Obituaries

Marianne Steck, a beloved member of the Whitewater, Wisconsin community, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Born on September 25, 1930, Marianne was the daughter of Oliver L. Kettwig and Minnie C. Kettwig. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Robert Kettwig, Paul Kettwig, and Richard Kettwig, her sister Joyce Simon, and her husband Jerome W. Steck.

Along with her devoted husband Jerome W. Steck, Marianne built a thriving realty business, Steck Realty. Their partnership and dedication transformed their company into a cornerstone of the community, helping countless families find their homes and businesses their foundations. In retirement, she and her husband Jerry visited countless U.S. states and friends for over 20
years. They assisted many an RV friend with engine repairs, a great meal and a “smiler” or two.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marianne was known for her warmth, generosity, and steadfast commitment to her family and friends. She is survived by her extended family, and numerous friends and colleagues. The community mourns the loss of a remarkable woman who gave so much to her family and to the town of Whitewater.

A small graveside ceremony will be held to celebrate Marianne’s life at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society in her honor.

Marianne Steck will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Kristin Renee Schneidewent, 45, of Palmyra, WI formerly from Muskego, WI passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Marquardt Manor in Watertown, WI.

Kristin was born on August 15, 1978, to Randolph and Lynn (Dwyer) Schneidewent and was the youngest of four children.

She had a love for all animals, the music of Bon Jovi and spending time with her family.

Kristin is survived by her parents, Randolph and Lynn Schneidewent; siblings, Paul (Cheryl) Schneidewent; Brian (Missy) Schneidewent and Maggie (Jamie) Schneidewent-Brandt. Her nieces and nephews, Nicole (Aaron); Jami (Brandon); Shawn (Amanda); Brandon; Kayla; Lauren; Brenna; Hunter and Savana. Great-nephews, Jack, Troy and Kaeson. As well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Eleanore Dwyer; Julius and Edna Schneidewent and her uncle, Daniel Schneidewent.

Donations can be made in Kristin’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Funeral services for Kristin will take place at 12 P.M. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Visitation will take place from 10 A.M. until the time of service. Her burial will occur at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater immediately following funeral services.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Marquardt Manor for their exceptional care for Kristin.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Dean Lawrence Kyle, age 71, of Whitewater, died Sunday, June 16, 2024 on the farm.  Dean was born April 27, 1953 the son of William and Beverly (McCulloch) Kyle. On November 9, 1974, Dean married LaDonia Brandenburg. Dean started his farm in 1971 after he graduated from Whitewater High School.  He was a member of the Rock County Holstein Breeders, served on the Lima Center Zoning Board, a 4-H Leader, and on the Rock County DHIA Board of Directors. Dean took great pride in what he built on his farm and that the farm continues in operation today. He would always joke he ran the “Dean Kyle School of Agriculture,” and loved sharing his knowledge with those who worked with him through the years. 

Dean is survived by his wife LaDonia Kyle of Whitewater, WI; Daughters, Dawn (Greg) Hockerman, of Westfield, WI and Elaine (Rodney) Schultz, of Janesville WI. His grandchildren Hannah, Hayden, and Holden Hockerman; and Erik and Ella Schultz. Further survived by 6 siblings Margery Watson, Mary Ormson, Dick (Penny), David (JoAnne), Lumpy (Joan), and Howard (Nora) Kyle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by parents, two sisters; Barbara Lewis and Helen Kyle, brother-in-laws Norwin Watson, David Ormson.

Funeral Services will be held on the Farm on Friday, July 5, 2024.  Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11:30, service to follow. 

Special Thank you to the family and friends that supported us through this Dean’s health battle.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Donald “Don” John Jacobs, 94, of Whitewater passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. Don was born on March 25, 1930 in LaGrange to Marion and Minerva (Knuteson) Jacobs. He and his siblings (Norma, Lawrence, Arnold, and Edward) grew up on the family farm and were involved in the family-owned John Deere dealership in Whitewater. Don joined the Air Force in 1950 and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. He married Harriet Lentz in 1954 and later that same year they moved back to Whitewater following the completion of his service. In 1955, they had a son David and in 1957 another son, James (Jimmy). Don and Harriet started a livestock trucking company and hauled cattle until 1970 when they transitioned to hauling grain. Don’s son, Dave joined the family trucking business and worked alongside his father for many years. During this time, Don was also involved in farming, the Air Guards, and the American Legion. Don continued to run his own trucking business until retiring at the age of 80.

Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, including traveling and trips to Florida. No table was too small for family and friends to join in for Gus’ Pizza or breakfast at Novak’s or Jessica’s. Don and Harriet were devoted grandparents to their three grandchildren. No matter how tired Don was after a long day of work, he would always make time to entertain and goof-around with his grandchildren.

During retirement, Don found joy in gardening, feeding birds, spending winters in Florida, making frequent trips across town to McDonalds, and spending time with his beloved great-granddaughters. He would enjoy listening to Polka music or watching Polka Joe on RFDTV. He took pride in expanding his toy tractor collection and shared an interest in vintage tractors with his grandson, Jeremy. Don’s family enjoys reminiscing of times he would be seen mowing his lawn, riding his three-wheeled bike, and his love of dining out. Don’s generosity left a lasting mark on those he knew throughout his life.

Don is survived by his son Dave (Julie) Jacobs of Whitewater; grandchildren Jeremy (Andrea) Jacobs of Whitewater, Jason (Laura) Jacobs of Firestone, Colorado, and Jenni Jacobs of Whitewater; great-granddaughters Reagan Hammons, Hadlee Jacobs, and Rowyn Brown, all of Whitewater; and many many extended family and friends.

Don was deeply affected by the loss of his wife, Harriet in 2010 and his son James in 1970. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

The family would like to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for the exceptional care given to Don.

Donations can be made in Don’s name to Hebron Community Church.

A graveside service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Hillside Cemetery, 400 S. Wisconsin St. in Whitewater.

Thomas “Tom” L. Downs

May 12, 1962 — June 7, 2024

Waukesha

Thomas “Tom” L. Downs of Waukesha passed away surrounded by his family at home on Friday, June 7, 2024 at age 62. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI on May 12, 1962, the son of LaVerne and Carole (nee Scherer) Downs. Tom earned his degree in human services and was very involved with many organizations including Fishing Has no Boundaries, Muscular Dystrophy Association and With a Little Help…, Inc. He was an avid sports and music fan, enjoyed fishing, loved to travel and was a DJ for many Whitewater area functions. 

He will be sadly and forever missed by his dedicated partner, Cheryl Lee and their son, Joshua Downs (Nicole Heafner), his mother Carole Downs; sisters, Pam Brotzman, Shelly Picknell (Jim Frodl), nieces, Danielia Brotzman Frenzel (Jamie), Ronni Ariel Picknell Scott (Kendall Scott). Sarah Downs (Michael Sersich), nephews Lyle Downs and Brandon Downs (Liz), great nephew Talon Frenzel, great nieces Jay Downs, Alexa Downs, McKenzie Frenzel, Adelynn Downs and Emma Downs. Tom will also be remembered forever by the entire Lee family.   He was preceded in death by his father LaVerne. 

Visitation will be Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 12 noon all to be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186.

Tom’s family would like to give a special thank you to his special nursing staff who has loved, cared and supported him. All of you have become family over the years and Tom truly loved you all and enjoyed your time together. We are forever grateful. 

Tom would encourage everyone to consider organ donation.  More information can be found at https://donatelife.net/donation/

John Kent Jr. Obituary
June 3rd 1950 – June 5th 2024

John passed away quietly in Elroy, WI, after a battle with cancer. John was born in Soest, Germany, to Anna and John Mesarosch. The family immigrated to Sullivan, WI USA, in 1952. They all became US citizens and changed name to Kent in 1960. John graduated from Whitewater High School and enlisted in the Marines in 1970. Married Sylvia Rhody; they had a daughter, Tabitha Dawn, whom he loved with all his heart. He became a certified diesel truck driver in 1978. He worked for Weiler and Co. in Whitewater, WI for 40 years, retiring in 2013. He moved “up North” where he had always wanted to live.

John was full of life and loved adventure. In his younger years he drove stock cars, was in car clubs, shot off model rockets. He became a skydiver with the sky nights, a scuba diver, loved to travel. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for mechanics, loved motorcycles and old cars. He loved the Green Bay Packers and driving ATV’s. He had been a member of the American Legion of Rome, WI. John truly enjoyed his friends, was a bit of a jokester, laughed a lot, and generally just had a good time. When asked what his philosophy of life is, he said, “make the best of it,” which he did.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Kent (Steve Ohman) of Janesville, WI. A significant other of many years, Laura Bass of Wilton WI, Laura’s kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, who loved John and called him PaPa John or John Muffin. Aunt, Ruth Mesarosch, Cousins, Michael Mesarosch, (Ashley), Melinda Mesarosch, Jefferson, WI. Monika Witek, WV, Mary Ann Sowa, Oregon, Hans Matthes, CA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tabitha Dawn Sazama.

A service will be held at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI, Friday, June 14th. Visitation will be 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. with a service following at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home, 550. N. Newcomb St, Whitewater Wisconsin, 53190, 1-262-472-9118

Joseph Carl “Joe” Bauer, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Marquardt Manor in Watertown, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 79 years old. He was born in Park Falls, Wisconsin on February 18, 1945 and raised in Hayward, Wisconsin by Leo and Rosemary Long. He enlisted into the Army National Guard out of Hayward, Wisconsin and he graduated from Hayward High School in 1965.

He was not the type of man whom you’d go out to lunch with or go shopping with. He was a very, very skilled carpenter and woodworker, and there was nothing he could not fix or build. He never cut any corners, there’s a right way and a wrong way. He went through his fazes with his “toys.” Always had to have a good truck to haul his tools, he rode a Harley for a bit and snowmobiles. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and making wooden picture frames, which he would donate to the local nursing home and hospital. People who knew him knew how good of a “story teller” he was!

Joe is survived by his daughters, Joyce (Tim) Bristol, and Bobbie Jo Bauer; grandchildren, Nathan Coy (Dalton) and Jason Coy; siblings, Ray Emond (Darla), Mike Duffy (Sue), Delores Peterson and John Topdahl; as well as all the members of the Long family.

A memorial visitation will take place at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10 AM until 12 PM.

The family would like to give special thank you to Joe’s longtime friend, Mike Kachel, who has been a loyal and faithful friend to Joe over the years.

Online condolences can be made www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Linda Pieper Kirkland

Linda passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2024 at the age of 67 following a brave battle with cancer. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loved ones admiring nature, wildlife, and beautiful sunsets along the water. She was born on October 9th, 1956 and raised in Whitewater, WI with fond memories of sleigh rides with her two ponies, snowmobile sledding, visiting her grandparents’ farm, and large family gatherings with her many cousins. Her college years were at the University of Arizona – Tucson where she enjoyed days in the sun and hiking the surrounding mountains. Following college she spent summers living and working on Geneva Lake where she met her husband and lifelong partner, Kevin. They married in 1983 and lovingly raised their two daughters in Fontana, WI, where they’ve remained since. Linda spent summer days tending to her wildflower gardens, at the beach with her kids, boat rides on the lake, and daily walks through Hildebrand Nature Conservancy (which she affectionately called ‘Nana’s Secret Garden’). In winter, she enjoyed snowshoeing along local trails with her husband and dog, Zoey. For nearly 20 years she passionately devoted herself to her work as an autism therapist, working alongside children with special needs at Denison Elementary School. Those who knew Linda will forever remember her very caring, fun-loving, adventurous spirit along with her love for nature, family celebrations, dancing, travel, her dogs, and her granddaughter who brought her so much joy.

Her spirit and memories live on through the loves of her life: her husband of 44 years (Kevin Kirkland), daughters (Kate and Liz), father (Dale Pieper), three sisters (Rosann, Connie, and Lori Pieper), and her beloved granddaughter (Emma). She will join her mother (Dorothy Pieper) in heaven. She will also be missed dearly by her son-in-law, sisters/brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and close friends. Linda left a beautiful footprint during her time spent here on Earth, touching everyone around her. Her life will always be cherished by everyone who knew and loved her.

A celebration of her life will be held with family and friends at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to the following organizations: Autism Speaks, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Breast Cancer Research Foundation

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,

Love like you’ll never be hurt,

Sing like there’s nobody listening,

And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

-(William W. Purkey)

ARDELT, Robert, Jr, age 51, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024, with family by his side. He was born to Robert “Bob” Ardelt and April (Kienbaum) Ardelt-Furman on May 29, 1973, in Fort Atkinson, WI. Along with his parents, Robert is survived by his stepmother Connie Ardelt, sister Nicole (Greg) Leason of Milton, WI, and brother Ross (Annette) of Whitewater, WI., nephews, Cash and Cooper Leason, and Harrison Ardelt. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his grandparents Carl and June Kienbaum, Donald and Katie Ardelt, stepfather, George Furman, aunt, Mariann “Mickie” Kienbaum and uncle, Rommel Kienbaum.

Robert graduated from Whitewater High School in 1991. Moving to Sarasota, Florida to attend Ringling College of Art & Design, he received his associate degree in graphic design. It was there that he fell in love with the beach, but even more, found a deep desire to always expand his horizons.

Robert was given the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Israel, but amongst all his travels, it was his two years working in Nantucket, MA at Wayne Pratt Antique Sales where he truly fell in love with the world, being immersed in art history.

Faced with ongoing health issues, Robert would find his way back to Whitewater in 2007 to be near his family. Fighting Renal Failure with dialysis for 11 years he received a kidney transplant in 2018, but it eventually failed due to complications. Although these health issues would plague him to the end, his spirit never dimmed. Just as he would seize every opportunity, so would he embrace every challenge, in a special way that only Robert could. Unwavering, he went to UW-Whitewater where he finished his Art History degree with a minor in World Religion.

Always adventurous, so was Robert’s creativity, never confined to one simple thing. Taking up baking and cooking, he immediately shined, bringing his artistic flare to every gathering where a meal would be had. But of all Robert’s talents and pursuits, it was in the relationship with his nephews that he truly glowed and found purpose. Infinitely patient and thoughtful, always playful and present, being an uncle was his best craft.

Although in the end his body gave out, he fought the good fight, and we are extremely proud of his bravery. As Robert was always inspired, so shall we be by his strength.

Visitations are from 10 am until 12 pm on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation in Robert’s memory to First English Lutheran Church or to be distributed amongst Robert’s other favorite causes.

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

In loving memory of Donna Root, June 15, 1944 – June 22, 2023

Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 15th – 12-3 p.m.
American Legion Post 166
201 S. Water St. E.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

The family asks that guests dress casually and wear their favorite Packer gear as Donna was an avid Packer fan.