Life Events

Joseph Carl “Joe” Bauer, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Marquardt Manor in Watertown, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old. He was born in Park Falls, Wisconsin on February 18, 1945 and raised in Hayward, Wisconsin by Leo and Rosemary Long. He enlisted into the Army National Guard out of Hayward, Wisconsin and he graduated from Hayward High School in 1965.

He was not the type of man whom you’d go out to lunch with or go shopping with. He was a very, very skilled carpenter and woodworker, and there was nothing he could not fix or build. He never cut any corners, there’s a right way and a wrong way. He went through his fazes with his “toys.” Always had to have a good truck to haul his tools, he rode a Harley for a bit and snowmobiles. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and making wooden picture frames, which he would donate to the local nursing home and hospital. People who knew him knew how good of a “story teller” he was!

Joe is survived by his daughters, Joyce (Tim) Bristol, and Bobbie Jo Bauer; grandchildren, Nathan Coy (Dalton) and Jason Coy; siblings, Ray Emond (Darla), Mike Duffy (Sue), Delores Peterson and John Topdahl; as well as all the members of the Long family.

A memorial visitation will take place at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10 AM until 12 PM.

The family would like to give special thank you to Joe’s longtime friend, Mike Kachel, who has been a loyal and faithful friend to Joe over the years.

Online condolences can be made www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Linda Pieper Kirkland

Linda passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2024 at the age of 67 following a brave battle with cancer. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loved ones admiring nature, wildlife, and beautiful sunsets along the water. She was born on October 9th, 1956 and raised in Whitewater, WI with fond memories of sleigh rides with her two ponies, snowmobile sledding, visiting her grandparents’ farm, and large family gatherings with her many cousins. Her college years were at the University of Arizona – Tucson where she enjoyed days in the sun and hiking the surrounding mountains. Following college she spent summers living and working on Geneva Lake where she met her husband and lifelong partner, Kevin. They married in 1983 and lovingly raised their two daughters in Fontana, WI, where they’ve remained since. Linda spent summer days tending to her wildflower gardens, at the beach with her kids, boat rides on the lake, and daily walks through Hildebrand Nature Conservancy (which she affectionately called ‘Nana’s Secret Garden’). In winter, she enjoyed snowshoeing along local trails with her husband and dog, Zoey. For nearly 20 years she passionately devoted herself to her work as an autism therapist, working alongside children with special needs at Denison Elementary School. Those who knew Linda will forever remember her very caring, fun-loving, adventurous spirit along with her love for nature, family celebrations, dancing, travel, her dogs, and her granddaughter who brought her so much joy.

Her spirit and memories live on through the loves of her life: her husband of 44 years (Kevin Kirkland), daughters (Kate and Liz), father (Dale Pieper), three sisters (Rosann, Connie, and Lori Pieper), and her beloved granddaughter (Emma). She will join her mother (Dorothy Pieper) in heaven. She will also be missed dearly by her son-in-law, sisters/brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and close friends. Linda left a beautiful footprint during her time spent here on Earth, touching everyone around her. Her life will always be cherished by everyone who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held with family and friends at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to the following organizations: Autism Speaks, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Breast Cancer Research Foundation

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,

Love like you’ll never be hurt,

Sing like there’s nobody listening,

And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

-(William W. Purkey)

ARDELT, Robert, Jr, age 51, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024, with family by his side. He was born to Robert “Bob” Ardelt and April (Kienbaum) Ardelt-Furman on May 29, 1973, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Along with his parents, Robert is survived by his stepmother Connie Ardelt, sister Nicole (Greg) Leason of Milton, WI, and brother Ross (Annette) of Whitewater, WI., nephews, Cash and Cooper Leason, and Harrison Ardelt. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his grandparents Carl and June Kienbaum, Donald and Katie Ardelt, stepfather, George Furman, aunt, Mariann “Mickie” Kienbaum and uncle, Rommel Kienbaum.

Robert graduated from Whitewater High School in 1991. Moving to Sarasota, Florida to attend Ringling College of Art & Design, he received his associate degree in graphic design. It was there that he fell in love with the beach, but even more, found a deep desire to always expand his horizons.

Robert was given the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Israel, but amongst all his travels, it was his two years working in Nantucket, MA at Wayne Pratt Antique Sales where he truly fell in love with the world, being immersed in art history.

Faced with ongoing health issues, Robert would find his way back to Whitewater in 2007 to be near his family. Fighting Renal Failure with dialysis for 11 years he received a kidney transplant in 2018, but it eventually failed due to complications. Although these health issues would plague him to the end, his spirit never dimmed. Just as he would seize every opportunity, so would he embrace every challenge, in a special way that only Robert could. Unwavering, he went to UW-Whitewater where he finished his Art History degree with a minor in World Religion.

Always adventurous, so was Robert’s creativity, never confined to one simple thing. Taking up baking and cooking, he immediately shined, bringing his artistic flare to every gathering where a meal would be had. But of all Robert’s talents and pursuits, it was in the relationship with his nephews that he truly glowed and found purpose. Infinitely patient and thoughtful, always playful and present, being an uncle was his best craft.

Although in the end his body gave out, he fought the good fight, and we are extremely proud of his bravery. As Robert was always inspired, so shall we be by his strength.

Visitations are from 10 am until 12 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation in Robert’s memory to First English Lutheran Church or to be distributed amongst Robert’s other favorite causes.

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

In loving memory of Donna Root, June 15, 1944 – June 22, 2023

Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 15th – 12-3 p.m.
American Legion Post 166
201 S. Water St. E.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

The family asks that guests dress casually and wear their favorite Packer gear as Donna was an avid Packer fan.

Jose “Joey” A. Zamora III, 40, of Janesville (formerly of Whitewater) passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Agrace Hospice Care in Janesville.

Joey was born on January 6, 1984 in Fort Atkinson and was the youngest of three brothers. He attended Lincoln Elementary School in Whitewater and briefly moved to Lake Mills, before attending Whitewater High School. Joey joined the workforce and was employed by Husco in Whitewater, and then worked at Jiffy Lube, and F & F Tire. He was recently employed at LKQ in Janesville. Joey has spent the last 13 years with the love of his life, Angie Fryar; and together they raised five daughters, a granddaughter, and three cats.

More than anything else, he enjoyed his daughters and spending time with them. He loved working on cars, weightlifting, making people laugh, watching sports, especially his favorite team – The Colts, and spending time with family and friends.

Joey is survived by his fiancé, Angie Fryar; daughters, Jaycee Rogers, Kylie Rogers, Mekayah Stachula, Annabelle Moronez, Ava Hatch; granddaughter, Aubrey Rogers; parents, Jose and Kathy Zamora, Denise; brothers, Daniel Zamora, Zachary Zamora, Lance Brown; goddaughter, Alexa Goldberg; niece, nephew, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Margarita Zamora; grandpa, Jose A. Zamora Sr.; cousin, Adam Zamora; and Tig the cat.

Donations can be made in Joey’s name through https://gofund.me/ba1f82ac to assist his family with funeral expenses.

Special thanks to Agrace Hospice staff in Janesville for their exceptional care for Joey.

A mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A visitation will take place from 9 AM until the time of service. A burial will follow the service immediately at Calvary Cemetery.

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

Janet Lucille Long (Frattura) passed away on May 19, 2024, two days before her 87^th birthday in Whitewater, Wisconsin, after a persistent fight against Alzheimer’s disease. She was 86 years old, but her family is rounding up to 87.

Janet is survived by her children Dennis Long and Elise Frattura; her granddaughters Sydney Frattura Kampschroer (George) and Addyson Frattura Kampschroer; her cousin, Annabelle Pearce as well as many extended family members and friends. Janet is preceded in death by her parents John and Loretta Frattura (Leby); by her infant daughter, Lucille Long; and by her lifelong best friend Patti Fillinger.

Janet was born on May 21, 1937, in Akron, Ohio. She attended St. Vincent’s High School in Akron and Akron University where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She taught elementary school at Saint Martha’s in Akron and was a substitute teacher for many years. She later became an area director of childcare programs in the Chicago area as well as Baltimore, Maryland. Janet enjoyed her time spent in Baltimore and being near the water and lighthouses. She relocated back to Wisconsin to be close to her daughter and granddaughters and had lived in Whitewater for 23 years.

Janet deeply treasured her time spent with her granddaughters, from watching them play tee-ball to softball, to not missing a single swim meet. She was always the first one there. She was consistently available to bring them home from dances, to stop for an after-school treat, and to support her granddaughters as they grew up. Janet remained playful as she played make-believe with her granddaughters and of course was always up for dancing in the rain. As Janet’s granddaughters grew up and left Whitewater, she never missed mailing cards to their dorms or dropped anything to talk on the phone when they called. She loved hearing about her children and granddaughter’s pursuits and dreams.

Janet was essential to the fabric of her family’s life, and on this day of her birth, she is already wholeheartedly missed by all who loved her. Her family will feel her absence at weekly dinners on the back porch, coffee get-togethers, holidays and weddings, as well as her Winnie the Pooh-like giggle. The family will miss all of her and all she was to them.

A small celebration of life will be planned for in Akron, Ohio to honor her wish to return home. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all at Mulberry Glen and Glenwood in Whitewater, Wisconsin for their unparalleled support and care. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name would be greatly appreciated.

An excerpt from The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana.

“Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars.”

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Barbara McKinney, 72, Minot, ND, left this world peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great granny, sister, aunt, and friend.

Barbara Ann Riley was born on November 28, 1951 to Theresa Egnoski Riley in Madison, Wisconsin. After graduating from Whitewater High School she married Larry McKinney on December 12, 1970. The two made their first home on the Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota where Larry served for 20 years. Together they raised two daughters, Michelle and Kelly. Following Larry’s military retirement the family moved into their home in Minot. Barb and Larry were married 50 years prior to Larry’s passing on August 7, 2021.

In the ’70s and ’80s Barb worked on the Minot Air Force Base as a contractor, painting and remodeling base housing. In 1988 she began working at Hardee’s North in Minot. She retired from Hardee’s in 2023 after 35 years of service. Barb made many good friends over the years and she loved to chat especially if it was about fishing or football. She always knew if the fish were biting at Lake Darling.

Barb was a devoted mother, grandma, and recently a great-granny. If you ever spent any time with Barb you know that she was so proud of her daughters, grandkids, and her new identical twin great-granddaughters; she was always eager to share stories and pictures! Barb had many hobbies over the years including throwing darts, quilting, bunko, she loved a good western, she was always up for a game of poker with her family or a fun trip to the casino. During the summer you could always find Barb at the lake and on winter Sundays you would find her cheering on her Green Bay Packers. Go-Pack-Go!

Her loving family includes: daughters, Michelle (Paul) Schwegler, Maricopa AZ and Kelly (Michael) Duchsherer, Minot ND; grandchildren, Seth (Alyssa) Gehring, Sarah Schwegler and Karter Duchsherer; great-granddaughters, Avery and Hazel Gehring; former son-in-law, Dennis (Annie) Gehring, and their children, Braden (Emily) Lindquist and Kade Lindquist; siblings, Gladys Hildebrandt, Elsie Beaver, Michael (Kathy) Riley, Richard (Mary) Riley; brothers-in-law, Terry (Sandy) McKinney, Harry McKinney and Dennis McKinney; sisters-in-law, Sherry Schreiner and Denise Schwab; Barb’s chosen family, William and Barbara Kay, the entire Horn family and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; mother, Theresa Riley; siblings, Rose White, David Riley, Betty Franz, Gary Riley, Ronald Riley and Terry Riley; parents-in-law, Harvey and Emma Nell McKinney; sister-in-law, Regina McKinney.

Memorial Service: Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.  

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thompson-larsonfuneralhome3198

JULY 11, 1946 – MAY 13, 2024

Margo Ann Crummey, 77, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 10 years, formerly of Whitewater, WI, passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 in Fort Myers, FL. She was born July 11, 1946 in Manitowoc, WI to William and Margaret Schramm, now deceased.

Margo was John’s 1st Mate all through life, most notably on their 27 month sailboat adventure from Lake Michigan to Venezuela and return.  They were married August 1, 1970 for 54 years.  Margo graduated from UW Whitewater, and was employed there for the remainder of her working career.  She was always active in some version of an exercise class and also an avid reader.  After minor health issues and during carpal tunnel surgery, her body shut down and was unable to recover after two weeks of intensive medical treatment.  Her heart said no more.  She will be missed by all who crossed her path from Florida to Wisconsin and across the seas.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Crummey; daughter, Aimee Crummey (Jeffrey Christensen) of Pewaukee, WI’ as well as brothers, Randall Schramm and William Schramm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the online guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Our dear mother, Mary Ketterhagen, sadly passed away on May 17, 2024. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother who was always there when we needed her, offering support, wisdom, and an abundance of love. Her beauty on the inside and out along with her loving, generous nature will be missed more than words can say. Mary was born in Marshfield, WI on May 20, 1940, and lived in her parents’ hometown of Milladore, WI as a baby before the family moved to Madison, WI. She attended Emerson Grade School and St. Bernard’s Catholic Grade School on Madison’s east side. She then went to Madison East High School for one year and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1958.

After high school, Mary moved to Whitewater, WI to attend school at UW-Whitewater studying to become a biology teacher. It was here that she met her future husband, Joseph Ketterhagen. They were married on December 29, 1962, and had three children together. She was an amazing homemaker, cook, wife, and mother. She had a great love of gardening and nature, loved traveling with her husband Joe throughout the U.S., and had a passion for shopping, decorating, and her beautiful clothing. The memories of Mary’s delightfully sly sense of humor will bring a smile to our faces eternally.  She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Parish and a member of The Christian Mothers. In 2022 she moved to Sun Prairie, WI and was a resident at Talamore Senior Living. We wish to thank the direct care providers there for the loving and compassionate care they gave Mary.

She is preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth (Hardina) Feit, her father Walter Feit, and her husband Joseph Ketterhagen. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Ihland of Madison, WI, her three children, Kurt (Kris) Ketterhagen of Whitewater, WI, Julie (Michael) Ketterhagen of Milwaukee, WI, and Ted (David) Ketterhagen of Madison, WI, and her three granddaughters, Megan Ketterhagen of San Diego, CA, Kara Ketterhagen (fiancé Sean Thrun) of Chicago, IL, and Ali Ketterhagen of Dallas, TX.

A Christian Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 23 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W Main Street in Whitewater, WI with a reception to follow at 841 Brewhouse. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Make-a-Wish Foundation in her name.

Online Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com