Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Margaret Elizabeth Gottschalk
July 15, 1943 – April 1, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Margaret, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who passed away on April 1, 2025 at the age of 81.

Born on July 15, 1943, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Margaret led a life rooted in service, compassion, and joyful connection. From 1963 to 1966, she proudly served in the United States Navy as a data processing technician, where she met the love of her life, Bill. Together, they built a life of adventure, purpose and love. That included walking across the floor of an active volcano and sneaking pineapples straight from the field in Hawaii. Traveling through Ireland in a horse drawn wagon, touring England and Wales on a canal boat. She might even have spotted the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. In retirement, Margaret and Bill enjoyed cross country motorcycle trips visiting all 48 states in the continental U.S.

Margaret’s sense of service continued throughout her life. She worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and served as an ombudsman for the U.S. Naval facility in Brawdy, Wales. Deeply committed to her community, she volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, supported friends and neighbors after a devastating tornado, and was passionate in her support of the homeowner advocates in The Villages, Florida.

Margaret is known for her bright smile. She brought warmth and joy to others, finding happiness in reading, gardening, sewing, pickleball, and golf. She was even known to be a bit of a pool shark. Margaret cherished big family gatherings filled with mayhem, laughter and love. Her kindness, strength, and spirited humor will live on.

Margaret is survived by her devoted husband Bill, her loving children Bill and Christine, her grandchildren – who were the light of her life – and her siblings John, Mary Jean, and Rebecca McLean. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her mother Jean Ford Carter, her father William Menzie McLean, and her brothers Bill Jay and Thomas McLean.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Services will be held at Beyers Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00-4:00pm. A Catholic Mass will be held at Saint Timothy’s at 8:30 am on April 9, 2025.

In honor of Margaret, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Cornerstone Hospice or SonRise Respite Program through the Lake Deaton United Methodist Church (note that your donation is specifically for the “SonRise” program).

Joyce Eileen Forester, 82, Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Lakeland Health Care Center, Elkhorn.

Joyce was born on May 6, 1942 in Sparta, WI to George and Mary (McCollough) Hoag. She married Rodney Forester on June 20, 1959.  He preceded her in death on December 16, 2015.  Joyce and Rodney enjoyed traveling and an occasional visit to the casino. She loved all the Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Badgers, Bucks, Brewers and, of course, her beloved Packers.  Joyce also enjoyed spending time outside watching her flowers grow.

She is survived by her children John Forester, Whitewater, Jackie (Rick) Rogers, Whitewater; grandchildren Benjamin (BobbieJo Yates) Rogers, Lindsey (Tony) Pennuto, Kaitlyn and Megan Forester; and sister Charlotte (Wayne) Williams, Paris, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Duane and Dale Hoag, and sister Donna Rittenhouse.

A private family service will be held for Joyce.  The family would like to thank the staff of Lakeland Health Care Center as well as the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Joyce.

Jack G. Trojan, 88, of Whitewater, passed away March 21, 2025, at his home. Born May 6, 1936, he lived in Milwaukee, WI until moving to Richland Center, WI in 1944. Beloved husband of Diane, he was preceded in death by his parents Joseph (Jack) Trojan and Francis (Fanny) Trojan. He is survived by a sister, Shirley Trojan (Curnow), of Richland Center, WI and brother-in-law, David Kaltenback, of Lynnwood, WA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jack enriched the lives of many during his thirty-three-year career in Education, both as a classroom teacher teaching Industrial Arts education and as a school administrator holding several different positions. Education was his passion, holding as many as eleven licensed certifications at one time during his thirty-three-year career. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Platteville, a master’s degree from the University of Northern CO in Industrial Arts and School Administration and Specialist degree from UW-Madison in School Administration.

He joined the WI National Guard in Platteville in 1958, serving six months in active duty. He later joined the teaching staff in Lancaster, WI becoming the high school’s first industrial arts instructor. While there, he became involved with Lancaster’s new high school architectural committee and worked with the University of Platteville in designing the industrial arts facility for the new high school. In October of 1960, his national Guard Unit was activated during the Berlin Crisis. After serving a year on active duty, he was released from active duty and joined the teaching staff in Mayville, WI. While on staff, he was again asked to participate in the building committee for their new high school. It was in Mayville that he was the first industrial arts teacher in the state to introduce the concept of Vocational Education into the classroom, teaching students home construction and mass production. He was active with the Mayville Lions Club and worked summers at Maysteel Corp as a Project Engineer.

In 1967, he became the high school principal in Cuba City, WI. After two years, he came to Whitewater, WI joining the administrative staff as the Director of Instruction. During the 1950’s and early 1960’s, the Whitewater Unified School District was the fastest growing public system in the state. Jack’s responsibilities included organizing the new library and multi-media service K-12, unifying the academic programs, and developing coordinating instructional and student teacher programs with the local University and writing federal program proposals that eventually brought several thousands of federal dollars for multimedia equipment and instructional materials and academic improvements.

During his employment, he wrote magazine articles for DPI newsletters and WSLMA. Nationally, his publications included “Catch a Personality, Put It Down on Paper” and “Music Programs Remain Traditional and Strong in Wisconsin Schools.” His writings
earned him a place in the book of “Who’s Who in the Midwest.” During Jack’s tenure, he served on several DPI statewide committees including one which re-wrote the certification for librarians. The updated certification combined the library/multi-media services into one certification.

Through his community activities with local businesses, he introduced “Career Day” at the high school and organized “Student Visitation Days” with local industries. Jack’s commitment to community service included bringing cable television to the city,
university, and public schools. He was a Whitewater Chamber of Commerce City Ambassador and helped start the Meals on Wheels Program. Jack was an active member of the evening Kiwanis and charter member of the morning Kiwanis, serving on
the board, as secretary/treasurer, and as its president He also was the school coordinator for the school’s AFS program. Jack was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic Church in Minocqua where he maintained a summer home since 1972.

His smile, joy, humor, compassion and love will be remembered and missed by everyone he touched.

Amal Habibi Vitale (1940–2025)

Amal Habibi Vitale, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 84, following a severe stroke.

Born on November 30, 1940, in Haifa, Palestine, Amal’s early years were shaped by resilience and change. In 1948, her family left Haifa “for the weekend,” expecting to return—only to find themselves forging a new path in Syria and eventually settling in
Beirut, Lebanon.

Determined and ambitious, Amal graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in business at just 20 years old—one of the few women of her time to do so. Her passion for knowledge never waned, and she carried that love of learning into a 25- year teaching career with the Fort Atkinson School District, where she inspired countless students.

In 1961, she married Edward Vitale, her beloved husband of 63 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and intellectual curiosity. In 1972, they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where they made their home. Amal found community and peace at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, though she believed that religion could be found in all things—especially in acts of kindness and love.

Amal’s home was always open, with room for one more person—or even an entire family—at any meal. Through food, she brought people together, hosting countless dinners and lunches and ensuring everyone who entered her home felt loved and welcomed.

After retirement, Amal remained active with organizations including the University League in Madison, WI, and the Women’s League in Beirut.

Amal’s legacy is one of strength, wisdom, and insatiable curiosity. She believed in living with intention and often asked her students and children, “Did you do this with all your heart?” It was her way of instilling a deep sense of purpose in everything they did.

She is survived by her husband, Edward; her son, Marc Vitale (Darcy Kind); her cherished grandson, Theo Sheridan Vitale; and Theo’s mother, Mary Sheridan. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Najwa Faraj (Hikmat), Wael Habibi (Linda), and Randa Karim (Fadi); her sister-in-law, Lillian Habibi; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Albert and Lillian Vitale. Amal was preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl, and her brother, Mazen. She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Amal’s life will be held on April 28th at 11:30 AM at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI (holywisdommonastery.org), followed by lunch. The family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (www.afedj.org) or the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Marie Mehring, age 93, of Whitewater passed away peacefully at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek on March 16, 2025.

Marie was born November 1, 1931.  She was the daughter of Evelyn and Joseph Swatek.  She graduated from Elkhorn High School.  While in high school, she met the love of her life, Chuck Mehring, at the roller rink; they were married June 3, 1950.  Soon, they added to their family Deb, Ron, Jane and Pat. 

In 1962, Marie and Chuck moved their family to a farm in the Hebron area. In addition to homemaking, Marie was employed at the Whitewater Commercial Bank for many years.  When Chuck retired, they became adventurous and moved to Canon City, CO in 1977; there, Marie worked at the Fremont County Clerk’s office until her retirement.  After Chuck passed away, Marie returned to Wisconsin in 2013 residing at Mulberry Glen in Whitewater. 

Sewing was Marie’s greatest passion.  Her family members all enjoy the beautiful quilts she has gifted to them.  Marie and Chuck loved to travel, especially camping trips in the Rockies.  They enjoyed snowbirding in Yuma, AZ and travelled across the country frequently to attend family events in Wisconsin.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Jane (Jeff) Lukas and Pat (Tom) Grette, twelve grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, and children Deb and Ron.

Services will be held at St Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 N Main Street, Whitewater on Friday, April 4, 2025; visitation at 10:00 and mass at 11:00. A Celebration of Life will follow.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff and Mulberry Glen, Commonheart Home Health, Rainbow Hospice and Dr. Nathaniel Besch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family.  Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Kathleen Barbara Beerman, 73, Whitewater, passed away at her home in Whitewater on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Kathleen was born on December 4, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI to Raymond and Ruth (Laff) Griffin. She graduated from Milwaukee Custer High School in 1971 and from MATC in 1973 where she received her degree in nursing. Kathleen worked as a nurse at Marion Franciscan Center in Milwaukee for 20 years. She married John Beerman on November 6, 1971. Kathleen started a Christian bookstore in Whitewater, volunteered at Fairhaven Senior Living, and traveled to Israel. She enjoyed quilting and sewing.

She is survived by her husband John of Whitewater; daughter Shelly Gibbs of Whitewater; grandchildren Jillian, Lylah, Cassandra, and Gabriella; Siblings Kevin (Judy) Griffin, Tim (Julie) Griffin, Irene Hansen, Patricia Hanson. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Kevin Beerman, brother Michael Griffin.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Nitardy Funeral Home 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI with a time for sharing starting at 7:00 pm. A short visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Nitardy Funeral Home at 10:00 am before processing to the Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater for a 11:00 am graveside service.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.

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