Obituaries

Born to Tom and Joan Bray in Schenectady, New York on August 6th, 1956, Susanne “Sue” (Bray) Siebert burst into heaven with a boisterous laugh on January 25, 2024.

Sue grew up in Clay, NY, a suburb of Syracuse. She loved her childhood there and would reminisce about times on the Finger Lakes and in the Adirondacks. In her teens, she sang and played guitar in the band The White Hat Special, something she talked about throughout her life.

In 1972, Sue’s family moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin with her father’s job transfer. She attended Brookfield East High School, graduating in 1974. While there she competed in gymnastics in the vault. After high school she briefly attended UW Whitewater, studying art.

In 1976 she married John Siebert, also of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Shortly after they began having children — Nate, Ben, and Luke. Sue was a stay-at-home mom when her children were younger, while also taking on commissioned paintings, selling crafts at fairs, and working jobs as a housekeeper and cleaner. She was quite active in several different churches, singing and playing guitar, and held VBS (vacation Bible school) in the backyard complete with puppet shows. As the boys got older, she worked as an administrative assistant, salesperson, and customer service rep. She made friends everywhere she worked.

Sue had an infectious laugh, often coupled with a quick snort, that brought energy to any room she entered.

She enjoyed traveling (but mostly to visit family) crafting, sewing, painting, cooking, playing guitar, growing flowers, watching birds, watching Hallmark movies, cousin sleepovers with the grandkids, talking to her dogs, and of course, the Packers.

She absolutely adored and loved her family and friends. The stories she told were almost always about them, and her favorite times were with them. She welcomed everyone into her home, always wanting to share a meal or have a party to celebrate just about anything.

She is credited with heroically saving her husband John’s life, being trained in and performing CPR after a massive heart attack from which he recovered completely.

Sue is survived by her husband, John Siebert of Brookfield; her parents Thomas Bray and Joan (Weaver) Bray; her boys Nathan (Natasha) Siebert, Benjamin (Nichole) Siebert, and Luke (Yazmily) Siebert; her grandchildren Loken, Jonas, Finn, Esten, Mason, Maddox, Grace, and Noah; her aunts Colleen Reddy and Kathy Markley; her siblings Mary (Bray) Walker, Tom (Kathy) Bray, Steve (Beate) Bray, Julie (Dick) D’Agostini, Lynn (Pete) Dickinson, Nancy (Ron) Epling; siblings-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends from all over.

She is preceded in death by her in-laws Glenn & Joan Siebert, uncle Jack Bray, brother-in-law Bob Walker, brother-in-law Dan Siebert, her niece Melissa Bray, and nephew Daniel Bray.

She will be greatly missed.

On February 26th, a visitation will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Christian Schools (New Berlin) attn: Business Office – Sue Siebert Memorial.

Gregg Godfrey, 79, of Fort Atkinson, passed away February 1, 2024 at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Gregg was born on October 25, 1944, to Spencer and Norma Godfrey. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1962. Gregg married his high school sweetheart, Jane (Henze), on April 10, 1965 in Whitewater. They had two children, Gregg M. and Darren. He worked at Chrysler for 30 years, raised calves, owned and operated many businesses including: Godfrey Dredging, A&W in Broadhead, a small resort on Lake Koshkonong, an amusement game vending route and the Owl’s Club.

Gregg loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He was kind, compassionate, caring, smart, resilient and a prankster who loved to make people laugh. Gregg was a true patriarch, a role model and his strength and wisdom helped to guide all of us through life.

He will be deeply missed by his family; sons, Gregg M. Godfrey of Texas and Darren (Mindy) Godfrey of Lake Mills; grandchildren, Carron (Gregg M.), Silver & Cole (Darren), great grandchildren, Jacksen & Landen, sister and brother. Gregg was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Godfrey and his parents, Spencer and Norma Godfrey.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., in Fort Atkinson. A visitation will take place from 2 p.m. until the time of service, followed by a celebration of life and luncheon at Lucy’s Hideaway (formerly known as Owl’s Club), 5847 E. County Road N, Milton, Wisconsin 53563. All welcome. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Shirley Sebranek passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Fairhaven Retirement
Community in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

She was born on December 15, 1933, in Wiota Wisconsin, daughter of Orlean and Orpha Wahl. Graduated from South Wayne High School. She married Adolph Sebranek on August 19, 1956. They lived most of their lives and raised their family in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Shirley worked at the Pharmacy in Fort Atkinson for several years before it closed and then 27 years at Walmart in Whitewater in the clothing department.

She loved spending time with family and friends, especially with the grandchildren (playing games and spoiling them); as well as going to coffee with friends, bowling when younger, going out for dinner on Fridays, watching sitcoms (Raymond, Fraser, and the Golden Girls) and reality shows (The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and Survivor), and going to church and brunch on Sundays.

She is survived by children Alan Sebranek, Ron (Dawn) Sebranek; grandchildren Jacob, Dayne, Christa, Lukas, Trevor, and Eli; sister in-laws Nancy Sebranek and Sheryl Sebranek; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by husband Adolph Sebranek, daughter Barbara, parents Orlean and Orpha Wahl, brothers Roger (Ruthie) Wahl and Sammy (Vivian) Wahl, sister in-law Bessie (Joe) Fawcett, brother in-law Duane Sebranek, brother in-law Maynard Sebranek, and god-daughter Dawn Wirth.

Shirley just loved everyone. Always smiling and willing to help if she could. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 314 Barrie Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on Monday, February 12th . Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and funeral to follow at 11:30. Memorials can be made to Fairhaven Retirement Community Christmas fund for all the wonderful nurses and staff that care for the residents of Fairhaven. We greatly appreciate all the care and assistance they provided for Shirley.

Betty (Guge) McManaway passed on peacefully on January 29th, 2024.

She was born on May 16th, 1938 to Walter and Dorothy Guge of Elgin, Illinois as the first of five children. She married the love of her life, Ray (Ed) McManaway on February 16, 1957. In the months following their wedding, the two of them had quite the adventures. The week after their wedding they drove to California for Ed’s Army heavy vehicle training for 6 weeks. Upon finishing his training, they had less than a week to drive back to Chicago so he could catch a flight for him to begin his 18 months of active duty in Germany. Betty then worked for a few months to be able to afford to travel to Germany to join him. While over there, Ed had little time off, but they were able to road trip to various places. Their favorite trip was when they went to Paris and then the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. After Ed’s service they returned to Wheeling, Illinois to start their family. They built their own home that was not completed until the day they moved out. In 1974 they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin to start the next chapter of their life, farming and enjoying the country life. Upon moving to Whitewater, Betty held multiple different part time jobs, but her favorite one was as a mother and grandmother, always going to every game, concert, or event. She was able to do all of this while managing the books for the farm and keeping Ed in line.

Anyone who knew her knew she loved to be busy and always had to be doing something. She loved cooking, cleaning, golfing, gardening, and going on walks around the farm, even during the winter months.

She was predeceased by her brothers Joe and Leonard Guge; and is survived by husband, Ed; sons, Wally (Gina) and Gordy (Omlay); grandchildren, Erin and Thomas McManaway; brother, Al Guge, sister, Marilyn Bassler; and many nieces and nephews.

We wish to thank Stephanie and Jess from Hearthstone for their help over the past two years, John and Nancy Hoffmann for their life-long friendship and support and the numerous other friends, family and neighbors that visited or left an impact on her life.

A private family service will be scheduled for a later date. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Grant Eugene Rice. He was surrounded by his children and loving sister. A remarkable individual whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to family, service to his country, and entrepreneurial spirit. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, and the love he shared with his family.

A devoted father, Grant leaves behind a lasting legacy through his children. Surviving him are Bryan (Mary) (Arlington, Virginia), Brad (Cambridge, Maryland), Hailee (Korea), and Anjolee (Fitchburg, Wisconsin), along with grandchildren Melina (Norfolk, Virginia) and Jerry (Cambridge, Maryland). His role as a loving and guiding presence in their lives will forever be remembered, as will the cherished moments spent together as a family.

Grant often spoke of his favorite adventures with his children; flying in Bryan’s single engine Cessna from Alaska across Canada to College Park, MD; joining Brad on a “tiger cruise” during his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1); Bringing Hailee back from China; and most recently in 2022 riding on a dog sled with Anjolee in northern Minnesota.

As a private pilot Grant was often found in the airways doing what he loved.  He had served with honor in the United States Air Force where he had developed a keen interest in flying. 

Grant is also survived by his sister Linda (Jerry) Miles from Whitewater.  Their close bond forged from growing up on a farm in Cold Spring, Wisconsin, which served as a foundation for a beautiful relationship throughout their lives.

As a graduate of Whitewater High School (Class of 1964) and the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Grant cultivated a passion for knowledge and excellence. His academic achievements reflected a commitment to lifelong learning and set an example for those who knew him.

His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing quality water to the community exemplified his commitment to service. Together with his beloved spouse, Susanne, they proudly owned and operated Culligan of Central Illinois in Peoria, while residing in Morton, Illinois for nearly four decades.

Having experienced the loss of Susanne in 2022, Grant faced life’s challenges with grace and strength. His resilience in the face of adversity and his ability to find joy in the moments of life are an inspiration to all who knew him.

As Grant was a life-long dog and cat owner and advocate, the family requests recognition or donations be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County      (https://hsjc-wis.com/donate/) in Grant Eugene Rice’s memory.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved spouse and family, and may his memories bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

A private service will be held at a later date. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Arthur ‘Skip’ Simes, 77, Casa Grande, AZ

Skip passed away on January 21, 2024 at 3:17 p.m. [Irish until the end] surrounded by loved ones at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. After two successful rounds of lymphoma and remission over the last 13 years, Skip recently faced the return of a very aggressive and rare form of Lymphoma [Burkitt Lymphoma], that was made impossible to treat due to kidney failure.

Arthur was born on January 8, 1947 to Irene + Arthur Simes in Woodstock, Illinois. In 1949 the family welcomed Skip’s sister, Kathleen [Kathi]. Skip grew up in Hebron with a wonderful group of friends that would remain friends for life. In fact, in high school, he got his nickname of “Mr. Mayor.” As most of the other kids were wearing jeans and shirts, Skip would show up in his wing-tip shoes and cuffed pants. Always dressed the part!

In 1966, Skip graduated from Alden-Hebron High School where he was president of his class, then attended two years at Elgin College before beginning his journey at the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1969.

After graduating Mortuary School, Skip began his professional career of serving families in their time of need. He was thoughtful, kind, compassionate and always professional, understanding the magnitude of how his work would impact people during their time of greatest sorrow. Skip began working for others as he gained experience to ultimately own and operate his own funeral homes in Rochelle and Ashton, Illinois. In 1986, after deciding he could no longer take Midwest winters, he moved to Arizona. It wasn’t long before he began building Simes Mortuaries, first in beautiful Coolidge and Florence, along with Valley Memorial Park cemetery. Then, expanding to Casa Grande.

In 2009, Skip sold his businesses and began retirement where he had all the time in the world to have coffee with his friends at the doughnut shop, go to his favorite hangout Tags, meet friends for breakfast or lunch and do his near daily strolls through Walmart.

Skip knew how important it was to give back to the community. He spent many years involved with the Casa Grande Rotary Club, as members [and sometimes President] of the Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, Compassas Hospice, the Hospice
Charitable Fund of Central Arizona, and the Chamber of Commerce. Skip also was part of the Jesters and always enjoyed those trips that brought lots of laughter, some shenanigans and always a good time.

The two things Skip loved most in this world were his family and ice cream, with his friends coming in as a clear third. Most specifically Culver’s hot fudge sundaes. Sometimes being known for having two or three at a time. Eating ice cream with the
grandchildren was always a highlight of any visit. In fact, the last thing that Skip asked for, after telling us all how much he loved us, was ice cream. His wife, Laura moved mountains to get that ice cream up to his room, and Kim proudly helped him enjoy one last round of chocolate ice cream.

Skip is survived by his sister, Kathi [husband, Keith] Olson of Babcock Ranch, FL, his daughter Kim Simes [wife, Dr. Robin Fox] and their two children, Brennan + Sanibel Fox-Simes of Whitewater, Wisconsin, his wife Laura Simes of Casa Grande and her four children [Nathaly, Rene, Raul + Marcela] and their families. He is also survived by several other relatives and dear friends. And of course, his faithful friend and lapdog Chino. Throughout his life, Skip loved and was loved by many, including his first wife and mother of his daughter, Joan Simes of Whitewater, Wisconsin and his second wife, Gail Pelovsky of Payson, Arizona.

The family would like to thank Dr. Clayton Polowy, Dr. Kanwardeep Sachdeva, family friend and Dr. Rob Sawyer, and the team at Banner Desert Medical Center, with special appreciation for the amazing nursing staff, especially Mark + Amber who helped us through the final hours with the utmost care + compassion.

Visitation Thursday, January 25th, 5-7 p.m. Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel, 541 W. Coolidge Avenue; Visitation Friday, January 26th, 5-7 p.m. J Warren Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel, 525 N. Peart Road, Casa Grande; Funeral Services Saturday, January
27th, 10:00 a.m., Central Lutheran Church, 12921 S. Sunland Gin Road, Arizona City; interment to follow services in Heritage Valley Memorial Park, 410 W. Roosevelt Road, Coolidge.

Because we are certain Skip would absolutely not want a winter service in Illinois, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 13th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona. They can be made online here or mailed to PO Box 11859, Casa Grande, AZ, 85130-1859

Skip will be dearly missed. If you knew Skip, he probably checked in on you often. During his recent hospitalization it became apparent how many people he reached out to on a regular basis to make sure they were okay. This was his way of showing his love for the people in his life, To honor his memory – check in on your family and friends and like Skip, do it often and with great care and concern.

Donna Lee Stafford, 87, born on July 26, 1936 to Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar and answered God’s call on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Donna lived her childhood in West Allis and met her husband of 56 years, Ronald Lee Stafford (preceded her in death), while in high school. She filled and dedicated her days to her children, church and community activities. After years of planning annual family vacations, she turned her passion for adventure into a career and became a Travel Consultant. She and Ron traveled the globe while planning trips for many. A Midwest girl at heart and after residing in Indianapolis, IN and Woodridge, IL she returned to Wisconsin to a beautiful lake view in retirement.

Surviving are her children, Barbara Lee Albiniak of Brookfield, WI, Bryan Lee (Debbie) Stafford of Cincinnati, OH, Brenda Lee (James) Bromfield of Woodridge, IL; six grandchildren, Alex Albiniak, Arielle, Wesley and Bryanna Stafford, Madison and Ian Bromfield. She is further survived by her brothers, James (Barbara) Farrar, Jack (Cheryl) Farrar and Daniel (Kathy) Farrar. She will be missed by nieces, nephews and a large extended family of cousins.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or to Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek, WI.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 320 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, WI with Rev. Daniel Fahs officiating. A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

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

Jon G. Heitz, 79, passed away on January 1, 2024 at the Watertown Regional Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Madison, WI, the son of Gilbert J. and Virginia E. Heitz and lived in Lake Mills, WI where he graduated high school before attending and graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a teaching degree. Jon taught Social Studies at the Middle School level in the Whitewater school system for 39 years and retired in 2006. Jon loved teaching. In addition to teaching the standard curriculum, he taught his students practical lessons in understanding the impact of advertising on purchasing, the evaluation of product durability and reliability and fiscally responsible shopping. Jon wholeheartedly believed that knowledge is power, and students are capable of learning and understanding more than they believe is possible.

For over twenty years, Jon organized and ran the Little Giant League baseball program in Lake Mills for players aged 8-13, while also coaching many teams to championships. He started the Lake Mills Babe Ruth team for players aged 13-15 and had many successful years and season championships. Throughout his 20 years of coaching, Jon taught his players the importance of strategy, hard work, patience, respect, teamwork, and fun, often saying, “baseball is life.” The city of Lake Mills honored Jon for his years of dedication to the youth of Lake Mills by proclamation officially declaring June 17, 1989 as Jon Heitz Day.

Jon was a loving husband to his sweet and loving wife, Kathleen Willms (Kathi), a wonderful stepfather to Megan and “papa Jon” to Makinley, an amazing brother and role model to his siblings, and a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle to his family and extended family. Jon was witty, kind, and generous. For more than 30 years Jon hosted legendary Christmas celebrations at his home, with an extensive gourmet spread and a mountain of gifts. Jon had an incredible sense of humor, and many of his gifts reflected his sense of humor, resulting in raucous laughter when each gift was unwrapped. Jon lived what he taught: never stop learning; knowledge is power; life is what you make it; remember to have fun while tackling the challenges of life; and love others with wild abandon. Rest in peace Jon, we love you and will miss you!

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Virginia Heitz, his brother Jay Heitz, stepson Joseph Kellner and his sister Jean Heitz-Johnson. Survivors include his wife Kathleen A. Willms, her daughter Megan (TJ) Gile, their daughter Makinley, his brother Jac (Ruth) Heitz, niece Meghan Johnson and her daughter Neah, nephew Nicholas (Morgan) Johnson, their daughter Sloane and son Cohen. Jon is also survived by his extended family members (sister and nieces-in-law), Ernestine, Christin, and Sierra Braswell.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th from 11:00-12:30 with a service immediately following at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home, 900 West Racine Street, Jefferson, Wisconsin.

All of Jon & Kathi’s friends and family are invited to stop by and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Online condolences may be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com

Sophie Castelvecchi, 88, Whitewater, passed away in her home Tuesday, January 9th, 2024.

Sophie was born on June 11th, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Samuel and Constance Plattis. She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and watching the Bears and the Bucks.

She is survived by her daughter Geralyn (Mike) Stewart, son Thomas Castelvecchi, sister Loretta Castelvecchi, grandchildren Dana Traynere, Austin (Dulce) Castelvecchi, Joelle Traynere, Jeff (Erika) Stewart, Robert (Katie) Stewart and great-grandchildren Henleigh and Teagan Stewart.

She is preceded in death by her husband Pasquale Castelvecchi, her parents and other siblings.

Thank you to Rainbow Community Care, Supportive Care Management for their support
through the last years of her life.

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

Antoinette G. Czebotar, 75, of Whitewater, died on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Alden Estates of Jefferson.

Antoinette was born on January 14, 1948 in Fort Atkinson, daughter of the late Nelson and Constance (Kupstas) Hake. She married William Czebotar on February 9, 1974 in Fort Atkinson. He preceded her in death on August 3, 1980.

Antoinette is survived by her brother, Richard Hake of Whitewater and her nephew, Brent Heffron of Fort Atkinson. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Heffron and her niece / adopted daughter, Christine Hake.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. at the memorial home until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com