Obituaries

William Paul Mattert IX of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, passed away on April 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 25, 1952, to William and Hellen Mattert of North Prairie. William spent his formative years in North Prairie and attended Mukwonago High School. Upon graduating in 1971, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. William held his service in high regard and rose to the rank of Specialist 4th Class as an Aircraft Armament Mechanic stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington, dedicating seven years to his military duties.

Above all else, William cherished his family. In 1973, he met the love of his life, Jean Webber, and on February 21, 1975, they exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony witnessed by Dee and Roy Garcia in Michigan. Together, they crafted a beautiful life and nurtured five children: Tracy Mattert, Michele (Gabe Alwin) Lippens, William (Susan) Mattert X, Corrissa (Bob) Janke, and Travis Mattert. William found immense joy in the presence of his grandchildren: Brittany (Matt) Mattert-Kraft, Brandon (Chey) Kraft, Ashley Mattert, Michael (Sabrina) Lippens, Tyler (Laura) Lippens, Zoe Janke, William Mattert XI, and Austin Mattert, as well as his great-grandchildren: Desaray Kraft, Aurora Lippens, Ember Lippens, and Emery Lippens. He delighted in watching them grow, participate in various activities, and simply be themselves.

Professionally, William dedicated three decades to welding at RTE Powersystems in Waukesha, where he honed his craft and shared his expertise with colleagues. Beyond his work, William was a natural tinkerer, imparting his knowledge of car mechanics and gardening to his children. He found solace in the outdoors, indulging in his passions for fishing, hunting, and camping. For the past decade, he eagerly participated in Take a Vet Fishing, cherishing the camaraderie and the serenity of nature.

One of William’s lifelong dreams was fulfilled when his children gifted him and his beloved wife a two-week journey to Alaska, where they marveled at the sight of eagles soaring and whales gracefully swimming. Throughout his life, William embarked on numerous adventures with family and friends, but his fondest moments were spent gathered around a grill, cheering on the Packers and Brewers, and basking in the company of loved ones. His warm and welcoming demeanor ensured that his door was always open for anyone to visit and share a friendly hello.

William was preceded in death by his mother, Hellen; father, William; sister, Sandi; brother, Corey; and son-in-law, Ted. Their memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 20th from 11:00-3:00 at the American Legion Post 166, 201 S Water Street E, Fort Atkinson, WI. 53538.

Ed McManaway passed peacefully on March 18, 2024. He was born on January 13, 1935 to Everett and Inez McManaway of Wheeling, Illinois as the seventh of eight children. He married the love of his life, Betty Guge on February 16, 1957. In the months following their wedding, the two of them had quite the adventures. The week after their wedding they drove to California for Ed’s Army heavy vehicle training for 6 weeks. Upon finishing his training, they had less than a week to drive back to Chicago so he could catch a flight to begin his 18 months of active duty in Germany.

While there, Ed drove trucks all over Germany and the surrounding areas and had little time off. In the free time he had, he made sure to take trips with Betty around Western Europe. Their favorite trip was Paris and later the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. After Ed’s service they returned to Wheeling, Illinois to start their family and his own excavating business. They built their own home that was not completed until the day they moved out, and by that time they had two sons, Walter (Wally) and Gordon (Gordy). In 1974 they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin to start the next chapter of their lives, farming and enjoying the country life.

Upon moving to Whitewater, Ed continued his excavating business while running the farm at the same time. He was a magician on his backhoe and Caterpillar, always wanting to get his jobs done the right way the first time. He also loved farming, spending time working the fields, and tinkering on projects out in the shop. Even though Ed may have come across with a hard exterior, he loved his family very much. Every day in his wallet he carried around original photos from his and Betty’s wedding day, in addition to other family photos, until his final days. 

Ed was predeceased by his wife Betty, and his siblings, Ruth LeVine, Sid, Wade, Fay McKinney Walker, Bill, and Norman, and is survived by brother Martin McManaway, sons Wally (Gina) and Gordy (Omlay), and grandchildren Erin and Thomas.

We wish to thank Stephanie and Jess from Hearthstone for their help, John and Nancy Hoffmann for lifelong friendship and support, and the numerous other friends and neighbors that visited or left their impact on his life. A combined celebration of life service will be held for both Ed and Betty on Saturday, April 6 at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the service will be at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow in Fellowship Hall.

Donald O.C. Klitzke, age 85, lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Milestone Senior Living in Stoughton, WI. He was born on January 21, 1939, to the late Herman O. C. Klitzke and Doris E. (Wescott) Klitzke.

In his earlier years he helped his parents on the family farm in Lima Township, was a milk hauler and later worked for Foremost in Whitewater and Arrow Products in Elkhorn. Over the years, he attended many farm auctions and he continued to have a passion for older farm tractors and equipment. He enjoyed playing euchre with his family, polka music, UTV rides, trains, collecting farm toys and his trips to the casino.

He is survived by his 3 children, Susan (Rick) Wille, Fort Wayne, IN, Tammy (Norman) Kingston, Whitewater and son Shane Klitzke of Whitewater; grandchildren, Andrew Wille, Kayla Kingston and Karly Kingston; great-grandchildren, Andrew Jr & Avery Wille, Kaden Kingston-Knudson and Karter Horner. Also surviving are his brother LaVerne (Rose) Klitzke, Cedar Falls, IA, and sister Karen (Thomas) Schoenbeck, Elkhorn, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Arlein Zanton Steinmetz, Betty Langholff, and Dolores Klitzke.

He was a member of First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

The family would like to thank the staff at Milestone Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the care they gave to Donald.

A Graveside Burial will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Richmond Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

It is with our heavy hearts, that we share the passing of Juliette L. Horner, 13, of Whitewater. She was a precious young girl who attended Whitewater Middle School as a 7th grader. She always came to school with a smile on her face, looking forward to seeing her friends. Juliette was involved in clubs, choir, and she enjoyed playing her flute in band. Juliette also enjoyed gaming and socializing with her friends.

She excelled in creativity through building Legos, knitting, origami, and drawing. Juliette’s perfect summer day would consist of: Having a family cookout, spending hours swimming in the family pool and ending the night with making smores by the campfire. Words used to describe Juliette include full of smiles, creative, shy, cheerful, friendly, helpful, excelled in creativity, bright, musician, smart, swimmer, fun, and mischievous.

Juliette will be missed and is dearly loved by her mother, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, many more extended family and friends.

We are overwhelmed by the support we have received so far and can’t thank you all enough for helping the Horner family during this difficult time.

Contributions on Juliette’s behalf can be made at any Premier Bank location, payments through Zelle using email juliettememorial@gmail.com, or send funds to Premier Bank in Whitewater at 200 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A memorial service will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 3 PM until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Mary Jean Sorensen, 75, Whitewater passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater.

Mary was born on May 1, 1948, in Elkhorn, WI to Glenn and Doris (Christiansen) Morgan. She grew up in rural Darien, WI, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse through elementary school and enjoyed many creative adventures with her cousins and four siblings. She looked forward to occasional rides along with her father on his milk truck route and developed a lasting love of flower gardens from her mother, along with an aptitude for preserving massive quantities of homegrown apples and vegetables.

Mary graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1966 and was among the first generation in her family to attend college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UW-Madison. While in Madison she met many life-long friends, including her husband Donald Sorensen. They were married on September 2, 1972, in Darien, WI.

Throughout her life, Mary exemplified a deep love for children as well as a childlike wonder. Her children, grandchildren, and relatives fondly remember her enthusiasm for games, crafts, Bible stories, camping, and museums, along with her uncanny ability to remember a song for every topic. She loved family gatherings and was always ready to organize sing-alongs and games of volleyball, football, trivia, or charades. She also cared for enumerable children beyond her family—as a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Atkinson and in the Whitewater School District, and as a servant in her community. She led Girl Scout troops, welcomed in neighbors, and taught Sunday School for over fifty years. She served generously as a member of the First United Methodist Church and later Living Word Fellowship in Whitewater, especially as a leader in the Sunday School, Christian Women’s Club, and prayer ministries.

In her later years, Mary exhibited a faith and resilience that was an inspiration to many as she survived a severe brain hemorrhage. She was always ready with a laugh, a smile, and a loving hand-squeeze. She took great comfort in Psalm 23 and remained uncomplaining and devoted to God through all circumstances. Her loving and faithful personality will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her husband Don of Whitewater; children Daniel (Allysse) Sorensen, St. Croix Falls, WI, and Christine (Adam) Jeske, Madison; grandchildren Phoebe and Ezekiel Jeske; siblings Sandra (Ray) Boyd, Texas, Michael Morgan, Texas, and Sharen (Lee) Kwetinski, Verona, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Karen Morgan.

The family would like to express profound gratitude to the remarkable staff of Fairhaven for the kindness and dignity they afforded Mary during her time there.

A memorial service will be held at Living Word Fellowship on Saturday, May 4, with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11, and lunch to follow.

Donations may be made in Mary’s honor to Fairhaven (send checks made out to Fairhaven Foundation to 435 West Starin Rd., Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190) or Living Word Fellowship (212 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.)

Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Charlotte L. Seiler, 98, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Fairhaven Assisted Living Facility (Hearthstone) in Whitewater, WI. She was born August 4, 1925 in Evanston, Illinois to Dorthea G. and Raymond C. Taylor. 

She moved to Libertyville, Illinois in 1933.  Char graduated from Libertyville High School in 1943.

She met her husband, Maynard H (Si) Seiler, Sr. when they were in high school and were married in 1945. They remained married for 41 years until his death in 1986. While living in Libertyville, she was a member of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, which will be her final resting place with her husband, Si.

She was a Realtor with Century 21 Taylor and Seiler until her retirement in 1989 when she moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 2015, to be closer to family.   She enjoyed playing bridge, golf and playing the organ. She was an avid reader and loved painting, ceramics, quilting, and crocheting.

She is survived by her children: MJ Seiler (Janie), Jamie Gunter (Rich), and Todd Seiler (Michele). She has 5 grandkids Ricky Gunter, Randy Gunter, Molly Beitz, Eric (Samantha) Seiler, Scott (Isabella) Seiler, and 5 great grandchildren, Connor, Cora, Ryan, Lucas and Roland.  There are also several nephews and nieces and special Sister-in-Law Mariana Taylor. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard H (Si) Seiler, Sr., her parents and 2 brothers Clyde Taylor and Ronald G Taylor. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Lawrence Church or a charity of your choice in her name. There will no service per her wishes. 

We’d like to thank Fairhaven Senior Services and Rainbow Hospice for their great care as well as her 2 special friends, Sharon and LaVon.  Both who made her smile all the time.  

A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For info call 920.397.5579. nitardyfuneralhome.com.

…

Sandy passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 04, 2024.

She was born in Fond du Lac, WI on May 24, 1939, to James and Lorraine Fisher.

Sandy graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1957 and received her Operators license from Wisconsin College of Beauty in 1959.  She worked as a hairdresser until her retirement.

She married Irv Madsen at 1^st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater on August 6, 1960. Sandy loved bowling, golfing, playing cards with friends, volunteering at church, the Thrift Shoppe, delivering Meals on Wheels, Women’s Federation and the Jayceette’s.

She is survived by her husband Irv, brother JP (Karen) Fisher, sister Pam Fisher, 3 daughters, Jodi (Jim) Stoppenbach, Terri (Brad) Stallings, Cyndee (Kent) Kelsey, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dave Fisher and sister Sally Grabowski.

The family is so grateful for her excellent care from Nicole Gosh, Jim Middlestein, Nellie Redinius, Nikki Middlestein, Allison Seitz, and all of the past caregivers (Evie, Jackson, Mary Kay, Vicki and Steve) and friends (the Albrecht’s, Oberle’s, Cobb’s, Voh’s) who have helped with “Team Madsen.”

We would also like to thank Rainbow Hospice, Nitardy and all of the SSM Health facilities.

Visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI on Saturday, March 09, 2024 from 10 am to 11:30 am, with a celebration of Sandy’s life to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to 1^st English Lutheran Church, UW-Whitewater Athletics or the Madsen Family Scholarship at UW-W, or your charity of choice in Sandy’s name.

Carmen A. Catania passed away peacefully at home on February 29, (Leap Day) 2024. During his short time in hospice care, he was visited by many neighbors and friends.

Carmen was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 19, 1939, the first child of Jacob J. and Hazel A. Catania. He is predeceased by his sister, Marianna Heinz, and is survived by his brothers, John (Beth) and Joseph (Peggy) Catania; his beloved sons, Mario (wife, Amy and son, Dylan) and Anthony (wife, Terri and children, Joshua, Niki, and Samuel). He also leaves behind his devoted wife Mary Lou, and stepdaughter, Melissa Joseph.

Carmen graduated from Whitewater City High School (1957), UW – Whitewater (1965 – BS), and VanderCook College (1967 – MMEd).

Carmen began his musical career as a US Navy musician trumpeter in 1957. After four years, he began his teaching profession in Germantown, Slinger and Onalaska, WI; La Crescent, MN, and UW Wausau, WI. Other activities included conducting several bands in the La Crosse area. His trumpet experience included classical performances (La Crosse Symphony), accompanying Motown groups and several community bands.

Carmen moved to Green Valley, Arizona in 2003, where he was extremely active in the musical community including two jazz bands, Green Valley Concert Band, Bavarian Band, and many small jazz ensembles for almost 15 years. As the former GV Concert Band Manager, he orchestrated the relocation of the band concerts to Sahuarita Auditorium. He loved conducting the Bavarian Band and was proud to serve as a docent at the San Xavier Mission.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer, jazz aficionado, and loved attending mass at Our Lady of the Valley. Carmen married his wife, Mary Lou, at Madera Canyon on December 3, 2006, and enjoyed visiting the desert landscapes and loved spending time in his home overlooking the golf course in Green Valley. His stroke several years ago robbed him of his high energy and enthusiasm for outdoor activities; however, he never lost his love for fine food and his love for all things Wisconsin including his Italian family, his Packers football team, and of course, delicious cheese.

No services have yet been scheduled as of this announcement.