Obituaries

JoAnn Bickle (Frye), 63, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on February 29th in her home after courageously battling cancer for two years, with the help of Rainbow Hospice and her family by her side.

JoAnn was the youngest daughter of Donald and Betty Frye. Preceded in death by her parents, in-laws (Wayne and Norma Bickle), and sisters (Sarah and Donna). JoAnn graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and married her high school sweetheart Mark Bickle. This past December they celebrated 40 years of marriage. Mark and JoAnn made Fort Atkinson their home, raising their family here. JoAnn’s proudest accomplishment was being a mother, followed by the joy of becoming a grandmother. While JoAnn held many different jobs/roles, her biggest professional accomplishment was obtaining her CDL license and then spending 4 years driving cross country with Mark. She took such pride in her garden and enjoyed boating and camping. JoAnn will be deeply missed by her husband Mark; daughters, Megan and Lindsey; granddaughter, Amya; siblings Jerry (Judy), Jim(Darlene), Jeff, Janet(Hugh) Wakefield; her many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as dearest friends.

A celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson on Thursday, March 14th. A visitation will begin at 11 am, with a service to follow at 12:30. Following the service, there will be a light lunch at Haumerson’s Pond Warming House. We want to thank our family, friends and various professionals who assisted in JoAnn’s valiant battle. And we want to give a special heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice for helping with her wish to spend her final days at home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rainbow Hospice or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. “To let go takes love; I love you, and I know you love me too. Goodbye, dear one. “

Daryl Dean Pieper, 80, of Whitewater passed away on February 28, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Daryl was born on October 6, 1943 in Fort Atkinson to Melvin and Fern (Meinert) Pieper.  He grew up in Whitewater and was active in baseball, basketball, and excelled in football.  Daryl also sang in the choir and played in the school band.  He received the Spade and Spoon award in his junior year.  Daryl graduated Whitewater High School as the class president, homecoming king, and student council president.  He also received All Conference award for football both junior and senior year, and was a letter award winner in football, baseball and basketball.  After graduating high school, Daryl took some college courses at UW-Whitewater.  On September 9, 1967 Daryl married Judith Amborn at St. Patrick Catholic Church and were wed until her passing on December 21, 2005.  Daryl married Darlene Dianna Mumm on October 13, 2007 at Lutherdale Bible Camp. He was part owner of Fort Body Incorp.

He was a founding member of the “Chuckers” in Whitewater, member of Whitewater Snow Seekers, and confirmed at United Methodist Church in Whitewater.  Daryl was a loyal volunteer at Lutherdale Bible Camp.

Daryl enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, deer hunting, and playing cards (especially Sheep’s Head, Canasta, Hand and Foot, Euchre).  He appreciated old cars and going to car shows. Daryl also enjoyed traveling to Arizona for the winters, family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren, red wine, spending time at the lake in Northern Wisconsin, and going to Canada to fish for walleyes.  He liked going to Rick’s for a great meal, going to Norske Nook for lemon meringue pie, watching the Packers play, and Sudoku puzzles.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Darlene Dianna Pieper; daughter, Sara (Gregory) Klug of Bookings, SD; step-children, Kelly (Shawn) Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Tony Menneke of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Daniel Klug of Bookings, SD, Katherine Klug of Bookings SD; step-grandchildren, Brennan Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Brady Kelly of Fort Madison, IA, Abbee Kelly of Iowa City, IA, Connor Menneke of Fox Lake, IL, Cayden Menneke of Woodstock, IL; siblings, Dale Pieper of Whitewater, Delmar (Mary) Pieper of Tacoma, WA, Ronette (Dave) Steinke of Washougal, WA, Jim (Kathy) Pieper of Whitewater; sister-in-law, Joyce (Robert) Stubbs; and lifetime special friend, Tom Jewell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Fern Pieper; wife, Judith Pieper; sister, Patricia Mikkelsen; and brother, John Pieper.

The family would like to give special thanks to Mercy Health Hospice for all the support and care.

Memorials can be made to Lutherdale Outdoor Ministries in Elkhorn, Whitewater Fire Department, or First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.

An Evening visitation will take place from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, with a visitation starting at 10 AM, until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Amanda R. Pohle, 33 of Whitewater passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly at her home on February 5th, 2024. 

She was born in Mukwonago on September 1st, 1990, (Labor day that year) to Karen Pohle and Paul “P.J.” Heytens. Amanda lived in Mukwonago with mother and at the age of 2 years old moved to West Allis where she was raised by her mother & Stepdad Scott Kaboskey until she became an adult. When she was 16 she moved to West Bend where she graduated from West Bend-West High School. After graduation she & her family moved to Waukesha where she was “Reunited” with her high school sweetheart Josh Corbeil. They had 2 beautiful children Carter & Juliette, before going their separate ways. From there Amanda focused on being the best parent she could with the disabilities she was diagnosed with as a young teen. Amanda had her ups & downs including conquering addiction, battling RSD, & inflammation of her spine, where she was told she would never walk on her own again, but she did. 

Later in life she met the love of her life & soulmate Dan Rynes after having her 3rd child Skylar. Amanda & Dan went on many adventures together & most of all she loved to go riding on their motorcycle & hanging out with her girls. Amanda was a fighter, had incredible strength, & kept fighting until February 5th, 2024, when her body gave out. 

She is survived by her unconditional, loving fiance Dan Rynes of Whitewater & will truly be missed by her mother Karen Pohle & Mike Swanson (aka Dad) of Delavan. Her 3 children are Carter age 11, Juliette age 9 & Skylar age 3 & her Brother Killian Kaboskey of Weatherly, PA. Also, her Step-brother Cody Swanson of Delavan, and Sister Miranda (King) Heytens; Aunts & Uncles Matt Pohle (Holly) of East Troy, Gary Schmidt of Waukesha, Andrew Schmidt (Emmy) of Slinger, Steven Riddle (Stephanie) of Horizon, Maggie Liebner of Oak Creek; Uncle & Godfather Jeff (Caroline) Heytens, Bruce Heytens, Tony (Beth) Miller, Helen “Mel” Miller, Jodielee (Phil) Mussa Heytens, and cousins Brucie (Sammi) Heytens, & Kyle Heytens along with many other dear cousins. She will also be missed greatly by her Grandparents, Robbin Riddle, Janice Swanson and David Pohle, Boni(Jerry) Ernst & other extended family, friends & neighbors.

She is preceded in death by her Dad Paul “PJ” Heytens, Uncle Mike Heytens; Grandpa Jim “Papa” Riddle, Ferm “Rocky” (Marge) Heytens, Shirley Kruichak, & Neil Swanson, Sr.

Great-Grandparents; Dominick “Gramps” Cefalu & Fredrick (Margery) Pohle.

A very special thanks to the whole team at HHS. Sam, Sarah, Val, Michele, Emma, Haley & many others. Also, a heartfelt thank you to everyone at SEM & we can’t forget “JUDGE.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 3rd from 1-4 p.m. at Nora’s, 1843 US Hwy 12/18 in Deerfield, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials/donations to Lakeland Animal Shelter or NAMI would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Lois Arlene (Anderson) Benes, 88, of Whitewater (formerly of Middleton) passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her home, with family by her side.

Lois was born April 15, 1935, to her loving parents, Harriett and Randolph Anderson of Whitewater, WI. Lois lived and played on the ‘home farm’ through all of her growing up years, where she was fiercely protected and mothered by her older sister Gwen (Vandiver). She also had two older brothers, Berwyn and Vinton, whom she would help on occasion with the farm chores! Lois graduated from Whitewater City High with the class of 1953 and soon after graduation, married the love of her life, James W. Benes. After their marriage, Jim soon enlisted in the Army and Lois, along with their first born (Diane) stayed in Whitewater with her parents. After Jim’s military service was complete, the family moved to Madison for Jim to attend the UW Madison.

Lois spent the next 4 years with her growing family of 3 at Truax apartments, where she said were some of the best years of her life. This is where she got involved and would meet with 10-12 other women to discuss the stock market. They called themselves ‘Profits Preferred’ and even after she moved from Madison to Middleton, she still remained active watching the Dow!

Lois was a very compassionate and humble human being, who graciously followed the good Lord’s path he put before her. From country girl to city girl, to mother of three, to mother of many, she always answered his call …

From 1964 through 1986, Lois fostered over 60 infants and children. She always said she wanted a bus full of children and they couldn’t have been blessed with a better driver!

Her passion to help these foster children who arrived, or those she picked up directly from the hospital, was evident. You could hear the love when she spoke of them, and you could see the love when her family recently found items she had saved throughout the years, like their homework, crayon drawings, and first haircuts. Lois also helped deliver Meals on Wheels for a time, and was always up for ‘wheeling away’ in their motorhome for an Elderhostel adventure! Lois and Jim traveled to many places with the Elderhostel Program, along with some unplanned back road adventures that her husband always seemed to take her on! She thoroughly enjoyed all of these adventures and could tell you by memory, all the towns, dates, history and mishaps they encountered on each one of them!

Lois and Jim also belonged to the Westport Squares square dancing club for over 40 years, where they traveled to every State Square Dance Convention, not missing one in those 40 years! Square dancing was her passion and she acquired many lifelong friends over the years through their club. Lois’s conversations will be deeply missed, whether it was about the weather, the love of her country, or hearing the love she had for whomever she was talking with.

When the last allemande left was called, her 3 children Diane (Paul) Shiveler, Gary (Sherrie) Benes and Kay Benes, knew she was already ‘gussied’ up and waiting for her partner ‘Jimmy’ (DOD; August 2, 2023) to take her home …

Besides her 3 children, she also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters, 1 step great- granddaughter and two special foster daughters, Tamara and Julian.

She is also survived by two sister in laws, Marilynne (Jack) Albrecht and Sherri Benes (Kevin Coursey) along with many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Fairhaven Senior Services for their unending compassion and support, along with Rainbow Hospice.

The family has established an internship with KMLT in memory of their parents.

Memorials can be made to:
Kettle Moraine Land Trust
Memo: James W and Lois A Benes Internship
PO Box 176
Elkhorn, WI 53121

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Rodney ‘Mike’ Sprague, age 75, of Janesville, WI departed this life on Monday, February 12, 2024.

Mike was born on January 29, 1949, in Geneva Township, WI, the son of Edward F. and Helen M. (Gerlach) Sprague.

He graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1968. Then went on to proudly served in the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War, as a Light Weapons Infantryman. During this time he received numerous medals including; Vietnam Service medal with two Bronze Service Stars and Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf cluster. Upon returning home with honorable discharge he met and married the love of his life Christine ‘Chris’ Hoefler on February 9, 1974. They went on to have two daughters Laura and Lydia.

He spent many years employed at Mastermold in Johnson Creek as a supervisor. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, being a “handyman,” telling sarcastic jokes and spending time with his dogs.

His love though was his family- attending their sporting events cheering them on and spoiling his only grandchild Gianna who called him Bapa.

Mike is survived by his wife Chris Sprague; two daughters Laura (Quincy) Hutcherson and Lydia Sprague; granddaughter Gianna Hutcherson; brother Robert (Linda) Sprague, sister Kathleen Ball; his dog Winnie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Jerome and Ross Sprague; two sisters: A. Diane Crusan and Jeanne Flitcroft.

Mike will have a private burial with Full Military Honors at a later date. The APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.apfelwolfe.com

Carl J. “Joe” Lange Jr., age 63, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2024 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville TN.

He was born on May 25, 1960 in Watertown, WI. to Carl J.T. Sr. and Arlene (Ward) Lange.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Fort Atkinson, WI. He attended Fort Atkinson High School.

On October 21, 2017, he was united in Marriage to Melissa Nelson.

Joe was a dedicated truck driver for W&A Distribution Services, Inc. of Fort Atkinson for 33.5 years. He has over 1.7 million miles logged during his career. He was very proud of his safe driving record of 32.5 years without an accident. 

Joe was happiest when he was relaxing and enjoying the simpler things in life. He enjoyed watching movies and gambling (especially scratch-offs). Joe was always willing to lend a hand and help others in their time of need. 

Joe is survived by his parents Carl and Arlene Lange of Fort Atkinson, WI. Wife Melissa Nelson of Fort Atkinson, WI. Son Corey Lange of Jefferson, WI. Daughter Kayla Doucette of Cottage Grove, WI.  Stepson Benjamin Pawlowski of Fargo, ND. Four grandchildren Archer Denault-Lange, Hailey Doucette, William Doucette, and Kyler Pawlowski.  He is further survived by his brother Jeffrey (Diana Bush) Lange Brooklyn, WI. Sister Kimberly (Mark) Gang Harshaw, WI. The mother of his children Jodi Lange of Fort Atkinson, WI. As well as many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Joe’s life will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 02, 2024 at American Legion Post 166 Hall, 201 S. Water Street, Fort Atkinson, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

David (Dave) J. Schelb, age 72, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on January 27, 2024, at home with his wife by his side after a 10-year battle against Stage Four Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastases.

Dave was born on February 12, 1951, in Fort Atkinson to Marian (Obermeier) and Elmer Schelb. He married his soulmate Betty Wagie on August 25, 1984.

Dave (also known as Whale by his co-workers), worked at Jones Dairy Farm for 39 years, retiring in 2013. He served in the Army National Guard for eight years and was a member of Paul Frank Florine American Legion Post #116.

Dave and Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the USA as well as some destination vacations, visits to casinos, watching the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks, going to the Whitewater Wm. Graham American Legion Post #173 Cabin in Lake Tomahawk, playing cards and spending time with family.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Betty of 39 years, daughter Heather (David) Neustadt, son Ryan (Jessica) Schelb, grandchildren Conner & Jamison Neustadt, brother Donald Schelb, Mounds View, Minnesota, brother-in-law Bill (Jane) Wagie, sisters-in-law Mary (Russ) Rogers, Eileen (Fred) Laatsch, Dorothy (Stan) Waga, several nieces and nephews, and bonus sister and brother Sandy and Ron Troemel.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Schelb and Marian Lueder, sister Joan Laird, father and mother-in-law Walter and Jean Wagie, sister in-law Joan Wagie, and nieces Stacie Rogers, and Nicole Wagie.

Per Dave’s wishes a formal visitation will not be held, instead a Celebration of Life will be held on February 10, 2024 at the American Legion Dugout in Fort Atkinson from 11 to 2. A final farewell prayer and Military honors will take place at noon, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Rainbow Community Care (formerly known as Rainbow Hospice), St Jude’s, Camp American Legion Lake Tomahawk, Wi, or a charity of your choice in Dave’s memory.

Dave’s family would like to thank family and friends for all the support through his cancer battle. Special thanks go out to Dr. Shannon O’Mahar and the staff at SSM Dean Oncology in Janesville, Rainbow Community Care, and Dr. Stephen Riggs and the staff at SSM Fort for the amazing and compassionate care Dave received throughout his ten-year cancer battle.

Linda Lou Snyder, age 66, of Milton passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville.  Linda was born on October 12, 1957 to Kenneth and Joyce (Mitten) Snyder in Janesville, Wisconsin.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1976 and went on to work in the agricultural field.

She enjoyed bowling, playing pool, trap shooting and darts.  She was very involved with her family and loved her extended family with Mike for the last 32 years.

She enjoyed her flower gardens, knitting and crocheting.  She loved her Yorkies, and especially her gold Trans Am.

She is survived by her son Justin (Tina) Snyder, her significant other Mike, Brother Dale (Patty) Snyder, nieces Dawn (Dan Spell) Snyder, Jamie (Kyle Schnitzenbaumer) Snyder, Corey (Marcus Olson) Snyder, three great-nieces, three great-nephews and many great friends.

She is predeceased by her parents and one great-niece.

Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton. Visitation time will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

Born to Tom and Joan Bray in Schenectady, New York on August 6th, 1956, Susanne “Sue” (Bray) Siebert burst into heaven with a boisterous laugh on January 25, 2024.

Sue grew up in Clay, NY, a suburb of Syracuse. She loved her childhood there and would reminisce about times on the Finger Lakes and in the Adirondacks. In her teens, she sang and played guitar in the band The White Hat Special, something she talked about throughout her life.

In 1972, Sue’s family moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin with her father’s job transfer. She attended Brookfield East High School, graduating in 1974. While there she competed in gymnastics in the vault. After high school she briefly attended UW Whitewater, studying art.

In 1976 she married John Siebert, also of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Shortly after they began having children — Nate, Ben, and Luke. Sue was a stay-at-home mom when her children were younger, while also taking on commissioned paintings, selling crafts at fairs, and working jobs as a housekeeper and cleaner. She was quite active in several different churches, singing and playing guitar, and held VBS (vacation Bible school) in the backyard complete with puppet shows. As the boys got older, she worked as an administrative assistant, salesperson, and customer service rep. She made friends everywhere she worked.

Sue had an infectious laugh, often coupled with a quick snort, that brought energy to any room she entered.

She enjoyed traveling (but mostly to visit family) crafting, sewing, painting, cooking, playing guitar, growing flowers, watching birds, watching Hallmark movies, cousin sleepovers with the grandkids, talking to her dogs, and of course, the Packers.

She absolutely adored and loved her family and friends. The stories she told were almost always about them, and her favorite times were with them. She welcomed everyone into her home, always wanting to share a meal or have a party to celebrate just about anything.

She is credited with heroically saving her husband John’s life, being trained in and performing CPR after a massive heart attack from which he recovered completely.

Sue is survived by her husband, John Siebert of Brookfield; her parents Thomas Bray and Joan (Weaver) Bray; her boys Nathan (Natasha) Siebert, Benjamin (Nichole) Siebert, and Luke (Yazmily) Siebert; her grandchildren Loken, Jonas, Finn, Esten, Mason, Maddox, Grace, and Noah; her aunts Colleen Reddy and Kathy Markley; her siblings Mary (Bray) Walker, Tom (Kathy) Bray, Steve (Beate) Bray, Julie (Dick) D’Agostini, Lynn (Pete) Dickinson, Nancy (Ron) Epling; siblings-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends from all over.

She is preceded in death by her in-laws Glenn & Joan Siebert, uncle Jack Bray, brother-in-law Bob Walker, brother-in-law Dan Siebert, her niece Melissa Bray, and nephew Daniel Bray.

She will be greatly missed.

On February 26th, a visitation will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Christian Schools (New Berlin) attn: Business Office – Sue Siebert Memorial.