Obituaries

Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side.

Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born.

Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from Whitewater High School in 1955. While in the Marines, Ruth played on a championship winning Marine basketball team. After Ruth was discharged, she loved and supported her husband during his career in the Marines. She obtained her ham radio license to help Wayne run phone patches from Vietnam to the US for soldiers that were away from their families.

After Wayne retired in 1976, they bought a small farm and spent the rest of their days together there. Ruth always had an amazing garden and prosperous fruit trees. She canned all summer long to provide for her family. Ruth loved animals of any kind. Most of the animals she cared for were so spoiled, they didn’t know they were animals. She nursed many baby and injured animals back to health. Ruth also loved to hunt deer, turkey, squirrel and rabbit.

She loved her grandchildren and always had baked goods ready to share with them. You could never have just one cookie – you had two hands, so you needed a cookie for each hand! No one could ever duplicate her gingerbread cookies, even using her recipe. She did make the grandkids mind and respect her, even if it meant threatening them with a wooden spoon. She also shared advice with them: “when you are driving and the traffic light turns yellow – it means hurry up It’s going to turn red!” She was full of love and laughter.

Ruth is survived by a son, Charles Justis, of Long Beach, Mississippi; a daughter, Dorene Boehler (Gary), of Montrose, Mo.; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a brother, Terry Phelps (Sandy), state of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents, Charles and Ada Mae Phelps; a sister, Jean Jenkins; and a grandson, Dustin Boehler.

Ruth always had a smile and a hug for you. She was a blessing to all who knew her and will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Missouri Veterans Home-Warrensburg, 1300 Veterans Road, Warrensburg, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., just prior to the funeral service. Mrs. Justis will lie in state Thursday from noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Burial will be in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. Military services will be at the gravesite under the direction of the Marine Honors Team and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Missouri Veterans Home-Warrensburg.

Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm wife.  She was a true business partner to her husband and later their sons that joined them in the business.  She made sure to keep everyone fed three times a day on home cooked meals with ingredients she had preserved from her garden. She will be remembered as an avid and accomplished crocheter, cook and baker especially her donuts and decorated birthday cakes.   She also waded into modern technology on her iPad to watch the news, EWTN and Rosary.  She stayed on the family farm until she was 100.  She was able to stay and enjoy her home farm through the love and devotion of her children and several caregivers, Sarah, Betty, Birgit, Vicki, Sherry and her weekly massage with Wendy.  She moved to Fairhaven last April and enjoyed the many social activities and the dear friends she became reacquainted with and new friends and staff that were so incredibly friendly and kind. Hospitality and gatherings with extended family and friends were her enjoyment.  Above all else in Dorothy’s life, was her love for God, followed by her family and her friends. She was devoted to her faith. She lived a wonderful life and it’s the end of a family era.  She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those she leaves behind.

Dorothy is survived by: her loving children, Susan (Randall Zirk) Kau of Madison, Kenneth (Leslie) Kau of Palmyra, Gerard (Jani) Kau of Palmyra, Patricia (William) Breitzman of Stillwater, MN, Jean Ann (Tim) Reith of Palmyra, and Daughter-In-Law Cheri Kau Miller of Florida; and her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Alyssa, Jennifer, Kendall, Jerrod, Henry, Matthew, Jessica, Peter, Meagan (Evan), Chelsea (Matt), Kaylea, Tyler (Micheala), Nicholas (Katherine), and Jonathan (Abigail). She is further survived by 15 great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her dear husband, Alvin E. Kau, 3 children, Kristine, Teresa, and James, her grandchild, Jamie, and two siblings, Elizabeth (the late George) Kau, and Joseph (the late Marie) VonRueden.

Visitation for Dorothy will take place from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). A Rosary Service will take place at 7:00 PM Friday evening at the funeral home with Fr. Garret Kau presiding.

A Second Visitation will take place at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:30 AM until 12:00 Noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 Noon at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle (136 W. Waukesha Road, Eagle, WI 53119). Fr. Jordan Berghouse will officiate the mass. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery immediately following the mass.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida.

Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married.

She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979.

Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with John Simms.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Ocala, Dorothy found joy in faith, fellowship, and service. She will be remembered for her love of family, her strong work ethic, and her kind and gentle spirit.

She is survived by her children: Cynthia Yapp of Boise, Idaho; Steven Wafle of Phoenix, Arizona; and Jeannie Comparetto of Sarasota, Florida. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Mike Miller, Rebecca Sheu, Rachel Unverzagt, Anthony Comparetto, and Amanda McNally; and her great-grandchildren: Adeline, Theo, and Emma.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husbands, Bernard Wafle and Earl McCracken; her daughter, Sheryl Miller; her mother, Joyce Meyer; her sister, Joyce Sokolowski; her brother, Stan Meyer; and her companion, John Simms.

Dorothy’s life was one of faith, family, and dedication. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater, WI on Saturday, April 11 from 10-11 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. 

Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984.

Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She is also survived by two stepchildren Roxanne (Dave) Ivek of Kalamazoo, MI and Renee Hansen of East Troy, WI. Carol is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Per her request, there will be a private Celebration of Life.

Entered God’s Kingdom on Friday, April 3, 2026, age 65. Donna is survived by her cousins, other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents James and Lois (Michels) Lyons.

Donna was raised in the Church of Nazarene, with her father being the assistant pastor. Religion was very important to Donna.

Donna enjoyed working with the students of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she resided. Donna also loved to travel, visiting France, Italy, and all around the United States. She also loved to paint, cross-stitch, knit, and crochet. She also loved collecting recipes and trying new foods. Donna also enjoyed listening to music and watching movies.

Donna loved her parents and her family. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her return.

Visitation to be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is proudly serving Donna’s family and friends. For online condolences please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Nels Richard Wiberg
March 16th, 1933 – April 2nd, 2026

Nels Richard Wiberg of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Whitewater. He was born March 16, 1933 in Aurora, IL to Nels Gunnar and Ethel Christina (Olsund) Wilberg from Batavia, IL

Nels grew up in Batavia, IL and went to Batavia High School. He then went to the University of Illinois where he met his “Swedish Girl” Greta Marion Hultgren. They married in Batavia, IL on December 26, 1953 and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. They moved back to Illinois to raise their family of two daughters and two sons in North Aurora, IL.

He was most proud of owning their yarn shop, The Great Yarn Loft, that he and Greta ran in Elmhurst, IL. It was there that he invented the Babe’s Fiber Starter, a contemporary, inexpensive spinning machine. They retired in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Nels is survived by his wife, Greta of 73 years, and his four children, his sister Nancy (late Denis) Bowron of Geneva, IL and many loved nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Alyce (Late Robert) Konen.

A Memorial Celebration will be announced at a later date, and burial will be private.

Please honor Nels with contributions to Cardiovascular Research.

Nitardy Funeral home has been entrusted with his care.

Louise Ann Thompson, 76, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.

She was born on February 16, 1950 in Woodstock, IL, the daughter of Walter R. and Dolores (Kozial) Dravis. Louise was a Whitewater High School graduate. She married Joseph “Joe” Thompson on June 14, 2008 at the Beloit Rotary River Center.

Louise was formerly employed by OSF Saint Anthony’s as a facility manager until her retirement in February of 2016. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Thompson; daughters, Kari (Michael) Listenbee and Krista Payne; bonus daughter, Melissa (Brian) Wise; grandchildren, Jordan (Maria) Listenbee, Amara (Tyler) Adgalanis, Kacey Payne, Cameron Payne, Brady Wise and Dillon Wise; great-grandchildren, Kai Listenbee, Luka Listenbee, and Beaux Adgalanis; including all of her siblings and many nieces and nephews.

Louise was predeceased by her parents.

A Memorial Service for Louise will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI. Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Project 16:49, 2911 Carrousel Ln., Janesville, WI, 53545.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com.

Lyle Wayne Hunter, 90, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

He was born on March 25, 1936 to the late Walter and Alice (nee Panser) Hunter in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.

He graduated as valedictorian from Durand High School in 1954. After graduating from Whitewater State College in 1958 with degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry, he taught mathematics for three years in Spring Valley, WI, and one year in New Holstein, WI. In 1964 he received his Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In 1965 he was employed at UW-Whitewater, first in the Math Department for four years and for the rest of this career in the Computer Center retiring in 2000 as the Technology Coordinator.

Lyle married Dawn (Brooke) Hunter on June 8, 1963. They had two sons, Kyle in 1967 and Andrew in 1968. Lyle was a wonderful husband and father. He was an avid golfer, playing for over 60 years and getting a hole-in-one on the fourth hole at the Whitewater Country Club in 2004. He played softball in the city league in the 60’s and played noon-hour basketball with a group of fellow faculty members who called themselves “The Mushrooms.” He loved the outdoors and discovered many agates in dry creek beds across Minnesota and Wisconsin. He enjoyed traveling in his retirement especially boat cruises with 24/7 food offerings and wonderful scenery. He loved walking and for years walked three miles five days a week. On his walks he often picked up stray pieces of metal for Dawn to use in her found-object art. Thanks to his wife, he developed an appreciation for art, art shows and galleries.

In retirement, Lyle and Dawn spent their winters as “snow birds” in the desert of Palm Springs, CA, where they made lifelong friends.

From the time they started dating and on through their life together, they held hands when they walked. People often commented on it. Dawn would say it started as passion and ended up as “Balance.”

He is preceded in death by his mother Alice and father Walter, brothers Gerald and Ronald, and his aunt Arlene Bush.

He is survived by his wife Dawn, of almost 63 years, sons Kyle and Andrew (Ruda), and his “adopted” family, the Reichwalds: Althea and her parents Lacey and Dustin. His surviving siblings include brothers Mike and Duane (Mary), and his sisters Karen and Carol, along with his many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial gathering will be on Saturday, April 11 at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street. A visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., a Celebration of Life at 2:00 and a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whitewater Arts Alliance or the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Leonard James Larsen, 84, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully with wife and family by his side on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Leonard was born to Leif and Lillian (Hallberg) Larsen on August 21, 1941, in Batavia, IL.

Leonard would serve his country in the United States Navy Seabees, joining in 1959. He continued his education to become an electrician, working in the city of Geneva, IL. Leonard was a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ Union for 50 years. He married Jessie Joann in 1977 and moved to California shortly thereafter.

Leonard loved spending time trapshooting, woodworking, watching football, spoiling his pets, and time on the lake.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Louise Pruitt, his daughter Tamara Schulte, and his son Larry Riley. He is survived by his daughters Carla (Rich) Murray, Pamela (John) Nicks, Karen Singer, Sheri (Fred) Esslinger; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The services are private to the family. Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences can be left at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Gordon C. Erikson, 87, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Lake Country Health Services.

Gordon was born on September 7, 1938 in Eagle the son of Leo and Mary (Parsons) Erikson. He grew up on the family farm and was a 1956 graduate of Palmyra High School. On July 25, 1964, Gordon was united in marriage to M. Karen Stockholm at the United Methodist Church in Whitewater and the couple would go on to enjoy 60 years of marriage together until Karen’s passing in 2025. Gordon farmed for the majority of his working career and was very proud of his farming heritage. He and Karen also owned and operated the Gift Hutch of Whitewater for quite a few years and enjoyed that work. For leisure, Gordon enjoyed traveling, mostly to Florida, South Dakota, Branson, MO, and Alaska. He and Karen made many wonderful memories together. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his love of the Green Bay Packers, and his generosity. Gordon will be missed by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by: his nieces and nephews, Amanda Erikson, Eric (Silvia) Bergholtz, Carl Johanson, Bradley (Sandra) Bergholtz, Jess (Ross) Slocum, and Henry Slocum. Gordon is further survived by his sister-in-law Donna (the late Raymond) Erikson, and a number of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his dear wife, M. Karen Erikson, and his brother, Raymond L. Erikson.

Memorials in Gordon’s honor may be made to the Eagle Historical Society in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at The Gibson Family Funeral Home in Eagle, WI (499 Elkhorn Road, Eagle, WI 53119). The Rev. Duane Goetsch will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Gordon will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery immediately following the service.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle and Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com