Life Events

Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024.

Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there that
he met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives for 52 wonderful years. They especially enjoyed fishing, boating, hiking, golf, traveling and most outdoor activities.

Jerry was a longtime resident of Wauconda, IL, before retiring to Wisconsin. After a career in commercial roofing, Jerry continued to work on major projects at home, and often was the one that family and friends called when they needed help or advice. He was never bored. He was skilled and talented at most every aspect of construction, and restorations of any kind, and he
thoroughly enjoyed tinkering with motors, boats and cars. He was quite proud of finding rusty treasures that he could restore and bring back to life. But he was also very well-rounded and enjoyed music of most genres including jazz, classical, and rock, as well as visits to art galleries, museums, and botanical gardens (which greatly pleased Eileen!) He very much appreciated the talent of the artists.

But he most enjoyed family events with all the nieces and nephews and their children. Uncle Jerry was happiest when playing with the kids…- tubing, boating, teaching them how to fish, or hiking to the creek. He will be greatly missed by all.

Jerry was deeply compassionate about helping those in need. After retirement, Jerry found a rewarding volunteer opportunity with Catholic Charities in Lake Co. for 10 years in a special program that supported seniors to be able to live independently longer. He was also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics of Wisconsin in support of his two nephews, often cheering them on at their games. In addition, he supported NPH USA, an organization with orphanages and hospitals helping children and families in Latin America and Haiti. More recently he had joined the Lions Club of Whitewater, WI and had looked forward to being able to devote his energy toward important programs helping the blind and other local charities.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen (nee LaVoy); his devoted sisters: Maureen O’Donnell, Sharon (Larry) Salvatore, and Cheryl Power; his loving sisters and brothers-in-law: Carol Burke, Joyce (Frank) Wessels, Jan Salstrom, John Salstrom, Renee (John) Daly, and Ken (Michele) LaVoy; his caring father-in-law: James LaVoy; and his sixteen nieces and nephews; and thirteen great-nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his infant son, James Stephen; his infant brother Patrick; his sister, Colleen; his brother, Kevin; and his parents, Stephen and Catherine Burke.

Visitation will be on Tuesday July 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home 10045 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL. There will be a second brief visitation at the church at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street, Glenview, IL.

The service will be livestreamed; please go to Jerry’s obituary page at donnellanfuneral.com to view the Funeral Mass.

Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Special Olympics Wisconsin, 6582 Ronald Reagan Ave., Madison, WI 53704 – Specify donation
to Southern Lakes #7-15 – https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/

NPH USA Midwest Region, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606 https://nphusa.org/region/mw/

Lions Club of Whitewater, WI – PO BOX 246, Whitewater, WI, 53190

Catholic Charities of Lake County – P.O. Box 7154, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154
https://www.catholiccharities.net/give/

Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer.

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan.

She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru.

She completed her primary studies at the La Merced National Women’s School and her secondary studies at the Nuestra Señora de Belén de Ventanilla National Mixed School.

She began her higher education at the Argentine Higher Institute, finishing as an accounting assistant.

She then continued her studies at the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega University, with a Accounting degree.

She graduated from the College of Accountants of Peru (CCP).

She always did her accounting services jobs from the time she finished as an accounting assistant until the end of her days.

She fulfilled her dream of coming to this great country of the United States of America in 2001 to continue working in her accounting specialty. The beginning of her work activities in the US was in Virginia with the company Tax Management Service. Where the same company promotes her to continue doing accounting work in Delaware. It is in this State where she was
blessed to meet her beloved husband Brian Knuteson with whom she shared good and bad moments always walking hand in hand with God.

Angelica loved Brian’s family, Sandra Knuteson, Cheryl Nehme, David Knuteson, Mike Knuteson, Jerry Knuteson, Mark Disrud, John Disrud, Lori Sheppard, David Disrud. She loved the unique quality of a stepfamily. She always tried to combine her family in Peru and Brian’s family.

Throughout this journey of her life, she was able to cultivate very good friendships with all types of people of many nationalities, helping them achieve their personal financial successes and those of her companies. At the same time, she had the ability to attract many people to the activities of the Catholic Church in Dover, being one of the main motivators for the development of the activities of the Lord of the Miracle in the month of October.

She was a very reserved woman with her personal issues, characterized by being a very affectionate and loving person with children, at the same time that she was a very good counselor and detail-oriented with her friends and family, always being present when they needed her and all that. We see the love that she gave reflected in this moment.

Thank you Lord for allowing Edith to be part of our lives and we ask that you keep her in your Holy Glory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 South State Street, Dover, DE where a visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Milford Community Cemetery, Milford. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Angélica E. Vicente Santa Cruz falleció el domingo 30 de junio en su casa junto a familiares y amigos en Milford Delaware tras una larga batalla contra el cáncer.

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz nació el 24 de febrero del año 1965. Siendo hija de Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez y Don Luis Vicente León, quienes le permitieron compartir una vida de unión familiar con sus cuatro hermanos: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar y Juan.

Nació en Lima-Perú y creció en el distrito de Ventanilla de la provincia constitucional de Callaodel Perú.

Sus estudios primarios lo realizó en el Colegio Nacional de mujeres La Merced y sus estudios secundarios en el Colegio Nacional Mixto Nuestra Señora de Belén de Ventanilla.

Sus estudios superiores los inicio en el Instituto Superior Argentino, terminando como auxiliar de contabilidad.

Luego continuó con sus estudios en la Universidad Inca Garcilazo de la Vega, terminando la carrera como Licenciada en Contabilidad.

Se colegió en el Colegio de Contadores del Perú (CCP).

Sus trabajos de servicios de contabilidad siempre los realizó desde que terminó como auxiliar de contabilidad hasta el final de sus días.

Cumplió su sueño de venir a este gran país de Estados Unidos de Norte América en el año 2001 para seguir trabajando en su especialidad de contabilidad. Los inicios de sus actividades laborales en EEUU fueron en Virginia con la compañía Tax Management Service. Donde la misma empresa la promueve para seguir realizando trabajos de contabilidad en Delaware. Es
en este Estado donde tuvo la bendición de conocer a su amado esposo Brian Knuteson con quien compartió momentos buenos y malos caminando siempre de la mano de Dios.

Angélica amaba a la familia de Brian, Sandra Knuteson, Cheryl Nehme, David Knuteson, Mike Knuteson, Jerry Knuteson, Mark Disrud, John Disrud, Lori Sheppard, David Disrud. Le encantaba la cualidad única de una familia reconstituida. ella siempre trató de combinar su familia en Perú y la familia de Brian.

En todo este trayecto de su vida pudo cultivar muy buenas amistades con todo tipo de personas de muchas nacionalidades, ayudándolas a que logren sus éxitos financieros personales y de sus empresas. A la vez tuvo la capacidad de convocar a mucha gente en las actividades de la iglesia católica en Dover, siendo una de las principales motivadoras para que se desarrollen las actividades del Señor de lo Milagro en el mes de Octubre.

Ella fue una mujer muy reservada con sus temas personales, caracterizándose por ser una persona muy cariñosa y amorosa con los niños, a la vez que era muy buena consejera ydetallista con su amistades y familiares, siempre estando presente para cuando la necesitaban ytodo ese amor que ella brindó lo vemos reflejado en este momento.

Gracias señor por haber permitido que Edith sea parte de nuestras vidas y te pedimos que la tengas en tu Santa Gloria.

Los servicios funerales serán el 9 de Julio del 2024.
Lugar: Holy Cross Cathedral Church. 631 South Street, Dover, De.
Hora:
10: 00 a.m. visualización
11: 00 a.m. Misa funeral
Será enterrada en el Cementerio Comunitario de Milford.
Luego invitamos a todos a su casa al 208 Bridgeham Ave. Milford, Delaware.

Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison.

Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was very proud to have played in several state events, the most memorable being the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.  While serving in the Army Band, he also attended Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., achieving both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music Education. 

While in Washington, Lowell was introduced to Maureen Phelan by their mutual friend, Father Twohig. Lowell proposed on their third date, and Maureen accepted on the fifth date.  They were married three months later, on March 27, 1967 in Bowie, Maryland.  The couple remained very happily married and in love for 57 years.

Lowell’s first teaching position was at the University of Delaware where he taught piano, while also working as a church organist in the Washington D.C. and Maryland area.  He soon accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in August of 1968 as a piano and organ professor in the Music Department.  He was proud to have been awarded the W. P. Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award in 1977.  Lowell was eventually promoted to Chairman of the Music Department and remained in that role until retirement in 1997.  Throughout his time at the University, he was an active organist in many local churches, eventually serving for 30 years as the principal organist and music director for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Janesville.  In addition to playing organ, he led the vocal and bell choirs by directing, arranging and sometimes composing music for their services. Lowell was also a member of the American Guild of Organists.

Lowell had a wonderful sense of humor.  He was a huge fan of terrible puns and was the king of bad “dad jokes.”  He even created his own version of Pig Latin that used to send his kids into fits of laughter when he’d start jabbering.  He was always quick with a witty observation, but always respectful and kind when poking fun.  His favorite joke of all time had the punchline “got any grapes?”.  For decades, whenever there was a lull in conversation or if the mood needed lightening, you’d just hear him ask “got any grapes?”.  It was funny every time.  His humor will be missed dearly.

Lowell enjoyed classical music and opera and going to the symphony. He was passionate about practicing piano and organ.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed solving word and jigsaw puzzles.  But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family – particularly the kids and grandkids.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Maureen; children, Eileen (James) Marshall of Portage, Kirsten Whidden of Whitewater, Deirdre Youngs of Madison, Kevin Youngs of Madison, Heather (Andrew) Flood of Evansville; grandchildren, Christopher (Courtney Erickson) Marshall, Kayleigh (Cameron Keenan) Marshall, Elora Whidden, Devin Flood, Ethan Flood; sister-in-law, Myra Lou Youngs; and many nieces and nephews.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Violet Youngs; and siblings, Bernita Youngs, Kenneth Youngs, and Linda Youngs.

Donations can be made in Lowell’s name to the Care for All program through Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.

The family would like to give special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care of Lowell.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

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

Obituary: Robert Karl Webb, 97

Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI.  Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana.

Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana High School Band. He then taught music at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, retiring in 1989 after teaching there twenty-three years. He was professor of flute and clarinet, coordinator of the music education faculty and director of the University Flute Choir. He was affectionately known as the “Father of the Flute Choir” as he organized, arranged and published many pieces for the flute choir.

Dr. Webb is survived by his wife, Adrienne, his daughters Karla Scobie (Jon) and Kathryn Thorson, four stepchildren, his grandchildren Sarah Liebelt (Stephen), Kate Martinez (Ron), Andy Thorson (Ashley), Leslie Grant and Michael Flood (Erin), ten step-grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife, Janice, his daughter Karen (Tom) and his son-in-law Playford.

Funeral services will be on June 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church 8605 CTH A, Janesville, WI. Friends may call at the church on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A reception will immediately follow the service. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater with military rites.

Memorials may be made to the Robert K. Webb Family Scholarship Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Marianne Steck, 93

Marianne Steck, a beloved member of the Whitewater, Wisconsin community, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Born on September 25, 1930, Marianne was the daughter of Oliver L. Kettwig and Minnie C. Kettwig. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Robert Kettwig, Paul Kettwig, and Richard Kettwig, her sister Joyce Simon, and her husband Jerome W. Steck.

Along with her devoted husband Jerome W. Steck, Marianne built a thriving realty business, Steck Realty. Their partnership and dedication transformed their company into a cornerstone of the community, helping countless families find their homes and businesses their foundations. In retirement, she and her husband Jerry visited countless U.S. states and friends for over 20
years. They assisted many an RV friend with engine repairs, a great meal and a “smiler” or two.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marianne was known for her warmth, generosity, and steadfast commitment to her family and friends. She is survived by her extended family, and numerous friends and colleagues. The community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman who gave so much to her family and to the town of Whitewater.

A small graveside ceremony will be held to celebrate Marianne’s life at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society in her honor.

Marianne Steck will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Obituary: Kristin Renee Schneidewent, 45, of Palmyra

Kristin Renee Schneidewent, 45, of Palmyra, WI formerly from Muskego, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Marquardt Manor in Watertown, WI.

Kristin was born on August 15, 1978, to Randolph and Lynn (Dwyer) Schneidewent and was the youngest of four children.

She had a love for all animals, the music of Bon Jovi and spending time with her family.

Kristin is survived by her parents, Randolph and Lynn Schneidewent; siblings, Paul (Cheryl) Schneidewent; Brian (Missy) Schneidewent and Maggie (Jamie) Schneidewent-Brandt. Her nieces and nephews, Nicole (Aaron); Jami (Brandon); Shawn (Amanda); Brandon; Kayla; Lauren; Brenna; Hunter and Savana. Great-nephews, Jack, Troy and Kaeson. As well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Eleanore Dwyer; Julius and Edna Schneidewent and her uncle, Daniel Schneidewent.

Donations can be made in Kristin’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Funeral services for Kristin will take place at 12 P.M. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Visitation will take place from 10 A.M. until the time of service. Her burial will occur at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater immediately following funeral services.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Marquardt Manor for their exceptional care for Kristin.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Dean Lawrence Kyle, 71

Dean Lawrence Kyle, age 71, of Whitewater, died Sunday, June 16, 2024 on the farm.  Dean was born April 27, 1953 the son of William and Beverly (McCulloch) Kyle. On November 9, 1974, Dean married LaDonia Brandenburg. Dean started his farm in 1971 after he graduated from Whitewater High School.  He was a member of the Rock County Holstein Breeders, served on the Lima Center Zoning Board, a 4-H Leader, and on the Rock County DHIA Board of Directors. Dean took great pride in what he built on his farm and that the farm continues in operation today. He would always joke he ran the “Dean Kyle School of Agriculture,” and loved sharing his knowledge with those who worked with him through the years. 

Dean is survived by his wife LaDonia Kyle of Whitewater, WI; Daughters, Dawn (Greg) Hockerman, of Westfield, WI and Elaine (Rodney) Schultz, of Janesville WI. His grandchildren Hannah, Hayden, and Holden Hockerman; and Erik and Ella Schultz. Further survived by 6 siblings Margery Watson, Mary Ormson, Dick (Penny), David (JoAnne), Lumpy (Joan), and Howard (Nora) Kyle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by parents, two sisters; Barbara Lewis and Helen Kyle, brother-in-laws Norwin Watson, David Ormson.

Funeral Services will be held on the Farm on Friday, July 5, 2024.  Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11:30, service to follow. 

Special Thank you to the family and friends that supported us through this Dean’s health battle.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com


Obituary: Donald “Don” John Jacobs, 94

Donald “Don” John Jacobs, 94, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. Don was born on March 25, 1930 in LaGrange to Marion and Minerva (Knuteson) Jacobs. He and his siblings (Norma, Lawrence, Arnold, and Edward) grew up on the family farm and were involved in the family-owned John Deere dealership in Whitewater. Don joined the Air Force in 1950 and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He married Harriet Lentz in 1954 and later that same year they moved back to Whitewater following the completion of his service. In 1955, they had a son David and in 1957 another son, James (Jimmy). Don and Harriet started a livestock trucking company and hauled cattle until 1970 when they transitioned to hauling grain. Don’s son, Dave joined the family trucking business and worked alongside his father for many years. During this time, Don was also involved in farming, the Air Guards, and the American Legion. Don continued to run his own trucking business until retiring at the age of 80.

Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, including traveling and trips to Florida. No table was too small for family and friends to join in for Gus’ Pizza or breakfast at Novak’s or Jessica’s. Don and Harriet were devoted grandparents to their three grandchildren. No matter how tired Don was after a long day of work, he would always make time to entertain and goof-around with his grandchildren.

During retirement, Don found joy in gardening, feeding birds, spending winters in Florida, making frequent trips across town to McDonalds, and spending time with his beloved great-granddaughters. He would enjoy listening to Polka music or watching Polka Joe on RFDTV. He took pride in expanding his toy tractor collection and shared an interest in vintage tractors with his grandson, Jeremy. Don’s family enjoys reminiscing of times he would be seen mowing his lawn, riding his three-wheeled bike, and his love of dining out. Don’s generosity left a lasting mark on those he knew throughout his life.

Don is survived by his son Dave (Julie) Jacobs of Whitewater; grandchildren Jeremy (Andrea) Jacobs of Whitewater, Jason (Laura) Jacobs of Firestone, Colorado, and Jenni Jacobs of Whitewater; great-granddaughters Reagan Hammons, Hadlee Jacobs, and Rowyn Brown, all of Whitewater; and many many extended family and friends.

Don was deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Harriet in 2010 and his son James in 1970. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for the exceptional care given to Don.

Donations can be made in Don’s name to Hebron Community Church.

A graveside service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Hillside Cemetery, 400 S. Wisconsin St. in Whitewater.

Obituary: Thomas “Tom” L. Downs, 62, of Waukesha

Thomas “Tom” L. Downs

May 12, 1962 — June 7, 2024

Waukesha

Thomas “Tom” L. Downs of Waukesha passed away surrounded by his family at home on Friday, June 7, 2024 at age 62. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI on May 12, 1962, the son of LaVerne and Carole (nee Scherer) Downs. Tom earned his degree in human services and was very involved with many organizations including Fishing Has no Boundaries, Muscular Dystrophy Association and With a Little Help…, Inc. He was an avid sports and music fan, enjoyed fishing, loved to travel and was a DJ for many Whitewater area functions. 

He will be sadly and forever missed by his dedicated partner, Cheryl Lee and their son, Joshua Downs (Nicole Heafner), his mother Carole Downs; sisters, Pam Brotzman, Shelly Picknell (Jim Frodl), nieces, Danielia Brotzman Frenzel (Jamie), Ronni Ariel Picknell Scott (Kendall Scott). Sarah Downs (Michael Sersich), nephews Lyle Downs and Brandon Downs (Liz), great nephew Talon Frenzel, great nieces Jay Downs, Alexa Downs, McKenzie Frenzel, Adelynn Downs and Emma Downs. Tom will also be remembered forever by the entire Lee family.   He was preceded in death by his father LaVerne. 

Visitation will be Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 12 noon all to be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.

Tom’s family would like to give a special thank you to his special nursing staff who has loved, cared and supported him. All of you have become family over the years and Tom truly loved you all and enjoyed your time together. We are forever grateful. 

Tom would encourage everyone to consider organ donation.  More information can be found at https://donatelife.net/donation/

Obituary: John Kent Jr., 74, of Elroy

John Kent Jr. Obituary
June 3rd 1950 – June 5th 2024

John passed away quietly in Elroy, WI, after a battle with cancer. John was born in Soest, Germany, to Anna and John Mesarosch. The family immigrated to Sullivan, WI USA, in 1952. They all became US citizens and changed name to Kent in 1960. John graduated from Whitewater High School and enlisted in the Marines in 1970. Married Sylvia Rhody; they had a daughter, Tabitha Dawn, whom he loved with all his heart. He became a certified diesel truck driver in 1978. He worked for Weiler and Co. in Whitewater, WI for 40 years, retiring in 2013. He moved “up North” where he had always wanted to live.

John was full of life and loved adventure. In his younger years he drove stock cars, was in car clubs, shot off model rockets. He became a skydiver with the sky nights, a scuba diver, loved to travel. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for mechanics, loved motorcycles and old cars. He loved the Green Bay Packers and driving ATV’s. He had been a member of the American Legion of Rome, WI. John truly enjoyed his friends, was a bit of a jokester, laughed a lot, and generally just had a good time. When asked what his philosophy of life is, he said, “make the best of it,” which he did.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Kent (Steve Ohman) of Janesville, WI. A significant other of many years, Laura Bass of Wilton WI, Laura’s kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, who loved John and called him PaPa John or John Muffin. Aunt, Ruth Mesarosch, Cousins, Michael Mesarosch, (Ashley), Melinda Mesarosch, Jefferson, WI. Monika Witek, WV, Mary Ann Sowa, Oregon, Hans Matthes, CA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tabitha Dawn Sazama.

A service will be held at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI, Friday, June 14th. Visitation will be 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. with a service following at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home, 550. N. Newcomb St, Whitewater Wisconsin, 53190, 1-262-472-9118