Obituaries

Donalee Schlogel-Hansen went to be with her Lord on 26 March, 2025, at Fieldstone Care Center, in Tumwater, WA, the result of a hard fall suffered on March 5th, 2025. She was born on November 5, 1937 in Chicago, Ilinois, and was the daughter of Joseph and Helen Schlogel. In 1942 she moved to Helenville, WI. where her father had purchased a small farm. During her primary school days, Donalee attended a one room school just a few miles from her home. During summer and winter, she rode her beloved horse “Flash” to and from school and housed him in a neighbor’s barn during school hours. In the frigid Wisconsin winters, she would ride bareback to help stay warm. Donalee claims to have acted as the mail man, delivering the neighbors’ mail down long snow-covered driveways on horseback where no cars or farm trucks could travel.

In her freshman year of high school, the Schlogel family moved to Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin, where Donalee enrolled in Ft. Atkinson High School. She played in the high school marching band and sang in the choir. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and earned a Starred First in the statewide high school music competition. Donalee graduated from Ft. Atkinson High School in 1955. During her sophomore year in high school, she met Vernon Hansen at a roller-skating rink in Fort, where he was the floor manager. He was a senior at Whitewater City High, a town 10 miles from Fort. Donalee was a beginning skater, so when she fell, Vernon (whom she nick-named “Whitey,” because of his light blond hair and because she didn’t like the name (“Vernon”) quickly skated over to her side and helped her back on her feet. And the rest is history!!

During their on and off again 4-year courtship, Donalee accompanied Whitey and his two sisters, Ellen and Esther, to Chetek, WI to a Christian Summer Camp, where she accepted the Lord as her Lord and Savior. During intermission at the Prom at Whitewater High School on June 2nd, 1955, Whitey proposed to Donalee in the front seat of his Ford convertible, and surprisingly she said “yes”! Exactly one year later (no sooner according to her father) Whitey and Donalee were married in the English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI. at 7 PM on June 2, 1956!

In October 1961, the Wisconsin National Guard, 32nd Division, a unit in which Whitey was a 2nd Lieutenant, was deployed to Ft Lewis, Washington in response to the Berlin crisis. Over the Christmas holiday, Donalee and their 2 yr old twins joined Whitey at Ft. Lewis. Two years later the family rotated to Berlin, Germany, where they spent the next two years. Donalee worked as a dental assistant at the Military Dental Facility, and did volunteer Red Cross work at the Army Hospital. She was able to travel to other Western European Cities after driving the 110 miles through East Germany, an experience not many civilians are afforded. It allowed them to visit Whiteys Danish relatives and to learn much of their history.

Living in Izmir, Turkey for two years, because of Whiteys NATO assignment, gave Donalee the opportunity to visit many ancient ruins, to include the sites of all Seven Churches of the Revelation. A two week visit to the Holy Land was surely a highlight of the NATO assignment for her.

As a member of Grace Baptist Church in Rochester, Washington, upon retirement, Donalee shared her gift of music by singing many Sunday morning solos, as well as being part of a traveling Gospel quartet. She also organized a group of teenage military dependents to form a gospel singing ensemble and was a counselor for The Benning Hills Baptist Church youth group in Columbus, Georgia.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1 PM, at the Grace Baptist Church in Rochester, Washington 98530.

In Loving Memory of Margaret Elizabeth Gottschalk
July 15, 1943 – April 1, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Margaret, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who passed away on April 1, 2025 at the age of 81.

Born on July 15, 1943, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Margaret led a life rooted in service, compassion, and joyful connection. From 1963 to 1966, she proudly served in the United States Navy as a data processing technician, where she met the love of her life, Bill. Together, they built a life of adventure, purpose and love. That included walking across the floor of an active volcano and sneaking pineapples straight from the field in Hawaii. Traveling through Ireland in a horse drawn wagon, touring England and Wales on a canal boat. She might even have spotted the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. In retirement, Margaret and Bill enjoyed cross country motorcycle trips visiting all 48 states in the continental U.S.

Margaret’s sense of service continued throughout her life. She worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and served as an ombudsman for the U.S. Naval facility in Brawdy, Wales. Deeply committed to her community, she volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, supported friends and neighbors after a devastating tornado, and was passionate in her support of the homeowner advocates in The Villages, Florida.

Margaret is known for her bright smile. She brought warmth and joy to others, finding happiness in reading, gardening, sewing, pickleball, and golf. She was even known to be a bit of a pool shark. Margaret cherished big family gatherings filled with mayhem, laughter and love. Her kindness, strength, and spirited humor will live on.

Margaret is survived by her devoted husband Bill, her loving children Bill and Christine, her grandchildren – who were the light of her life – and her siblings John, Mary Jean, and Rebecca McLean. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her mother Jean Ford Carter, her father William Menzie McLean, and her brothers Bill Jay and Thomas McLean.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Services will be held at Beyers Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00-4:00pm. A Catholic Mass will be held at Saint Timothy’s at 8:30 am on April 9, 2025.

In honor of Margaret, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Cornerstone Hospice or SonRise Respite Program through the Lake Deaton United Methodist Church (note that your donation is specifically for the “SonRise” program).

Joyce Eileen Forester, 82, Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Lakeland Health Care Center, Elkhorn.

Joyce was born on May 6, 1942 in Sparta, WI to George and Mary (McCollough) Hoag. She married Rodney Forester on June 20, 1959.  He preceded her in death on December 16, 2015.  Joyce and Rodney enjoyed traveling and an occasional visit to the casino. She loved all the Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Badgers, Bucks, Brewers and, of course, her beloved Packers.  Joyce also enjoyed spending time outside watching her flowers grow.

She is survived by her children John Forester, Whitewater, Jackie (Rick) Rogers, Whitewater; grandchildren Benjamin (BobbieJo Yates) Rogers, Lindsey (Tony) Pennuto, Kaitlyn and Megan Forester; and sister Charlotte (Wayne) Williams, Paris, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Duane and Dale Hoag, and sister Donna Rittenhouse.

A private family service will be held for Joyce.  The family would like to thank the staff of Lakeland Health Care Center as well as the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Joyce.

Jack G. Trojan, 88, of Whitewater, passed away March 21, 2025, at his home. Born May 6, 1936, he lived in Milwaukee, WI until moving to Richland Center, WI in 1944. Beloved husband of Diane, he was preceded in death by his parents Joseph (Jack) Trojan and Francis (Fanny) Trojan. He is survived by a sister, Shirley Trojan (Curnow), of Richland Center, WI and brother-in-law, David Kaltenback, of Lynnwood, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jack enriched the lives of many during his thirty-three-year career in Education, both as a classroom teacher teaching Industrial Arts education and as a school administrator holding several different positions. Education was his passion, holding as many as eleven licensed certifications at one time during his thirty-three-year career. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Platteville, a master’s degree from the University of Northern CO in Industrial Arts and School Administration and Specialist degree from UW-Madison in School Administration.

He joined the WI National Guard in Platteville in 1958, serving six months in active duty. He later joined the teaching staff in Lancaster, WI becoming the high school’s first industrial arts instructor. While there, he became involved with Lancaster’s new high school architectural committee and worked with the University of Platteville in designing the industrial arts facility for the new high school. In October of 1960, his national Guard Unit was activated during the Berlin Crisis. After serving a year on active duty, he was released from active duty and joined the teaching staff in Mayville, WI. While on staff, he was again asked to participate in the building committee for their new high school. It was in Mayville that he was the first industrial arts teacher in the state to introduce the concept of Vocational Education into the classroom, teaching students home construction and mass production. He was active with the Mayville Lions Club and worked summers at Maysteel Corp as a Project Engineer.

In 1967, he became the high school principal in Cuba City, WI. After two years, he came to Whitewater, WI joining the administrative staff as the Director of Instruction. During the 1950’s and early 1960’s, the Whitewater Unified School District was the fastest growing public system in the state. Jack’s responsibilities included organizing the new library and multi-media service K-12, unifying the academic programs, and developing coordinating instructional and student teacher programs with the local University and writing federal program proposals that eventually brought several thousands of federal dollars for multimedia equipment and instructional materials and academic improvements.

During his employment, he wrote magazine articles for DPI newsletters and WSLMA. Nationally, his publications included “Catch a Personality, Put It Down on Paper” and “Music Programs Remain Traditional and Strong in Wisconsin Schools.” His writings
earned him a place in the book of “Who’s Who in the Midwest.” During Jack’s tenure, he served on several DPI statewide committees including one which re-wrote the certification for librarians. The updated certification combined the library/multi-media services into one certification.

Through his community activities with local businesses, he introduced “Career Day” at the high school and organized “Student Visitation Days” with local industries. Jack’s commitment to community service included bringing cable television to the city,
university, and public schools. He was a Whitewater Chamber of Commerce City Ambassador and helped start the Meals on Wheels Program. Jack was an active member of the evening Kiwanis and charter member of the morning Kiwanis, serving on
the board, as secretary/treasurer, and as its president He also was the school coordinator for the school’s AFS program. Jack was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic Church in Minocqua where he maintained a summer home since 1972.

His smile, joy, humor, compassion and love will be remembered and missed by everyone he touched.

Amal Habibi Vitale (1940–2025)

Amal Habibi Vitale, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 84, following a severe stroke.

Born on November 30, 1940, in Haifa, Palestine, Amal’s early years were shaped by resilience and change. In 1948, her family left Haifa “for the weekend,” expecting to return—only to find themselves forging a new path in Syria and eventually settling in
Beirut, Lebanon.

Determined and ambitious, Amal graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in business at just 20 years old—one of the few women of her time to do so. Her passion for knowledge never waned, and she carried that love of learning into a 25- year teaching career with the Fort Atkinson School District, where she inspired countless students.

In 1961, she married Edward Vitale, her beloved husband of 63 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and intellectual curiosity. In 1972, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where they made their home. Amal found community and peace at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, though she believed that religion could be found in all things—especially in acts of kindness and love.

Amal’s home was always open, with room for one more person—or even an entire family—at any meal. Through food, she brought people together, hosting countless dinners and lunches and ensuring everyone who entered her home felt loved and
welcomed.

After retirement, Amal remained active with organizations including the University League in Madison, WI, and the Women’s League in Beirut.

Amal’s legacy is one of strength, wisdom, and insatiable curiosity. She believed in living with intention and often asked her students and children, “Did you do this with all your heart?” It was her way of instilling a deep sense of purpose in everything they did.

She is survived by her husband, Edward; her son, Marc Vitale (Darcy Kind); her cherished grandson, Theo Sheridan Vitale; and Theo’s mother, Mary Sheridan. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Najwa Faraj (Hikmat), Wael Habibi (Linda), and
Randa Karim (Fadi); her sister-in-law, Lillian Habibi; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Albert and Lillian Vitale. Amal was preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl, and her brother, Mazen. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Amal’s life will be held on April 28th at 11:30 AM at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI (holywisdommonastery.org), followed by lunch. The family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (www.afedj.org) or the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Marie Mehring, age 93, of Whitewater passed away peacefully at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek on March 16, 2025.

Marie was born November 1, 1931.  She was the daughter of Evelyn and Joseph Swatek.  She graduated from Elkhorn High School.  While in high school, she met the love of her life, Chuck Mehring, at the roller rink; they were married June 3, 1950.  Soon, they added to their family Deb, Ron, Jane and Pat. 

In 1962, Marie and Chuck moved their family to a farm in the Hebron area. In addition to homemaking, Marie was employed at the Whitewater Commercial Bank for many years.  When Chuck retired, they became adventurous and moved to Canon City, CO in 1977; there, Marie worked at the Fremont County Clerk’s office until her retirement.  After Chuck passed away, Marie returned to Wisconsin in 2013 residing at Mulberry Glen in Whitewater. 

Sewing was Marie’s greatest passion.  Her family members all enjoy the beautiful quilts she has gifted to them.  Marie and Chuck loved to travel, especially camping trips in the Rockies.  They enjoyed snowbirding in Yuma, AZ and travelled across the country frequently to attend family events in Wisconsin.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Jane (Jeff) Lukas and Pat (Tom) Grette, twelve grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, and children Deb and Ron.

Services will be held at St Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 N Main Street, Whitewater on Friday, April 4, 2025; visitation at 10:00 and mass at 11:00. A Celebration of Life will follow.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff and Mulberry Glen, Commonheart Home Health, Rainbow Hospice and Dr. Nathaniel Besch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.  Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Kathleen Barbara Beerman, 73, Whitewater, passed away at her home in Whitewater on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Kathleen was born on December 4, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI to Raymond and Ruth (Laff) Griffin. She graduated from Milwaukee Custer High School in 1971 and from MATC in 1973 where she received her degree in nursing. Kathleen worked as a nurse at Marion Franciscan Center in Milwaukee for 20 years. She married John Beerman on November 6, 1971. Kathleen started a Christian bookstore in Whitewater, volunteered at Fairhaven Senior Living, and traveled to Israel. She enjoyed quilting and sewing.

She is survived by her husband John of Whitewater; daughter Shelly Gibbs of Whitewater; grandchildren Jillian, Lylah, Cassandra, and Gabriella; Siblings Kevin (Judy) Griffin, Tim (Julie) Griffin, Irene Hansen, Patricia Hanson. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Kevin Beerman, brother Michael Griffin.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI with a time for sharing starting at 7:00 pm. A short visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Nitardy Funeral Home at 10:00 am before processing to the Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater for a 11:00 am graveside service.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.