Obituaries

Celebration of Life: Thomas (Tom) Grotelueschen

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Grotelueschen
Evergreen Golf Course, on Sunday June 26th  from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Thomas (Tom) Grotelueschen retired from UW-Whitewater in 1995 as Emeritus Professor in the College of Education and Professional Studies.

He passed away, in the presence of loved ones, at Cape Canaveral Hospital, FL on March 4, 2022,  eighteen days short of his 89th birthday

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Grotelueschen is planned by the family at Evergreen Golf Course, on Sunday June 26th  from 1:00-4:00 p.m., N6246 US Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Please attend and bring a story of remembrance to share.  His full life story is available here. https://www.channel3000.com/thomas-tom-s-grotelueschen/

Obituary: Randy Lou Mason Bigelow, 80

Randy Lou Mason Bigelow, 80, of Whitewater, passed away Monday, May 30th, 2022 surrounded by her children. Born February 19, 1942, daughter of Orrin and Hannah (Stuvengen) Mason.  Randy grew up in Whitewater, and attended the College high school from which she graduated in 1959. 

In her teens, Randy was a surprise feature in Life Magazine’s September 16, 1957 article “A Frenchman’s Look at American Women,” which sparked cards and letters from around the world to her, which she enjoyed answering.

She relished long work relationships with careers as a photo colorization artist in her 20’s, at Sherwood Forest, Past & Present and was the People Greeter at our local Walmart for over 20 years until her retirement in April of 2019.

Randy loved her Kitties, always having cats as companions. She was an avid book reader, gift shopper, and had a zest for traveling with friends from coast to coast, and doing Van Gelder bus tours to many local sites. Randy also enjoyed several Carnival cruises with her family. 

Randy was the treasurer of the Junior Women’s Club, a member of the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs and a member of the Senior Choir at the First English Lutheran Church. 

She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara (1937), mother Hannah (1977), and father Orrin (1987). She is survived by her children: Donald Bigelow, Alan (Vickie) Bigelow, Becky (Christopher) Miscavige Miles. Grandchildren: Trisha Bigelow Long, Rachel (Heath) Fillebrown, Stephanie Bigelow Behnke, Thomas G Bigelow. Great-grandchildren: Colby Long, Mercedes, Lillye, Maximus and Landon Fillebrown. And former spouse: Thomas A. (Judi) Bigelow. 

Visitation will be held at the First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater from 1 – 2:30 p.m., followed by a short service and luncheon on Sunday, June 19th, until 4 p.m.

Private family burial will be Thursday the 23rd at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater. 

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

Obituary: Donald Walter ”Creepy” Samuels, 41, of Fort Atkinson

Donald Walter “Creepy” Samuels, 41, of Fort Atkinson passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Don was born on June 26, 1980 in Chicago, Illinios to Donald Walter Zunker Jr. and Alicia Samuels along with four siblings.  He grew up in Chicago and attended Dvorak grammar school before moving to Fort Atkinson with his father.  Don attended Fort Atkinson high school and received his diploma.  While attending high school, Don met his friends, The Frowns, and have been friends ever since.  In 2004, Don met the love of his life, Victoria Ruiz, and they spent 18 years together.  Don was proud of his employment at Sierra Concepts as a foreman supervisor for six years.

He was an avid pool player, enjoyed music, having a good time, playing cards, playing basketball with his son, and overall spending time with all of his children.  Don was often known as the “Life of the party,” and could light up a room with the smile on his face.  He had lots of friends amongst many groups – he took people for who they were and was never judgmental, unless you liked anyone else besides the Bears and Chicago sports (minus the White Sox).

Don is survived by his fiancé, Victoria Ruiz; children, Miranda (Aaron Rafferty) Samuels, Tatiyana Samuels, Dontae Samuels, Neveah Samuels; aunts and uncles, Laura (Pete) Kaczynski, Debbie (hank) Reyes, Cindy (Brent) Keller, Steven Schoonover; siblings, Demetrius (Cassandra) Samuels, Deeanner (Darrien Wilson) Samuels; best friends, Nicholas (Nicole Mayans) Alvarado, Lorenzo (Megan Anderson) Mares, Jaime (Maribel Aguilera) Vega; nieces, April Samuels, Viola Kelly, Kadijah Kelly, Ariana Brown, Alicia Brown; nephews, Michael Samuels, Demetrius Golden, Alprentice “Little Bear” Samuels Jr., Izaiah Brown, Damari Wilson; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald Walter Zunker Sr. and Gayle Zunker, Joshua Samuels Sr. and Annie Samuels; parents, Donald Walter Zunker Jr. and Alicia Samuels; brothers, Ophius A. Samuels, Alprentice “Pooh Bear” Samuels; uncles, Bryan Zunker, Edward Samuels, Joshua Samuels, Perry Dudley; aunts, Charlene Samuels, Connie Zunker; cousins, Steven Schoonover, Shawna Turley; and godfather, Jimmy Green.

Funeral services will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.  Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the memorial fund that will be set up in Don’s name for his children at PremierBank.
Special thanks to friends that turned into family and have stepped up to care for Don’s family as their own.

Don’s children express, “I never knew how much a person could mean to me until I lost him. He was literally the only person who could lighten up my day. There is no one who could make me laugh like he could, there is no one who can make me smile like he could. He could just make someone smile by just arriving because, no matter what has or had happen he always had a smile on his face and always knew what to do to make someone else happy again.  My dad has and will always be my best friend no matter if he was here with me or up there watching over me.  He may have had his bad moments but no matter what he would always be there for my siblings and I, there wasn’t ever a time where I had to be worry if he was going to be there or not. As much as it hurts to say it, he is in a better place, with no suffering and no pain up in the clouds with all the beautiful angels. I love you forever and always dad ❤️. – YOUR BABIES”

His fiancé goes on to remark, “You & I been mourning together, inseparable, we chose pain over pleasure. For that you’ll forever be apart of me; my mind, body and soul. Ain’t no I In we (BABY) Baby boy put it on me ❤️ One life. One love. Love you forever and always-WIFEY”

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Mildred E. (Strunk) Stanton, 98

Mildred E. (Strunk) Stanton, age 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Fairhaven on June 5, 2022. She was born on July 25, 1923, in Whitewater Township to Edward and Evelyn (Viegut) Strunk. She was baptized on August 12,1923 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Whitewater and confirmed on July 3, 1938 at First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater. Mildred graduated from Whitewater High School in 1942. On April 26, 1945, she married Dean T. Stanton, at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI. They farmed with Dean’s parents in Elkhorn, WI until 1952, when they purchased a farm in Richmond Township where they farmed until 1964. Mildred worked for the Milton School District from 1967 to 1979 as a clerk/secretary.

Mildred’s church membership was extremely important to her. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church for many years and a member of Hope Circle. She also served her church in many other capacities. She was a member of Lima Benefit Club for many years and did volunteer work for Farm Bureau, 4-H and several charities.

Mildred was very interested in family history, which was documented by her numerous scrapbooks of pictures and clippings.

She is survived by her children, Diana (Laurel) Swan, Whitewater, Connie (John) Witt, Cleveland, OH, Dennis (Eva), and Eldon (Donna), both of Whitewater. She is also survived by grandchildren: Ryan Kienbaum, Thomas (Raylene) Swan, Margo (Brian) Leone, Brian (Lindsay) Witt, Eric (Amanda) Stanton, Nicholas (Megan) Stanton, Nolan (Katie) Stanton, Paul (Stacy) Stanton and Jason Stanton and step-grandchildren Donna Abell, Mary Petersen, Sandra (Stephanie) Swan and Annette Woods. She is further survived by great-grandchildren: Logan, Cody, Brady and Riley Kienbaum, Abigail Swan, Grant and Reagan Leone, Owen, Kyle and Sawyer Witt, Dashiell, Arrietty and Clover Stanton, and Brayden, Nora, and Evelyn Stanton and several step-great- grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Ethel Fischer of Fort Atkinson, and Shirley Grant of Batavia, Il. Her parents, husband, sister Virginia Pitt and 3 brothers-in-law preceded her in death.

Services will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, Wisconsin, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Hebron Cemetery, Hebron, Wisconsin.

Obituary: Rogerio (Roy) Yanez, 80

Rogerio (Roy) Yanez, age 80, was called home peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2022, surrounded by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. Formerly of La Feria, TX, and Chandler, AZ, during his rebel days, he spent the last two decades braving the snow and cheeseheads in Wisconsin where his daughters decided to settle. Firstborn to Rogerio and Amelia, Roy spent his youth helping his family in the fields of Arizona as a migrant worker and young adulthood in the military. Having endured Vietnam, he developed the stoic disposition that endeared him to his family. He loved his coffee, tobacco, and westerns. He did not need words to express his love for his family and his dad jokes and grandchildren brought out the light inside him every time. 

He is survived by his “viejita güerita,” Sonia; daughters, Rosalinda Martinez, Cinthia (Fernando) Luna-Saldivar, and Yasmine (Michael) Luna-Lennon; and grandchildren, Amaru, Mateo, Gabriel, and Analìa who will carry the memory of a gentle man that loved his family fiercely. The family will hold a private celebration of life.

Obituary: Debra Kay “Deb” (Wendt) Hollinger, 59, of Fort Atkinson

Debra Kaye “Deb” (Wendt) Hollinger, 59, of Fort Atkinson passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Fort Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family.  

Deb was born on July 6, 1962 in Fort Atkinson to Raymond and Patricia (Peck) Wendt.  She grew up in Fort Atkinson and was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church.  On May 26, 1979 Deb married the love of her life, Joseph Scott Hollinger, and together they had three children.  Deb worked at McCain Foods until her retirement.  After retiring, Deb and Joe owned and operated Capputan which was awarded the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Triple A Accredited Business award in 2009.  

Deb was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and she inspired all she touched.  She loved animals, especially her dogs, Ginger, Bear, Gizmo, Taz, Tia, and Victor.  Deb enjoyed gardening, cooking, antiques, canning, camping, and knitting.  She also enjoyed going to flea markets, estate sales and auctions.  

Deb is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Scott Hollinger; children, Michelle Lynn (Hollinger) and Chase Tyler Krantz, Kelly Jo (Hollinger) and Jason Alan Bostwick, David Robert Hollinger; grandchildren, Kaylynn Marie Bowers, Alexander Joseph Howe, Allison Jolene Howe, Owen Scott Howe, Bella Ann Bostwick, Chase Cory Bostwick, Dylan Charles Bostwick, Kaylee Grace Bostwick; siblings, Brian and Nikki Will, Terry (Wendt) Hodawanus; nieces, April (Radloff) and Josh Findlay and Kimberly (Radloff) and Randy Dahnert; and nephew, Jamie LeFave.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pearle and Meta Peck; (Step) Grandparents, Lloyd and Bea Will; (Step) father, Charles “Chuck” Will; niece, Alysia Mesiner; and nephew, Jeffrey LaFave.

Funeral services will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson.  A visitation will take place from 4 p.m. until the time of service.  

Donations may be made in Debra Hollinger’s name to the Humane Society of Jefferson County and Little Buddies Animal Rescue in Mukwonago.

The family would like to give special thanks to all that have helped them through this unbearable loss.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Robert Johnson DeBaufer, 60

Robert Johnson DeBaufer “a/k/a R.J.”, no one else had a laugh quite like it. Unforgettable. Loud and raucous. Just the opposite from the generally quiet, gentle giant of a man. RJ passed away the week of May 16 in his camper near Hollister, WI just as Spring was unfolding a promise of many days of fishing and spending time on his wooded land adjoining the National Forest watching the trillium bloom and observing the woodland wildlife. He was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin to Robert and Sally DeBaufer on June 4, 1961. He somehow survived growing up in Whitewater, Wisconsin with three older sisters: Anne DeBaufer Carlson, Susan DeBaufer Johnson and Betsy DeBaufer Loss. Despite numerous challenges, he graduated from Whitewater High School and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he enjoyed the company of his TKE brothers. After leaving the Navy, he became a computer specialist for Oscar Mayer/Kraft and DynaTechNewStar and most recently worked at Nine Mile campground. He never lost his great interest in politics. R.J. is survived by his beloved daughter Allison and ex-wife, Jane Fitzgerald and her family. He is also survived by his sister, Susan and her family, two special cousins from Georgia and their families, and many nieces and nephews. Not the least important to R.J., he leaves many friends, including his lifelong friend Kurt Seeburger, who will surely miss his genuine kindness as well as his ability to tell some pretty outlandish stories and of course, that laugh. The world has lost one of the good ones.

In accordance with R.J.’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials in Robert’s name can be made to The Sierra Club and White Lake ATV Club.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may visit online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Jane Markham, 62, of Port Washington

Jane Markham, 62, passed away Saturday, May 21,2022 at her home in Port Washington of complications of diabetes.

Jane was born April 8, 1960 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Neal and Anna (Shepherd) Markham. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1978, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from UW-Whitewater in 1983, and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from UW-Milwaukee in 1988.

As a behavioral health registered nurse, Jane spent much of her 30-year career advocating for the mental health of her clients in Southeast Wisconsin. Jane had a talent for creating beauty, and enjoyed planting flowers wherever she lived.

Jane is survived by her sisters Elizabeth Ann (John) Catania, Phyllis Shepherd (Steve Millard), Sharon (David) Hahn, seven nephews, and longtime friend Skip Sharkey.
A memorial will be planned at a later time.

Obituary: Timothy P. Ryan

It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our brother, Timothy P. Ryan.

Born in Chicago to Rita and Jack Ryan. Fond brother of John (d. Marsha), Terrance (Jan) and sister Mary Rita. Uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews, and also survived by many loving cousins. We would be remiss if we failed to mention the bevy of friends that have become more like family throughout Tim’s lifetime.

Retired Honolulu Police Officer, veteran of U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry (Tropic Lightning), volunteer for Whitewater Lakes Lions Club and friend to all animals.

Said to have a heart of a lion, that heart suddenly stopped Feb. 12th 2022. He will be missed.

The Wisconsin celebration of life will be held June 11th 11 to 4 at the Whitewater Lake Lion’s Club. Please bring along photos to share and memories to tell.

As per Tim’s wishes, a mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Augustine by-the-sea in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 14th followed by inurnment at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl).

In lieu of flowers, Tim’s favorite charity was Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in Nebraska: 402-498-3025.

Thank you all for your support during this sad occasion.

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