Life Events

Joanne Carla Bruch, age 88, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on December 7, 2023 with family by her side at Clement Manor, in Greenfield, WI.

Joanne was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1935, to Elinor (Perry) Larson and James Larson. She grew up in the Heart Prairie and Whitewater area. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953.

On October 23, 1954 Joanne married Harry Bruch at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Joanne worked at Whitewater Electronics from 1964 to 1980, and then worked with the IUE offices in Milwaukee, eventually retiring as the IUE Staff Representative for the state of Wisconsin in 1991. She continued her union affiliation in retirement by chairing the retiree group for District 8 and serving as a board member for the Wisconsin Council of Senior Citizens for many years.

Joanne will forever be known as an outgoing and social person, who loved enjoying puzzles, card games, and social activities with friends and family. She had quite a way with words. All were welcome at her house and no one left her house hungry. Joanne was a proud and ardent member of the Democratic Party. She is also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater, WI, where she spent many Friday afternoons happily folding bulletins.

Surviving her are: daughter Arlene (Jeff Ugorek) Gries of Oregon, IL, daughter Kathlene “Kasey” (Dr. Conrad Nenn) Bruch-Nenn of Cudahy, WI, son Steven Bruch of Hammond, LA, daughter Paulene (Randy) Euhardy of Sugar Bush, WI, daughter Jennifer (Frank) Delgado of Lake Geneva, WI, daughter Janis (Leonard “Butch”) Witt of Whitewater, WI, as well as 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Joanne is survived by many nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws and brother-in laws, and friends of all ages she considered her sons, daughters, or sisters of choice.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Elinor and James, her husband Harry, her brother James, and her sister Jeannie Patrick.

Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 145 S Prairie St. Whitewater, WI, on December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joanne’s honor to First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude towards Clement Manor, as well as, Allay Home & Hospice for their exceptional care of Joanne.

Roberta Lane Bollenbach (73) passed away November 29, 2023 after a long struggle with lung disease. Robie spent her final hours at home with her family. She was born on March 24, 1950 to John (Bob) & Lois Elkin. After many moves, the family settled in New Berlin, WI where she went on to graduate from high school.

Robie soon enjoyed her newly found friends and a career in the financial community. Robie met Gary Bollenbach at a local establishment and in May of 1976 they were married in a beautiful historic church in Middleton, WI. The church overlooked Gary’s modest family farm of three generations. Gary often said that it was where he developed his platform to guide him for his travels in life.

Gary’s career had taken him to New York where they spent their first two years as newlyweds. Then on to Florida for a couple more years, and finally putting down roots in North Prairie, WI. This is where they built a home on some acreage, tucked up adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. They remained there for thirty years. Robie eventually became a full-time mom and loved the rural life. She spent hours in her beautiful flower gardens and often walked their wooded trails with the girls by her side, enjoying nature’s beauty. She also lovingly participated in raising Gary’s son, Brett.

For thirty years, they owned a home on Jordan Lake, where family and friends gathered year around. Robie could not wait each week to head up north. She would watch from the deck as all the activities were going on. She would record all the memories of water skiing, boating, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and millions of campfires. They decided to move there permanently in 2010.

Robie’s loving care and support was the foundation for her family. She worked tirelessly maintaining the households, running the girls around and paying all the bills. More recently, she would enjoy as much time as she could with her 2 grandchildren.

She loved and was loved and now her work is done. In her final hours, she said she was ready to leave this world behind. It was time to meet the lord God and to find Jenna again – she left us at peace.

A life intertwined with love.

Robie is survived by her husband – Gary, Children – Jessica Berndt (Mike) of Waterford, WI and their children, Blake (14) and Lainey (12). Also, Jenna Bollenbach (Jenna passed on July 1, 2018 & is with us from heaven). Also, Brett Bollenbach of Middleton, WI, who joined the family as a toddler. She is also survived by her sisters: Minda (Jerry) Jewson, and Debra (Rick) Merkel. She is also survived by her brothers: Steve (Michele) Elkin, and John (Traci) Elkin. She was preceded in death by her mom (Lois) & dad (Bob) Elkin.

A memorial will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home (1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI) on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The service will follow at noon.

Please join us at 1:00 p.m. for a luncheon and celebration of Robie’s life at the Country Inn & Suites (1650 Doris Dr., Fort Atkinson, WI).

Discounted rooms are available.

At nitardyfuneralhome.com you will find a place to express your condolences as well.

Suzanne (Ogden) Inglefield, 85, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Fort Myers, Florida.

Sue was born in Akron, Ohio and during her youth had several hometowns in the US and abroad while traveling with her parents and younger brother as her father served as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. She graduated from Washington Lee High School in Virginia and attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in Double Bass and was certified to teach K-12 Music, Elementary Classroom, and had a minor in Botany.

After graduating from Eastman, Suzanne began her 30+ year teaching career in 1962 as an elementary teacher at the Woodland School in Stow, Ohio. During this time, she also played double bass in the Akron and Columbus Symphony Orchestras. After relocating with her husband, Howard, and young daughter, Cindy, to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1966, Sue joined the Whitewater High School faculty as Vocal Music Director where she led numerous choral groups, swing choir, taught music theory class, gave private vocal and piano lessons, and left an indelible impact on her students. Sue’s choral performances were known for their difficult repertoire, precision, and musicality. “Mrs. I” always believed that her high school students could rise to the difficulty of professional works including Beethoven’s 9^th Ode to Joy, Norman Dello Joio’s Jubilant Song or Aaron Copland’s Ching-A-Ring Chaw with encouragement, determination, and hard work. As a result of her professionalism and dedication to quality, her choruses were invited to perform with regional orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Choir was invited to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City. She retired in 1995.

Sue and her husband, Howard, were avid travelers. They were both past Presidents of the Wisconsin Badger Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) and Sue was a 4-Star Mariner on Holland America. Rarely was there a summer when they weren’t travelling cross-country together in their motorhome, taking a cruise, or driving to a local national park just to camp. She navigated the family motorhome over every interstate in the nation, visited every state and most of the National Parks. She was equally comfortable in the Captain’s Dining Room on the cruise ship or in the canoe of the tribal chief paddling down the Amazon River. She loved experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and the Green Mountains of New Zealand.

Sue was also an excellent seamstress, a lifelong birder, a generous philanthropist to numerous organizations, and was a devoted naturalist. She was an active volunteer for Audubon Florida’s EagleWatch program and logged hundreds of hours monitoring her assigned eagle nests near her home. However, what most will remember about Sue is her kindness and her openness to everyone. She is the mother most kids wish they had. She would not criticize but always encourage. She thrived on details and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. When any question came up, she would quickly consult Google because she couldn’t stand not knowing the answer. Those who knew her well, unanimously think of her as vivacious, enthusiastic, and full of life.

Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Howard Inglefield, and is survived by a brother, Charles L. Ogden, Jr. of Fort Myers, Florida; by two daughters, Cynthia Sullivan and her husband Timothy of Fort Myers, and Sylvia Hatcher and her husband Nathan of Plant City, Florida; a granddaughter, Kristin Olson Kraus and her husband Steve of Fairbanks, Alaska; and two nieces, Brigid Ogden of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Marie (Ogden) Repec and her husband Eric of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with their three children.

The family will hold a private memorial service near her home in Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society by mail to: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741; or online at: https://support.bestfriends.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=memorial_gift

Vicki E. Jako, 74, of Jefferson, WI and previously of Palmyra, WI passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023 at her home.

Vicki was born on March 11, 1949 in Watertown, WI the daughter of Ronald and Phoebe (Vick) Nufer. She grew up in the Chenequa area and then moved to Palmyra where she would spend the majority of her life. Vicki graduated from Palmyra High School in 1967. She was blessed with two children, Stephanie and John. Vicki worked in a few different capacities during her working years. She owned and operated Willson’s Sports in Palmyra for a number of years with her first husband Mike Willson. She also worked at True Value in Whitewater and most recently worked for Standard Process in Palmyra. Vicki was strong and did what was necessary to provide for herself and her family. She had a number of physical ailments during her life that she overcame to work and support those around her. Vicki was united in marriage to her current husband, Michael Jako, at their home in 1990 and the two would go on to enjoy over 30 years of marriage together. Vicki loved to work outside in her yard and tend to her gardens. She was also content indoors sewing, crocheting or reading a good book. A talented cook and baker, Vicki made sure to keep those around her well fed. She also had a special connection with animals. In her younger years she enjoyed riding her horse, and she also loved her pet cats dearly. Vicki was a loving wife, mom and grandma and she will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her loving husband, Michael Jako of Jefferson; her children, Stephanie (Craig) Pagenkopf of Sullivan, and John (Teresa) Willson of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren, Carter and Caden Pagenkopf and Melanie Willson; and her siblings, Peggy Mickel of Whitewater, Dan (Sharon) Nufer of Monroe, and David (Julie) Nufer of Whitewater. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Vicki is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials in Vicki’s honor may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Vicki will be laid to rest during a Graveside Service at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 at the Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, WI.

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

Evelyn J. Herron, 96, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.

At this time, no formal services have been arranged.

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

Updated 12/15/23 to correct the link for memorial contributions.

Joseph Jess Campbell, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on November 27, 2023, at the age of 95. Joe was born to J. Jess and Laura E. (Hitch) Campbell on April 11, 1928, in Harvey, Illinois.

Joe graduated from Whitewater High School in 1946. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed at bases in CA, where he had the opportunity to work with Bob Newhart. He would later advance to Sergeant and was honorably discharged on August 8, 1954. It was just prior to this time of service, on June 18, 1952, that Joe and Karin’s little brothers, Bill and Ole, introduced them to each other and it was love at first sight. On their 3^rd date in late June, they got engaged. While on holiday leave, Joe and Karin were married at the Congregational Church in Williams Bay, WI on December 31, 1952. After his time in the Army, Joe primarily worked in sales, marketing, and management at companies such as Campbell’s Clothing Store, Montgomery Ward, Top Value and K-Promotions. After numerous transfers, Joe and his family would eventually settle in Pewaukee Lake, WI in 1966. On his 50^th birthday in 1978, he established his own business, Campbell Incentive Company, in partnership with Karin. On Labor Day weekend, 1989, Joe and Karin moved to Stoughton, WI. Joe then retired in 1991. In 2018, Joe and Karin moved to Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI.

Family meant everything to Joe. He loved telling stories about genealogy and family history, particularly that of the Hitch family. His work ethic, honesty, and integrity were stellar. He loved the work he did, meeting the needs of his customers and working to solve their problems. He passed on his work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Joe was very active in the Lutheran Church, especially in Stoughton. He also loved to play cards and was an avid reader, enjoying books on history and historical novels. As a boy, he loved being in the water, particularly with his cousins at Lauderdale Lake, WI. Later, he became a swimming champion in Columbus, OH in 1943. He taught numerous children to swim, even swimming across Pewaukee Lake with his sons, and teaching his daughter how to paddle a canoe. He loved to swim in refreshing cold water including swimming in the Baltic Sea in March with his mother-in-law! He loved to canoe, sail, swim, and even go tubing with his grandchildren. Joe loved to watch both his children and grandchildren in a wide variety of activities, such as football games, track & field, sailboat races, band concerts, piano recitals, and swimming at the beach. Often these excursions kept him driving great distances, which they enjoyed together. Joe also enjoyed winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These activities kept him in great physical condition, as did his long walks with Karin and various dogs including two wiener dogs named Tina! Joe was a 33^rd degree Mason.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Karin E. (Stromgren) Campbell, his children and their spouses, Ingrid (Dan) Cassidy, Jim (Karly) Campbell, John (Nancy) Campbell, and Dave (Kathy) Campbell. He was the proud grandfather to Sarah Gervasini, Danielle Cassidy, Erin Campbell-Wagner, Katie Campbell, Laura Campbell, Peter Campbell, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bill (Helen) Campbell and sister-in-law, Jan Campbell.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his stillborn daughter, Nina, and brother Richard Campbell.

A memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Fairhaven, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, WI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairhaven Senior Services or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org. The Campbell Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Fairhaven for the friendship, kindness and compassion given to Joe and Karin over the past 5 years.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Tami Corinne Schultz, 62, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Tami was born on April 20, 1961, in Fort Atkinson to Jerry and Sandra (Bittner) Footit.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1981.  Tami married Ronald Schultz on July 18, 1992.  She worked for over 20 years at UW-Whitewater.  Tami enjoyed gardening, decorating, and painting.  Tami loved to help her daughter and she always looked forward to being with her grandchildren.  

She is survived by her husband Ronald of Whitewater; daughter Desirae (Clayton Peterson) Schultz, Milton; stepson Ryan Schultz, Madison; grandchildren Casey, Willow, Emmett, and Sullivan Peterson; parents Jerry and Sandy Footit, Whitewater; brother Timothy Footit, Whitewater; sisters Kimberly (Gary) Ramsden, Fort Atkinson and Wendi (Heinrich) Gobel, Cambridge; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery.  Family and friends may attend the visitation at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  

The family is indebted to Rainbow Hospice for her end of life care and comfort they have provided. 

As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to OCRA-Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Website-Make a gift. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

On October 28, 2023, James Ronald Rubietta of Jefferson, WI passed away at the age of 86. The co-owner of Whispering Wings Game Farm, he grew up in Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marie (Huff); two sons Richard and Thomas, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister Diane (Rubietta) Ruppert and her two adult children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild; and sister Beth (Selonke) Waters, her son Scott, and two grandchildren. 

Jim was preceded in death by his father Elmer Rubietta, his mother Bernice (Duerr Rubietta) Selonke, his stepfather Ed Selonke, and three nephews: Matthew John Ruppert, Greg Ruppert, and Donny Waters.

Jim and Marie met in high school English class, and Marie became his biggest fan on and off the football field. The former president of the Lincoln Park (IL) Gun Club and State Championship Skeet Shooter, Jim was mechanically gifted, and owned a successful business in the Chicago area. When he sold the business, they moved to Jefferson, WI and quickly joined the agricultural and sporting communities around the state. 

Their Whispering Wings Game Farm in Jefferson became a favorite landing spot for wildlife. Jim and Marie brought with them their love for German Shorthair dogs. Their love of the land expanded to include acres of diverse plantings and wetland preservation.

​A valiant man, Jim refused to allow impossibles to stop him. Ingenuity and productivity marked his life. Whether fixing an engine, writing a computer program, riding the range on a golf cart, or devising a way to pull a tractor from a pond single-handedly, Jim could make things work. A master of managing many tasks even past retirement, he not only ran the game farm operations but also balanced responsibilities of a second position with Upcon Property Services.

​His family will remember this unforgettable man, waving from the tractor grinning, or troubleshooting a vehicle’s problem. He answered an impromptu helpline with family for clear-headed wisdom and mechanical advice. Through his glasses, he watched the world with interest; always his heart shone through when he gazed at his family. The world around him will remember his generosity and love for others; and his love of land, animals and sportsmanship.

​The memorial service will be held on December 10 at 11 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home at 550 N. Newcomb St, in Whitewater, WI, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. A tribute reception will follow at First United Methodist Church, 320 S Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. The Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Raymond T. Garlock, 75, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. 

Ray was born on December 11, 1947 in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Donald and Inez (Barnes) Garlock. He grew up in the Palmyra area and after his schooling worked as a Laborer for the majority of his working career. Ray was good with his hands and enjoyed fixing things. He worked at Pal Steel for a number of years and enjoyed his time there. He also worked as a cement truck driver for over 10 years, and was most recently employed by the City of Whitewater at the compost site.  On May 10, 1986, Ray was united in marriage to Vicki Meisner and the two would go on to share 37 years of marriage together. Ray had quite a few interests and liked to be busy doing something. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He also liked to tinker, fixing engines, vehicles, lawnmowers, and pretty much anything else that needed fixing. His appearance could come off as tough, but beneath his rough exterior was a caring and kind person. Ray was sociable and enjoyed talking and joking with others and would help a friend or neighbor in need. He also had a special connection with animals, especially his dogs and he leaves behind his heartbroken Springer Spaniel, Lucy, and Zeker. Ray will certainly be missed. 

He is survived by: his loving wife, Vicki Garlock of Whitewater; his sons, Matthew Beck of Seattle, WA, and Tom (Dana) Garlock of Whitewater; his granddaughter, Taylor Stachula; his sisters, Donna Skibbe of East Troy, Barb Krueger of Palmyra, and Joan “Pinkie” Garlock of Palmyra; and his brothers, Richard of Fort Atkinson, Harry “Red” (Darlene) of Palmyra, Robert (Chris) of Fort Atkinson, Jerry (Lori) of Palmyra, and Donald (Liz) of Whitewater. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his two daughters, Jody and Candie, and his brother, Daryl.

An Open House Celebration of Ray’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center in Whitewater, WI (341 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190).

The family wishes to thank all the nurses and doctors at Froedert Hospital and Horizon Hospice for their wonderful care of Ray.

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