Obituaries

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years.

Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited use of his arms and legs, rose above to live a vibrant life, including becoming an exceptional athlete.

After graduating from Whitewater City High School, he worked full time for a few years, before enrolling at Wisconsin State College–Whitewater, now UW-Whitewater. With a passion for sports, JP was a four year letterman in both baseball and basketball. During his basketball career, JP became the school’s all-time scorer, a record he held for over 35 years. He was named an NAIA All-American in 1960 and 1961. JP excelled in baseball in his time as a Warhawk. He set records for batting average in 1960 and 1961, and was named a NAIA All-American in 1961.

With these accomplishments, he was inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. In 2015, he was also
inducted into WIAC Hall of Fame for these university athletic accomplishments.

After graduating from UW-Whitewater with an education degree, JP taught at Elkhorn High School, in social studies and driver’s education, for over 32 years. He had many interesting stories and experiences in teaching teenagers how to drive, something that gave him great fulfillment. Known as Coach Fish, he coached baseball for 5 years, basketball for over 10 years, and golf for 42 years with both the girls and boys teams. In 2016 he was inducted into the Elkhorn High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

While attending college, he met and later married Karen Anderson. They were married for almost 62 years. Together they raised three children: Mary Kay, Steve, and Scott.

Sports were JP’s life. He loved participating in and watching sports on TV and in person. He enjoyed playing recreational and traveling softball. While coaching the Elkhorn high school golf teams, his teams regularly competed against both of his sons and his daughter, who all played for the Whitewater teams; as well as his wife was the girls’ golf coach. The dinner table was an uncomfortable place to be in the Fisher household during these occasions. JP was an avid golfer. He and his wife led the local
couples’ golf league for many years. Unfortunately, arthritis in his back restricted his ability to play golf later in life. At his alma mater, he worked as a spotter for UW-Whitewater football games for over 50 years, thoroughly enjoying supporting UW-Whitewater athletics.

When he was no longer able to participate in his own sports, he found other ways to occupy his time. He drew and captioned his own cartoons, collected trivia questions and then emceed family events, and organized a family golf outing each summer. He eagerly anticipated regular family card games and even taught his granddaughters how to play Texas Hold-Em.

He is survived by his wife, Karen, his children Mary Kay (Tim) Nelson (Whitewater), Steve (TJ) Fisher (Elkhorn), and Scott (Amy) Fisher (Milton), his grandchildren Kiara and Steph (Dan Schumacher) Nelson, Dayne, Cade, and Jaden Fisher, Cameran and Myla Fisher, and his sister Pam Fisher (Pewaukee).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dave, and his two sisters Sally Grabowski and Sandy Madsen.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the UW Health University Hospital staff for their compassion and dedication supporting JP in his final days.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Monday, July 15, from 4-7pm at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI.

In remembrance of JP’s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Whitewater Food Pantry or
UW-Whitewater Warhawk Athletic General Fund in JP’s memory.

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work.

On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater.

Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones and Daniel O’Donnell concerts along with her concert friend, Edy Oldenberg.  She joined fan clubs so she could go behind the scenes and meet the performers. She proudly had numerous photographs taken with George and Daniel and made many duplicates of those photos so she could share copies with relatives and friends.  Shirley had a terrible fear of bodies of water, but conquered her fear so she could attend a concert on a boat in Branson, not knowing there would be a huge storm while she was on the boat.

When Shirley became a Grandma in 1986, she focused most of her attention on her only grandchild. The two became inseparable, with Shirley making herself available for her granddaughter every possible moment.  Shirley also had a passion for decorated cut-out cookies and would bake and frost hundreds of them at Christmas time.  She especially loved to give cookies to her adopted family member, Bruce Fletcher, who loved the cookies as much as she did. Turkey dinners were her favorite, and she would talk about them for days before the holiday dinner. Family members would report to Shirley when “the turkey was in the oven.” Shirley bravely fought and won battles with both lung cancer and colon cancer, surviving both without the need for either chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Shirley loved her three daughters, often saying that even though she raised them all the same, the three girls had completely different personalities. Shirley always stepped up when one of her children needed her, being a Mother that could be counted on in times of trouble. Tragedy struck when Shirley’s middle daughter became ill with a rare and fatal form of Parkinson’s disease.  The first time Shirley went to her daughter’s new home, she took a turn onto the bike path, thinking it was the road. After driving awhile, she struggled to turn the car around and go home, saying she was “not going out there again because the roads were too narrow.”  She never lived down the teasing and laughter about taking the wrong turn. At this point in her life, Shirley could not help with many physical tasks, but that did not deter her. She conquered the fear of that “narrow road” plus another fear – winter driving.  She drove almost daily to spend time with her very ill daughter, knowing how lonesome her daughter was.  The death of her daughter deeply devastated Shirley, and she never recovered from that loss.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Michele Smith (Bill) of Whitewater and Karen Messier of Jefferson (Mark Simdon); her granddaughter, Alaina Smith (Jason Barajas) of Whitewater; her brother, John Reese (Leah) of Watertown; Yvonne Schuett (Larry) of Watertown, and Angie Vick of Watertown. 

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter, Teresa Messier; her former husband, Blaine Messier; her brother, Howard Reese (Doris); and her sisters, Myrtle Scheel, (Irwin); Marilyn Hertel (William); Norma Schlesner (Art Schlesner); Lorraine Pierick (Raymond); all from the Watertown area.  

Services will be held on July 18, 2024, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home, 221 S. Center Street in Jefferson. Visitation will begin at the Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will occur immediately after the service. Burial will be at Melendy’s Prairie Cemetery, Township of Eagle, Wisconsin.

The family would like to thank those who were able to visit Shirley while she spent her last months in the nursing facility.  It meant so much to her. They would also like to thank the staff of Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care of Shirley; Dr. Roberta Wedl of SSM Health; and staff at Bedrock Health Care Center. Particular thanks to Bedrock’s former “Nurse Eric,” who brought an incredible amount of joy to Shirley’s last days.

Patricia Ann Parr
Born 7/20/42
Departed to Heaven 5/10/23

About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”.

Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health.

Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary.

They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the local pharmacy in Jefferson, so they were friends with the whole town.

She was smart with a wide range of interests and gifts and many friends. She was selected to be the only honoree representing Fort Atkinson High School at Badger Girls State in Madison her Senior year. After graduating in the Top 20 of her class from Fort Atkinson High School as a national merit scholar, she attended the University of Wisconsin Madison on a full scholarship, as a Psychology major.

Her sense of adventure and interest in civil rights issues and the changing culture of the era, led her to New York City, where she had several unique positions, including working as an assistant to the famous rock band, The Loving Spoonful, and as an executive secretary and proofreader for a renowned global publication.

Patricia had one daughter, Bridget and enjoyed married life in Michigan for many years, where she worked an array of interesting jobs throughout her life there, and later in Whitewater.

She was known for her humor, wit, intelligence, crossword puzzles, artistry, writing, cooking, fashion sense and her rare gift for working with adults and children with special needs.

She bore witness to a vibrant faith, church choir service and a strong commitment to her AA peers and program.

Surviving Patricia are her daughter Bridget and Granddaughter Kailin, of St. Louis, her sister Mary Lange of Oconomowoc, her nieces Jennifer and Tracy and Great nephew Gabriel, along with many beloved extended family members.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Mass is planned for:
Friday, July 19th in Jefferson, WI
11 am
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

Donations to Alcoholics Anonymous and St. Patrick’s Church.

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children.

GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would venture to Florida each year, to bask in the sunshine and spend time with their eldest child, Linda. They enjoyed camping on the beach in the Florida Keys, in their decked-out conversion van. GG loved sunbathing by the pool with a good book, and enjoyed fresh Florida strawberries. Marjorie had a great appreciation for history and shared many stories over the years. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and adored that they referred to her as GG – “Great Grandma.”

Marjorie is survived by her son, Frederick (Brenda K.) Roloff of Riverview, FL, daughter, Brenda (Brian) Neumeister of Whitewater, WI and son, Curtis (Vanessa) Roloff of Wolcottville, IN; Her grandchildren Katie Lyn Roloff of Riverview, FL, Bobbie Leigh Roloff of Ruskin, FL, Keith Roloff of Plant City, FL, Timothy (Hope) Diederich and Arin Diederich of Whitewater, WI and four step grandchildren; Great-grandchildren Joseph, Jayson, Logan, Caleb, Richard, and four step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Norm (Anita) Papcke, Doris (LeRoy) DeVries, Darvon (Betty) Papcke, Diane (Floyd Finney) Papcke: sister-in-laws, Janet Papcke and Barb Papcke and brother-in-law, Herbert Dorn, and many nieces and nephews. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Eric, of 62 years and her eldest child, Linda K. Roloff, her parents Fred and Martha Papcke; stepfather George Sherman; and siblings Allen Papcke, Marion (Jerry) Harris, Arlene (Robert/Bud) Rowley, Carol (David/Dub) Agen, Jack Papcke and David Papcke.

As requested, there will be no formal visitation or service. Interment will be held at a later date at Hillside Cemetery of Whitewater, with a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 120 S. Church St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

The Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin.

Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years.

Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years to helping children in Walworth County. She felt a sense of love for the children she was able to help, keeping in contact with some of them long after retiring. Creativity has always been a huge part of her life. She started with oil painting and then watercolor painting. She also loved to bake, especially getting together with her daughter and grandchildren to bake cookies and pies for the holidays. Marilyn enjoyed her time in the Jr. Women’s and the Jayceettes where she found her lifelong friends, Jean Bergey and Kathy Haney. She loved helping to organize her class reunions and remained close friends with many classmates.

She is survived by her husband Bill, sons: Dan (Debbie), Brian (Cheri) and daughter, Sharyl (Tom), Grandchildren: Andrew (Melissa), Tyler, Kaytie and Alyssa. Great-grandchildren, Hailey, Adler, Riggs and Reigna.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Agrace Hospice in Janesville for the exceptional care they provided.

Honoring Marilyn’s wishes, there will not be a funeral at this time. A celebration of life will be held at The Cravath Lakefront Community building August 4th, from 1:30 to 3:30.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to Agrace Hospice in Janesville.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024.

Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there that
he met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives for 52 wonderful years. They especially enjoyed fishing, boating, hiking, golf, traveling and most outdoor activities.

Jerry was a longtime resident of Wauconda, IL, before retiring to Wisconsin. After a career in commercial roofing, Jerry continued to work on major projects at home, and often was the one that family and friends called when they needed help or advice. He was never bored. He was skilled and talented at most every aspect of construction, and restorations of any kind, and he
thoroughly enjoyed tinkering with motors, boats and cars. He was quite proud of finding rusty treasures that he could restore and bring back to life. But he was also very well-rounded and enjoyed music of most genres including jazz, classical, and rock, as well as visits to art galleries, museums, and botanical gardens (which greatly pleased Eileen!) He very much appreciated the talent of the artists.

But he most enjoyed family events with all the nieces and nephews and their children. Uncle Jerry was happiest when playing with the kids…- tubing, boating, teaching them how to fish, or hiking to the creek. He will be greatly missed by all.

Jerry was deeply compassionate about helping those in need. After retirement, Jerry found a rewarding volunteer opportunity with Catholic Charities in Lake Co. for 10 years in a special program that supported seniors to be able to live independently longer. He was also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics of Wisconsin in support of his two nephews, often cheering them on at their games. In addition, he supported NPH USA, an organization with orphanages and hospitals helping children and families in Latin America and Haiti. More recently he had joined the Lions Club of Whitewater, WI and had looked forward to being able to devote his energy toward important programs helping the blind and other local charities.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen (nee LaVoy); his devoted sisters: Maureen O’Donnell, Sharon (Larry) Salvatore, and Cheryl Power; his loving sisters and brothers-in-law: Carol Burke, Joyce (Frank) Wessels, Jan Salstrom, John Salstrom, Renee (John) Daly, and Ken (Michele) LaVoy; his caring father-in-law: James LaVoy; and his sixteen nieces and nephews; and thirteen great-nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his infant son, James Stephen; his infant brother Patrick; his sister, Colleen; his brother, Kevin; and his parents, Stephen and Catherine Burke.

Visitation will be on Tuesday July 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home 10045 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL. There will be a second brief visitation at the church at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street, Glenview, IL.

The service will be livestreamed; please go to Jerry’s obituary page at donnellanfuneral.com to view the Funeral Mass.

Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Special Olympics Wisconsin, 6582 Ronald Reagan Ave., Madison, WI 53704 – Specify donation
to Southern Lakes #7-15 – https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/

NPH USA Midwest Region, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606 https://nphusa.org/region/mw/

Lions Club of Whitewater, WI – PO BOX 246, Whitewater, WI, 53190

Catholic Charities of Lake County – P.O. Box 7154, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154
https://www.catholiccharities.net/give/