Obituaries

Obituary: Nancy Jo Lenz, 83

Lenz, Nancy Jo

(Nee Coburn) Born to eternal life on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021, age 83 years. Beloved wife of Jerold. Dear mother of Sheldon (Emily) Lenz. Loving grandmother of Rachel, Rebecca, and Joshua. Sister of Karen (the late Joseph Svec) Coburn and the late James (Virginia) Coburn. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd., Hales Corners) from 11 AM until the time of service at 1 PM.

If so desired, memorials to Hales Corners Lutheran Church Music Ministry appreciated.


Heritage Funeral Homes
4800 S. 84th St. (414) 321-7440
www.heritagefuneral.com

Obituary: William Vandervoort Osborne II, 72, of Tennessee

William Vandervoort Osborne II, 72 – CEO of Indutek Resources, Inc. (aka LGO Global Sourcing/Lakeside Sales) on December 6, 2021 in Johnson City, Tennessee after suffering a heart attack a week earlier. 

Bill was born in Racine, Wisconsin on October 11, 1949 to Lucien G. and Patton F. Osborne. Raised in the Village of Wind Point, he attended schools in Racine County and St James School in Faribault, Minnesota before graduating from William Horlick High School in 1968. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, graduating in 1973. He lived in Whitewater for many years before relocating in 2019 to a farm in Greeneville, Tennessee with his beloved wife.

Bill was a US Marine, serving as the communications officer in 2d Tanks and 2d Field Artillery Group, and as a reserve officer in 2d Battalion, 24th Marines. After returning to Wisconsin to join the family business, he worked alongside his father in the cast metal, plastic injection molding, and industrial equipment sectors. Bill was incredibly proud to be a fourth generation foundry man and to expand the company into the global market.

Bill indulged a lifelong passion for the American Civil War by building Lodgewood Manufacturing into one of the largest antique military gun parts dealers in the world. In recent years, he enjoyed supporting his wife in her business which took them on new adventures reenacting pre-Civil War eras. Bill was forever a Kiltie, marching with the world champions from 1964-1967; a 50-year member of the North-South Skirmish Association; member of the American Civil War Skirmish Association; Milwaukee Civil War Roundtable; and St James Episcopal Church in Greeneville, Tennessee.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Becky, disorderly children, wonderful grandchildren, unstoppable sisters, and many loving friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Obituary: Richard “Dick” Splinter, 81, of Fort Wayne, IN

Richard “Dick” Splinter, age 81, of Fort Wayne, passed away on December 1, 2021. He was born February 6, 1940 in Milton Township, WI, the son of Frank and Grace (Greenwood) Splinter. At the age of 17 Dick started working at General Motors in Janesville, WI. In 1986 two pivotal events occurred in his life: he transferred to the Fort Wayne General Motors Assembly plant where he would work until he retired with 49 years of dedicated service; and he would marry the love of his life, Sharon Grant, and spend the next 33 years building their life together until her passing in 2019.

Over the course of his life he found enjoyment dancing, traveling to the Outer Banks, bowling, visiting the casino, golfing, lifting weights, spending time with family, and listening to music while sitting outside with a drink in his hand. To Dick, life was about valuing the simple things that held little monetary value. To those that knew him, he was a trusted friend that would give you the shirt off his back. He will be missed, but his legacy will remain by all that knew and loved him.

Dick is survived by his children Rich (Deb) Splinter, Connie Collins, Dale (Kelly) Splinter, and Steve and Ron Splinter; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter Pilar Purnell; two brothers, Frank and Don; and three sisters, Francis Ingle, Lois Kerl, and Betty Aarstad.

Dick’s final request is that there will be no funeral service. He was at peace knowing that he would be reunited in the afterlife with his darling, Sharon. His ashes will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI.

Obituary: Charles Andrew Krakow, 49, Fort Atkinson

Charles Andrew Krakow, 49, Fort Atkinson passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Charlie was born on November 14, 1972 in Fort Atkinson, WI to John and Patricia (Kulow) Krakow.  He attended Fort Atkinson High School.  Charlie farmed for a majority of his life with his father and also with other local farmers.  He also worked for the last four years at Generac in Jefferson.  Charlie enjoyed fishing, his cats and working in his garden.  He loved to be outdoors.

He is survived by his mother Patricia, Fort Atkinson; siblings: Michael (Jennifer) Krakow, Watertown, Melissa (Zachary) Kostroski, Jefferson, and Jeannie (Chris Anderson) Krakow, Peoria, IL; close friend Patty Luebke; several nieces, a nephew and other family.  He was preceded in death by his father.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 3-6 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.  Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Thomas Arthur Hardy, 82

Thomas Arthur Hardy, 82, of Whitewater, formerly of Nekoosa, passed away on December 6, 2021 at his home. He was born on November 17, 1939 son of the late Arthur M. and Lois J. (Huchthausen) Hardy in Nekoosa. He married Betty Joyce (Strooisma) Hardy on May 23, 1970 in Whitewater.

Thomas is survived by his son, Steven M. Hardy and daughter-in-law, Tamara L. (Cook) Hardy and brother, Terrance Hardy who he had a falling out with family in 1997.

Thomas had many accomplishments including two bachelor’s degrees, one in English and the other in Physics with a Math minor. After school, he joined the Air Force instead of waiting to be drafted for Vietnam. He enrolled in officer training before the draft started and spent a lot of time at Camp Douglas. He talked highly of his time spent in the Air Force and enjoyed talking with WWII veterans and flying on the C130s before his unit was transferred to Milwaukee. Following his time served in the Air Force, he worked in social services and had a working relationship with Tommy Thompson and was offered a job to work at the capital as a speech writer but turned it down so he could live in Whitewater so his wife could have a career working for the UW System in the Payroll Department. He became a landlord owning multiple houses and homes. He was also a commodities trader and worked with another fellow in New York on the New York Stock Exchange.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Monday at the memorial home until time of service. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, alongside his wife, Betty Joyce Hardy.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

Obituary: Richard W. Marshall, 75

Richard W. Marshall, age 75, of Fort Atkinson, died on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Richard was born on February 12, 1946, on the family farm in Whitewater, the son of Alan and Leona (Zanton) Marshall.  He served his country with the U.S. Army.  Richard had worked as a carpenter for the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  He was a member of the 1st English Lutheran Church in Whitewater.  Richard volunteered at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson.

Richard was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a skilled woodcrafter, an avid train enthusiast, and a passionate Packer and Brewer fan.

He is survived by his wife, Christine; their son, James (Eileen) Marshall, Portage;  two grandchildren, Christopher and Kayleigh Marshall;  other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Alan Robert Marshall.  

No services will be held.  Inurnment will be private at a later date.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.

Obituary: Merwyn (Mert) Taylor, 90

On December 6, 2021, Merwyn (Mert) Taylor “slipped the surly bonds of earth.” Among other things, he was a farmer, aviator, vintner, inventor, and craftsman.

Although aviation was his first love, his wife, Marilyn (Mike) was his true love. They were married for 69 years before her death in 2019. Together, they raised five children: Dianne (Dick) Dunham, Sally (Steve) Watson, Donna (Scott) Allenstein, Steve (Chelli) Taylor and Frank (Lisa) Taylor. They, along with his 16 grandchildren, their spouses, and 36 great-grandchildren, were his pride and joy. Last August, they all gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Mert learned to fly as a teenager. He loved flying, especially giving rides to family and friends, introducing them to the joys and freedom of flight. He designed and/or built six planes, one of which is donated to the Experimental Aircraft Association museum. He was an early member of the EAA and proud of his low membership number – 156. He dedicated many years to the association and loved working in the Com Center with his “second family.” In July, his family joined to honor him as a Volunteer of the Year and to place a brick inscribed with his name in Volunteer Park in Oshkosh.

Mert was one of the founding members of the LaGrange Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief for six years. His legacy lives on in two sons, three grandsons, and two granddaughters who are on the force today.

Mert was born to hard-working parents. He tended the farm that his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather had tended before him. It continues under the good care of son Frank and grandson Eric.

When he moved from the family farmhouse, Mert and Mike built the home of their dreams in the woods – with an airstrip out behind. He loved cutting wood with his sons and stoking the wood-burning stove that heated his house and shop. The woods also provided wood for the sawmill that he built.

Mert loved making wine from his own grapes and sharing it with others. He loved restoring old cars, riding motorcycles, and going on adventures (especially adventures on motorcycles with his kids and friends). His coffee comrades helped him through these last two lonely years without Mike.

Services will be held Sunday, December 12, at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater. Visitation begins at noon with service at 2:00. Burial will follow at the LaGrange cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the LaGrange Volunteer Fire Department and to the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Special thanks for the skill and kindness of  the Aurora Summit Medical Center trauma team who worked their hardest to keep him with us.

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

Obituary: Carol A Vohs, 82

Carol A Vohs 82 Of Whitewater passed away peacefully on December 4th, 2021, with her family by her side. Carol was born on October 16, 1939, to Charles and Mildred Stelter.

Carol married Leroy Vohs on September 26th, 1959. Carol and Leroy had 2 sons David and Jimmy, and they raised the boys on Piper Rd. Carol was a stay-at-home mom until the boys went to school; she then went to work at the Commercial Bank of Whitewater for over 20 years before retiring in 2001.

Carol loved to travel with her husband Leroy, especially to Eagle River for Cranberry Fest and family trips to the cabin on Cranberry Lake where we enjoyed fish fry at Honey Bears, sitting around the living room talking and laughing, and enjoying time on the water; these memories will always be cherished. Carol also enjoyed gardening, going to her Water aerobic classes at the aquatic center with her friends and then the ladies would head over to McDonalds to have great conversation. Carol also loved to bake; at the holidays you would always find plenty of baked goods on the table and one recipe her grandkids couldn’t get enough of was her cranberry bread. Carol would always hide a loaf for her favorite Grandson.

Carol is survived by her husband Leroy of more than 62 years, Her Son Jimmy (Mary), 3 Grandsons, Justin (Stacy), Axel (Courtney) Vohs, and Damon Vohs, 1 great-grandson Pierce and 1 Great-granddaughter Hayden, 3 Step-grandchildren, Nicki, Emily, and Chad Olds, 3 step Great-grandchildren Ophelia, Braxton, and Javian and David’s significant other Karen Olds, 2 sisters Janet (Gary), Gloria (Dan) Weissinger and many nieces and nephews.

Carol is preceded in death by her oldest son David Vohs parents Charles and Mildred Stelter her in-laws George and Ida Vohs, her brother-in-law Gary Stone, and her great nephew Michael Kienbaum.

Funeral services will be held at First English Lutheran Church (401 W Main St Whitewater) on Thursday, December 23rd, visitation from 9-11 and Church service in Carol’s honor will be at 11.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Rainbow Hospice Johnson Creek, First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater, or Cold Spring Cemetery Association.

A special thank you to Marquardt Home Health, Rainbow Hospice of Johnson Creek, and Nicki Olds for the great care they gave Carol.

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

Obituary: Robert Knudsen, 78

Robert Knudsen, age 78, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 1, 2021.  The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held in the Spring of 2022.  Arrangements are pending at the Nitardy Funeral Home.  A full obituary will be posted when final arrangements have been made. www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Charles “Butch” Beckum, 61

On the morning of November 6th, 2021, playwright, thespian, and father, Charles “Butch” Beckum peacefully took his final bow. Butch lived a storied, but always humble, life as an actor, wanderer, and warrior-poet for 61 adventurous years.


His proud and esteemed service as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force inspired his most treasured work, “Learning to Fly,” a one-man show about the Vietnam War, which enjoyed local production and was well received.


He is survived by his daughters, Ally Beckum and Shiloh Beckum, Sons-in-Law Kyle Beckum & Benjamin Sommers, his sister Myleen Beckum, and his two extremely affectionate cats, Phil and Boots. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myles and Bonnie Beckum. 


A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center in Whitewater on Friday, December 10th from 5-8 p.m.


Butch did not believe in saying goodbye because we’re never apart for long and, if he could, would tell his family, friends, and every reader of this obituary “…until then.”

To post an online condolence you may click here and select “tribute wall.”

Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Charles Beckum.