Obituary: Carol Miller

Carol Lynn (Rogers) Miller passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 31, 2025, in Loveland, Colo., surrounded by her family. 

She was born December 18, 1952, to Mary Lou (Joosten) and Alan Rogers in Fort Atkinson, Wis., and grew up in Whitewater as the oldest of their four children. Carol graduated from Whitewater High School in 1971, where she met the love of her life, David Miller. They married on May 27, 1972, in Ogden, Kansas, where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. The couple returned to Whitewater where they raised two sons, Ryan and Todd.

Carol took her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom seriously and was fiercely loyal, especially with family. She was a beloved favorite aunt and a quilt artist, creating dozens of extraordinary quilts for family and friends. She was smart and witty, taking charge of family holidays and events, and vetting her brothers’ girlfriends and wives.

In her professional life, Carol was a business woman, operating the local Ranch House restaurant with her husband Dave. She later worked at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital and volunteered with the Whitewater Rescue Squad. Upon retirement, Carol and Dave saw the United States, living for a time in The Villages, Fla., and traveling in their RV, eventually settling in Loveland to be near family.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Dave, Loveland; her son Ryan, Loveland; and son Todd (Megan), Riner, Va; grandsons Jackson, Bodhi, and Eamon; her three brothers, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

A private celebration of life for family members will be held at a later date.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Tucker the Trucker

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

This week’s photo is of “Tucker the Trucker.” Harry Tucker was Whitewater’s long-time local moving and hauling business owner. Tucker moved to Whitewater from a farm in 1933 and started his trucking business. He specialized in moving households and transporting general cartage loads. He had a side business hauling sand and gravel. In 1958, after 25 years, Tucker sold his business interests, probably retiring.

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

(2631P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Obituary: Ryan J. Oezer, 48

Ryan Jay Oezer
July 19, 1977 – September 7, 2025

Ryan Jay Oezer, 48, of Whitewater, WI, unexpectedly passed away on September 7, 2025. He was born in Racine, WI, to Joel and Patsy Oezer. Ryan graduated from Horlick High School in Racine in 1995. He worked for Target for over 18 years before becoming co-owner of Reynolds Heating and Cooling, LLC, in 2020.

Ryan was a devoted foster and adoptive parent for more than 13 years through Walworth County DHHS and Milwaukee Children’s Services. He enjoyed spending time with his children, traveling, and attending events at the Jefferson County Speedway.

He is survived by his mother, Patsy (Trish) Oezer of Kissimmee, FL; his sister, Allison Oezer of Las Vegas, NV; his brother, Jordan (Mackenzie) Oezer of Madison, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his former wife, Katie Reynolds of Whitewater, WI; his children, Carolina Oezer of Nashotah, WI, Leonid Oezer of Elkhorn, WI, Topanga Reynolds-Oezer of Whitewater, WI, Aiden Reynolds, Lawson Reynolds, Espyn Oezer, Isaiah Oezer, Anastasia Oezer, Anthony Oezer, and Antonia Oezer, all of Whitewater, WI; his three grandchildren; his significant other, Brenda Leader of West Allis, WI; and many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joel K. Oezer, and his niece, Taylor N. Oezer.

A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater, WI, from 4–6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been established at First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater, WI, for “The Family of Ryan Oezer.”

Summer School Exploratory Tech Students Earn OSHA Safety Cards

Our Exploratory Tech students completed their 10-hour OSHA training during summer school and just received their OSHA 10 Safety Cards! We are so proud of their efforts—this certification is an important step in workplace safety and will help them with Youth Apprenticeships (YAs) and building strong resumes.

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

New Class – The Healing Project: Understanding Life with Cognitive Change

NEW CLASS!

Beginning October 20th

The Healing Project: understanding life with cognitive change

 A class for people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia diagnoses

Limited Space Available

The Dementia Program of The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Rock County is pleased to announce a new psychoeducational class for people with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia diagnoses.  The Healing Project: understanding life with cognitive change will be offered virtually on 8 consecutive Mondays beginning October 20th from 10:30am-Noon. The class will offer education, support and resources on a variety of topics focusing on issues related to a dementia diagnosis including acceptance, understanding, coping skills, grief and loss and effective communication with loved ones.  Each week participants will also learn and practice a new relaxation skill to assist with coping.  Class time includes opportunities for sharing with other participants.

For more information about The Healing Project, to register for the class or to discuss any concerns related to dementia, please contact the Rock County Dementia Care Specialist, Karen Tennyson at 608/921-7165 or karen.tennyson@co.rock.wi.us

UW-Whitewater Enactus National Championship Celebration Set for September 18

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Enactus team will celebrate its 2025 national championship and hold a send-off for the team this Thursday, Sept. 18, as it prepares to travel as the representative of the United States at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand.

The team will depart from Perkins Stadium (Lot 24) on a firetruck parade through Whitewater at 5 p.m. The parade route begins south on Warhawk Drive and continues west on Starin Road and south on Prince St., and concludes at the Center of the Arts. A reception will take place starting at 5:45 p.m. in the University Center Hamilton Room on campus.

Thursday’s event is free and open to the public. Donations to support the team’s travel are welcome here.

The Warhawks, winners of the Enactus USA national title after a year of work to support small businesses, will compete against more than 30 countries from around the world starting September 25 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Two initiatives helped UW-Whitewater’s Enactus chapter — a social entrepreneurship organization that works to revitalize local economies — claim its position as Team USA at the World Cup.

During the 2024-25 year, UW-Whitewater students and faculty helped lead RenewTowns, a project to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalization in communities. They worked with organizations and business leaders in Fort Atkinson, Cambridge, and Wauwatosa to build business pitch competitions that offer incentives to small businesses who set up in the downtown areas of those communities.

Members of the Enactus team also worked with women in Guatemala on ProChapina, a nonprofit organization that supports women through professional training programs and other services. Four students and a faculty advisor traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, in the summer of 2024 to meet with ProChapina leadership to discuss ongoing efforts in marketing and business operations.

As part of the reception, the Enactus team will preview its World Cup presentation. Click here for more details on Thursday’s event.

Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub to Support Healthcare Education at UW-Whitewater’s Rock County Campus

Edgewood University faculty member Lottie Most works in the nursing program SIM lab on the UW-Whitewater at Rock County campus, monitoring students inside simulated patient rooms on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County is partnering with Mercyhealth to expand access to healthcare education and serve a key need in Wisconsin and stateline communities for nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals.

The newly named Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub includes the Rock County campus’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation center and skills labs supporting learning in maternity education, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The space, which opened in 2024, is a result of a collaboration between the Rock County campus and Edgewood University, which provided the technology — including the mannequins used in the simulation labs. Mercyhealth’s half a million dollar gift ensures the upkeep and regular enhancement of the spaces.

“UW-Whitewater is committed to addressing the needs of the region,” said Chancellor Corey King. “Together, with Mercyhealth, we’re making an investment in today and the future — ensuring our healthcare workforce is well-educated, robust and adaptable. The Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub on the Rock County campus offers hands-on engagement and learning opportunities. It provides our students with valuable real-world experiences desired by employers.”

“Mercyhealth is proud to grow our partnership with UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Edgewood University. Creating opportunities for nursing students within our community is about more than education — it’s about building the future of healthcare. We’re excited to train and empower the nurses who will care for generations to come,” said Kara Sankey, vice president of operations at Mercyhealth.

The latest agreement expands the healthcare education partnership between UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Mercyhealth, which includes facilities investments and academic collaborations.

The university recently announced a Bachelor of Science in medical sciences degree with emphases in radiology and sonography. Students in the program will spend their final two years working with Mercyhealth for hands-on learning in their field.

URock is also part of a collaborative nursing program with Edgewood University. Students take two years of classes on the Rock County campus and are able to finish out their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on site without having to leave the area.

“The opportunities afforded to students through the Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub help keep our workforce talent local, which is so important to the health of our community,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the UW-Whitewater at Rock County and dean of the College of Integrated Studies. “Our students already have such a positive impact in Janesville and throughout Rock County, and this partnership with Mercyhealth ensures the long-term investment into this program and into the education of future healthcare professionals.”

Per the agreement, Mercyhealth will continue to be embedded into URock’s medical sciences programs, including in workforce development, microcredential opportunities, and other future collaborations.

Mercyhealth’s gift will also be recognized as a lead gift of UW-Whitewater’s Our Stories. Our Future. campaign, which formally launched over the summer. The university is more than halfway to its goal of raising $50 million for the current and future welfare of the university.

A recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award in 2023, Mercyhealth has been a collaborative partner of UW-Whitewater for more than 20 years. It is the exclusive healthcare provider for Warhawk Athletics, a perennial national contender that consistently ranks among the top 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs. 

Mercyhealth will be celebrated as a university partner October 17 as part of the UW-Whitewater football game against UW-Stout at Perkins Stadium.

David Barnett joins First Citizens State Bank

Whitewater, WI – Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that David Barnett has joined the Bank as Vice President – Commercial & Mortgage Loan Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin. 

David has over 37 years of experience in banking, beginning with an entry level role and building up to Commercial Lending. He is a graduate of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts as well as the University of Colorado with a Graduate Banking Degree. David has called Southeast Wisconsin his home for more than 17 years.  

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are thrilled to welcome David to our lending team.  With his extensive background in both community and larger banking institutions, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His expertise and commitment to customer service make him a strong addition to our bank and the communities we serve.”  

David enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, hiking, biking and fly fishing. He is the past President of the Lake Geneva West Chamber of Commerce and is a housing commissioner with the Walworth County Housing Authority. 

David commented, “I’m proud to be part of a community-minded bank valuing personalized service. From the main office to the surrounding South-Eastern Wisconsin communities, I’m eager to put my experience to work providing lending solutions that truly make a difference for families and businesses.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Rock River Community Clinic Launches 1st Annual Celebration of Hope Fundraising Event

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is thrilled to announce a new fundraising event, serving as its primary operational fundraiser. 

The 1st Annual Celebration of Hope will take place on Wednesday, October 15th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson (1650 Doris Drive). The two-hour cocktail event will feature networking, education, a raffle, and a short program at 5:45pm. The program will highlight RRCC’s high-quality and affordable patient care, share patient stories, and focus on the critical impact RRCC has on the overall health and wellbeing of our communities. 

“We are so excited to launch this new event in support of our mission to provide quality, comprehensive health care to all,” states Dr. Olivia Nichols, RRCC CEO/Executive Director. “We hope members across our communities will join us for a beautiful night of inspiring optimism, honoring progress, and providing hope for a healthy future.” 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased until 11:59pm on Tuesday, October 14th. Individual tickets are $100 and include heavy appetizers and one beverage. Full table purchases (10 tickets) are also available for $850 and include appetizers and the one beverage for each individual at the table. Tickets can be purchased through RRCC’s website at: https://secure.givelively.org/event/rock-river-community-clinic-inc/2025-rrcc-celebration-of-hope 

“We are hopeful to maximize the event space and have up to 150 community members join us for this celebration and to support the health care services for all those who depend on us, “ Dr. Nichols adds. “We are deeply grateful for the support already shown for the event, and look forward to engaging more individuals, organizations and businesses in our efforts.” 

The event is being supported through generous sponsorships for local businesses, and additional sponsors are still being sought. FCCU is serving as the Platinum Sponsor ($5,000) and Maas Brothers, Fort Healthcare, Crave Brothers Farmstead and Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation are committed as Gold Sponsors ($2,500). Silver Sponsors ($1,000) are Rainbow Community Care, First Citizens State Bank, and Watertown Family Practice, and Katzman Family Farm, Richter Heating & Air Conditioning, Paddy Shack, Paddy Coughlin’s Pub, Cloute, Inc., Yes! Watertown, and Rock River Dental have confirmed Bronze Sponsorships ($500). 

“We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to FCCU for serving as our platinum sponsor for the Celebration of Hope,” states Nichols. “That level of generosity will help us achieve our fundraising goals with the event, along with the committed support of 14 other sponsors. We are still actively looking for additional sponsorship support before our deadline of September 26th.” 

Additional details about the event, including the full sponsorship form and raffle donation form, please visit or email marketing@rockrivercommunityclinic.org.


Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson. 

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org