Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Will Daniel Ensslin

Whitewater, WI – Will Daniel Ensslin, 77, passed away peacefully on 11-26-2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave and long battle with cancer.

He was born on February 5, 1947 in West Allis, WI to Willy and Ellen Ensslin. Will was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, cherished brother, uncle, cousin and loyal friend to many. He was also a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country with courage and honor as a Huey helicopter mechanic from 1966 – 1967 — a dedication to service that remained a cornerstone of his life.

He married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Bilkovich, in 1971 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after their wedding, they embarked on an adventure together, moving to the serene mountains of Virginia in Natural Bridge Station. In September 1974, they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Jenny. Two years later, they returned to Wisconsin, settling in the charming town of Whitewater, where their family grew again with the birth of their second daughter, Sara, in July of 1978.

An inspiring educator, Will was an elementary school teacher from 1973 to 1996, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. After retiring from teaching, his boundless curiosity and strong work ethic inspired him to explore a variety of fulfilling careers. In LaCrosse, WI, he helped first-time homebuyers navigate their journeys through the Community Action Program.  Because of his love for remodeling homes he was licensed and became a home inspector in the LaCrosse area and western Minnesota. Later, he channeled his creativity and love for nature by starting a successful landscaping business in The Villages, Florida. Additionally, he enjoyed working at several hardware stores, where he enthusiastically shared his extensive knowledge and passion for home improvement with others.

Will was happiest when surrounded by nature. Whether planting trees, tending to a garden, or simply taking in the beauty of the outdoors, he found peace and joy in the natural world. He also had a lifelong passion for collecting and restoring classic cars, finding immense satisfaction in bringing vintage treasures back to life. Will cherished his bond with animals, especially cats, treasuring their companionship and caring for them with great affection. His love for animals extended to his volunteer work with the Humane Society in Eureka Springs, AR, where he generously gave his time to help those in need.

Will lived a life full of love, service, and passion. Whether teaching in the classroom, working with his hands, collecting and restoring of classic cars, planting trees, or caring for animals, he brought love and care. Though deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the lives he touched and the nature he cherished.

Will is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Ensslin; his children, Jenny Ensslin (Beth); Sara Porter (Brad); their beloved cat Yeti; and an extended family of loved ones and dear friends. He will be remembered for his compassionate heart, tireless work ethic, and unwavering love for his family, nature, and community.

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for their kindness and support.

An open house celebration of his life with light hors d’oeuvreswill be held on December 1^st at The Fuzzy Pig (N8660 Clover Valley Rd, Whitewater, WI 53190 ) from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Touched by a Paw, Rainbow Hospice, the Community Space in Whitewater or a charity of your choice.

Richard Allen Splitter, age 80, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away November 12, 2024. He entered this life on June 16, 1944, the son of Edward and Berniece (Craig) Splitter in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Richard proudly served our country in the United States Navy for two terms. During his time in the service, he was able to get his master’s degree in engineering from California State University of Long Beach. During his working years, Richard was an engineer for different aerospace companies. He retired to Blue Eye, Missouri, and thoroughly enjoyed lake life. Richard appreciated the outdoors and loved hiking, fishing, and boating. He was a member of a Corvette club, fishing group, and on the HOA committee for the community where he lived. Richard also made time for his family and enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews. The memories and moments created throughout his life will be cherished by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his brother, William Splitter of California; niece, Reneé Jones and husband, Terry Jones of California; nephew, Michael Splitter and wife, Donnelle of California; great-nieces: Kendall Jones and Jillian; great-nephew, Brandon Splitter; as well as many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry Splitter; and sister-in-law, Linda Splitter.

There will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

Edward W. Hamilton
April 3,1941 – October 26, 2024

Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home.  Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old.  He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree.  He also served two years in the army.  He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001.  Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and bought a bar, the “Mad Boar Pub.”  He retired from the bar in 2010.  He loved to ski, golf and fish and loved his dogs.  He is survived by his wife, Roxanne, of thirty-three years, daughter Jodi (John) Cole and son Steven of San Antonio, Texas: step-daughter Krista (Mike) Ringdahl, step-sons Sean (Jennifer) Marietta of Alexandria, VA and Nicolas (Jamie) Marietta of Whitewater, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Penny Jo of San Antonio, TX and his parents, Edward and Clara (Peyer) Hamilton of Whitewater.

 A celebration of life will be held April 26, 2025 at the Mad Boar Pub from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank.  He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948.

Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne also enjoyed bowling in many different leagues over the years.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Harold and Jeannine Schrank, great-niece Amy Schrank and his nephew Bill’s wife Loretta Schrank. He is survived by nephews Bill Schrank and Bob (Sharon) Schrank. Great-nephews Ben (Emily) Schrank and TJ (Danielle) Schrank and Great-Step nephews Ben (Leah) Smejkal and Andy Smejkal as well as two Great-Great-nieces and a Great-Great nephew, eight Great-Great-Step nieces and nephews, five Great-Great-Great-Step nieces and nephews, five cousins and many friends.

Services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, November 25, 2024 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 910 E High Street, Milton, WI.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Fort Atkinson.  Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Albrecht Funeral Homes, Milton are assisting the family with arrangements.  www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after.

Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale Wendorf) arrived and the gang was complete.  Sunday dinners are the tradition she started, and we will strive to continue. Her table was always full; she managed to find a plate for anyone else who was there.  All the kids who were in and out of her home called her grandma and she always had cookies to feed them. Her generosity and love for everyone is what made her special.  Many meals involved laughter, and many car trips involved singing. They will always be some of our favorite memories.  Janine spent many years as a cook for the University of Whitewater and then a Cook for Whitewater High School. She often made monster cookies which were a hit with the kids and her cookie recipes continue to be popular with her grandkids.

Her grandchildren are Eric DeGroot (Noel), April Lind (Troy Pichelman), Katherine Farley (Jay Vance), Raymond Farley (Miranda Alexander), James Farley (Trina Besch), William Lind (Sarah Lind), Stephanie Lind, Olivia Beyers (Addison), and Emilee Wendorf; bonus grandkids, Phillip Jones (Kim) and Brooke Jones (Brandon Harris); great-grandkids Kyle, Jace, Alice, Conner, Jaxson, Ava and Frank. There are also 5 great-great-grandkids. Meeting her at the Pearly Gate will be her daughter Denice, her sister Donna, her parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

No service is planned at Janine’s request. She wanted the family to have a big dinner and enjoy the time spent together.  Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater.

Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, grandchildren Alexandra and Morgan Miles, Madison, brothers David (Joann) Miles, Waunakee, James (Donna) Miles, Fort Atkinson, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William, Harold and Robert Miles, sister Margaret Aarstad and daughter-in-law Rae Miles.

Funeral Services will be held at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, on Sunday, November 24th, at 2 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Raymond’s family would like to express a special thank you to the Our House Senior Living-Whitewater staff for their excellent care for Raymond.

Memorials can be made to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry.

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024.

Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2^nd and 3^rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends.

Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. She was privileged to be a great-grandparent to Noah and Maddie Hebbe, as well as twins Kailey and Jacob Drews.

Connie remained active throughout her life, playing in the Palmyra Community Band and serving on the Library Board. Connie and Pat were both heavily involved in the American Legion and 40 & 8. She contributed to the community through book sales at the library, blood drives, pancake breakfasts, and many other activities.

Connie follows her parents, Marge and Walt Whetlow, her grandparents, Nana and Baba and countless others on the next adventure.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 5:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. Whitewater, WI with a time for visiting starting at 4:00 pm. Rev. Stephen Blyth will be officiating.

A special farewell from her husband: “Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are” (Jimmy Durante Show 1959)

James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI.

Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling a good joke and loved a good pun.

Jim enjoyed various hobbies including tennis, bowling, fishing, watching the UW Badger and Green Bay Packer football games, and of course his trips to casinos. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Phi Chi Epsilon Fraternity.

He is survived by his loving wife Marlene of 64 years, his children: Maria, Vincent (Melissa Gerber), and Mark (Stacie), and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory. Jim’s legacy of love, laughter, and learning will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and sister Kathryn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service.

Donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus or St. Patrick Church. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Editor’s note: Martin Martinelli’s obituary may be found here.