Obituaries

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Grant Eugene Rice. He was surrounded by his children and loving sister. A remarkable individual whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to family, service to his country, and entrepreneurial spirit. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, and the love he shared with his family.

A devoted father, Grant leaves behind a lasting legacy through his children. Surviving him are Bryan (Mary) (Arlington, Virginia), Brad (Cambridge, Maryland), Hailee (Korea), and Anjolee (Fitchburg, Wisconsin), along with grandchildren Melina (Norfolk, Virginia) and Jerry (Cambridge, Maryland). His role as a loving and guiding presence in their lives will forever be remembered, as will the cherished moments spent together as a family.

Grant often spoke of his favorite adventures with his children; flying in Bryan’s single engine Cessna from Alaska across Canada to College Park, MD; joining Brad on a “tiger cruise” during his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1); Bringing Hailee back from China; and most recently in 2022 riding on a dog sled with Anjolee in northern Minnesota.

As a private pilot Grant was often found in the airways doing what he loved.  He had served with honor in the United States Air Force where he had developed a keen interest in flying. 

Grant is also survived by his sister Linda (Jerry) Miles from Whitewater.  Their close bond forged from growing up on a farm in Cold Spring, Wisconsin, which served as a foundation for a beautiful relationship throughout their lives.

As a graduate of Whitewater High School (Class of 1964) and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Grant cultivated a passion for knowledge and excellence. His academic achievements reflected a commitment to lifelong learning and set an example for those who knew him.

His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing quality water to the community exemplified his commitment to service. Together with his beloved spouse, Susanne, they proudly owned and operated Culligan of Central Illinois in Peoria, while residing in Morton, Illinois for nearly four decades.

Having experienced the loss of Susanne in 2022, Grant faced life’s challenges with grace and strength. His resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to find joy in the moments of life are an inspiration to all who knew him.

As Grant was a life-long dog and cat owner and advocate, the family requests recognition or donations be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County      (https://hsjc-wis.com/donate/) in Grant Eugene Rice’s memory.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved spouse and family, and may his memories bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

A private service will be held at a later date. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Arthur ‘Skip’ Simes, 77, Casa Grande, AZ

Skip passed away on January 21, 2024 at 3:17 p.m. [Irish until the end] surrounded by loved ones at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. After two successful rounds of lymphoma and remission over the last 13 years, Skip recently faced the return of a very aggressive and rare form of Lymphoma [Burkitt Lymphoma], that was made impossible to treat due to kidney failure.

Arthur was born on January 8, 1947 to Irene + Arthur Simes in Woodstock, Illinois. In 1949 the family welcomed Skip’s sister, Kathleen [Kathi]. Skip grew up in Hebron with a wonderful group of friends that would remain friends for life. In fact, in high school, he got his nickname of “Mr. Mayor.” As most of the other kids were wearing jeans and shirts, Skip would show up in his wing-tip shoes and cuffed pants. Always dressed the part!

In 1966, Skip graduated from Alden-Hebron High School where he was president of his class, then attended two years at Elgin College before beginning his journey at the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1969.

After graduating Mortuary School, Skip began his professional career of serving families in their time of need. He was thoughtful, kind, compassionate and always professional, understanding the magnitude of how his work would impact people during their time of greatest sorrow. Skip began working for others as he gained experience to ultimately own and operate his own funeral homes in Rochelle and Ashton, Illinois. In 1986, after deciding he could no longer take Midwest winters, he moved to Arizona. It wasn’t long before he began building Simes Mortuaries, first in beautiful Coolidge and Florence, along with Valley Memorial Park cemetery. Then, expanding to Casa Grande.

In 2009, Skip sold his businesses and began retirement where he had all the time in the world to have coffee with his friends at the doughnut shop, go to his favorite hangout Tags, meet friends for breakfast or lunch and do his near daily strolls through Walmart.

Skip knew how important it was to give back to the community. He spent many years involved with the Casa Grande Rotary Club, as members [and sometimes President] of the Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, Compassas Hospice, the Hospice
Charitable Fund of Central Arizona, and the Chamber of Commerce. Skip also was part of the Jesters and always enjoyed those trips that brought lots of laughter, some shenanigans and always a good time.

The two things Skip loved most in this world were his family and ice cream, with his friends coming in as a clear third. Most specifically Culver’s hot fudge sundaes. Sometimes being known for having two or three at a time. Eating ice cream with the
grandchildren was always a highlight of any visit. In fact, the last thing that Skip asked for, after telling us all how much he loved us, was ice cream. His wife, Laura moved mountains to get that ice cream up to his room, and Kim proudly helped him enjoy one last round of chocolate ice cream.

Skip is survived by his sister, Kathi [husband, Keith] Olson of Babcock Ranch, FL, his daughter Kim Simes [wife, Dr. Robin Fox] and their two children, Brennan + Sanibel Fox-Simes of Whitewater, Wisconsin, his wife Laura Simes of Casa Grande and her four children [Nathaly, Rene, Raul + Marcela] and their families. He is also survived by several other relatives and dear friends. And of course, his faithful friend and lapdog Chino. Throughout his life, Skip loved and was loved by many, including his first wife and mother of his daughter, Joan Simes of Whitewater, Wisconsin and his second wife, Gail Pelovsky of Payson, Arizona.

The family would like to thank Dr. Clayton Polowy, Dr. Kanwardeep Sachdeva, family friend and Dr. Rob Sawyer, and the team at Banner Desert Medical Center, with special appreciation for the amazing nursing staff, especially Mark + Amber who helped us through the final hours with the utmost care + compassion.

Visitation Thursday, January 25th, 5-7 p.m. Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel, 541 W. Coolidge Avenue; Visitation Friday, January 26th, 5-7 p.m. J Warren Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel, 525 N. Peart Road, Casa Grande; Funeral Services Saturday, January
27th, 10:00 a.m., Central Lutheran Church, 12921 S. Sunland Gin Road, Arizona City; interment to follow services in Heritage Valley Memorial Park, 410 W. Roosevelt Road, Coolidge.

Because we are certain Skip would absolutely not want a winter service in Illinois, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 13th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona. They can be made online here or mailed to PO Box 11859, Casa Grande, AZ, 85130-1859

Skip will be dearly missed. If you knew Skip, he probably checked in on you often. During his recent hospitalization it became apparent how many people he reached out to on a regular basis to make sure they were okay. This was his way of showing his love for the people in his life, To honor his memory – check in on your family and friends and like Skip, do it often and with great care and concern.

Donna Lee Stafford, 87, born on July 26, 1936 to Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar and answered God’s call on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Donna lived her childhood in West Allis and met her husband of 56 years, Ronald Lee Stafford (preceded her in death), while in high school. She filled and dedicated her days to her children, church and community activities. After years of planning annual family vacations, she turned her passion for adventure into a career and became a Travel Consultant. She and Ron traveled the globe while planning trips for many. A Midwest girl at heart and after residing in Indianapolis, IN and Woodridge, IL she returned to Wisconsin to a beautiful lake view in retirement.

Surviving are her children, Barbara Lee Albiniak of Brookfield, WI, Bryan Lee (Debbie) Stafford of Cincinnati, OH, Brenda Lee (James) Bromfield of Woodridge, IL; six grandchildren, Alex Albiniak, Arielle, Wesley and Bryanna Stafford, Madison and Ian Bromfield. She is further survived by her brothers, James (Barbara) Farrar, Jack (Cheryl) Farrar and Daniel (Kathy) Farrar. She will be missed by nieces, nephews and a large extended family of cousins.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or to Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek, WI.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 320 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Daniel Fahs officiating. A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jon G. Heitz, 79, passed away on January 1, 2024 at the Watertown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Madison, WI, the son of Gilbert J. and Virginia E. Heitz and lived in Lake Mills, WI where he graduated high school before attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a teaching degree. Jon taught Social Studies at the Middle School level in the Whitewater school system for 39 years and retired in 2006. Jon loved teaching. In addition to teaching the standard curriculum, he taught his students practical lessons in understanding the impact of advertising on purchasing, the evaluation of product durability and reliability and fiscally responsible shopping. Jon wholeheartedly believed that knowledge is power, and students are capable of learning and understanding more than they believe is possible.

For over twenty years, Jon organized and ran the Little Giant League baseball program in Lake Mills for players aged 8-13, while also coaching many teams to championships. He started the Lake Mills Babe Ruth team for players aged 13-15 and had many successful years and season championships. Throughout his 20 years of coaching, Jon taught his players the importance of strategy, hard work, patience, respect, teamwork, and fun, often saying, “baseball is life.” The city of Lake Mills honored Jon for his years of dedication to the youth of Lake Mills by proclamation officially declaring June 17, 1989 as Jon Heitz Day.

Jon was a loving husband to his sweet and loving wife, Kathleen Willms (Kathi), a wonderful stepfather to Megan and “papa Jon” to Makinley, an amazing brother and role model to his siblings, and a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle to his family and extended family. Jon was witty, kind, and generous. For more than 30 years Jon hosted legendary Christmas celebrations at his home, with an extensive gourmet spread and a mountain of gifts. Jon had an incredible sense of humor, and many of his gifts reflected his sense of humor, resulting in raucous laughter when each gift was unwrapped. Jon lived what he taught: never stop learning; knowledge is power; life is what you make it; remember to have fun while tackling the challenges of life; and love others with wild abandon. Rest in peace Jon, we love you and will miss you!

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Virginia Heitz, his brother Jay Heitz, stepson Joseph Kellner and his sister Jean Heitz-Johnson. Survivors include his wife Kathleen A. Willms, her daughter Megan (TJ) Gile, their daughter Makinley, his brother Jac (Ruth) Heitz, niece Meghan Johnson and her daughter Neah, nephew Nicholas (Morgan) Johnson, their daughter Sloane and son Cohen. Jon is also survived by his extended family members (sister and nieces-in-law), Ernestine, Christin, and Sierra Braswell.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th from 11:00-12:30 with a service immediately following at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, 900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, Wisconsin.

All of Jon & Kathi’s friends and family are invited to stop by and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com

Sophie Castelvecchi, 88, Whitewater, passed away in her home Tuesday, January 9th, 2024.

Sophie was born on June 11th, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Samuel and Constance Plattis. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and watching the Bears and the Bucks.

She is survived by her daughter Geralyn (Mike) Stewart, son Thomas Castelvecchi, sister Loretta Castelvecchi, grandchildren Dana Traynere, Austin (Dulce) Castelvecchi, Joelle Traynere, Jeff (Erika) Stewart, Robert (Katie) Stewart and great-grandchildren Henleigh and Teagan Stewart.

She is preceded in death by her husband Pasquale Castelvecchi, her parents and other siblings.

Thank you to Rainbow Community Care, Supportive Care Management for their support
through the last years of her life.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be
made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Antoinette G. Czebotar, 75, of Whitewater, died on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.

Antoinette was born on January 14, 1948 in Fort Atkinson, daughter of the late Nelson and Constance (Kupstas) Hake. She married William Czebotar on February 9, 1974 in Fort Atkinson. He preceded her in death on August 3, 1980.

Antoinette is survived by her brother, Richard Hake of Whitewater and her nephew, Brent Heffron of Fort Atkinson. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Heffron and her niece / adopted daughter, Christine Hake.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. at the memorial home until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Paul F. Kulinski, 86, of Genesee Depot and previously of Crandon, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Paul was born on January 11, 1937 in Green Bay, WI. He grew up in the Whitewater area and was a 1956 graduate of Whitewater High School. Paul had a few different jobs during his life; he spent the majority of his working career as a sales representative in the manufacturing industry retiring in 2003. He lived in the Whitewater area for most of his life and upon retirement moved to Crandon to enjoy the peace and beauty of Northern Wisconsin. Paul was blessed with four children, Lynette, Kathy, Ken and David. He was a loving dad and happiest spending time with his kids and grandkids. He had an outgoing personality and loved to laugh and joke. He enjoyed line dancing and being out on the lake and golf course with his kids. Paul was a good man and he will be sincerely missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his children, Lynette Petitte of Avalon, WI, Kathy (Steve) Peardon of Genesee Depot, WI, Ken (Carrie) Kulinski of Janesville, WI, and David Kulinski of Pewaukee, WI; his grandchildren, Jessica (Dave) Hefty of Janesville, WI, Daniel (Liz) Petitte of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Jon Peardon of Oconomowoc, WI, Megan Kulinski of Stoughton, WI, TJ Kulinski of Janesville, WI, and Kassandra Kulinski of Palmyra, WI; his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Gracen, Fletcher, Olivia, Owen and Ember; and his sister, Ginny Craven of Oak Creek, WI. He is also survived by a number of other relatives and friends.

A private family service will be held 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

Jerry Coxe, 86, died unexpectedly on December 22, 2023.

Born September 11, 1937, in Whitewater, Wisconsin to Kathryn Lucille and James Chester Coxe II.

He graduated from Whitewater High School Class of 1955.

Following graduation, he met the love of his life Carol Krebs. They married September 8, 1956. Together they welcomed into this world their three beloved children, Gerald “Fritz,” Donna and Jim.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol of 67 years; his children, Fritz (Kathie) Coxe, Donna Coxe, and Jim (Kelly) Coxe; 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Jerry loved farming and created a life farming with his wife Carol and son Fritz. He enjoyed watching sports especially watching his beloved Green Bay Packers.

He also enjoyed talking anything farm any chance he could and going for his daily lunch runs into town with Fritz. McDonald’s, Burger King and Culver’s all knew the two old hippies.

Jerry was always there to help anyone who needed a helping hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Jim Coxe II, his sisters, Mary, Patti, Carol Kim and his granddaughter, Tiffany.

At the request of the family private services were held. 

Dr. Frank V. Beran, age 89 of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, WI. with his wife, Stephanie at his side.  Frank left us on the darkest day, (Winter solstice), going toward the light.

Frank was born on May 23, 1934 in Garden City, Iowa.  The son of Frank, Sr. and Gertie (Simonsen) Beran.  He graduated from Radcliffe High School, Radcliffe, Iowa the Class of 1952. He attended the University of Iowa graduating in 1958 with a B. A. degree.   He attended Medical School at University of Iowa graduating in 1960.  After graduation, Frank did an Internship at San Bernardino Charity Hospital in California.  Frank spent two years in Public Health serving his country on an Indian Reservation in Winnebago, Nebraska.  After the service he started his Surgical Residency at Madison General Hospital.  He then joined the medical practice of Dr. James Russell and Dr. Henry Aufderhaar in Fort Atkinson, WI.

On April 19, 1975, he married Stephanie (Welter) Beran at Trinity Lutheran Church.  They were married 48+ years.

Frank was a beloved physician serving the Fort Atkinson community for over 50 years, retiring in 2009.  He truly enjoyed being a doctor.  In retirement Frank enjoyed playing cribbage, euchre, putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing golf, and croquet, although you better pay attention to the rules (well Frank’s rules) because they always changed with each game.  Frank also started painting, taking classes from Tom Jewell.  Inasmuch as all of this gave him pleasure the greater joy was talking on the phone with Greg, lunch with Paul or coffee with Cindy.  He was a teacher whether teaching his grandchildren how to play cribbage, croquet, golf or how to be the engineer or conductor on Grandpa’s train set. Frank also shared medical skills with his nurses, Kelly, Ingrid and Jenice. 

Spring was his favorite time of the year when the earth started to wake up.  His gardens were adorned with beautiful flowers.

He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church.  He was a member of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club and served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital 1974-1976.

Surviving to cherish Frank’s memory are his children, Daughter, Cindy (Brandon) Pietruszynski, Stoughton, WI.  Sons, Greg (Patricia), Denver, Colorado, and Paul (Patty) Whitewater, WI.  Grandchildren:  Jeffrey Beran, Nicolas and Sofia Beran, Oliver, Samuel and Milo Pietruszynski.  Nieces Paula Bruce, Nevada, Iowa and Pam Brinton, Rogers, Arkansas, many cousins, family, and friends, especially his friend, neighbor and golf partner, E.G. Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank, Sr. and Gertie Beran, brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Erma Beran.  His in-laws Stephen and Florence Welter.

Funeral service will be on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson. Visitation at 9 a.m. with service at 11 a.m.  Pastor Amy Waelchli presiding.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army or Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Med-flight Crew, Dr. Singer, Dr. Megan and MICU nurses especially Amanda, Nicole and Rachel for the exceptional care and kindness they showed to Frank and his family.

 Dunlap Memorial Home assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

A quote from former President Jimmy Carter: “The only things that we can truly give to each other are the only things that we truly need—an ear to listen, a heart to care, a word of encouragement and a hand to help.”   This is how Frank lived.