Obituaries

Marcia Marie Kuper Yochum passed away April 8, 2023, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Omaha, NE, daughter of Herbert Kuper and Marie (Bay) Kuper. After completing high school in Columbus, NE she obtained her nursing degree from Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha. She held nursing positions and nursing related positions in Omaha and Ogallala, Nebraska, Clinton, Iowa and Fort Atkinson, WI. She married David Yochum on January 29, 1972. She considered her husband of 50+ years as a man of many hats literally and figuratively. She shared, he was often willing to engage in a variety of projects including, lightheartedly, “my quirky personality.”

She was a member of the United Church of Christ, having been past Moderator of the Nebraska Conference. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Fontana (Wisconsin) Garden Club. Marcia often said that in her associations, there were many remarkable role models in each group. While husband David was Executive Director of Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, the Yochum family presented over 15 Christmas programs on Christmas morning for any Fairhaven residents willing to view the serious and not so serious skits. Marcia enjoyed themes, (often whimsical), decorating for various occasions. Marcia said she would like to be remembered as an Appreciater of People and Life. “I am amazed at people’s stories, both sad and glad. Many people have used their happenings to become stronger people.” Over the years Marcia became increasingly more appreciative of God’s Nature and the magic of everyday objects and happenings. Marcia tried to follow her deceased nephew’s philosophy of being more fascinated than fearful of the world. Marcia enjoyed reading, trekking, “splashing at the aquatic center,” traveling and engaging in continuing education events.

Marcia is survived by her husband, David, children: Steven (Sarah) of Chanhassen, MN, their children Simone and Finn. Also, son Jeff (Angie) of Muskego, WI and their twins Winston and Zoey, and infant son Cooper. She is also survived by her sister, Karlyn Carson of Studio City, CA, sister-in-law Lea Kuper of Plattsmouth, NE, niece Leigh Anne (Dave) Koehler of Papillion, NE and their daughter Meredith, niece Michelle Kuper of Pasadena, CA, and brother-in-law Dan (Jan) Yochum of Congress, AZ. Preceded in death were her parents, her brother David Kuper of Council Bluffs, IA and nephew Ryan Kuper of Pasadena, CA.

A Memorial Service for Marcia will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider a memorial to Fairhaven Retirement Community, the Congregational United Church of Christ Church, Whitewater, or to a public/private garden of your choice. If you are attending the service, please wear bright colors as a tribute to the brightness Marcia brought to our lives. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Thelma Mae Robbins, (Seagren), 83, Whitewater, WI, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Thelma was born on May 19, 1939, in Louisville, KY to John William and Edna Lee (Pendleton) Robbins.  Family was very important to Thelma.  She raised her four children, and she was like a mother to her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children: Jeff, Darby, JoDee and Doug; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Steve Lose, Cindy Lose, and Becky Wafford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Robbins Lose; nephew Rick Lose. 

A private burial will be in the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL.  Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Audrey A. Gatz, 92, of Whitewater, WI and previously of East Troy, WI passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater, WI.

Audrey was born on June 23, 1930 in Racine, WI the daughter of Berthel and Laura (Green) Olsen. She grew up in the Racine area and graduated from Horlick High School. After high school Audrey attended University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Audrey taught high school Spanish and English for the majority of her working career. She taught in Tomahawk, WI and also taught at Fort Atkinson High School and Whitewater High School. Audrey enjoyed her teaching very much and made an impact on many lives over her career. Audrey was united in marriage to William Gatz and the couple was blessed with four sons, Larry, William, Michael, and Christian. After her retirement, Audrey traveled extensively all over the world. She spent time in China, The Galapagos Islands, and many other countries and destinations. She made wonderful memories traveling with different friends and women’s groups. In her later years, Audrey spent time at her home in East Troy feeding the birds and watching the wildlife from her deck. She loved having her family come and stay with her for extended periods but was just as content at home on her own. Audrey was a loving wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma and she will be missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her children, Larry Gatz of San Diego, CA, William (Sarah) Gatz of Madison, WI, and Christian (Penny) Gatz of Reedsport, OR; and her grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Hammer of Madison, WI, Austin Gatz of Boise, ID, and Amanda (Konnor) Holden of Portland, OR. She is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William, her son, Michael, her sisters, Joan Hashimi and Carol Frost, and her granddaughter Marie Gatz.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, WI.

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

Scott “Orville” A. Oldenburg (61) passed away on Sunday, March 26th, 2023, after a lengthy battle with his health that led to leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family, in his home, at the time of passing.

Scott was born on March 8th, 1962, to Lyle Oldenburg and Yvonne Henry (Brown/Oldenburg) in Fort Atkinson, WI. Scott grew up in La Grange, WI. After high school, Scott became a farm mechanic at Larson Company in Darien, WI. Later he worked and retired as an operator at the Wastewater Treatment plant in Whitewater, WI.

Scott married Lori Butke on July 10th, 1982, at First English Lutheran Church. In the following years they became parents to 3 children Adam, Andrew, and Ariana.

Scott’s passions included being a devoted member of the Whitewater Fire Department for 19 years. He spent his time four-wheeling, snowmobiling, playing cards, camping, and vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL. He loved his home, yard, and pool. Scott also spent many years tooling around in his garage, but his favorite place was anywhere with his family and friends.

Scott was a positive, courageous man, and a beacon of light as he battled many health challenges throughout the past 18 years.

He was preceeded in death by his father Lyle Oldenburg, mother Yvonne Henry, stepfather Carl Henry, father-in-law Harley Butke, mother-in-law Phyllis Butke, and sister-in-law Connie Meyer.

He was survived by his loving wife Lori Oldenburg, son Adam and wife Micki Oldenburg, son Andrew and wife Hannah Oldenburg, daughter Ariana and Aaron Walters. Grandchildren Mason, Taylor, Isaac, and Drew. Brother Steve Oldenburg, sister Lezlie Oldenburg, and cousin Edie Oldenburg.

A memorial service will be held at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI on Thursday, April 13th at 5:00 p.m. Following the service there will be a celebration of life at Second Salem Brewing Company from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Whitewater Fire Department on behalf of Scott Oldenburg.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Sandra Miles, 65, Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at her home.  A full obituary will follow.  Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Linda Joanne Lorman, 73, Whitewater, passed away at Alden Estates, Jefferson, WI on March 2, 2023.

Linda was born on March 12, 1949, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Albert and Marjorie (Kohls) Robel. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School. Linda married George Lorman in 1970. She owned and operated The Bottle Shop liquor store in Palmyra. Linda was also employed by Farmco in Palmyra for many years. She enjoyed going to the casinos, playing cards and bowling. Above all she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Melissa Lorman, Palmyra, Jennifer (Hector) Gomez, Whitewater, and James (Katie) Lorman, Waukesha; grandchildren, Kassidy, Hailey, Dylan (Katy), Jena, Joey, Emily, Michael, Oliver, Maizy and Heidi; she was “Mammy” to her great-grandchildren, Karlee, Sage, Ivy, Havana, Alora, and Emery; brothers, John (Sandy) Robel, Dan Robel, and Tim (Leanne) Robel; brothers-in-law, Doug Weber and Ralph Tutton; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, George Lorman; siblings, Allen Robel, Kathy Weber, Nancy Robel, Mary Lou Tutton, and David Robel.

A Celebration of Linda’s life will be held on April 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Squidy’s 2, 102 N. 2^nd St. Palmyra, WI. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

WHITEWATER – Barbara J. Quast, 82, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2023.  She was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer in December and put up a courageous fight.  Barbara will be missed by countless loving friends and family members.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Whitewater.  Visitation will be immediately beforehand from Noon to 2 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will follow from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater (everyone is welcome to come and meet Barbara’s faithful Miniature Australian Shepherd, Buddy).

            Barbara grew up in Loyal, WI, where she graduated high school.  Barbara earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Ray-Vogue School in Chicago (which explains why she was always dressed to the nines).  Barbara met the love of her life, Allen, in her front yard in Loyal, WI, and they married February 3, 1962.  Barbara worked extremely hard as a homemaker, providing a wonderful upbringing for their three children and two of their grandchildren.  She was a devout Catholic whose faith provided strength and guided her through the tragic murder of Lynnette in 1999, as well as her own diagnosis of terminal cancer.  Barbara volunteered over 6,900 hours for various non-profits, most notably her 20 years as a volunteer at the Whitewater Food Pantry, where she has been the co-manager the past four years.  Customers of the Food Pantry often commented that Barbara was always smiling and kind, as she received her greatest joy from serving those in need.  Even after major surgery and chemo, Barbara returned to her volunteerism serving those she loved up until the last week of her life.  When her son tried to throw Barbara a retirement party from the Food Pantry two weeks ago, she said “I’m not a quitter!” and insisted she would continue God’s work until her dying day, which she did with great dignity and honor.  Barbara enjoyed camping with family and friends in her TowLow, traveling to amazing destinations, and playing cards with family and friends (up to her final days).

            Barbara is survived by her son, Bob (Becky) of Blue Grass, Iowa; dog, Buddy; five grandchildren – Chris, Brian, Jase (Kellie), Lacey (Bret), and Savanna; eight great-grandchildren – Lilly, Zoey, Owen, Emery, Rowan, Bayler, Corinne & Alec; brother, Tom (Jan); plus many nieces and nephews, including Linda & Tom Hett with whom Barbara & Allen enjoyed traveling the world!  Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Julia & Emil; infant brother; devoted husband, Allen, and loving daughter, Lynnette, & son, Tom; niece, Barb; and sister-in-law, Bev.

            Barbara’s family invites everyone to share stories and condolences at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.  Any donations should please be made to her favorite charity, Whitewater Food Pantry.

Sherry L. Bigelow, 74, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at her home.

Sherry was born on April 11, 1948 in Fort Atkinson the daughter of Vern and Betty (Hertel) Reinke. She grew up in the Fort Atkinson area and was a 1966 graduate of Fort Atkinson High School. Sherry worked as an office manager for Whitewater Oil for 27 years and enjoyed her work very much. After her time with Whitewater Oil, she worked at Pick’n Save Grocery until her retirement. Sherry was the type of person who was happy to go to work and she loved her jobs. The first and most important thing in Sherry’s life was her family. She was a loving mother to her two children, Robert and Brenda and a wonderful, supportive grandma to her grandkids. The lights of Sherry’s life were her great-grandchildren. She spent most of her retirement years caring for and babysitting her great-grandchildren and she loved every minute of it. She was proud of her family and made sure they felt loved and cared for. One of Sherry’s favorite things was the Christmas Season. She loved to decorate her home, give gifts, and share the Christmas spirit with others. For many years, Sherry would make a Christmas card for each resident at all of the assisted living facilities in her area which she would deliver to them with the help of her family. Sherry had a fun and sarcastic personality and her wit and laughter will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by: her children, Robert Bigelow of Whitewater, WI and Brenda Brown of Whitewater, WI; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Brittany) Osgood of Whitewater, WI, Danielle (Ryan) Larson of Menomonee Falls, WI, Nathan (Brittany) Lathrop of Cambridge, WI, Robert Lathrop of Whitewater, WI, and Andrew Lathrop of Whitewater, WI; her dear great-grandchildren, Duncan, Evan, Connor, Alexis, and a baby girl (Charlee) on the way. She is also survived by two siblings, Gale Kelly of Okauchee, WI, Douglas (Sue) Reinke of Janesville, WI, her dear friend, Betty Fehly of Fort Atkinson, WI, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Bradley.

Memorials in Sherry’s honor may be made to her family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

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