Obituaries

William J. “Bill” West, 75, of Whitewater passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson.

Bill was born on September 8, 1949 to John and Bessie (Sutherland) West in Fort Atkinson. He worked at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for twelve years.

Bill enjoyed watching the Packers and NASCAR.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Sandy Hahn; and many friends and family.

A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

David Harold Baker Jr., beloved husband, father, stepfather, son, and brother, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 61. Born on August 10, 1963, in Beaufort, South Carolina, David was the firstborn child of David Baker Sr. and the late Betty Jean Baker (née Wickham) while his father served in the United States Marine Corps.

David spent his early years in Wyoming, where the family lived until his parents divorced. In 1976, David moved to Oregon with his father, and he graduated from high school in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Wisconsin to be near his mother, sisters, and extended family of nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. During his time in Wisconsin, David met Teresa Geller, with whom he welcomed his first son, Thomas Geller.

In 1988, David returned to Oregon, where he settled permanently. It was there he met Lisa, and he welcomed his second son, Jason Baker.

David was a quiet and thoughtful man with a creative spirit and a love for precision and detail. A gifted sketch artist, his drawings were often intricate and expressive, capturing the world through his unique perspective. He also loved assembling model cars, showcasing his patience and meticulous craftsmanship. He was always willing to lend a hand with rebuilding cars, remodeling homes, or tackling projects like roofing and adding decks, displaying his resourcefulness and ability to turn ideas into reality.

On July 1, 2017, David married Mary Fleming (née Nathan), who became his steadfast partner and companion. Together, they shared years of love and support. As part of this union, David also became a devoted stepfather to Brian and Shawn Fleming, embracing the bond they shared. Shawn introduced him to deep-sea fishing, a pastime that became one of his greatest passions. David found peace and fulfillment on the open water, treasuring the time he spent fishing with Shawn.

David is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Thomas Geller and Jason Baker; his stepson, Shawn Fleming; his father, David Baker Sr.; and his three sisters, Beth Copeland, Cindy Killian, and Pam Rosinsky. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jean Baker, and his stepson, Brian Fleming.

Though shy and reserved, David’s steadfast presence, creative gifts, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories of his thoughtful nature, artistic talents, and love for life’s simple joys.

David will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.

…

Allen C. Hicks, 85 of Whitewater passed away on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Huntington Memory Care in Janesville.

Al, the oldest of seven boys, was born on July 5th, 1939, in Belvidere, Illinois to Walt and Laura (Keller) Hicks. A few years later, the family bought a dairy farm in Whitewater and became very active in the Whitewater community. There was always work to be done or something to be repaired on the farm which led to Al’s lifelong love of tinkering. He was very active in high school sports which continued on into his adult years playing in a softball and basketball league for many years. Building many friendships along the way, this also led to Al’s love of golfing and fishing.

Al married Norene Agnew on August 4th, 1962, in Whitewater. Soon after he opened his own insurance agency which he continued for over 45 years. Earning many awards throughout his years as an agent also provided many vacation opportunities. This in turn also became a love of Al’s and he was very well known for wanting to meander this way or sashay that way no matter the trip.

Al was an active member of the Whitewater Jaycee’s, Rotary Club and a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife Norene, parents Walt and Laura Hicks and brothers Dean and Jim.

He is survived by his daughter Lynne (Ken) Rogers and their son Josh (Savanna), his son Larry (Mo) Hicks and their daughters Rachel (Tanner) Perry and Natalie Hicks. In April of this year, he would’ve been a great-grandfather to Baby Perry. He is further survived by his brothers Richard, Dale, Terry and Jan and their families, numerous extended family and friends.

A memorial mass of Christian burial will take place at 12 pm on Friday, January 10th, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation will take place from 10:30 am until the time of mass.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Huntington Memory Care for their exceptional care of Al along with Agrace Hospice particularly his nurse Brooke.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or a charity of your choice.

While the walk down this path was difficult, we are eternally grateful that Dad’s sense of humor never left him.

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

Jeanette Ila Hansen, 91, Whitewater passed away on December 24, 2024 at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, WI, having lived independently almost all her later life.

Jeanette was born on May 12, 1933 in Whitewater, WI to Alvin and Maybell (Maasz) Cox.  She married Norman Hansen on November 2, 1950 and they were married for 59 years.  Jeanette enjoyed fishing, reading, indoor gardening, collecting dolls, and cooking; and she made many beautiful items with crocheting, knitting, and sewing.  She was generous and seemed to have a good word to say about almost everyone she met. She especially loved decorating and preparing a feast at Christmas time, filling the house with the smell of lots of cookies and other goodies.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her two brothers, Dean and Duane “Dewey.”

She is survived by her five sons, Michael of Waukesha, WI; Norman (Gloria) of Fort Wayne, IN; Jeff (Maria) of Phoenix, AZ; Dennis of Whitewater, WI; Steven of Janesville, WI; 14 grandchildren: Norman, David, Jeremy, Elizabeth, Katherine, Michael, Timothy, Deborah, Jonathan, Stephanie, Sophie, Sam, Isabella, and Lucy; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Honorariums may be made to Baptist Mid-Missions, 7749 Webster Rd., PO Box 308011, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130; or to SIM USA, 14830 Choate Circle, Charlotte, NC 28273.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI. Friends may call on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. 

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting Goods), baseball (East Madison Little League), and football (Warner Park Football). Football was where he truly found his calling. Isaac played football all four years for East High where he was also awarded All City in 2010. During college, he played football for UWRF, and after his four years of playing time, he assisted the team as a coach. He also was named to Second Team All Conference in 2015. He also enjoyed playing in many softball leagues with his friends, and with his dad and the rest of the old men.

Isaac loved music and always had something playing. Isaac was a firm believer that vinyl was better than any other form of recorded music. He loved attending concerts and could talk to you about bands for hours. He also was a strong supporter of his
friends’ bands and the local Madison music scene.

Another one of Isaac’s passions was cooking. He was very proud of his knife collection and loved correcting your kitchen technique. Prepping food was a stress-reliever for him, and he affectionately showed his love through the meals that he cooked for others. He cooked for Junior’s Restaurant in River Falls, and Mickey’s Tavern and Tip Top Tavern in Madison.

Isaac had one of the biggest hearts known to man. He was affectionately known as a giant teddy bear. Whether it was helping his sister and her co-teachers at school, carrying in his grandma’s Christmas tree, calling his friends on a bad day, performing the pterodactyl for his mom, or giving you the biggest bear hug while simultaneously lifting you in the air in the moment that you needed it most. His dimpled smiles and perfectly maintained beard could cheer up a room.

Isaac was preceded in death by his grandfather Larry Peiffer, his grandfather Richard “Dick” Unger, great-uncle Harley Warner, great-uncle John Warner, and the greatest great-aunt Carol Bergman.

Isaac is survived by his parents, Paul and Mary Jo Unger of Madison; his big sister Brianne Unger of Madison; his grandmothers Mary Peiffer of Whitewater, Donna Unger of Kirkland, WA, and Kay Unger also of Kirkland, WA; his aunts Carol Ottowitz (Steve) of Nekoosa, Jean Peiffer (Tom Donahue) of Fond du Lac, Dee Torres (Jess) of Auburn, WA, and Mary Ann “Mouse” Unger (Annette LaBissoniere) of Mt. Vernon, WA; his cousins Morgan Gaffner of Clearwater, FL, Mitchell Gaffner (Megan) of Neenah, Erin Tomlins (Isaac) of New Berlin, Stephan Torres of Auburn, WA, Cristian Torres of WA and Madison Unger of Edmonds, WA; and many other extended family members. He is also survived by many friends who were as close to him as family.

Isaac’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all of his friends, but especially to two of his closest friends, Aaron David and Isaac Hecimovich, who lended an extreme amount of support to Isaac and his family throughout the last four months.

The visitation will be held on Saturday. January 4th at 10:00 am, with a memorial service at 12:00 pm. All services will be held at Ryan Funeral Home at 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Underdog Pet Rescue in honor of Isaac’s lifelong love of animals, and to Agrace Hospice, which helped Isaac through his final days.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

John George Mack passed away into eternal glory on December 24th, 2024.

John was born December 1, 1963, in Fort Atkinson, WI to Ronald and Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack of Whitewater.   John was a 1982 Whitewater High School graduate. In 1983 just out of high school John started his first wood company selling wholesale through all the major gift markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. At the time his clients included 8 out of the 10 retail chains and several thousand independent stores nationwide. John had so many wonderful customers and associates.  

As the wholesale gift market shifted to cheaper overseas production John knew it was important to keep building locally in the U.S. and sell direct to the customer online through his own website and then started with Etsy in 2008. John was always grateful for his growing customer base who truly appreciated the quality of design and American craftsmanship which he continued to make with his love up until a few weeks before his passing.

John leaves behind a loving mother, Mary Alice (Hanson) Mack his most favorite caretaker.  John has two loving sisters and their husbands who also witnessed and were part of his courageous walk-through life. John’s loving family members are Laurie (Dave) Kyle, Elkhorn and Lisa (Mark) Riggs and his nephew Brady of Ft. Atkinson. John leaves behind his nephew Hayden Kyle and Devin Peter (fiancé) and their son Finley of Elkhorn and Mackenzie (Logan) Benter of East Troy and his nieces Hadley and Wrenley.  John is also survived by his two daughters Samantha and Amanda Mack. 

John was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer four years previous and walked the path of hope, love, joy and grace each day.  John’s walk is a true testament to what he believed was important in life. The time before his passing he shared several laughs and reminiscing time with friends and family. Family and love were the two most important loves in his life.  John was a warrior for living the best life. That is his parting gift into eternal life. 

Thank you to the Rainbow Hospice crew who helped the family during this time. Special thanks to University of Wisconsin Madison who were an integral part of John’s care and helped to give us the extra time with John. John had 3 special angels in the neighborhood where he resided, and they are Michelle, Kathy and Dick.  John’s special friend Dave was a great support and confidante and always went above and beyond with the coffee and special treats he delivered and shared with John. 

A Celebration of John’s Life will be at Haase Lockwood Funeral Home, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, which starts with a visitation Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM. The Memorial Service will be at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom DeGroot of St. John’s church officiating. The celebration will continue at Perkup Elkhorn coffee shop at 27 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.  Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

The Mack girls were blessed to have John in their life. 

Blessed be his memory!

Clifford Maynard Witte, age 103, of Whitewater, WI completed his earthly journey on December 24, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Clifford was born on September 13, 1921 on a farm in Mount Horeb, WI, and was the third child of Ella and Eli Witte.  Clifford served his country by joining the Navy in 1942 during WWII, and served alongside his two brothers. Later he used the GI bill to attend Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, IA. There he met the love of his life, Beulah (Billie) Ohrberg, and they married on Nov 7, 1946. Shortly after Clifford graduated, they moved to Platteville and opened Witte Chiropractic Clinic on Main Street.

Clifford eventually moved his practice to 45 S. Chestnut Street, and expanded with offices in Cuba City and Mineral Point. He served on the board of Directors for the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, to which he was a founding member, and served as President in 1969. While on the legislative committee he was able to get legislation passed making Chiropractic care mandatory for insurance coverage, and for establishing that Chiropractors would be officially designated as, and able to use the title of Doctor.

In recognition of his many contributions, the WCA awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1964 he built two apartment buildings on Lancaster Street in Platteville which were the first of their kind. This sparked his love of property management, and he continued to add additional holdings to his portfolio throughout the years. 

Dr. Witte semi-retired in 1975 and moved his family to Whitewater Lake.  There, he joined the Whitewater Lions club and proudly served as a ‘Whitewater Lion’ for 24 years, filling many roles during that time. He also continued seeing patients, and truly became a part of the community. He loved the Wisconsin lake-lifestyle, sharing pontoon rides and water skiing with family and
friends. He also loved celebrating Christmas with Norwegian family traditions, including eating Lutefisk and Lefse.

His faith was paramount. He attended and served at St. John’s in Whitewater; while there he headed many projects and served the Lord as a Church Council Elder and Congregational President for over 20 years.  Clifford also proudly carried the American flag in every Fourth of July Parade with his VFW and American Legion fellow veterans, even into his 90’s. In 2018, he was recognized for his sacrifices and received a ‘Quilt of Valor’ by a national veterans organization. 

If you ask him his greatest accomplishment he would say, “His family.”  Dr. Witte was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Clifford is preceded in death by his loving wife Beulah (Billie), brothers Donald (LaVern) and Curt, Son-in-law John Kolenda. He is survived in death by his four children, Chris, Ron (Laurie), Alice (Steve) and Karla (Ron). Grandchildren; Cristine, Tiffany, Rachel, Emily, Danielle and Erica, and 9 Great-Grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery in Mount Horeb, WI.

As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider a gift to the St. Croix Hospice.

Mary Ann Burkhardt, 79, passed away December 24, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital, surrounded by loved ones following a brief illness.

Mary was born on September 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, to Raymond and Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt. She attended elementary school in Chicago and Good Counsel Catholic Girls High School, before her family moved to Whitewater where she graduated from WHS in 1963.  She worked at Gus’s Pizza Palace, Whitewater Products, and finally, Jones Dairy Farm until her retirement 33 years later.  She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, boating, golf, riding her motorcycle, and playing softball for the Long Branch Saloon.  She was also famous for leaving a memento on the 4th of July beer tent!

Mary Ann is survived by her life partner of 35 years, Sue Hale, a sister, Diane (Paul) Joseph, sister-in-law, Sue Burkhardt, brother-in-law, Bill Schrank, nieces, Liz (Dale) Langer, Missy (Bob) Schoenenberger, Shari (James) Loback, Staci (JD) Zwilling, nephews, Ben (Leah) Smejkal, Andy Smejkal, Scott (Toni) Fischer, and many great nieces and nephews. ‘Auntie Nay’ had a special bond with all her nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Further survived by many close and special friends, as well as pets, Ruby, Trooper, and Chuck.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Burkhardt, Sr., mother, Helen (Pasternak) Burkhardt, brother, Raymond Burkhardt, Jr., and sister, Loretta (Lori) Schrank.

A visitation will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 pm. There will be a private family burial to follow.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Jean Lucile Zuill, 98, of Whitewater passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Hearthstone Memory Care. Jean was born on April 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima to Howard and Florence (VanDuser) Hunt.

Along with her brother Van, she grew up on their family farm in Lima. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1944. For a short time, Jean worked at the Parker Pen Company in Janesville. She married David “Dave” Zuill on August 9, 1947 in Whitewater. Upon marriage and having their two daughters, Janet and Mary, Jean undertook the meaningful job of mother and homemaker.

Jean enjoyed baking and crafts, and she was well known for her handmade teddy bears, macrame chairs, and Christmas ornaments. She was very involved in the UCC Congregational Church of Whitewater as a Sunday school teacher, member of the Congregational Ladies Circle, and Call to Care senior visit program. She was forever a dedicated fireman’s wife, even well after her husband’s passing. Water aerobics followed by coffee at McDonald’s was a favorite activity of hers for many years. Jean was surrounded by many devoted friends who she cherished throughout her life.

Jean is survived by her daughters Janet Morrow of Whitewater and Mary Zuill of Wausau; granddaughters Liz (Todd) Hinz of Roseville, Minnesota, Amy (Jazet) Ayala of Sussex, and Laura (Jason) Jacobs of Firestone, Colorado; and great-grandson Caden Ayala. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave, her parents, and her brother.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hearthstone Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice Care who cared for Jean in her final years. Donations can be made in Jean’s name to the Whitewater Fire Department or Rainbow Hospice Care. A graveside service will be held in April 2025.

Helen Ruth Delaney, 94, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 20, 2024. She was born in Bellwood, West Virginia on August 8, 1930, daughter of Henderson C. and Bertha J. (Skaggs) Hamby. She attended Leedwood High School in West Virginia. She attended Cornell University in New York studying economics and business.

On April 8, 1978, Helen married Laurence W. Delaney in Rockton, IL. Helen retired as the Manager of a Hallmark gift shop in Greenville SC and previously managed the Stop ‘N Go in Whitewater, WI.

Helen was a member of the American Radio League with a call sign of N4VXG. She was also a
member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the 32nd Division Veterans Association and a member of
the Calvary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC.

Helen is survived by her sons, Stan Smith, Rio, WI, and Steve Smith (Gail deceased), Sun Prairie, WI; daughter, Deborah (Gordy) Blumenberg, Lake Mills, WI; stepdaughters, Sandy Delaney, Greenfield, WI, and Barbara (John) Bigler, Lake Geneva WI; stepson, Steve Delaney (James Oranga) Addison, IL; brother, Frank Hamby (Phyllis deceased) Milton, WI; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Laurence Delaney; sons, Larry Smith, and Duane Smith; two brothers, Robert and Earnest Hamby; and one great-grandchild, Lydia Blumenberg.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Dunlap Memorial Home Fort Atkinson, WI with burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Atkinson, WI. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following for the loving care provided to our mom:

Fairhaven Senior Services 1-262-473-2140
435 West Starin Rd., Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190 https://www.fairhaven.org/

Rainbow Community Care Hospice
C/O Hospice Foundation 1-888-493-8276
147 W. Rockwell St., Jefferson, WI 53549 https://rainbowcommunitycare.org/