Obituaries

Obituary: Andrew S. “Drew” Bingner, 39, of Edgerton

Andrew S. “Drew” Bingner, 39, of Edgerton passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a 17-month battle with ALS.

Drew was born on January 11, 1986, in Marietta, Georgia to Eric and Laura (Share) Bingner. The family moved to Fort Atkinson in 1997 where Drew attended Fort Atkinson schools. He played the cello in the orchestra as well as participating in Odyssey of the Mind. He excelled in football, wrestling and track, going to State in both wrestling and track. He was selected Athlete of the Year his senior year. Drew graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 2004 and attended UW-Eau Claire for one year where he lettered in wrestling and track. He then transferred to East Carolina University earning a BS in Nursing in 2008. He was employed as an
Emergency Department Nurse at Fort Memorial Hospital and Meriter Hospital in Madison. Drew married Jordan Spear in 2019, and they were blessed with two energetic and handsome sons.

Drew’s greatest joy in life was his wife Jordan and his two boys, Wyatt (6) and Owen (4). He was a renaissance man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, and boating. He liked woodworking, gardening, stained glass, crocheting, and many other activities.

From dragging cousins, nieces and nephews around the lake on a tube, to setting up Olympic or Survivor games, Drew was always in charge of fun-time activities earning the honorary title of “Fun Czar.” He especially loved to play board games, always bringing the newest games, ready to teach “almost all of the game strategy” to his eager challengers.

Drew is survived by his wife, Jordan; sons, Wyatt and Owen; parents, Eric and Laura Bingner; brothers Derik (TingTing) and Charles; and several nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Lory Spear; his sister-in-law Andrea (Garrett) Rawson and brother-in-law, Sam (Cheila) Moran; his grandmothers, Florence Bingner and Mary Share; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Bingner and James Share and his father-in-law, Jeffery Spear.

A memorial service will take place at 12 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. A memorial visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Drew’s name to the ALS Association – Wisconsin (ALSAW) or Agrace Hospice.

The family would like to give special thanks to Agrace Hospice staff for their exceptional care for Drew.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Phyllis Heesch, 98

Phyllis Heesch, 98, residing in Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025.

Phyllis was born in Pipestone, Minnesota on July 11,1926. She lived much of her life in Southern California, including many years working as executive assistant to the president of Harvey Mudd College, before moving to Loveland, Colorado and Whitewater in retirement. She loved gardening, arts and crafts, and was an excellent cook and baker. She always had time to play board games with her grandchild and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Ashleigh (Corey) Bruns; great-granddaughter, Emilie Bruns, and great-grandson, Dean Bruns, all of Whitewater. She was preceded in death by her son Larry Heesch and parents Emil and Elsie Heesch.

A special thank-you to the staff at Fairhaven and Rainbow Hospice who lovingly cared for Phyllis as she prepared to join her Father in Heaven.

Obituary: Richard P. Hickey, 83, of Palmyra

Richard P. Hickey, 83, of Palmyra, WI passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2025 at his home.

Richard was born on August 13, 1941 in Madison the son of Stanley and Harriet (Harder) Hickey. He grew up in Whitewater, WI and was a 1959 graduate of Whitewater High School. Richard married Joyce Becker and had two children, Steven Page Hickey and Lisa Ann (Hickey) Christenson. He later married Mary Jane (Davis) Hickey. In his youth, he worked for farmers, also Whitewater Canning Company. Richard was a talented machine operator and worked for the A. O. Smith Corporation for over 27 years. He also worked for over 9 years at High Pro Corporation and 6 years at Hudapack Metal Treating. Richard was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and an avid outdoorsman.

Richard is survived by: his son, Steven Page Hickey; daughter, Lisa (Tim) Christenson, step-daughters, Susan (Jay) Maritz, Diane (John) Sharine, Donna (Paul) Hennig, and Denise (Paul) McDermit; a daughter-in-law, Laura Huebner and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives.

Thank you to all our family and friends for your generous support. Peace and love to you all.

“Don’t grieve for me, for I am free. I took God’s hand when I heard Him call. If my parting has left a void in your heart, then fill it with remembered joy. My life has been full, I savored much – good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now, He set me free!”

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

Obituary: Edwin George Gerner, 81, of Arena, WI/Mesa, AZ

Edwin George Gerner, 81 of Arena, WI/Mesa, AZ and formerly New Glarus/Blanchardville, WI, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Citadel Post Acute in Mesa, AZ shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He spent his last days with his children, Steve (Jody), Jennifer, Becky and sister, Sally. Ed was born on November 25, 1943, to Leslie & Enola (Schultz) Gerner in West Bend, WI and was named after both of his grandfathers. When he was five, the family moved to Whitewater, WI and Ed graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961. Then, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course. Ed married Bonnie J. Stricker on October 22, 1966, celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary before her passing on June 12, 2020. Ed & Bonnie started their farming career on the family home farm for a short time before moving to a farm outside of Monticello where Steve & Jennifer were born. In 1974, they made a move to Blanchardville, WI where they purchased their first farm. And then came along Becky, their third child. After he retired from farming, he enjoyed driving semi cross country and loved his runs to Texas. He was a cowboy at heart. Ed was a member of the Adams Lutheran Church and volunteered his time on the church board, served as a leader for the York 4-H club in Blanchardville, mentored many youths in the dairy industry along with helping out the Green County Ag Chest. Ed loved dancing with his wife to polka music, spending time with family, playing card games & enjoyed football, basketball & volleyball, especially the Packers and Badgers. He always looked forward to March Madness while being a snowbird in Mesa, AZ. He loved to work in his shop with his woodworking for “Papa’s Creations” and selling his work at farmers markets in neighboring towns. He enjoyed his Sunday morning coffee with the guys (Duane, Doug, & John).  Ed made many friends from across the country and Canada; he was loved by many for his humor and could be counted on to make you smile. 

Ed is survived by his children, Steve (Jody) Gerner, Jennifer (Brian) Engstad and Becky Sturdevant. Grandchildren, Toni, Max (Emma), Jacob, Lucas, Thomas, Taylor (Malcolm) & Abigail. Great-grandchildren, Amaya & Amyre. A brother, Dan (Ann) Gerner, Richland Center; four sisters, Nancy Gerner, Madison; Gayle (Allen) Pierce; Lacrosse; Debbie (Tom) Ferguson, Janesville; Sally (Dennis) Wellnitz, Whitewater. Sister-in-law, Judy Wilhelmi, Houston, TX & brother-in-law Jim (Linda) Stricker, Monroe. Many nieces and nephews and extended families. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, a son-in-law, Chad, a sister, Vicki, a brother, Mike, and a brother-in-law, Peter.

A gathering and memorial service is planned for late spring at the Adams Lutheran Church, Argyle, WI.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com

Obituary: Karl H. Merz, 86

Karl H. Merz, 86, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Memorial Hospital.

Karl was born on November 1, 1938 in Bamberg, Germany to Karl and Barbara (Seufert) Merz. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in French Literature from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed over thirty years of teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as part of and later Chairman of the Foreign Language Department.

He enjoyed travel, reading, cooking and his dogs.

Karl is survived by his wife, Jami; daughters, Barbara Merz and Sarah Merz Devoll.

He is preceded in death by sisters Gerda (Ruth) Wilke of Whitewater and Rosemary Marquardt of Erlangen, Germany.

At this time, no formal services are scheduled for Karl.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeland Animal Shelter or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville

Thomas W. Walterman, 92, of Janesville, WI, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2025, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn, at his side. He was born in Wauwatosa Township, WI, on November 4, 1932, to Harry W. and Helen (Vahle) Walterman. Tom grew up in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from Davenport High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served two years in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.

Upon leaving the military Tom attended Augustana College on the G.I. Bill in Rock Island, IL where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While teaching history at Davenport High School, Tom pursued his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa during the summer breaks. He later earned an additional Master’s Degree and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. These academic achievements led him to the positions of Associate Professor of History and Assistant to the President at Central Washington State College in Ellensburg, WA.

In 1973, Tom was appointed Dean of the University of Wisconsin-Center at Rock County, a position he held longer than any other Dean. His humble beginnings and strong work ethic shaped his hands-on approach, earning him widespread respect for his dedication to improving campus facilities and student experiences. In 1990, he accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, which he retired from in 1995.

Tom was an exceptionally humble man and will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to every endeavor he undertook and exceptional commitment to improving the educational opportunities for students.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Walterman; his son, Michael (Carolyn Williams) Walterman; his grandchildren, Thomas (Kathryn) Walterman, Maxwell (Krysten Trindade) Walterman, and Elena (Pieter Den Hartog) Walterman; his niece Jill (Dana) Borquin; his nephews Randy (Pam) Raabe, and Ken Raabe and one great-grandchild on the way.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Obituary: Carl Wesley Thayer, 84

Carl Wesley Thayer, a loving husband, father, and grandfather/great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 at the age of 84. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years and best friend, Nancy. He is further survived by his children, Vicki (Randy) Marquardt, Richard (Kathy) Thayer, Craig (Kathy) Thayer, Pamela (Wilbur) Healey, grandchildren (Shelly, Steven, Sean, Seth, Joshua, Justin, Jessica, Rebecca, Jacob, Melissa, Andrew), great-grandchildren (Bethany, Levi, Easton, Nolan, Zack, Ava, Jace), brother of Bruce Thayer, brother-in-law Sidney Traxler. Preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Marion, sister Marie, sister-in-law Marty, and a dear great-granddaughter Jordyn Mae Thayer.

Carl loved the outdoors, especially fishing year-round. He saw a lot of the United States during his career as a professional truck driver. He was a very outgoing and special person who liked making friends. 

To honor Carl’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Carl’s memory in your own ways. We know that he will be with us all in spirit.

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

Obituary: Janet Kay (Wolline) Hintz, 76

Janet Kay (Wolline) Hintz, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born on November 28, 1948, the daughter of the late Herschel W. and Lila (Wade) Wolline Sr. During her free time, she loved doing word searches, going out for rides with her friends, cooking and baking. She was known to make a very good chocolate sheet cake. She enjoyed taking care of other people and always put others before herself. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, animal lover and caretaker who would do anything to see the people that she loved happy. Her warm presence will be missed.

Janet is survived by her children: Matthew (Sara) Hintz and Melissa (Thomas Perrin) Hintz and grandchild: Thomas Hintz.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents Herschel Sr. and Lila Wolline; brother: Herschel Wolline Jr., and sister: Shirley Markham. 

A memorial service will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the funeral home, 730 N. Wisconsin St. Elkhorn, WI, 53121 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Hintz family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

Obituary: Thomas W. Duda, 79

Thomas W. Duda, age 79, went to the arms of his loving Lord on January 18th, 2025.

He grew up in a northwest suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights, and attended Prospect High School. There, he was a sports editor of the school newspaper, The Prospector, a member of the Biology Club, Latin Club and Debate Club. In Des Plaines, IL, he worked at First National Bank as a teller. This is where he met his loving wife of 50 years, Maureen, who came in as a customer. Tom then went to work for the Chicago Tribune as an advertising editor.

He loved classical music and played the piano beautifully. He was also known to sing on occasion. Chess was his favorite game to play, and he enjoyed watching Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. For his wife, he would also watch the Chicago White Sox.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Frances Duda (Wagnercyn) of Arlington Heights, IL. Tom is survived by his wife, Maureen Duda (O’Grady); Daughter, Patty Stefaniak; Grandchildren, David, and Jessica Stefaniak; Great-Grandchildren, Catherine and Finnegan Day.

A private service will be held at Mulberry Campus – Memory Care, on Saturday, January 25th. In lieu of flowers, in honor of Tom and the care and love that they gave him, please make a donation to Mulberry Campus in Whitewater, WI.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Donald LeRoy Klemp, 76, of Columbus, WI

Donald LeRoy Klemp, 76, of Columbus, WI passed away on January 20, 2025 at Columbus Health & Rehab. 

Don was born March 21, 1948 in Edgerton, WI to Richard and Elsie Klemp of Milton, WI.  Don graduated from Milton Union High School in 1966 and later graduated from a technical school in Denver, Colorado which eventually led to a 31-year career as a field service engineer with GE Medical Systems. 

Don married the love of his life, Kathleen Gudeyon, on July 27, 1968 in Whitewater, WI and they enjoyed 56 years of making beautiful memories together.  Don was a devoted family man who enjoyed taking his family on camping trips, spending time out on the lake, working on projects in the garage or fixing anything that needed it for family, neighbors, and friends.

Don is survived by his wife Kathy; his five children, Krista (Brian), Suzanne (Chris), Daniel, David and Richard; as well as 6 grandchildren.  Preceding him in death are his parents Richard and Elsie and his brother, David. 

Funeral Services will take place at 11AM on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Willerup Church in Cambridge. Visitation will take place from 10AM until the time of service.  A burial will take place immediately following services at Kroghville Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Columbus Health & Rehab staff for their exceptional care for Don.

Don will be missed by all that knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.