Romelle Koch passed away peacefully at home in Whitewater, WI on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the age of 87.
Romelle was the oldest child of Romeyn and Evelyn (Dietz) Schweitzer. She married Caroll Koch on August 1, 1959. Caroll died on May 16, 2008.
While attending Wisconsin State Teachers College (now UW-Whitewater), Romelle edited the Student Handbook. After graduation, she taught business subjects at the Milwaukee Vocational School. After her marriage, she moved to Whitewater and worked in various offices at the university for 14 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. While working at the university, she typed the algebra textbook that was used in the mathematics department for several years.
After her youngest child entered junior high, Romelle went to work at St. Patrick Catholic Church as the Religious Education Secretary for several years and the weekly bulletin editor for over 25 years, retiring in 2010.
Romelle was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, its women’s society, a charter member of the Whitewater Sno-Seekers Snowmobile Club, secretary of the Lauderdale Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club, a girl scout leader, secretary of Boy Scout Troop 102, general leader and project leader for the Whitewater 4-H club, project leader for the LaGrange 4-H club, member of the Walworth 4-H Senior leaders, County 4-H awards committee, and a member of the Theta Sigma Upsilon and Alpha Gamma Delta Sororities. For many years, she organized the Theta Sigma Upsilon annual spring alumni luncheon, and kept the alumni membership records up to date.
During her retirement, Romelle enjoyed spending time with her daughters, playing all kinds of cards, especially bridge, going out to eat with friends, putting together jigsaw puzzles, reading, doing counted cross stitch, sewing and doing volunteer work, including typing the local senior center monthly newsletter.
Romelle is survived by three daughters, Kandace Koch, Karis Koch, and Julie (Andy) Jaeckel, two brothers, Dan (Cathy) Schweitzer and Tedd (Bridget Caitlin) Schweitzer, and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, infant Jack Richard and Jeremy (Jere), sister, Ruth Ann Acker, brothers-in-law, Kenneth Acker, Herman Koch, Raymond Koch, Harry Plucinski Jr., Edward Schlorb, David Congdon, and sisters-in-law, Beatrice Schlorb, Lila Koch, and Hazel Congdon.
Memorial Services for Romelle will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Editor’s note: The following message was provided by City Manager John Weidl on December 23.
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of the Council President, Mr. James Allen. At the request of family, the Whitewater Police Department conducted a welfare check at 8:00 p.m. this evening, during which Mr. Allen was found deceased.
Please know that his next of kin have been duly notified. As we come to terms with this unexpected loss, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Allen’s family, friends, and colleagues. His long-standing service to our community has left a unique mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.
In this difficult time, let us honor his memory and continue his legacy of service. Further details regarding any arrangements will be shared as they become available.
With deepest sympathy, John S. Weidl City Manager, City of Whitewater
Plattsburg, NY – 12/16/1932 Austin, Texas – 10/07/2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. Mark T. Diebolt, an extraordinary man whose life was a testament to values, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Born in Plattsburg NY, Mark left an indelible mark on the world. He lived a life of passion, integrity, and honor and dedicated himself to love of country and fighting Communism.
As a child in the 1940s, Mark was crushed by a tractor and was confined to a full body cast for months. He later told stories of cutting ice from Lake Champlain and hauling the blocks into the ice house. His father was a professor who taught economics at NYU and took the family to post-WWII Japan to help reconstruct the country through the Marshall Plan.
An accomplished athlete, he played almost every sport, including football, when helmets were made of leather. As a young adult, Mark continued his journey, attending Colgate University, where he honed his intellect and immersed himself in the study of classical philosophy. He was a New York State Golden Gloves boxer in the welterweight division and displayed tenacity and prowess, not only in the ring, but later as a fighter pilot, earning respect and admiration from his peers.
After graduating from Colgate University in 1955, Mark joined the U.S. Air Force, embarking on a career that would see him through some of the most critical moments in history. His aerial skills were unmatched, and he served as an Air Operations Officer and a Tactical Fighter Pilot during the Cold War leading up to and including the Vietnam War. His dedication to duty and exceptional flying abilities earned him a legendary status among his fellow aviators. He also stood ready on nuclear alert, fifteen days a month in Okinawa, Japan from 1959-1962 before later serving in the Vietnam War.
During the Vietnam War, he was in charge of the largest Forward Air Control Base at Long Tiên, ultimately completing three tours in the war-torn country. As a pilot with the 559th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron), part of the 12th Fighter Wing (Billy Goats), he flew more than 800 hours of combat missions from Cam Ranh Bay providing close air support, and also flying between 750-1000 combat hours hitting targets along the protected Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos. His list of proficiency with aircraft included, but was not limited to: A-1 (A,D6), F-4 (B,C,J), O1 (E,F), U-17, T28B, T33, T-34A, T39, F86F, F5E, RF5A, F5B, F100 (C,D,F).
But most important to him, it was in Cam Ranh Bay in 1969 that he met his second wife Jean Anne Youngstrom, a combat nurse in Vietnam, and the love of his life.
While serving in Vietnam, Mark was soon attached to the CIA to support the Lao Hmong guerrilla army with a number of other exceptional pilots known as the Ravens. Most of those missions were declassified in the late 1980s and these warriors, unlike any today, are immortalized in two books, The Laotian Fragments and The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos, cementing their legacy as a true heroes.
Later in 1974, he was assigned the role of Military Attaché to the Shah of Iran, where he trained the Persian Air Force and introduced electricity to remote mountain villages in the region.
Back in Texas, when asked what medals he earned in combat, he often said, “Every time they nominated me for a medal, I told them to give it to that guy or this guy, there are plenty of men who flew more hours and deserved it more than I did.” Nevertheless, among his many medals earned in combat, he was awarded not one but two Distinguished Flying Crosses (the highest medal for extraordinary aerial achievement), and he was the first ever member of the U.S. Air Force to receive a Navy Commendation Medal. He loved flying with the U.S. Marines!
Away from the cockpit, Col. Diebolt had a passion for politics, authors such as Lawrence Durrell, the French language, the timeless melodies of Edith Piaf, all sports that interested his children, and collecting firearms. His appreciation for culture and art reflected the depth of his character and the philosophical underpinnings that drove him to excellence while fighting for liberty. Mark was not only a man of action but also a father who demanded excellence from his children in academics and sports, instilling in them the values of discipline and hard work.
Col. Mark Diebolt leaves behind a legacy of courage, honor, and an unyielding commitment to duty and integrity. As we mourn his passing, let us remember and celebrate a life fully-lived, a life that was built on selfless dedication to others, one that not only touched the skies but went further, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew, and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Col. Jean Y. Diebolt; children Mark Diebolt JD, [Melinda Diebolt], Amy Diebolt Kristofitz [Brian Kristofitz], Karen Diebolt JD, [Bob Samuelson], Alison Diebolt Linton [Tom Linton], Stephen Diebolt, Brienne Diebolt-Brown [Karl Brown PhD], Erik Diebolt DO; brother Craig Diebolt; and 14 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. at 9 a.m. on January 10, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Edgar Allan Poe Society, Inc. A 501(c)3 started by the Ravens to give scholarships to descendants of Lao and Hmong refugees of the Vietnam War. EAPLS, Inc., 507 Rolling Green Dr., Lakeway, TX 78734-5222
Professor George B. Hafer, 91, of Whitewater, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Glenwood at Mulberry. No formal service will be held at this time. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Judith “Judy” (Nee Roe) Triebold, 90, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 10, 2023. Born in May of 1933 to Wilfred and Virginia Roe, Judy was raised on the family farm just outside of Whitewater, WI. Judy graduated as Valedictorian from Whitewater City High, Class of ‘51, and then from Whitewater Teacher’s College (now UW-Whitewater). After graduation, she taught at Finch School, a one room school located near Richmond, WI. Judy sometimes shared favorite stories from her teaching experience: one cold winter day several hardy farm boys, students of hers, lifted her car and turned it sideways in the school garage, leaving her stranded. On another occasion, Judy discovered there were rattlesnakes in the school basement. One of her students indicated that it was no problem, that he was experienced in such matters, and that he could easily dispatch them. A short time later, the snakes were turned out into a nearby field. Imagine allowing a student to do that today!
Judy fell in love with her High School sweetheart, Richard Triebold, and they were married on July 2nd, 1955. Richard and Judy lived in Janesville, WI, where Judy took a job in the chemistry department at Parker Pen. They moved to Rockford, IL., for a time, and then returned to Whitewater to help establish Triebold Implement, Inc., where Richard and Judy worked together for many years.
Judy was loved by everyone who knew her, and her kind heart and giving spirit set an example of how to live a gracious life. She became a second mother figure to her younger brother Don, and they built a special bond, which lasted a lifetime. For years Judy served on various church boards; taught Sunday School and confirmation class; was a 4-H leader, teaching gardening, sewing, knitting, cooking, and choir; was a member of the Congregational Ladies Circle; a member of Alpha Club; and served with many other organizations. In addition to all of her service, Judy loved to paint, and was well known for her annual Christmas cards, which often had a bright red Cardinal painted somewhere in the background. She was a devoted wife to Richard, and mother to Raymond (Mindy), Joanne (Gary), Jeannine (Jerry), and Robert (Ellen).
Judy was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and is survived by her children; her brothers, Dean (Colleen) and Don (Mary); her brother-in-law, Don Triebold; her grandchildren: Jason (Jenelle) Himebauch; Amy (Nicholas) Jordan; Claire (Scott) Albrecht; Adam (Emily) Triebold; Jane Judith Triebold; Kyra Triebold; Kelsey Triebold; Jacob (Carly) Kincade; Kaitlyn (Nathan) Palacios; and Stacey (Tony) Heilberger; her great-grandchildren: Margaret, Andrew, and Bridget Jordan; Jude and Jonah Himebauch; Carter Albrecht; Everett Heilberger; and Evangeline and Emmett Palacios.
We wish to thank all the people who took such good care of Judy: the fine staff of Fairhaven and Hearthstone; the staff of Rainbow Hospice Care; and all the kind friends and neighbors who called on Judy just to let her know that she was loved and not forgotten.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., Saturday January 13th, at the UCC Congregational Church, 133 S Franklin St, Whitewater, WI. A Service of Remembrance will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rainbow Hospice Care (Jefferson, WI), Fairhaven Senior Services, or to Bethel House (in Whitewater).
Helen Louise (Harris) Agnew January 3, 1930 – December 8, 2023
MILTON – Helen L. Agnew, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at Milton Senior Living. Helen was born at Whitewater Hospital on January 3, 1930 to Arthur and Nellie (Logan) Harris. She graduated from Whitewater High School and married William Agnew in 1949. Bill and Helen enjoyed a happy 61 years of marriage and together, they built the legacy of Agnew Farms, which continues today.
Mom and Dad were active in the Rock County agriculture industry, with the Rock County 4-H Fair being near to their hearts. Through the fair, they met many of their dear friends. Mom spent much of her free time volunteering for the North Lima Presbyterian Church, Lima 4-H, Mercy Hospital, and Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church. Mom was proud to be the mother to four children, and always provided three meals a day and a warm and inviting home. In their retirement, they enjoyed their place at Blackhawk Campground on Clear Lake, where many sunny afternoons were spent with their children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren all considered Grandma’s house a home away from home. Mom has missed Dad for 13 years and we are grateful that they are reunited in heavenly love. Mom was loyal, unwavering, and generous with her time. She was the heart of our family. Special thanks to the staff at Milton Senior Living, for their many years of care and compassion, and Mercy Hospice for ensuring a peaceful passing.
Mom is survived by her four children: Bob (Sherrie) Agnew of Whitewater, Steve (Carla) Agnew of Milton, Connie Agnew Carwardine of Milton, and Jeff (Jean) Agnew of Fort Atkinson; 10 grandchildren: Stephanie Agnew, Carrie (Rebecca) Agnew, Kris (Janelle) Agnew, Jessica (Nick) Sarbacker, Leslie (Al) Hulick, Katie (Mike Jelen) Bentz, Jacob (Mel) Agnew, Alex (James Brue) Agnew, Jedd (Sam Migliozzi) Agnew, and Billy (Mariah Allard) Agnew; step-grandchildren Joe (Lori) Carwardine and Jessica (Kevin) Schneider; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Mom was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Bill; her sisters Barbara Hale and Betty Ann Webb; sister-in-law Carole Agnew Brandt; son-in-law Jim Carwardine; and great-grandson Ty Rivers.
Friends may call on Friday, December 15, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church (8605 E. Cty Hwy A, Janesville), with a 2:30 p.m. memorial service to follow. Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton are assisting the family. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gathering Place or Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.
It is with great sadness that the Coppenbarger family announces the passing of Mrs. Eva Lavonne Buck Coppenbarger, 92, on Dec. 8, 2023, in Arden, NC. Mrs. Coppenbarger was born Jan. 18, 1931, in Columbus, Kansas, to Oliver Francis and Alpha Augusta Buck. She grew up in Baxter Springs, KS, attending Pittsburg State University as an undergraduate. She received her Master of Music in Piano Performance degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN, in 1955. Mrs. Coppenbarger started playing piano at age five and by the age of fifteen had a weekly live radio program entitled “The Piano Artistry of Lavonne Buck.”
Mrs. Coppenbarger was hired as an adjunct piano teacher and accompanist in 1965 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, becoming full-time in 1971, retiring in 1993. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Roger Dean Coppenbarger. She is survived by her sons Brent (Sonja) of Cleveland, SC; Curt (Katie) of Hudson, WI; Casey (Nancy) of Arden, NC; and grandchildren Sarah, Nate, Ethan, Cole, Rebecca, and William.
Joanne Carla Bruch, age 88, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away on December 7, 2023 with family by her side at Clement Manor, in Greenfield, WI.
Joanne was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1935, to Elinor (Perry) Larson and James Larson. She grew up in the Heart Prairie and Whitewater area. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1953.
On October 23, 1954 Joanne married Harry Bruch at the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Joanne worked at Whitewater Electronics from 1964 to 1980, and then worked with the IUE offices in Milwaukee, eventually retiring as the IUE Staff Representative for the state of Wisconsin in 1991. She continued her union affiliation in retirement by chairing the retiree group for District 8 and serving as a board member for the Wisconsin Council of Senior Citizens for many years.
Joanne will forever be known as an outgoing and social person, who loved enjoying puzzles, card games, and social activities with friends and family. She had quite a way with words. All were welcome at her house and no one left her house hungry. Joanne was a proud and ardent member of the Democratic Party. She is also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitewater, WI, where she spent many Friday afternoons happily folding bulletins.
Surviving her are: daughter Arlene (Jeff Ugorek) Gries of Oregon, IL, daughter Kathlene “Kasey” (Dr. Conrad Nenn) Bruch-Nenn of Cudahy, WI, son Steven Bruch of Hammond, LA, daughter Paulene (Randy) Euhardy of Sugar Bush, WI, daughter Jennifer (Frank) Delgado of Lake Geneva, WI, daughter Janis (Leonard “Butch”) Witt of Whitewater, WI, as well as 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Joanne is survived by many nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws and brother-in laws, and friends of all ages she considered her sons, daughters, or sisters of choice.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Elinor and James, her husband Harry, her brother James, and her sister Jeannie Patrick.
Funeral Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 145 S Prairie St. Whitewater, WI, on December 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.
Roberta Lane Bollenbach (73) passed away November 29, 2023 after a long struggle with lung disease. Robie spent her final hours at home with her family. She was born on March 24, 1950 to John (Bob) & Lois Elkin. After many moves, the family settled in New Berlin, WI where she went on to graduate from high school.
Robie soon enjoyed her newly found friends and a career in the financial community. Robie met Gary Bollenbach at a local establishment and in May of 1976 they were married in a beautiful historic church in Middleton, WI. The church overlooked Gary’s modest family farm of three generations. Gary often said that it was where he developed his platform to guide him for his travels in life.
Gary’s career had taken him to New York where they spent their first two years as newlyweds. Then on to Florida for a couple more years, and finally putting down roots in North Prairie, WI. This is where they built a home on some acreage, tucked up adjacent to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. They remained there for thirty years. Robie eventually became a full-time mom and loved the rural life. She spent hours in her beautiful flower gardens and often walked their wooded trails with the girls by her side, enjoying nature’s beauty. She also lovingly participated in raising Gary’s son, Brett.
For thirty years, they owned a home on Jordan Lake, where family and friends gathered year around. Robie could not wait each week to head up north. She would watch from the deck as all the activities were going on. She would record all the memories of water skiing, boating, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and millions of campfires. They decided to move there permanently in 2010.
Robie’s loving care and support was the foundation for her family. She worked tirelessly maintaining the households, running the girls around and paying all the bills. More recently, she would enjoy as much time as she could with her 2 grandchildren.
She loved and was loved and now her work is done. In her final hours, she said she was ready to leave this world behind. It was time to meet the lord God and to find Jenna again – she left us at peace.
A life intertwined with love.
Robie is survived by her husband – Gary, Children – Jessica Berndt (Mike) of Waterford, WI and their children, Blake (14) and Lainey (12). Also, Jenna Bollenbach (Jenna passed on July 1, 2018 & is with us from heaven). Also, Brett Bollenbach of Middleton, WI, who joined the family as a toddler. She is also survived by her sisters: Minda (Jerry) Jewson, and Debra (Rick) Merkel. She is also survived by her brothers: Steve (Michele) Elkin, and John (Traci) Elkin. She was preceded in death by her mom (Lois) & dad (Bob) Elkin.
A memorial will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home (1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI) on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The service will follow at noon.
Please join us at 1:00 p.m. for a luncheon and celebration of Robie’s life at the Country Inn & Suites (1650 Doris Dr., Fort Atkinson, WI).
Suzanne (Ogden) Inglefield, 85, passed away on November 22, 2023, in Fort Myers, Florida.
Sue was born in Akron, Ohio and during her youth had several hometowns in the US and abroad while traveling with her parents and younger brother as her father served as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. She graduated from Washington Lee High School in Virginia and attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in Double Bass and was certified to teach K-12 Music, Elementary Classroom, and had a minor in Botany.
After graduating from Eastman, Suzanne began her 30+ year teaching career in 1962 as an elementary teacher at the Woodland School in Stow, Ohio. During this time, she also played double bass in the Akron and Columbus Symphony Orchestras. After relocating with her husband, Howard, and young daughter, Cindy, to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1966, Sue joined the Whitewater High School faculty as Vocal Music Director where she led numerous choral groups, swing choir, taught music theory class, gave private vocal and piano lessons, and left an indelible impact on her students. Sue’s choral performances were known for their difficult repertoire, precision, and musicality. “Mrs. I” always believed that her high school students could rise to the difficulty of professional works including Beethoven’s 9thOde to Joy, Norman Dello Joio’s Jubilant Song or Aaron Copland’s Ching-A-Ring Chaw with encouragement, determination, and hard work. As a result of her professionalism and dedication to quality, her choruses were invited to perform with regional orchestras including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Senior Choir was invited to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City. She retired in 1995.
Sue and her husband, Howard, were avid travelers. They were both past Presidents of the Wisconsin Badger Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) and Sue was a 4-Star Mariner on Holland America. Rarely was there a summer when they weren’t travelling cross-country together in their motorhome, taking a cruise, or driving to a local national park just to camp. She navigated the family motorhome over every interstate in the nation, visited every state and most of the National Parks. She was equally comfortable in the Captain’s Dining Room on the cruise ship or in the canoe of the tribal chief paddling down the Amazon River. She loved experiencing the Great Barrier Reef and the Green Mountains of New Zealand.
Sue was also an excellent seamstress, a lifelong birder, a generous philanthropist to numerous organizations, and was a devoted naturalist. She was an active volunteer for Audubon Florida’s EagleWatch program and logged hundreds of hours monitoring her assigned eagle nests near her home. However, what most will remember about Sue is her kindness and her openness to everyone. She is the mother most kids wish they had. She would not criticize but always encourage. She thrived on details and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. When any question came up, she would quickly consult Google because she couldn’t stand not knowing the answer. Those who knew her well, unanimously think of her as vivacious, enthusiastic, and full of life.
Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Howard Inglefield, and is survived by a brother, Charles L. Ogden, Jr. of Fort Myers, Florida; by two daughters, Cynthia Sullivan and her husband Timothy of Fort Myers, and Sylvia Hatcher and her husband Nathan of Plant City, Florida; a granddaughter, Kristin Olson Kraus and her husband Steve of Fairbanks, Alaska; and two nieces, Brigid Ogden of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Marie (Ogden) Repec and her husband Eric of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with their three children.
The family will hold a private memorial service near her home in Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society by mail to: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741; or online at: https://support.bestfriends.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=memorial_gift
