James M. Leaver, 85, of Whitewater passed away on March 19, 2025.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials in his honor may be made to the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 W. Center St., Whitewater, WI 53190 or to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, 146 W. North St., Whitewater, WI 53190.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Wayne Dean Boos, 83, of Sullivan (Rome), WI passed away on March 18, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.
Wayne was born on June 21, 1941, in Rome, WI, the son of Dewey and Augusta (Boerst) Boos. Wayne married Shirley M. Baumann on June 8, 1974, in Lake Mills.
He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959.
Wayne worked for Art Thomas Construction, Braun’s Construction Inc., and the School District of Jefferson. During retirement, he enjoyed tending to his red geraniums, feeding and watching the birds, and traveling with family.
Wayne played softball for many years and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews.
Wayne was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Helenville. He was a past member of the Senior Choir, School Board, Church Council, and several committees.
Wayne was a member of the Rome Fire Department for 62 years. He was a Commissioner on the Town of Sullivan Sewer Commission.
He leaves behind his wife, Shirley of 50 years, three children: Kari Boos of Rome, Kristie (Brian) Grulke of Watertown, and Kendra (Greg) Blumenberg of Rome, grandchildren: Natalie and Jessica Grulke, and Landon Blumenberg. He is also survived
by his sisters-in-law: Janice Boos of Sullivan and Judi Boos of Rome, goddaughters: Peggy Henry, Lisa Alvarado, and Amy Meyer, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his granddaughter Lydia Blumenberg, parents Dewey and Augusta Boos, parents-in-law Wilbert and Evelyn Baumann, sisters Delores Trebitowski and Shirley French, brothers Ralph, Donnie, Roger, and Royce Boos, special nephew Dennis Trebitowski, and great-nephew Adam Nettesheim.
If one desires, memorials in Wayne’s honor can be made to St. Peter’s School, Rome Fire Department, or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Helenville with visitation at the church from 9:00 AM until time of service. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Evergreen Cemetery.
Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Charles O. Brizius, 95, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Charles was born on March 23, 1929 in Evansville, Indiana to Oscar and Laurena (Inderrieden) Brizius of Newburgh, IN. His sister, Mary, married Edmund Weingart and settled in Oakland, CA.
Charlie met his sweetheart, Ruth E. Blum, at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Indiana. Soon after they married, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Korea during the Korean War. Their first child, Chuck, was born during that time. After the war he attended Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, Tennessee and then practiced law until his retirement at age 65. Charlie and Ruth had one son, Charles (Chuck), and two daughters, Cherry and Kathe. Charlie and Ruth were happily married for 62 years, until Ruth’s passing in 2013.
Charlie had started his own law practice in Chicago with the idea of helping those who needed it most. Coinciding with his retirement from the law, he graduated from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, and was ordained in the United Church of Christ, at which time he was called to pastor the UCC Church in Reeseville, Wisconsin. He served there for 10 years until retiring again at age 75. Upon his second retirement, he became an active member of the Whitewater Congregational United Church of Christ and had many dear friends and neighbors in Elkhorn and Whitewater.
One of his great joys in recent years was to serve and bless others, whether his church, those in need, or his family. He loved to sail in the Lauderdale Lakes of Wisconsin while he and Ruthie lived there, always enjoying when family and friends would visit, with a beloved dog (2 Golden retrievers, one after the other, both “Annabelles”) by his side. He traveled to see his children, grands and great-grandchildren as often as he could. He loved us all dearly and will be dearly missed!
Charles is survived by his daughters, Cherry (Cheryl) with husband, Rev. Ron Gonzales of Walla Walla, WA, and Kathe with husband Rev. Tom Meling of Slippery Rock, PA, and along with seven grandchildren: Jenni, Laura and David; Shane, Robin, Dawn and Jodi; and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as Blum and Weingart nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar C. and Laurena Brizius; his wife, Ruth Brizius, his son, Charles W. Brizius, and sister, Mary Weingart (and her husband, Edmund).
The family will gather in Newburgh, Indiana this summer to inter Charles’ remains with Ruthie’s. God bless you, Dad. May you rest in His peace and rise in glory.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
Britt Minton passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. He was born on February 9, 1961, in Waukesha to Wayne and Joyce (Majeskie) Minton. Growing up, he spent much of his life on various farms due to his father’s work. He lived in Hales Corners before moving briefly to Chandler, AZ, in 1963. In 1969, after spending several years in Prescott, MI, he and his family settled in Palmyra, where he lived until he married and moved to Whitewater, WI. As a child, Britt was an active member of 4-H and had an interest in raising and showing rabbits, exhibiting them locally and traveling to national competitions. He spent cherished time with his grandparents, especially enjoying visits to ride the pony his great-grandfather had purchased. In high school, Britt was a dedicated athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. A highlight of his basketball career was competing in the 1979 WIAA State Basketball Tournament. After graduation, he continued his love of sports by playing softball and hardball for the Palmyra Land of Lakes team for several years. In December 1993, Britt married Michelle (Fores) in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning a lifetime of adventures together.
Britt’s strong work ethic was evident from an early age. From 13 to 18, he and his brother, Scotty, spent their summers weeding the beet fields for Vitamin Products, where both their father and grandmother also worked. In 1987, Britt followed in his father’s footsteps and began working full-time at the company’s farm in Eagle. When Standard Process (formerly Vitamin Products) moved its farming headquarters to Palmyra in 1994, Britt transitioned to that site, remaining there until his retirement on February 9, 2022, the day he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) . He also served his community by plowing for the Town of Richmond for several years.
Britt had a deep love for the outdoors where he often spotted wildlife long before anyone else in his presence. He found joy in hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and biking. The majority of which were accompanied by one of his beloved dogs. He was also active year round with golf and bowling leagues. Britt was unexpectedly mischievous, creative, and patiently attentive to details; qualities that made him a memorable friend and a dedicated family man. He and Michelle shared a love of exploring back roads, singing along to Bluegrass, and embracing the journey over the destination, finding adventure in every new place and every person they met. Britt was a devoted father to his daughters, Cheyenne and Sierra, sharing his passions with them from a young age. He taught them how to hunt, fish, and golf, helped with 4-H projects and shooting competitions, coached their teams, and even chaperoned two youth group mission trips. Before his diagnosis, Britt and Cheyenne completed the Triple Bypass in Colorado, a grueling one-day cycling event covering 120 miles and 10,999 feet of elevation gain. He also poured his craftsmanship into Sierra’s salon, spending hours working alongside her to bring her vision to life. Through Britt’s many interests, he met several incredible people that turned into lifelong friends with an unbreakable bond and dedication to one another. Even though ALS took away Britt’s ability to partake in common interests, his friends stood by him until the very end. Britt faced his ALS journey with determination, and without complaint, continuing to hunt, travel, and share stories, often ones told over and over again, with those he loved. Britt was a protector of his family, a man of deep faith, and truly one of a kind.
Britt is survived by his mother Joyce (Minton-Martinson); wife, Michelle Minton; daughters, Cheyenne and Sierra; sister, Terri (Scott) Mill; brother, Scott (Sherry) Minton; nephew, Tyler Mill, niece, Danielle (Justin) Broberg; great-nieces, Lily Mill and Enzlee Broberg; great-nephews, Luke Mill and Ryatt Broberg. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Minton; uncle, Lee Majeskie; grandparents, John and Bernice Majeski and Price and Minnie Minton.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St. in Whitewater, with visitation from 1:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association in Britt’s honor. The family would like to extend special thanks to the friends and family who formed an army of support throughout Britt’s ALS journey. Their love and encouragement motivated Britt and carried Michelle, Cheyenne, and Sierra—each call, card, and visit arriving at just the right moment. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences. can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
George V. Clokey, age 72, passed away on March 6, 2025 at Oak Park Place. He was born on November 28, 1952 in Pittsburgh, the son of Mildred (Fitzurka) and George V. Clokey, Sr. He grew up on a small farm in Dorseyville, PA with his sister Susan. His mother died unexpectedly when he was in his teens and the family then moved to Baltimore. He attended high school at St Paul’s where he excelled in lacrosse and football. He spent his undergraduate years at the
University of Wisconsin – Madison, studying zoology, limnology and geology, obtaining his BS in 1981. He met his first wife, Jane, there while working at the Brathaus. Following his graduation, the couple returned to Pittsburgh where George completed his PhD in molecular biology at Pitt. In 1992, George accepted a teaching position at UW-Whitewater, a post he held and enjoyed for many years. He was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching excellence and was beloved by his many students. He took enormous pleasure and satisfaction in leading an annual field course in natural history at Yellowstone National Park. George’s enthusiasm for teaching about the natural world was unparalleled. He will be remembered by many for his impassioned discourses on geology. He will be sorely missed.
George is survived by his beloved sons, Alex Clokey of Seattle, Washington, Andrew Clokey of Issaquah, Washington; his sister Susan Clokey of Sarasota, Florida; his ex-wife Jane Fowler of Anderson Island, Washington, as well as many, many loving friends.
At George’s request there will be no funeral service. A memorial wake will be held at a future date. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com
The family wishes to thank the staff of Oak Park Place – Janesville for their truly outstanding care of George during his illness. Special thanks go to the staff of Agrace hospice for their compassionate care in George’s last weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship set up in his name by his former student Katie Hausmann. (Select “George Clokey Memorial Scholarship” from the drop down.)
Stephen William Bowen “Bo, Grandpa B.” joined our ancestors on February 25, 2025, at age 73. Stephen was born on September 16, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from the very start, he brought warmth and resilience into every space he occupied. He was gifted to this world through a love shared between his mother, Ida, and his father, Richard. He was the second of three children: his older brother Robert Anthony and his younger sister JeraiLyn.
Stephen attended Pius XI Catholic High School, where he began cultivating the deep sense of faith and compassion that would guide him throughout his life. He continued his education at UW-Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Deborah Charisse. Their bond grew not just out of shared classes and campus life but through mutual respect, laughter, and dreams for the future. In 1972, while at UW-Whitewater, Stephen became an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member. His line name: Unique Uniques. During his time on campus, he forged lasting friendships, continued childhood friendships, and a commitment to brotherhood and service that he carried throughout his life.
For 35 steadfast years, Stephen worked at General Motors in Janesville, WI, providing a solid foundation for his family. Whether on the assembly line or coordinating logistics, he carried himself with unwavering dedication and a quiet humility that left an impression on everyone who worked alongside him.
Stephen’s endless fascination with music took center stage beginning in his younger years. During that time, he played in a band known as Rebirth. A talented piano and saxophone player, he believed music spoke to the soul in ways words could not. Jazz was his passion, and he enjoyed taking his wife to jazz performances, yet you might catch him tinkering on the piano with church hymns or holiday tunes on any given day. He also loved to travel, with his favorite destinations being the beaches of Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Faith was an anchor in Stephen’s life. He was a longtime member of St. Patrick Church in Whitewater, where he sang joyfully in the choir. He also served as part of the Knights of Columbus. For many years, during his free time, Stephen found solace in his late-day jogs that connected him to nature and cleared his mind. When he wasn’t playing the piano or sax, there was a time he was also a fierce competitor on the basketball court—often joined by his daughters, Kolynde’ and Chevon, at Starin Park until the sun dipped below the horizon. And when it was time to wind down, he could often be found deeply focused at his chessboard, taking on any willing opponent with quiet confidence.
Above all, Stephen’s greatest joy was his family. He worked tirelessly to ensure his daughters received a quality education, saw the world beyond their neighborhood, and knew they were the center of their dad’s universe. His devotion extended to his beloved grandchildren, Heston Bowen Cook and Lana Rae Cook (Chevon’s children), whose curiosity and laughter brought him endless delight- he loved to laugh and had a sense of humor. Stephen, a loving husband, father, brother, friend, and father figure to others, was unwavering in kindness. Once you were part of his circle, you remained there for life.
Remembering him with a smile on their faces and love in their hearts are his wife, Deborah Charisse (Randolph) Bowen; daughters Kolynde’ DaShaun Bowen-Roberts (Jeff) and Chevon Nicole Bowen; grandchildren Heston and Lana; sister JeraiLyn Jones as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends who will always hold his memory dear. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Ruth Jones, his father, Richard Lee Bowen, his stepfather, James Jones, and his brother, Robert Anthony (BabaOgun) Jones—all of whom undoubtedly welcomed him Home with open arms.
A service honoring Stephen’s life will be held promptly at noon on March 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W Main St., Whitewater, WI. Visitation will be on March 14, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Patrick’s. The repast will take place at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI, starting at 1:30 p.m. The family invites all who knew and loved Stephen to celebrate his life and faith.
In these challenging days, Stephen’s family wishes to extend special gratitude to Mark Parenteau and all the caring relatives, friends, and church members who provided unwavering support, especially during his dialysis treatments. Their compassion, presence, and help ensured he never felt alone on his journey. The family also wishes to thank everyone who has reached out with love and prayers—it is a testament to how profoundly Stephen touched the lives around him.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Stephen leaves a legacy of love, faith, and music that will continue to echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May we celebrate his life by continuing to love deeply, laugh often, and cherish the gift of family that he held so dear.
Irv A. Madsen, 86, Whitewater, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 02, 2025.
He was born in Askov, MN on May 20, 1938, to Ludvig and Augusta Madsen.
Irv graduated from Amery High School in 1956 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Whitewater in 1960 and his Master’s Degree from UW-Madison in 1965. He began his career teaching Business Education at Milton High School and then moved to UW-Whitewater to become the Director of Admissions for 42 years. During his time at UW-Whitewater he coached Women’s Softball, announced Football games for 50 years and was “the voice of the Warhawks,” as well as announced basketball games.
He married Sandy (Fisher) Madsen at 1st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater on August 6, 1960.
Irv loved golfing, playing tennis, riding his bicycle, playing cards with friends, and sports! He loved his Wisconsin Teams – the Bucks, Brewers and Badgers, but most of all, he “bled” Purple for his UW-Whitewater Warhawks!
He is survived by his 3 daughters, Jodi (Jim) Stoppenbach, Terri (Brad) Stallings, Cyndee (Kent) Kelsey, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother Mel, sisters-in-law Karen Fisher, Pam Fisher, Sandy Madsen, Nancy Madsen, Eleanor Madsen, Barb Madsen, Pat Madsen, Shirley Madsen and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Madsen, his parents, and 6 other brothers.
The family is so grateful for “Team Irv”! The excellent care from Nicole Gosh, Jim Mildenstein, Nikki Mildenstein, Allison Seitz and all of the past caregivers (Evie, Jackson, Nellie, Mary Kay, Vicki and Steve) and best friends Marilyn and Jack Albrecht is so very much appreciated!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Coulthart Pavillion located outside the Perkins Stadium on the UW-Whitewater Campus.
Memorials may be given to 1st English Lutheran Church, UW-Whitewater Athletics or the Madsen Family Scholarship at UW-Whitewater (Select “Madsen Family Endowed Scholarship” from the drop down) or Rainbow Hospice in honor of Irv. We would also like to thank Rainbow Hospice and Nitardy Funeral Home for their assistance and care.
Richard “Dick” Carl Enstad, 87, Whitewater passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.
Dick was born on May 27, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Carl and Austred (Oas) Enstad. He taught at UW-Whitewater in the Mathematics Department from 1963-1999. He enjoyed making model airplanes, writing weekly newsletters on sports, pickleball, collecting sports memorabilia, Badger and Warhawk sports and singing with the Whitewater Warblers. Dick was a member of First English Lutheran
Church.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, Whitewater; son Craig Enstad and wife Sophie Naudeau, Brazil; grandchildren Lucie and Chloe; and sister Karyl Rommelfanger, Manitowoc. He was preceded in death by his son Michael.
A memorial service for Dick will be held later in the summer.
Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
BettyLee Roberta Behrens Pangburn, 91, of Whitewater, WI passed away gracefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her incredibly attractive (yet humble) children and grandchildren.
Betty was born the youngest and shortest of six children on April 24, 1933, in Litchfield, Michigan, the daughter of George and Leora (Clemens) Behrens. A force of nature with an iron will from birth, Betty fought tirelessly to regain her eyesight after a rude bout of scarlet fever threatened to leave her blind at a young age. With unwavering determination, reinforced by her mother, she spent countless hours at the Upjohn’s School For The Blind, where her strong-will served her for the first time. Defying the odds, she regained her sight, allowing her to lead an independent and unencumbered life. Betty spent her formative years in the Kalamazoo area of Michigan, graduating from the Central High School of Kalamazoo. It was here her majorette skills dazzled crowds and set her apart from her nearly 2000 classmates. At 20 years old, Betty married the dashing and dapper, Warren Earl Pangburn on November 7, 1953. Warren was a tall and gentle man, the perfect counterpart to Betty’s fiery nature and small stature. Their relationship was one for the ages! Together nearly 63 years, until Warren’s passing in 2016, they were soulmates, lovers, best friends, and devoted parents to their four children; Kristie, Joseph, Thomas, and Kenneth. Over the course of their life together, Betty and Warren shared a seemingly endless supply of love, regularly opening their door to anyone who needed a warm bed, good meal, or comforting hug. For over a half-century, their house was regularly filled with a chaotic symphony of love, laughter, and Patsy Cline. Besides each other, Betty and Warren’s one true love was dancing and, Lord, they were good at it! On more than one occasion, they wiped the proverbial (dance) floor with young couples unable to keep up. When they weren’t shutting down the dance floor, they enjoyed spoiling their pets, growing oversized vegetables in their garden, fishin-n-fryin’ bluegill, and creating unconventional artwork. It’s rumored they caused quite a stir in the Wisconsin art scene with the creation of their passion project, Oh My Gourd!
Betty and Warren managed the famed Road-Star Inn in La Crosse, WI for over 15 years; this was more than their job, it was their home and an anchor for their family. The Road-Star played host to some of the pair’s favorite memories: summers spent blocked into weeks when the grandkids came to visit, countless Christmases when the Inn was invaded by their kids, their kids’ partners, grandkids and an overwhelming number of dogs, plus an interesting couple of Halloweens in the ‘90s when pumpkin-carving became a big thing. Always looking to give back, Betty and Warren were goodwill ambassadors for the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and later volunteered to care for the gardens and decorate the common areas when they lived at Mulberry Glen. Brilliant and strong-willed, Betty gave 100% to every job she had, but none more than her role as a devoted wife and mother, taking excellent care of her children, other people’s children, and later her grandbabies. Betty was an inventive and talented cook and baker, making certain to keep her family, or anyone in need of a good meal, well fed and happy. She was a pathologically giving and generous person, an obscenely impressive feat for someone who grew up the youngest of six during the Great Depression. Proud of her heritage, she wore her strong German will as a badge of honor, but was also kind, loving, and always up for a good laugh or conspiratorial chat. Betty will be remembered for her stern yet generous nature, the sound advice and wisdom she shared with her family, friends, and neighbors (occasionally against their will.) After 8+ years, Betty returned to Warren’s side at 10:16 pm on a snowy Saturday, leaving behind enough memories and stories to last numerous lifetimes.
Desperately missing her are her children: Kristie Lennon of Milwaukee, WI, Joseph (Kim) Pangburn of Palmyra, WI, Thomas (Tamara) Pangburn of Mesa, AZ, and Kenneth (Bridgitt Noel) Pangburn of Apple Valley, MN and foster daughter Mary (Rusty) Rodeheaver Aide; her grandchildren, Eileen (Shad Garcia) Seeger of Milwaukee, WI, Jazmin Lennon of Eau Claire, WI, Aubree (Quinn Lemmers) Lennon of Brooklyn, NY, D.J. Pangburn of Madison, WI, Kody (Felipe Saint-Martin) Pangburn of Madison, WI, Sterling (Desirae) Pangburn of Winston, OR, Leora (Callie) Schneider of Gresham, OR, Anna (Blake) Calmes of Brandon, MS, and Walton Pangburn of Mesa, AZ; and her great-grandchildren, Lennon, Chaplin, Denver, and Yarrow. Betty is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and other relatives & friends.
Welcoming her home with open arms are her parents, her parents-in-law, her loving husband, Warren (with all the pets they had along the way), and her siblings, Marjorie, Donald, Mick, Darlene, and Jerri.
A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held in La Crosse WI, the place she and Warren always said they were happiest. In lieu of sending flowers, as she’d absolutely hate to waste them, please consider planting something small (like her!) in her memory.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com
Raymond D. Speakman Jr., 91, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 with hospice care.
Ray was born on December 11, 1933 in Illinois to Raymond D. Sr. and Esther Speakman.
Ray is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sally Sue Speakman; daughter, Stacy Long of North Carolina, and grandson, Evan Long; son, Jason (Sally Jo) Speakman, and granddaughters, Piper and Tegan Speakman.
He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Ray had a very special place in his heart for the family dog, Toby, who made sure Ray got his exercise every day.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Esther Speakman; sister, Barbara Cummings; and son-in-law, Peter Long.
At Ray’s request, no formal services are scheduled.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Rainbow Hospice and Our House in Whitewater for their exceptional care for Ray.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com