Obituaries

Robert (Bob) John O’Hara, a cherished member of our family and friends, passed away May 19, 2025. Bob was born September 14, 1956, to Charlotte Anna (Wallack) Lewers and Robert James O’Hara. Bob grew up in Elk Grove Village, IL and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1974. He relocated to Whitewater, WI in 1986 and worked various warehouse distribution positions and ended his career as a manager.

   A significant life event occurred in 1998 when his precious daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara, was born. Kelly was an important focus of his life and he enjoyed watching her grow and mature into a beautiful young woman. 

   Bob was a faithful son to his mother and a good friend. His love language was acts of service and enjoyed helping his family, friends, and neighbors. Bob was a member of the UW-Whitewater Quarterback Club and enjoyed supporting the team and socializing with friends. He loved to cook and enjoyed boating on Whitewater Lake.

     Bob is survived by his lovely daughter, Kelly Lynd O’Hara; mother, Charlotte Lewers; brother, Ronald (Mary Stewart) O’Hara; sister Dawn (Paul) Klingler; nieces and nephews, Alex Roelli, Sarah Robertson, Hannah O’Hara, Meaghan O’Hara, Shawn
Klingler; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Steve Roelli.

     Bob’s life will be honored Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater, WI
Visitation: 9:30-11:00 AM. Service: 11:00 AM with church luncheon following the service. 

    The family would like to thank all the family and friends that helped and visited Bob during his illness. Thank you to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Zilber Family Hospice for his care.

     “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

BRADLEY TERESA ANN

Teresa Ann Bradley, age 84, of Yankton, SD passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.  Memorial service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Fr. Thi Pham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Teresa Ann was born in Chicago, Illinois, November 23,1940, to Paul and Hildegard (Weinandt) Bradley. She lived on a 5-acre farm in what is now a suburb of Chicago.  In 1952, she, her parents, and younger sister, moved to an 80-acre dairy farm a few miles outside a college town, Whitewater, Wisconsin.  In 1953, a milestone year in baseball history, the Boston Braves moved their team to Milwaukee, and Teresa became an ardent baseball fan.  Her family went to several games in Milwaukee, sitting in the right field bleachers, watching some of the greatest players in that era of baseball: Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn and Eddie Mathews.  The Braves became the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee team became the Brewers, but well into her declining years Teresa was still reading biographies of the remarkable men she’d grown up watching!

Teresa attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School for 2 years in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and then went to Whitewater High School, which she graduated from in 1958.  After high school, she worked for many years in the cafeteria of Whitewater Teachers College, which became the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater.  

When her mother and father retired from farming to live in Canon City, Colorado, Teresa moved into an apartment in Whitewater.  After her father died in 1994, Teresa’s mother moved to Yankton, SD to be close to her sisters and brothers in the area. Teresa moved to Yankton after her retirement from the University to care for her mother.  Teresa enjoyed being close in location to her many relatives in that area.

After her move to Yankton, Teresa was active volunteering in the gift shop at Sacred Heart Hospital, a member of Catholic Daughters, and an information and ‘sales lady’ at the Nebraska overlook south of Yankton. She enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories, as well as telling some of her own!

Teresa was close to many friends and relatives, maintaining contact with them whether they were in Yankton, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, or scattered all around the country. She always was excited to hear of the birth of a new family member, and remembered their names, sometimes reminding the grandparents of upcoming birthdays!  Her family and friends will miss the birthday phone calls and the Brewers/Braves updates.

Teresa had physical balance issues all her life due to complications during her birth.  When she was unable to stay in her apartment at Lincoln Arms, she moved to Walnut Village, and finally to Majestic Bluffs in Yankton.  She passed away February 5, 2025 at the age of 84 due to complications from influenza. 

Teresa is survived by her sister, Kate Bradley of Sammamish, WA, many Weinandt and Bradley cousins, as well as her lifelong and Yankton friends.  Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  You are greatly missed, sweetheart.

Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting.

He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke and Mandy (Paul) Ebbert, and Andrew Buckingham; grandkids, Hannah, Emma, and Grace and Madison and Mason; and his beloved dog, Lucy; his mother, Mary Ann; his sister, Kristy (Dan) Malone; brother-in-law, Ted Kraus; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Mert; his brother, Rex; his sister, Ann; and his grandparents.

A visitation for Mike will be held, Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI. A service in his honor will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County or to the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department.

Susan (Sue) Rhoda Schlough (nee Smith) was born August 11, 1936, in Barron, WI to Daniel and Ella Smith. The second of six siblings born during the Depression years, family-life was a meager and frugal experience, where Sue gained first-hand experience in making best use of all resources to meet the needs of a large family, which served her well in other life endeavors.

During Sue’s teenage years, three significant events occurred that would become the foundation of her life’s work and dedication.

The first of these events was choosing to become a Methodist, joining her local First United Methodist Church (FUMC). This act inspired her mother to also join the church and become a faithful member. Throughout the rest of her life, Sue considered the FUMC family as her own. It was at a FUMC youth social that the second life-shaping event occurred: she met her future husband, James (Jim) Schlough, a farming youth from nearby Connersville. They would marry several years later in 1962 after completing their bachelor’s degrees and life-shaping service work, remaining lovingly together for the next 60 years.

During her high school years, the third key event occurred: Sue met Monona Cheney, her currents events teacher who had also served as a missionary. Ms. Cheney became a life-long friend and mentor, inspiring Sue to follow in her missionary path. After completing her degree in education at UW Superior, Sue left for Nagasaki, Japan where she spent the next three and a half years as a FUMC Missionary, teaching English at Kasui Women’s High School and leading bible studies.

Upon returning to the US, Sue continued her career as an educator, teaching kindergarten in a one room schoolhouse. Her dedication as an educator remained through her retirement years, teaching high school Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, test prep classes for university English language learners, and gaining a master’s degree in English.

In 1964, Sue and Jim’s first child, son James (Jim) was born. A year later, the couple moved from Madison to Whitewater, where they would remain. Daughter Wyn (nee Joan) followed in 1966. During this time, the Schloughs became members of the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, where Sue also became a devoted and active participant in the church’s life, serving often and in many roles. Similarly, Sue became well known in the Whitewater community for her active volunteer service, from participating in Meals on Wheels, to raising money for historic houses of Whitewater, to supporting Democratic Party causes. Sue’s bright smile and infectious joy could be seen and felt across the community wherever she served.

Sue will be warmly remembered for her love for sewing, world travels, avid book club participation, bringing memorable meals to those in need, champion coupon-clipping, and garage sale holding and attending.

Sue passed on to her Heavenly Home on May 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Nancy, younger siblings Danny and Gretchen, and her beloved husband, Jim. She is survived in life by her sister Antoinette (Toni), brother Jeff, son Jim, daughter-in-law Nobuko, daughter Wyn, daughter-in-law Andi, grandchildren Shea, Lars, and Luke (married to wife Ryley), and a great-grandchild, Lucy.

Services for Sue Schlough will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater on Thursday, May 15. Visitation begins at 10 am, service at 11 am, with luncheon to follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Gifts in memory of Sue Schlough are gratefully asked to be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jerry Wayne “Gorbs” Gorby
December 8, 1942 – May 4, 2025

Jerry Wayne Gorby, affectionately known as “Gorbs,” passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 8, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Jerry brought joy, humor, and boundless energy to all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Gorby, his daughters Tricia Gorby and Tina Jones (Paul Jones), and his treasured grandchildren: Ciara, Sydney, and Donovan Jones, and Aysha and Kai Knoot. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Harold Gorby, and his brother, Douglas Gorby.

Jerry grew up in Washington and Upper St. Clair, PA, and proudly belonged to the first graduating class of Upper St. Clair High School. A determined self-starter, he began working at age 10 as a paperboy in the hills of Pittsburgh and later became a top Cutco salesman—earning the Key to the City of Pittsburgh while still in college.

At Tarkio College in Missouri, where he was recruited to play football, Jerry met the love of his life, Carolyn. The two shared a vibrant and enduring love story that began with football games and college dances and spanned more than six decades. Together, they once won a Twist dance competition—just one of many moments that reflected their shared spirit and joy.

After earning his degree in education and working as a recruiter at Tarkio, Jerry completed a Master’s degree at Duquesne University. In 1966, he and Carolyn packed up and moved to Wisconsin, where Jerry began a long and fulfilling career at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, serving first as Residence Hall Director then Director of Housing —and finally—as Director of General Services, where he had a wide-reaching impact on campus life and operations.

Jerry’s love for sports came from his father, Harold, and he passed that same enthusiasm on to his daughters. He supported them tirelessly—installing a pull-up bar in the basement, helping prepare for gymnastics meets, and cheering them on with pride. Whether on the sidelines or behind a video camera, he celebrated every effort and achievement.

Jerry and Carolyn built their family life on Turtle Lake, where they created a haven full of laughter, adventure, and tradition. Though their home was on Turtle Lake, Jerry also served as President of the Minnieska Ski Team on a nearby lake, where his daughters performed in ski shows. He was always nearby with a camera on his shoulder, documenting each twist and turn.

Later in life, Jerry moved into what truly lit him up—sales. Before founding his own sales company supplying furniture to colleges, universities, and hospitals throughout the Midwest, Jerry served as National Sales Manager for three different furniture manufacturers, where he honed his skills, built lasting relationships, and earned deep respect in the industry. 

Known for showing up with coffee, donuts, and a warm smile, Jerry built real relationships everywhere he went. Earlier in his Whitewater years, he co-owned the Red Lantern, a popular local pizza restaurant—an early expression of his lifelong love for bringing people together over food.

That love blossomed even more fully in retirement. Jerry’s passion wasn’t food itself—it was feeding people. Whether at Turtle Lake or Sanibel Island, he could often be found cooking ribs on a Sunday night, inviting anyone who could stay for dinner. He took joy in planning meals, firing up the grill, and setting the scene for connection—moments full of laughter, second helpings, and stories that grew with each retelling.

Eventually, Jerry and Carolyn retired to Sanibel Island, where they spent many joyful years walking the beach, sipping cocktails at sunset, watching dolphins leap and pelicans dive, and dancing through life just as they had when it all began. Sanibel wasn’t just a destination—it was home, peaceful and vibrant, filled with memories and laughter. They hosted Carolyn and Jerry’s family and friends from Pennsylvania, as well as friends from Wisconsin, creating a welcoming space where their place became a true vacation destination for so many. It was a place where people felt at home, whether for a weekend or a lifetime of memories.

A devoted Green Bay Packers fan–and proud shareholder– with a generous heart and a contagious laugh, Jerry lived life fully and gave deeply. He was a man of big dreams and even bigger love. Whether helping with a project—often with more enthusiasm than precision—taping something together with duct tape, drawing up ideas on a cocktail napkin, or waking up with a detailed to-do list, he was always ready to make something happen and to make people feel welcome.

Jerry was also a man of faith, which quietly guided the way he lived—with compassion, humility, and gratitude. In his later years, he found great comfort and joy in attending church services, especially enjoying the hymns that stirred both memory and spirit. He had a good singing voice and loved joining in, often with a smile and a strong, steady tone that reflected his deep appreciation for the music and message.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy defined by generosity, boundless energy, and an unwavering love for people. He dreamed big and got big things done—yet never lost sight of the individual in front of him. Whether planning a large-scale project, organizing a family adventure, or simply sharing a moment of conversation, he was fully present—listening, encouraging, and connecting with a sparkle in his eye and his signature laugh close behind. Jerry packed more into a day, a week, a year, and a lifetime than most could imagine, always striving to be his best and to bring out the best in others.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

You don’t have to give anything—your love, memories, and support are more than enough. But in lieu of flowers, if you feel moved to honor Jerry’s memory in a lasting way, donations may be made to the Jerry W. Gorby Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.  This fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, reflecting Jerry’s lifelong commitment to education and his belief in the power of learning to transform lives.  To contribute, visit: https://www.uww.edu/foundation/how-to-give/give-now .  Scroll down to Designation and select Jerry W Gorby Scholarship from the dropdown menu. If you prefer to give offline:  Checks can be made payable to UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. Please include the name of the fund you wish to support in the memo line of the check, and mail your donation to:

UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.
Alumni Center
800 W Main St
Whitewater, WI 53190

True to Jerry’s spirit—and his love of a good old fashioned, both the drink and the kind of gathering—please join us for a Celebration of Life in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where we’ll share stories, laughter, and memories in a way that would make him smile. Details will be shared soon on this website.

Mary Karen Erikson, 83, of Eagle, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at her home.

Karen was born on February 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the daughter of Richard and Neta (McGuire) Stockholm. She moved to Wisconsin with her family and graduated from Whitewater High School. Karen continued her schooling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where she obtained a degree in Education. After undergraduate school, Karen obtained her Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Karen worked at Mukwonago High School for over 30 years as a math teacher, retiring in 1998. On July 25, 1964 Karen was united in marriage to Gordon Erikson at the Whitewater United Methodist Church and the two would go on to enjoy 60 years of marriage together. Karen and Gordon made many wonderful memories together on the family farm and traveling together. She enjoyed cooking, especially cookies and baked goods, family holidays, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. Karen was smart, kind, strong and capable. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Gordon Erikson of Eagle, WI, and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Nancy Brown and Darlene Telfer.

Memorials in Karen’s honor may be made to the Eagle Historical Society. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle, WI (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). The Rev. Duane Goetsch will officiate the service. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Karen will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

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

Janice Kay Brokmeier of Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.

Jan was born on June 7, 1942, in Stanford, Illinois to James Lloyd Smith and Eithel Amelia Ingram Smith. Jan moved to Wisconsin in December of 1955 with her parents and three of her brothers. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1960.

Jan met Robert Joseph Brokmeier on March 13, 1958. Shortly after they met, they were married on August 26, 1961, at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. They had three children and resided in Whitewater for 32 years. They then moved to Fort Atkinson where they resided together until Jan’s passing.

Jan had many hobbies and interests over the years. One of her passions and proudest accomplishments was working on her Family Tree for her side of the family and then proceeded to work on Joe’s side of the family as well. She has been continually working on these projects over the last 50 years. Her other passion was working as a Treatment Foster Parent. Over the years they opened their home to 32 foster placements. Jan was an avid reader, loved to crochet, play cards, as well as playing Scrabble.

Jan is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Joe, their daughter Dixie (Matt) Stever of Elkhorn, their son Don (Jennifer) of Milton, and their other daughter Doreen of Madison. She is grandmother to Nate, Ben and Cael as well as several furry, four-legged creatures. Jan is also survived by her 5 brothers Kenny, Bud, Ron, Loren, and Roger as well as several nieces and nephews. Jan had so many other special friends and relatives throughout her life that are too numerous to list.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, her sister Dixie Smith, and several other friends and relatives that she always kept close to her heart.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon Brokmeier, UW Hospital nurses and staff, and especially the staff at Rainbow Hospice who made her transition peaceful.

Visitation for Jan will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 8:30 AM until the time of the funeral service at 9:30 AM. Pastor Jonah Burakowski will be officiating. Jan will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan’s memory can be made to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Dean Chris Dunne, 69, Fort Atkinson, formerly of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Alden Estates in Jefferson, WI.

Dean was born on May 4, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Chris and Ann (Wagner) Dunne. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1973. Dean enjoyed fishing, camping and was a good water-skier in the day. He and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1980. Dean worked in property maintenance in Las Vegas for over 20 years.

He is survived by his children Nicholas (Amber) Dunne, Fort Atkinson, Linsey (Scott) Angione, Las Vegas, Chris (Kristyn) Dunne, Las Vegas, and Brandon Dunne, California; grandchildren Andrew, Jordyn, Cody, Ashley, Stephen, Gavin, Lea, Haley, Oliver, Charlie, and Axel; 8 great-grandchildren; Sister Sandy Dunne Blaedow, Whitewater.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 12:00- 4:00 pm at Chapel 1899, N2349 CTH D, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 which is in the Town of Hebron.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Dale Semrau, 74, of Whitewater, passed away April 26, 2025, in Winterhaven, Fl.

Kenneth was born to Donna and Garhart Semrau on February 6th, 1951, in Marinette, WI. Kenneth married Kristy Pfeifer on May 6, 1972. They had two beautiful children Chad and Nicole and five wonderful grandchildren and lots of fur-babies. That made his world complete.

Ken retired from Nestle in 2012 and enjoyed retirement by spending his summers at Riverbend Resort in Watertown, WI and the winter in Winterhaven, FL.

“Kenny G.” was known for his loving and playful personality. His family was always first and foremost. He had a huge heart and joy for life. Ken enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers but followed all Wisconsin teams closely. Being with friends and family, playing bags, horseshoes, camping, putting together puzzles, and trips to the casino is what Ken enjoyed most. He will be missed.

He is survived by the love of his life, Kristy Semrau, and their two children son Chad (Julie) Semrau and daughter Nicole (Justin Petitt) Mattison . His 5 grandchildren Ireland, Bailey, Ian, Caden and Brady and his brother Jerry Semrau.

Ken’s wish is to have a “Celebration of his life” and a private burial in Whitewater, WI, which will be determined at a later date.