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Obituary: Margaret C. Carstens, 84

Margaret C. Carstens, age 84, of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at her home.

Margaret was born on August 22, 1942, in Waukesha, the daughter of Charles and Myrtle (Hoppe) Kind. She grew up in the Waukesha area and graduated from Waukesha South High School. Margaret worked in a few different capacities during her career. She was an administrative assistant, a real estate agent, Quilting was a passion of hers that she turned into her own business in Northern WI, called “The Daisy Patch”. She continued quilting up until a few years ago. Margaret was blessed with three children with Fred Graf NC. – Carl, Paul and Steve. On March 7, 1982, she was united in marriage to Daniel Carstens and the two went on to enjoy 23 years of marriage until Daniel’s death in 2005. Margaret will be remembered for her outgoing and kind personality. She loved to bring her friends and family together to play games and enjoy each other’s company and to dance the Polka. She lived in Arizona for a number of years and enjoyed her time there as well. Margaret will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her three sons, Carl (Chelley) Graf of DePere, Paul Graf, and Steven (Susan) Graf of Palmyra, and her five grandchildren, Noah, Nicholas, Tom (Adriana), Bob (Allison Duenow), and Andy. And her new kitten Moochie, who got to love her for 2 weeks before she passed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Daniel, and two brothers, Ralph and Harold Kind. And pets (Dogs, Cats, farm animals) too numerous to count.

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

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM for family on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.

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

Whitewater Public Library Announces September Events

The Whitewater Public Library has a full calendar of free events for all ages in September!

Events for all ages:

  • Weird Science – Slime: Wednesday, 9/2 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Super Smash Bros. League: Friday, 9/4 at 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  • Family Jams: Saturday, 9/12 at 10:30-11:45 a.m.
  • NASA IMAP Program: Tuesday, 9/15 at 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Multi-Gen Finanzas (en español): Lunes, 9/17 at 5:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Ferradermis Robotics Demonstration: Saturday, 9/19 at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Seed Saving and Swapping: Friday, 9/25 at 3:30-5:00 p.m.
  • Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center: Monday, 9/28 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Super Smash Bros Tournament: Wednesday, 6/17 at 3:00 p.m.

Events for children:

  • LEGO Club: Monday, 9/14 at 4:00-6:00 p.m.
  • Kid Lit and Crafts: Tuesdays starting on 9/15 at 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • Storytime: Wednesdays starting on 9/16 at 9:30-10:00 a.m.
  • Wild Reading Early Literacy: Thursdays starting on 9/17 at 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • World of Words: Monday, 9/21 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Homeschool Hangout: Tuesday, 9/22 at 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • Homeschool Art and Music Class: Tuesdays starting on 9/29 at 2:30-3:00 p.m.
  • Art Class with UW-Whitewater: Tuesday, 9/29 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Events for teens:

  • Teen DIY: Wednesday, 9/9 at 4:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Teen Dungeons & Dragons (registration required): Monday, 9/21 at 5:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Events for adults and teens:
  • Makerspace 101—3D Printing (registration required): Tuesday, 9/8 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
  • Makerspace 101—Cricut (registration required): Tuesday, 9/22 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Events for adults:

  • Intergenerational Technology Services: Mondays and Wednesdays starting on 9/9 at 12:00-1:30 p.m.
  • Book Page Flowers: Thursday, 9/10 at 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Fiber Friday: 9/11 at 5:00-6:30 p.m.
  • Adult Dungons & Dragons (registration required): Monday, 9/14 at 5:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday, 9/18 at 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Author Talk–Sonya Naryshkin: Monday, 9/28 at 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Details about all events can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Some events require registration, which can also be done on the library’s website or by contacting the library. All library programs are always free and open to the public.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.

Compost Site Hours Changing on Wednesdays in September

Beginning Wednesday, September 9, the Compost Site will have new Wednesday hours:

  • Wednesdays: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (No change)

Compost Site Location | 599 N. Jefferson St.

Important Information

  • Open to Whitewater residents only.
  • Yard waste must be emptied from containers before disposal. Please take all containers home with
    you.
  • Residents may self-load and take compost or wood chips.
  • A loader is available for wood chips on the first Saturday of each month.
  • Please arrive early enough to unload your materials. The site closes promptly at the posted times.

Reminder
Under City Ordinance 12.08.010, depositing yard waste on city streets or rights-of-way is prohibited, except
on designated collection days.

Questions? – Contact the Public Works Department at 262-473-0560.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
262-473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing
and working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

Obituary: Margaret Toennies, 93

Margaret Toennies, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2026. She was surrounded by the love of a family who cherished her deeply. She lived a full and active life centered around family, faith, friendship, and community.

Margaret was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on April 21, 1933, to Rose and Charles Lonsdorf. On July 9, 1955, she married James Toennies. Seven years later, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where they raised their five children.

In Whitewater, Margaret worked as an administrative assistant for medical and dental offices and was an active volunteer in her community. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church since 1962. She served as a greeter and participated in the prayer chain, delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the First English thrift shop.

Margaret enjoyed an active social life and treasured the many friendships she made in Sheboygan and Whitewater, Wisconsin, and Estero, Florida. She also enjoyed many years as a member of Pioneer Park Campground in Lake Delton, Wisconsin.

Always active, Margaret enjoyed tennis, swimming, cross-country skiing, water aerobics, bowling, golf, bocce ball, and playing Bridge and Sheepshead. She was a lifeguard in her younger years and remained an avid sports fan throughout her life, cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Whitewater Warhawks.

Above all, Margaret’s greatest joy was her family. She especially loved watching her six grandchildren participate in their many activities and sporting events and was incredibly proud to watch them grow into wonderful adults.

Margaret is survived by her children, David (Joanne) Toennies, Steven Toennies, William Toennies, and Lisa (John) Walsh; and grandchildren, Kristine Walsh, Kimberly Walsh, Bailey Toennies, Jack Toennies, Daniel Toennies, and Cole Toennies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Toennies; son, Robert Toennies; and brother, Joe (Elena) Lonsdorf.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 9, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A private burial will follow.

Those wishing to express their sympathy may make a donation in Margaret’s memory to Special Olympics Wisconsin.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is proudly serving the family.

Obituary: Mary Joann Pritchard (nee Logan), 87

Mary Joann Pritchard (nee Logan), 87, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Joann was born on February 1, 1939, to the late John and Mercedes (nee Crowley) Logan in Independence, Iowa. She attended grade school in Independence until the age of 10 when she moved to Sumner, Iowa, where she graduated from Sumner High School in 1957. Joann was united in marriage to Raymond Pritchard on February 27, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, IA. Together they farmed and raised their family of boys. In1980, Joann and Raymond moved to Decorah, and she enrolled in the clerical program at the Northeast Iowa Community College. Joann then went to work for Wal-Mart at the service desk from 1987-2008. Joann enjoyed volunteering at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home, and singing with the singing group the Northern Lights, where she sang second soprano. She also liked to entertain the residents of area nursing homes with music from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Joann was also a loyal member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. Joann loved life, loved her family, who was her pride and joy, and always counted her blessings. Joann loved the companionship of her cat, Sadie.  

Joann is survived by her caring son John “Johnnie” Pritchard, four grandchildren, Blakelon (Rachel) Pritchard, Laurel (Jeremy) Alexander, Garrett Pritchard and Sydney Pritchard; five great grandchildren, Aulden Alexander, Vaeda Alexander, Everett Pritchard, Robert Pritchard, and Hudson Pritchard. Johnnie moved his mom from Decorah, Iowa to Whitewater, WI in 2020. He looked out for his mom every day, every hour. Johnnie was his mother’s lifeline.

She is further survived by her son Rick (Kris) Pritchard, granddaughter Renee (Jake) Jackson, and great grandchildren, Janelle and Elijah Jackson; son, Randy (Steph) Pritchard, granddaughter Jessica (John) Ritter, and great grandchildren, Oliver and Maggie Ritter; son, Scott Pritchard, granddaughter, Skylar Pritchard; her brother, John “Jack” Logan; sister-in-law, Irma Jane Bernard; her loving niece, Jane Swanson and other numerous great friends.  

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Pritchard on August 23, 2015. Her in-laws, Roscoe “Ole” and Marie (nee Johnson) Pritchard; her brother, Ray (Ethel) Logan; sister-in-law, Denise Logan; and brothers-in-law, Richard Wheeler and Helen (Dan) Berns.

Private family service will be held.

Joann was an incredible woman that showed genuine affection and love for everyone she met. She will be sincerely missed for her loving and sincere ways. Her legacy will live on, and she will be loved forever.

Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Back to school – East Side School c.1895



It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

It’s also time once again for our annual “back-to-school” photo. Yes, school will start next week and to celebrate, we offer this school photo from c.1895 of Whitewater’s East Side School, the school on the site of the current Washington School. We can date this photo from the c.1895 era because it shows the school before the 1906-07 addition. Also, the teachers have very large puffed sleeves on their dresses. This detail of women’s dresses was only in fashion during the 1890s. Some of the boys in the photo also have shirts with big bows. This was the “Little Lord Fauntleroy” style for boys popular at the same time, as we showed in a recent “flashback” photo. Good luck to all students this year!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3307P edited, Whitewater Historical Society)

Kid-to-Kid Rummage Sale Held at City Market

As part of the City Market on Tuesday, August 25, at Cravath Lakefront Park, kids were offered the opportunity to set up their own booths to sell their old or unused toys to other children. Some attendees even made crafts to sell. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.