News

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did.

Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957.

Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became grandparents in 1990, they took on their new roles with joy!

After John’s death in 2007, Ann moved to Dodgeville and continued to be active in the community, playing cards, volunteering at school, and helping with grandkids. Her final years were happy and full of good times with her huge, loving family. She fell in love with southwest Wisconsin and her drives in the country brought her great joy. 

Ann leaves her legacy of love to be carried on by her children: Steve and Lora Warner, Mick and Mary Kay Warner, Joan and Rick Davis, and Leslianne and Ned Ruesch. 

Her love was multiplied in her 16 grandchildren: Paul (Tiffani) Warner, Ben (Jenni) Warner, Jerry (William) Warner, Jamie Warner, Ellie (Nicki) Davis, John (Erica) Davis, Samuel Smith, Jacob (Tiniya) Smith, Chloe Smith, Lydia Smith, Daniel (Olivia) Smith, Henry (Rorie) Smith, Sophia Smith, Betty Smith, Rocky Smith and Judah Smith. 

Her love will be carried on with the newest generation: Miles Warner, Arlo Smith, Melody and Maverick Smith, and all of the babies to come. 

Ann was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, stepfather George Egnoski, sister Jane Hsuan, and brother Ed Kearns. Also by her in-laws Ethel Warner, Harley Warner, and Larry Peiffer, as well as grandson Joey Warner, nephew Anthony Hsuan, and several close friends. 

She continues to be loved and will be missed by sisters-in-law Mary Peiffer and Sharon Kearns, many nieces and nephews, and so many friends that she made in all the different chapters of her life. 

We want to thank the staff at Crestridge for making her last year so full and happy. Thank you to the Upland Hills Hospice team for the loving care and support. Thank you to Pastor Mark for the special visits with us these past weeks, and thank you to all of Ann’s friends at Grace Lutheran Church, especially her Rhoda Circle women. 

There will be a celebration of Ann’s life at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at the church. Burial will happen at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater at a later date. 

Donations in honor of Ann can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Upland Hills Hospice, or Crestridge Assisted Living. 

The very best way to honor Ann’s memory is to love one another, laugh a lot, spend time with your family and friends, and take time out of your busy lives to go for drives in the country and look at the cows.

Gorgen Funeral Services www.gorgenfh.com

GWC to Host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort HealthCare CEO

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.

WHITEWATER—June 4th, 2026—The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Michael Anderson, MD, Fort Healthcare’s CEO, to present on the innovations the organization has made over the past few years.

This event will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St.

Michael R. Anderson, MD, joined Fort HealthCare as an Otolaryngologist, otherwise known as Ear, Nose, and Throat, surgeon in August 2003. Quickly assuming a leadership role in the organization, he served as Chief of Surgery in 2007. The Medical Staff elected him to serve as Chief of Staff in 2012. Dr. Anderson was appointed to Fort HealthCare Board of Directors in 2013, where he served for 10 years.

Dr. Anderson was appointed Medical Director of Perioperative Services in 2015. Subsequently in 2022, he was named Senior Vice President of Fort HealthCare and assumed the role President & CEO on Jan 1, 2023.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with his three kids and wife of nearly thirty years. Avid about the Wisconsin summer season, you can usually find them golfing, in a boat or waterskiing. Summer nights are spent on the deck or around the firepit.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 a.m. at Jessica’s Family Restaurant: 140 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about Fort Healthcare. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, June 10th.

“Many of our members frequently utilize Fort HealthCare’s services,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We are excited to learn about the updates and achievements they have accomplished over the past few years.”

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com. 

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to collaborating with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies needed to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life. 

Carpentry & Construction Students Recognized with Entry-Level Carpentry Certificates

To wrap up the school year, students in Mr. Nolan Otremba’s Carpentry and Construction course had the sheds they built officially inspected by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The students passed inspection and received certificates certifying they have the entry-level skills required for a career in carpentry. During the visit, students also spoke with the representatives about entering the field, essential industry skills, and the career benefits of the trade.

Carpentry and Construction Students pose with their sheds, teacher Nolan Otremba, and representatives of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, precision, and dedication.

Article and Photos Submitted by Nolan Otremba
Whitewater High School Technology and Engineering Teacher
otrno01@wwusd.org

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: WHS Class of 1921


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

It is high school graduation season and here is a post card featuring the Whitewater High School Class of 1921. According to the Whitewater Register, there were 21 graduates and of these 19 are shown in this photograph. Of note is graduate Edwin Coe, editor of the Whitewater Register for many years in the 20th century. Also of interest is this rare interior view of the old “Big Brick” High School building (burned 1927). We have a lot of views of the exterior of that building, but only a few of the interior. Congratulations to all graduates this June!

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

(3325PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Wear Orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day – Sat.

Editor’s note: This proclamation, which was read at the Common Council meeting on June 2, was submitted by Jenny Rule, Local Group Lead, Moms Demand Action-Whitewater Area. Jenny added the following: Links to the Wear Orange coalition website: wearorange.org (also in Spanish here).  Please consider sharing information about Wear Orange on your personal social media this week to spread awareness far and wide. Use the hashtag #WearOrange

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends.

Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, 2014.

A lifelong love of the Colorado mountains started with childhood trips to visit family in Denver and Estes Park. Throughout her life she visited often to hike, explore, camp and be with family. She had fond memories of climbing the fourteener, Long’s Peak, when she was in her 50’s. When her family had grown, she enjoyed many road trips to Estes Park with her girlfriends to spend a week soaking up the mountains.

Lois lived in Whitewater for 60 years where she volunteered at the First English Lutheran Church, helped form the Whitewater Tennis Association (which led to the HS tennis team), supported Warhawk sports, coached track at WWHS, and worked for UWW. She was an active tennis and bridge player.

Family was everything to Lois. She supported and celebrated all of her kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids’ activities. She loved family time at “The Woods,” cider making in the fall, card games, baking, cooking, gardening and travel.

Lois leaves her loving family including children: Lisa (Stuart) Smith, Jeff (Jeri) Lauritzen, Karen (Larry) Centro, grandchildren: Elesif (Kyle) McDonald, Damon (Karlee) Smith, Katie (Tanner) Prestegard, Cara (Alex) Strunk, Matt (Kelsey) Lauritzen, Francesco Centro, and Ana Centro. Great grandchildren: Bode and Lennon McDonald, Miller Wilson Smith, Henry and Audrey Prestegard, Carter, Kennedy and Graham Strunk and Freddie Lauritzen.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and nephew Mark Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater or the Whitewater Warhawks Tip-Off club.

Lois requested a private family service.

Save the Date – Third Annual Unity Walk on Saturday July 18 at 10 am; Guarden la Fecha – Tercera Caminata Anual por la Unidad el sábado 18 de julio a las 10 am

The Third Annual Unity Walk will be Saturday, July 18 at 10 am starting at the Whitewater Armory. All are welcome to enjoy live music, visit tabling community organizations, and hear speeches about unity at this non-partisan, inclusive community event. Unity signs will be available to carry from the Armory to the Cultural Arts Center and back. The Unity Walk, a Symbol of Civility, offers all residents from all backgrounds an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to bringing Whitewater together as one human family. Save the date.

Reservar la fecha – La Tercera Caminata Anual por la Unidad será el sábado 18 de julio a las 10 am comenzando en el Armory de Whitewater. Todos son bienvenidos a disfrutar de música en vivo, visitar las organizaciones comunitarias en los puestos y escuchar discursos sobre la unidad en este evento comunitario inclusivo y no partidista. Habrá carteles de Unidad disponibles para llevar desde el Armory hasta el Centro de Artes Culturales y de regreso. La Caminata por la Unidad, un Símbolo de Civilidad, ofrece a todos los residentes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de demostrar su compromiso de unir a Whitewater como una sola familia humana. Reserven la fecha.

Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Unity Walk Committee.

Aquatic & Fitness Center Free Fit Expo / Centro Acuático y de Fitness Expo Fit Gratis

Have you ever wanted to try some of our classes, but you weren’t sure where to start? Join us on Saturday, June 6th for our Fit Expo!
We will be showcasing a variety of classes, as well as having local health and wellness vendors on site.
The class showcases will offer shorter versions of everyone’s favorite classes, whether they’re on land, in the leisure pool, or in the lap pool.
If you’re coming to join the Fit Expo, entry is free for the event.
Class offerings include…
Fitness Studio Schedule:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Lift
8:50AM – CIRC’L Mobility
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Strength + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spin
Lap Pool Schedule:
8AM – Heart Racers
11AM – Water Warriors
12PM – Aqua Strength Fusion
Leisure Pool Schedule:
8:40AM – Aqua Flow
9:30AM – Hydro Power
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Strong in 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga

¿Alguna vez has querido probar algunas de nuestras clases, pero no estabas seguro de por dónde empezar? ¡Únete a nosotros el sábado 6 de junio en nuestra Fit Expo!
Presentaremos una variedad de clases, además de contar con proveedores locales de salud y bienestar en el lugar.
Las muestras de clases ofrecerán versiones más cortas de las clases favoritas de todos, ya sea en tierra, en la piscina de ocio o en la piscina de carriles.
Si vienes a unirte a la Fit Expo, la entrada al evento es gratuita.
Las ofertas de clases incluyen…
Horario del Estudio de Fitness:
8AM – Zumba
8:25AM – Zumba + Levantamiento
8:50AM – CIRC’L Movilidad
9:30AM – DDP Yoga
10:10AM – Barre
10:45AM – Pilates
11:10AM – Yoga
11:40AM – Fuerza + Cardio
12:10PM – EMOM
12:40PM – Cardio Kickboxing
1:10PM – Spinning
Horario de la Piscina de Carriles:
8AM – Corredores del Corazón
11AM – Guerreros Acuáticos
12PM – Fusión de Fuerza en Agua
Horario de la Piscina de Ocio:
8:40AM – Flujo Acuático
9:30AM – Poder Hidro
10AM – Aqua Zumba
10:30AM – Fuerte en 45
11:40AM – Aqua Yoga

Rock River Drowning Victim Recovered

A multi-agency response crew has located and recovered the body of a drowning victim who went missing at approximately 3:00 p.m. on June 2 in the Rock River, adjacent to Highway N in Jefferson. The body was recovered at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 3. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner is responding to positively identify the victim. The individual’s name has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.

From incident reports:

Two individuals were boating on the Rock River during the afternoon of June 2 when one person entered the water. The other boater called 9-1-1, and first responders arrived within minutes. The search began immediately and continued until 9:00 p.m., when it was suspended for the night. The search resumed at 8:00 a.m. on June 3 and continued until the individual was recovered.

The Sheriff’s Office urges all boaters to understand boater-safety laws, use personal floatation devices (PFDs), observe current weather and water conditions, and avoid entering water unless you are fully aware of the risks. The Rock River has cloudy water, potentially dangerous currents, mud, silt, tree branches, and other debris that can be hazardous to swimmers.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Jefferson Fire & EMS would like to thank all of the agencies from Jefferson, Rock, Waukesha, and Brown Counties that responded with personnel and equipment.

In addition to the City of Jefferson and Jefferson County, responders came from:

  • Fort Atkinson
  • Janesville
  • JCEC
  • Johnson Creek
  • Lake Mills
  • Lakeside
  • MD-1
  • Rock County
  • Salvation Army
  • Waterloo
  • Western Lakes
  • Western Waukesha

Special crews and equipment:

  • ARGO amphibious XTV/UTV from Cambridge
  • ATV from Sullivan
  • Boats from DNR, Fort Atkinson, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Country, Lake Mills, Rock County, Rock River Safety Patrol, and Western Lakes
  • Robotic submersible from Green Bay
  • Whitewater Surface Water Rescue

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Cast a Line, Catch Some Fun!

CAST A LINE, CATCH SOME FUN! 

Join Whitewater Parks & Recreation for Reel Fun Fishing Day during Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend!

Sunday, June 7th 

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM  

Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S Fremont Street)

Whether you’re an experienced angler or have never held a fishing rod before, this event is for YOU! Learn the basics of fishing, try your luck on the water, and make some great memories outdoors.

Bring your own fishing gear or borrow ours.

No fishing license required for Wisconsin residents

FREE hot dogs while supplies last

Fun for all ages

PLUS… everyone who attends will have a chance to win a FREE raffle prize!

Grab your family, invite your friends, and spend the day enjoying one of Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor traditions. We can’t wait to see what you catch!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department.