance.

She is survived by her children, Robert Lathrop, Sharon (Matthew) Page, Christopher (Christina) Lathrop; grandchildren, Nathan Lathrop, Robbie Lathrop, Andrew Lathrop, Felicia Lathrop, Brianna “Ashton” Page, Erica Lathrop, and Rachael Page; two great-grandchildren, Evan Lathrop and Lexie Lathrop; brother, Clarence “Sonny” Walz; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ilana is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred (Ike); siblings, Jeanette and Joyce; and niece, Charmaine Carr.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lake Country Health Services in Oconomowoc and Allay Home & Hospice in Brookfield for the exceptional care they provided to their mom.

Funeral services will take place on at noon on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the time of services.

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

Ruth Natalie Fields Doman, 86, of Greensboro, AL went to her eternal home on August 22, 2020. She was born on January 24, 1934 in Wisconsin to Archie and Ruth Thomas Fields. She was a devoted housewife and mother.

Ruth graduated from Whitewater High School in 1951.

She married William John Doman on October 22nd 1952. They made their home just outside of Delavan off of Hwy P near Turtle Lake. In the spring of 1976 they packed up and moved to Greensboro, Alabama where they eventually ended up raising catfish on their farm.

Ruth was an avid knitter and there isn’t anyone in the family that does not have one of her beautiful afghans, baby blanket or sweater.

She passed away at home in the care of her son, Bill Doman.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, William John Doman and son-in-law, Randy Fowler. She is survived by her son, Bill Doman of Greensboro; her daughters Lucille Doman of Elkhorn, Wi, Cindy Bigelow (Jim) of Whitewater, Wi, Debra Fowler of Tuscaloosa, Al, her brother Muriel Fields of Whitewater, Wi. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery in Greensboro with Rev. Doug Jolly officiating and Kirk Funeral Homes, Greensboro Chapel directing.

Carl J. Kienbaum, 90, of Whitewater, died peacefully at Hearthstone Memory Care with his family by his side on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. He was born on November 24, 1929 the second youngest of 9 children of Carl and Bessie (Doud) Kienbaum in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He married Lila June Reich on October 10, 1953 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Carl left the family farm at the age of 17 to join the United States Air Force where he proudly served as a weatherman. Carl returned to Whitewater to pursue greater ambitions, never being satisfied as a man of one hat. He drove a milk route, delivered fuel oil, owned a used car lot, taxicab company and service station. Ever forward-looking, Carl eventually went into the auto and scrap industry, where he found his true calling and would make his mark, creating a pillar for the community which exists to this day. For nearly sixty years, “Take it to Kienbaum’s” has been a part of the city’s vernacular.

It was through Kienbaum Iron and Metal that many would come to know Carl. Where many would gain their first impressions, as well as their lasting impressions. It is said that a man is judged by the company he keeps. We hope for Carl’s sake this is not true, Carl kept everyone. A truly generous spirit, Carl’s door or table was always open to anyone, regardless. The kind of person who when asked to make change for a dollar would give you five quarters, or better yet, in his words, “Charge it to the dust and let the rain settle it.”

He never lost his love for the family farm and went back to farming as a hobby in the late 80’s. Carl set yet another first by being the first in Walworth County to raise tobacco. Everyone who knew Carl, knew he loved a good party. Ask any supper club owner in a fifty-mile radius and they will attest to this with a smile.

A loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Carl is survived by eight children, April Furman of Whitewater, Linda (Ron) Bohlender of Roscoe, IL, Cherie (John) Ells of Fort Atkinson, Carl (Brenda) Kienbaum of North Fond du lac, Dawn D. Kienbaum of Whitewater, Sterling (Rhonda) Kienbaum of Oshkosh, Ben (Dawn) Kienbaum of Sussex and Rommel Kienbaum of Whitewater.

Carl was blessed with 12 loving grandchildren; Robert Ardelt, Nicole (Greg) Leason, Ross (Anette) Ardelt, JC (Michaun) Ells, Nolan (Emily) Ells, Carl Jr. Kienbaum, Chelsea Kienbaum, Jenna Kienbaum, Derek Kienbaum, Jared Kienbaum, Bryce Kienbaum, and Lexie Kienbaum; 5 great-grandchildren; Cash, Cooper, Elizabeth, Bentley, and Harrison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, his lovely wife of over 50 years June (Reich) Kienbaum, a beloved daughter, Mariann Kienbaum and son in-law George Furman.

The Kienbaum family would like to express their sincere gratitude to both Hearthstone Memory Care and Agrace Hospice staff for their comforting professional care they provided to Carl during his final days with us.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial gift to First English Lutheran Church or Hearthstone Memory Care both of Whitewater.

Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday, September 11 and 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home until time of service.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater.

Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Carl’s life was well lived, and he was well loved. We were honored to have been able to “shake the hand that shook the world” and to know, “it takes a big dog to weigh a ton” ….see you in a round trip Dad, we will miss you!

WHITEWATER− Lucas A. Burns, age 30, of Whitewater, passed away after his courageous battle with cancer on Monday, August 24, 2020 at the UW Hospital in Madison. Lucas was born in Janesville on December 12, 1989; the son of Jim and Michelle (Edgington) Burns.  After graduating from Craig High School in Janesville, Lucas earned Bachelor Degrees in Criminology and Sociology from UW-Whitewater in 2012. While attending college, Lucas played for the Warhawks men’s basketball team, winning the National Championship in 2012.  He was an outgoing guy with a great smile; a friend to everyone he met.  Lucas was a big “foodie” and never turned down a trip to Taco Bell; he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching movies and playing video games.  Lucas and his dad, Jim, own and operate 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater, where staff and customers became a second family.  Lucas will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

He is survived by his parents: Michelle Burns and Jim Burns; brothers: Derek J. Burns of Racine, Trevor R. Burns of Janesville, and Garett J. Burns of Whitewater; grandmothers: Marlene Edgington and Doris Kuehne; aunts and uncles: Georgiana Edgington, Michael Edgington, Gary (Cynthia) Burns, Girlie Burns, and Ronda (Dan) Bowe; cousins: Kari (Mark) Schuh, Danielle (David) Moyer, Alyssa (Tom) Arneson, and Grant (Shelby) Bowe; and all of the people he knew and loved.

Lucas is preceded in death by his Grandpa Al Kuehne; Grandpa Jim Edgington; and uncles, Greg Burns and Joe Burns.

A celebration of Lucas’ life will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lucas Burns Memorial Scholarship, which has been set up at the First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family.  For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Banner note: The Gazette of August 27 has a front page article about Lucas titled, “That was his DNA: Lucas Burns spread goodwill wherever he went.”

Suzan Sorensen Wade, in her 72^nd year, died in a single vehicle accident in Richmond, WI on August 2, 2020.  Born February 20, 1949, in Randers, Denmark, Suzan immigrated with her mother Karoline Marie (Mia) and stepfather Jens Kristian (Kris) Lai to Ontario, Canada in May 1956.  Suzan completed a certificate as a Child and Youth Worker and later in Gestalt Therapy.  She worked for many years helping troubled teens in Toronto.  She loved to travel and throughout the ‘70s, “flowerchild” Suzan travelled throughout Far East Asia, including teaching children in remote jungles like Brunei and Sarawak, Borneo. In the early ‘80s, Suzan moved to Wisconsin to manage the Gestalt Therapy Retreat. In Wisconsin, Suzan met her soul mate, Ronald Wade and they were wed on April 6, 1985. Together they managed the dairy and family farm for many years.

Suzan was open minded, kind and giving of her time and resources, including non-profits like PBS and Public Radio, which she supported for many, many years. She also volunteered for The Hope Institute of Uganda, which led to the sponsorship of a young man to attend Iganga Boys’ School in Uganda. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, enjoyed the company of people and was a great listener.  Oftentimes she could be found in her vegetable and perennial garden or starting a new knitting project. She had an affinity for coffee, and it was a rare sight to see her without a mug in her hand. Her passions included traveling, enjoying music, movies, art galleries, tours and live performances, cooking all styles of food (especially Danish food), fiber arts, caring for many animals over the years including Bubba, crosswords and reading. In 2008, she went to hear the Dalai Lama speak. Suzan was a loving wife, stepmother/grandmother (“mormor”, Danish for grandmother), sister, aunt, cousin and good friend to many others.  Her spirit and constant smile will be sorely missed. 

Suzan is survived by her sister Gynna (Henning) Thomsen of Copenhagen, Denmark; her brothers: Niels John (Beth) Lai of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Mark Lai (Shelley Carter) of Elora, Ontario, Canada; stepson Steven (Mindy) Wade of Whitewater, WI; stepdaughter Lynn (Mark) Walters of Oregon, WI; nieces and nephews Tom and Gitta Thomsen; Krista, Naomi and Severin Lai; and three grandchildren, Molly and Emma Wade and Henry Walters; family and special friends including Julie, Victor and the Feidlers.

Suzan was preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Due to current public health safety concerns, an outdoor visitation will be held at the home of Steven & Mindy Wade, at W8918 Territorial Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190 on Friday, September 4 from 2pm to 7pm. A virtual only Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept 5 at 1pm with Pastor Susan Bresser presiding. Instructions for accessing the Celebration of Life will be available at visitation or by contacting family. Graveside services are postponed at this time and will be held when international travel is permitted. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may wish to give to Richmond United Methodist Church, where she was a member. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to express a very special thanks to area emergency services, the Babcock family and two others who were driving by and stopped to help. We are eternally grateful to you all for your quick and caring response.

David J. Davenport, 73, of Watertown, went to his Heavenly Father on Monday, August 24, 2020, at Fort HealthCare in Fort Atkinson. With dignity he endured 28 years of the challenges of progressive multiple sclerosis.

David James Davenport was born on December 11, 1946, in Monroe, the son of Robert and Dorothy (nee Hoeppner) Davenport. On August 17, 1968, he married Karen Lee at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. He received his Bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and his Doctorate of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He had practices in both the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson communities. David was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc.

David loved music. He was part of the traveling Statesmen Men’s Choir at UW-Eau Claire during his college years. He also was part of a Barbershop Chorus and sang in church choirs. During his last nursing home years, the staff would report that he sang loudly in his room often.

His greatest hobby was meeting people and taking time to get to know them well. This led to a love of community. In Whitewater he served on the city council and was very active in Jaycees and Kiwanis. He was also an avid stamp collector.

David is survived by his wife, Karen Davenport of Nashotah; daughter, Dana Triebold of Oconomowoc; grandchildren, Madelaine, Hayden and Payton Triebold; brothers, John (Sue) Davenport of Waupaca and Peter (Cathy) Davenport of Thornton, CO; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Troy Davenport.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc with Rev. Steven Hillmer officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to the church or the MS society. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com

Rita K. Roselle went home to the Lord on August 23, 2020. Rita was born on December 21, 1931 in Chicago, IL and was the daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Burkhardt) Kois. She attended St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from St. Alphonsus Commercial High School. Rita began her 47-year career as a legal secretary at The Chicago Board of Trade and went on to work at various private law firms in Whitewater and Elkhorn.

She married Melvin L. Roselle on October 17, 1959 and they made Whitewater their lifelong home. Rita and Melvin loved Whitewater and early in their marriage rented rooms to single college students in their first home on Park Street. In 1966 they moved into the home they built on Douglas Court where they raised their family. Besides being a working mother, Rita enjoyed cooking delicious family recipes, decorating and hosting family gatherings for all occasions.

Rita’s Catholic faith was central to the life she lived and her membership and service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was a life-long endeavor. She served several terms on the Parish Council and was an active member of the Christian Women’s Altar Society. Later in life she and her lady friends were known to attend daily mass, communion services, and rosary recitations.

Rita was a passionate sports fan, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, Marquette Golden Eagles and her two favorite tennis players-Roger Federer and her daughter, Kristin Roselle Summers. She also thrived on following the athletic pursuits of her 5 grandchildren.

Rita will be cherished in memory by her daughter, Cynthia (Richard) Kollauf of Wind Lake, WI and Kristin (Scott) Summers of North Wales, PA; grandchildren Sara (Jack) Kampf, Nicholas (Lauren) Kollauf, Kristina Kollauf, Shannon (Sean) Zwoyer, and Alex (Noelle Peyton) Summers; and great-grandsons, Casen and Conor Zwoyer. She joined in heaven her parents, husband, brother, Jerry Kois, and special cousin, Bernadette Reichardt.

A funeral mass will be held on August 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Whitewater, with a visitation from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery Whitewater.

The Family would like to acknowledge the loving caregivers from Autumn Leaves Memory Care, Franklin, WI and Legacy Hospice, Elm Grove, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Legacy Hospice Services.

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

Cathy Dickmeyer, age 65, was accepted into the Lord’s loving arms on August 19, 2020.

Cathy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University with a nursing degree, she loved working with terminally ill children at both Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana and Milwaukee Children’s Hospital where she would often spend the night simply holding the hand of a dying child who she knew would not live until the morning. She then moved to Whitewater where she was a fulltime mother to her three young children, assisted in starting a local pregnancy help line and was the drama director at Community church. She devoted the last 19 years of her life to Fairhaven Senior Services.

Cathy was a lifelong student of the Bible and Christian literature. She personified what a loving mother looks like to her children. It was her life’s goal to love, guide and assist her family through the good times and bad. In her later years she enjoyed ancestral studies and researched not only her own family tree but the ancestry of others as well. Above all, Cathy will be remembered as a loving, giving, humble, compassionate Christian woman, always caring for and serving others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, LaMar and Esther Shedron, and her infant sister, LuAnn. She is survived by her three children, Paul Dickmeyer of Madison, WI, and Martha and Charles Dickmeyer of Whitewater, WI; her sister Carol Bell of Dallas, TX; her two brothers, Paul Shedron of Silver City, NM and John Shedron of College Grove, TN; and her ex-husband, Mark Dickmeyer, of Fort Wayne, IN.

A memorial celebration will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Starin Park.  Gathering will be informal, but family is requesting that guests follow social distancing.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Cathy’s name to either Fairhaven Senior Services or the charity of your choice.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com