Whitewater native Reese Brantmeier won the NCAA Singles National Championship in Orlando, FL on November 21. This past summer the renovated tennis courts for which she had raised tens of thousands of dollars were opened at Washington Elementary.
Reese’s first interview as Singles National Champion.
Bradley “Brad” Dean Wessels, DDS, age 69 of Appleton, WI passed away on November 15, 2025. A memorial visitation will be held for Brad from 2-3 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna, WI 54130 with a memorial service led by his sister, Carol at 3 PM. Brad will be laid to rest privately with his parents at Redeemer United Church of Christ Cemetery in Sussex, WI. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.
The Whitewater High School Student Council would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our district staff and the entire Whitewater community for your incredible generosity during our first annual Whitewater Cares Community Food Drive. Your donations of food items and basic essentials made a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your support.
I would also like to personally recognize our amazing Student Council members for dedicating their Saturday morning to serving our community in such an impactful way. Their leadership and compassion continue to inspire.
Thanks to all of you, The Community Space received an additional 839 pounds of items—an extraordinary contribution that highlights the kindness and giving spirit of our community. This is truly something to celebrate during this holiday season of gratitude.
Article and Photos Submitted by Chelsea Luebke
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
cluebke@wwusd.org
Norman Lee Lauer, age 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton. Norman was born on October 21, 1952, to Willis and Virginia (Godfrey) Lauer in Edgerton, WI.
Norman (“Norm”) cared for and loved others with deep generosity. His ability to strike up a conversation with almost anyone was rooted in his joy in human connection. He was good-natured and had an excellent sense of humor, no matter the circumstances.
After graduating from Whitewater High School, Norm built the dairy operation on the family farm in Milton, WI. He cared deeply for the well-being of the animals and approached farming with careful planning and strategy, even within an unpredictable market and economy. His four children grew up surrounded by the same strong agricultural communities of his youth, including Rock County 4-H and the Whitewater FFA program. Through his example, he cultivated in his children a thirst for knowledge, a desire to care for others, and a commitment to being stewards of the land.
Norm was generous and thought of all youth in the agricultural community as his own. He showed his support through active participation in the Whitewater FFA Alumni as a lifetime member, especially through the annual FFA toy show. The county fair was always a familiar place to find Norm—first as a young boy showing his well-cared-for beef cattle, later supporting his own children’s projects, and in recent decades contributing generous bids for community youth and his grandchildren’s animals at fair auctions.
His community and neighbors were the fabric of his life. “I have everything I need right here” was a common phrase from Norm. He frequently stopped by to socialize and connect with neighbors, sharing news of both joys and challenges.
After more than 40 years of farming, Norm joined the NASCO family, where he connected with co-workers almost immediately. His favorite season was fall, when he looked forward to celebrating his birthday along with the turning of the leaves. Dreaming up his annual Halloween costumes—such as the “Sun-Maid Raisin Girl,” “Shrek,” or “Uncle Fester”—gave him a creative outlet he had enjoyed since childhood.
Norm spent countless hours maintaining the farm and nurtured his love for nature through stewardship of the land. Together with his brother-in-law, he planted hundreds of trees. He cherished time outdoors—whether “checking on the land” or spending time in the woods during deer hunting season. Being in nature brought him a deep sense of peace.
Norm is survived by his three children: Lee Ann (Rocky) Klitzke, William (Rebekah) Lauer, and Elizabeth (Ross) White; his siblings: Rod (Patsy) Lauer and Laurie (Bill) Garbe; his brother-in-law: Lee (Rita) Arnold; and nine grandchildren: Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Ben, Annika, Amelia, Audrey, Josiah, Lilyana, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Virginia Lauer; his sister, Christine Arnold; and his son, Timothy Lauer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Milton with Pastor Sam Massey officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately at Milton East Cemetery. Memorial contributions are preferred to Whitewater FFA Alumni and Supporters. Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is assisting the family.
For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and providers at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Agrace Hospice, and UW Health.
First Citizens State Bank, a community partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since the university’s founding in 1868, is a 2025 recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award.
The bank’s mutually beneficial relationship with the university includes financial investments into key campus initiatives, active participation in events inside the classroom and in the community, and the hiring of dozens of UW-Whitewater graduates to staff positions.
“We are grateful to Jim Caldwell and the entire team at First Citizens State Bank for their continued support of UW-Whitewater,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Their commitment to student success is both valued and appreciated. Our partnership with First Citizens dates back to the university’s founding, and this century-long relationship has played a vital role in helping us become ‘Warhawk Bold’ — both as a university and as an engaged member of the broader community.”
“UW-Whitewater is fortunate to have a partner like First Citizens State Bank, a business deeply invested in the future of southeast Wisconsin,” said Regent Jim Kreuser, who was on hand to present the award. “Their commitment goes beyond supporting the university; it’s about strengthening the entire region through workforce development and community engagement.”
“The partnership between UW-Whitewater and First Citizens State Bank is a powerful example of what the Regents Business Partnership Award celebrates,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “Together, these two organizations are enriching the student experience and strengthening the local community. I applaud their enduring collaboration and shared commitment to making a lasting impact.”
First Citizens State Bank has demonstrated extraordinary generosity through philanthropic investments that have transformed UW-Whitewater. Their support spans across every Foundation campaign with seven-figure contributions, startup funding of nearly 20 Innovation Center businesses, and the donation of over 20 fully developed lots to the UW-Whitewater Foundation’s real estate subsidiary.
A staple of downtown Whitewater for more than 160 years, FCSB is among the top 10 financial supporters in UW-Whitewater’s history. The bank supports scholarships, fellowships, academic awards, discretionary funds, events, and other projects that strengthen the university while amplifying the university’s academic programming, especially in the College of Business and Economics, Wisconsin’s largest business school.
The bank’s support for the Warhawk Emergency Fund, academic programs, Warhawk Athletics, and student organizations reflects a deep commitment to helping Warhawks succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
“The synergy of this long-standing relationship has leveraged the positive impact that our two organizations have been able to make in this region of the State,” said Jim Caldwell, First Citizens State Bank chief executive officer and director. “It is truly an honor to be able to partner with UW-Whitewater — in my opinion, the best campus in the Wisconsin system. We are fortunate to have this valuable resource in our community and proud to have supported its growth and student enrichment. We are also grateful for the many highly educated staff members we have benefited from over the years.”
An advocate of UW-Whitewater and the Universities of Wisconsin as highlighted in the Mascots on Main project, First Citizens State Bank is also a valued business partner to the university, providing treasury management services to the Foundation at no cost.
The bank’s team members have participated as panelists, advisors, and judges for campus organizations, including Launch Pad, Financial Management Association, Enactus, the Financial Economic Research Center (FERC), and more.
Currently, 34 percent of the staff at the Whitewater branch are either UW-Whitewater students or alums, another showcase of the strong ties between the two entities.
Caldwell and his wife, Julie, are longtime private supporters of the university, impacting many areas in arts, athletics, and more. Their many contributions include the Jim & Julie Caldwell Endowed Professorship in banking. Caldwell served as a Board Director for the Foundation, including as Chair, and is an Emeritus Board member, serving the Board of Directors for more than 30 years.
First Citizens State Bank was recognized by UW-Whitewater and the Universities of Wisconsin during an award presentation on Friday, Oct. 24, at the University Center.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, we inspire, engage and transform lives. Founded in 1868, we serve more than 12,000 students and celebrate more than 100,000 alumni around the world. Our faculty and staff are devoted to student success on our Whitewater campus, our Rock County campus, and our vibrant online environment. We prepare innovative, resilient students with outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We embrace our priority mission to serve students with disabilities. Home to the Warhawk family, UW-Whitewater delivers a supportive, caring culture with an entrepreneurial spirit and championship drive.
About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,400 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.
About First Citizens State Bank
At First Citizens State Bank, our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality financial services and support within our local communities, while upholding the trust we have earned as a locally owned financial institution. We are committed to building long-term relationships based on respect and integrity, offering innovative, reliable, and personalized solutions. With over 160 years of history as our foundation, we remain dedicated to fostering community growth, ensuring financial stability, and empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to achieve their goals. First Citizens State Bank has full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The Florence Bassett Club had the pleasure of hearing Michael Rehberg present a program of: History of Black Point Families and Their Estates and Gardens.
Michael started at Black Point in 2013. The house was built in 1888 on Geneva Lake and was built by beer baron Conrad Seipp and his wife Catharina. Four generations stayed there. They donated the house to the state in 1995. All of the furniture is original. There is 640’ of shoreline that was entered into conservancy and cannot be developed. It was originally called “The Lorelei” and was changed to “Black Point” because of black oak trees on the property. The house has 26 bedrooms. The most important thing was family to the Seipp family.
Florence Bassett Club is open to anyone interested in helping to preserve the Bassett House located at 708 W. Main St. in Whitewater. Meetings are the third Wednesdays of the month at 1:30 in the Bassett House. All are welcome.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Florence Bassett Club. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Lakeview Elementary School held a Veterans Day Assembly on November 10. Five local veterans were honored as they answered several questions about military life formulated by students. The profits from the sale of sweatshirts were donated to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The joyous holiday season is upon us. The season for thanksgiving, gift-giving, delicious meals with lots of people around the table.
What are the holidays like for at-home care partners of loved ones with dementia? Here are a couple of stories…
“This is my first Christmas as a caregiver to my 90-year-old mom who now lives with us and my husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s right after mom had her stroke. I got a double whammy. I cried enough to make a new ocean. We have all been together for 4 months now. Some days it seems like an eternity. On those days I sing that song “I’m still standing. Yah, yah, yah.” One daughter-in-law checks on me almost daily and always (first thing) asks how I am. The oldest granddaughter is my mother’s caregiver one day a week so my husband and I can go to appts. and just be together for a little while. It’s good to know that I’m not alone and that my inner feelings are natural. Merry Christmas to all of you out there, and may the New Year bring each of you at least one good thing a day to help you feel good about yourself and the good you are doing for your loved one.” -anonymous
“My heart goes out to each of us caregivers, especially those who have done it for such a long time. I know the depression; I know the isolation. I know what it’s like to watch the traffic pass by, cars full of joyous families going to a family dinner and yet once again, you’re alone dealing with what sometimes is an unbearable situation. So, I’m with you today in mind and spirit and please know you’re not alone. 
” – anonymous
If you know a caregiver who may feel isolated and stressed during the holidays, make a contact. Write a note of thanks. Offer to make a meal. Encourage self-care such as a gift certificate for a massage or manicure. Sit with the loved one for the afternoon. Research local dementia care resources. Or just be there to listen. You may well be the only person they hear from today.
******
for more information https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers#tips-for-caregivers-taking-care-of-yourself–
This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New committee members are very welcome! Contact JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535 https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park
A beautiful bench was dedicated at Trippe Lake Park to the memory of James “Jim” Allen on November 6, 2025. About forty community members gathered at dusk to give tribute to Jim’s legacy of service to the city. The location was fitting, as his passions included the parks and the lakes, and he had served on the recently formed Lakes Advisory Committee. Candles lit the path to the bench, which is located a short distance from the lower shelter.
This memorial bench will serve as a lasting tribute to Jim’s spirit — a place to pause, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the lakes he loved.
Jim Allen served on the Whitewater Common Council for 15 years, including a number of terms as president. His obituary may be viewed here. Nancy Des Jardin, Jim’s mother, said that “he loved this city, lived in this city, worked here, and learned to swim in this lake!” Other speakers, also pictured below, testified to the devotion that Jim had to the city,
