Obituaries

Whitewater, WI—Ernest (Ernie) Robert Staebler, Age 81 passed away Monday August 30, 2021 at Fairhaven in Whitewater, WI following a courageous battle with Brain Cancer.

Ernie was born in Burlington, WI to parents Bertha & Paul Staebler on December 14^th, 1939. He grew up in Waterford, WI where he graduated from Waterford High School. Ernie was baptized, confirmed, & married at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Waterford, WI. Ernie married Margaret N. Mayer on September 18^th, 1965 and was married almost 56 years. Ernie spent his working life employed as a precision tool grinder (33 years) at Charter Wire in Milwaukee, WI.

Ernie & Marge moved to Whitewater, WI in 1981 when they started their custard stand Frosty’s Frozen Custard and ran it for 23 years. During his time at Frosty’s you could see him after work most days at Frosty’s working in his vast flower gardens. He earned much recognition from his gardens including a commendation from Gov. Thompson and a writeup in national publication Birds & Blooms. When he wasn’t working in his gardens he loved to fish & hunt. Thru the years you would have found him on dartball & horseshoe leagues in the area where he loved razzing his competition.

Ernie is survived by his wife Margaret (Mayer) Staebler and their two remaining children, Charlene Staebler & Keith Staebler. His youngest daughter Teresa (Ryan) Pope lost her battle with Cancer in 2018. Ernie has four grandchildren. Brianna & Skylar Staebler (Keith), and Madisyn & Logan Pope (Ryan & Teresa). Ernie has two older brothers Paul II (Sharon) Staebler and William (Marilyn) Staebler. He is preceded in passing by his father Paul I Staebler and mother Bertha (Moritz) Staebler.

Funeral services will be held Monday September 6^th, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI. Visitation will be from 1-3pm. Services will be conducted at 3 pm by Pastor Steven Blyth of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Palmyra. Celebration of life to follow.

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

Gayle Lynne Golinski, 82, of Fort Atkinson passed away on September 1, 2021 at her home.

Gayle was born on April 7, 1939 in Fort Atkinson to Urban and Dorothy (Leedle) Beischel. She attended Fort Atkinson High School and graduated in 1957. Gayle was very active in band and received a band scholarship, but passed it up to get married to her high school sweetheart, Jerry. She was Homecoming Queen of 1956. On July 24, 1957 she and Jerry Golinski were married in Bettendorf, IA and together they had three children. Together, they owned and operated the Arcadia Lanes in Fort Atkinson and Jerry’s Polish Palace. In her later years, Gayle enjoyed working with the public at various establishments, with most recently being at Mobil Station in Fort Atkinson.

She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was very proud of them all. Gayle was a very giving person and never would take anything in return. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler, carrying an average of 180 and passed along this talent to her three children. Gayle loved her lottery tickets and she and her beloved dog, Oliver, drove all around to get them; always hoping she would be the big winner. She enjoyed her daily phone conversations with her siblings and would often get together with them for luncheons.

Gayle is survived by her children, Lynne (Doug) Blank, Julie (Brad) Peterson, Steven Golinski; grandchildren, Lucas Waga, Lacey Waga, Carleena Blank, Alexa Blank, Colton Peterson; great-grandchildren, Jayden Olson, Chase Waga; brother, Dean; sisters, Shirley and Karen; beloved dog, Oliver; nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; brothers, Joe and Dick; and sister, Barbara.

Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, September 10, 2021 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. A burial will take place at a later date at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Anne Elizabeth Johnson (Nee Wilmot), devoted wife of Robert, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 30, 2021 at the age of 77 in Oconomowoc, WI. She was born on August 8, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI. Preceded in death by her parents Teresa Wilmot and Robert Wilmot. Survived by her three children Christopher, Teresa (Gary) and Julia (Blake), grandson Michael and brothers Mike, Robert and Jim (Paulette). Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Anne graduated from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in 1962 and later married Robert on September 18, 1965 at St. Sebastian Church in Milwaukee, WI. This year would have been their 56^th wedding anniversary. Anne graduated from Harper College in Palatine, IL and then worked as a registered nurse caring for developmentally disabled individuals for over 30 years. She was actively involved in events and fundraising for Northpointe Resources (now Aspire), a service provider for disabled individuals. She enjoyed reading, home decorating and gathering with her family and friends. Anne and Robert lived in Arlington Heights, IL until 2018 when they moved to Whitewater, WI.

A memorial service and final place of rest is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Aspire Living.

Donations by mail can be made to:

Attn: Kristen Hermes
Aspire
1815 S. Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162

Donations by phone can be made to:

Director of Creative Philanthropy Kristen Hermes at 708.236.0979, extension 3592.

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

Jean Ann Lyford, 91, of Whitewater, Wis., entered into Heaven on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.

Jean was born on May 8, 1930, in Big Bend, Wis., to John and Ethel (Raht) Keller. She graduated in 1948 from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wis. On Sept. 20, 1952, Jean married John Lyford. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2021. She dearly loved her family, and she supported John in his ministry in several areas of the country, including churches in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Oconto, Wis. Jean also was active in Beja Shriners of Green Bay, with Daughters of the Nile.

She is survived by her children: Susan (Jeffery) Woods, Fort Atkinson, Timothy Lyford, Green Bay; grandchildren: Jennifer (Joe Zweep) Woods, Michael (Laura) Woods; great-grandson Rowan Zweep. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Marjorie Kirchenberg.

A memorial service will be held in the near future at Fairhaven Senior Living in Whitewater. Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to Bethel House in Whitewater or online at PresbyterianMission.org. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.

Allen Luzi, of Whitewater, passed away August 6, 2021.

Allen was the beloved son of Mark and Katherine Luzi. He is survived by his mother, Katherine, and brothers, Andrew and Armin.

No service is planned at this time.

Anthony L. Pavlick (Tony) of rural Whitewater passed away on August 24, 2021 at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, WI.

Tony was the son of Anthony and Mary Pavlick of Duluth, MN. Tony was married to Lenore Johnston on August 16, 1958 in Sioux Falls, SD. The Pavlicks recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

He received his Master’s degree from University of Illinois and another from University of Minnesota and his Ph.D from the University of Minnesota. The majority of Tony’s teaching career was at UW-Whitewater in the Economics Department.

Tony was involved in several World Peace organizations and was always interested in making the world a better place. He possessed an uncanny wit and memory along with a love of life and sports cars.

Memorials in his name can be made to Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek, WI.

Per Tony’s request there will be no service. His body was donated to the UW-Madison School of Medicine.

Update: Our thanks to Jim Stewart, who with the family’s permission provided this link to Sally Christopher’s memorial service which was held at Bass Lake, WI on June 26, 2021. If you have difficulty using the above link simply go to www.YouTube.com and search for Sally Christopher memorial.

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Sally Link Christopher entered eternal life on August 5, 2020. Mourned by children Mark (Sue) Spring Valley, WI; David (Kim) Maiden Rock, WI; Ann (Andrew) Chattanooga TN; Eric (Maggie) St. Paul, MN; and grandchildren Paul, Ben (LaChelle) Minneapolis, MN; Rachel, Daniel, Chattanooga, TN. Preceded in death by husband Dale, who served First United Methodist Church of Whitewater as pastor from 1978 until 1992. 

Born March 16, 1933, in rural Menomonie, WI, graduated Menomonie High School in 1950 and St. Olaf College in 1954. Married Pastor Dale Christopher June 1955. Worked as a high school teacher in IL and WI, and for 11 years as an Admission Counselor for St. Olaf College, retiring in 1994. Enjoyed 10 years living in Charlottesville, VA before returning to Midwest to reside in Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Memorials preferred for Parkinson’s research at Michael J Fox Foundation or Church World Service c/o First United Methodist Church of Stillwater, MN. The family appreciates the loving care she received from Boutwells Landing/The Gables and HealthEast Hospice.

Linda Ann Zimmer, age 60, passed away on Monday August 9, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She was born in Milwaukee on April 28, 1961, the daughter of the late Jerome Zimmer and Gloria (Berken). She graduated in 1979 from Appleton High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After graduation she spent her life residing in Whitewater, Delavan, and surrounding areas. She spent much of her career in social work.

Survivors include her daughter: Jennifer (Shaun) Zimmer, Ohio; 3 grandchildren: her siblings: Jean (Chuck) Mills, Whitewater, Daniel Zimmer, Colorado, and Michael (Tina) Zimmer, New Jersey; her aunt: Charmaine Zlensky, Muskego; and multiple nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas in 1964.

A private Memorial Service was held for Linda on August 13, 2021.

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

Karen Lorraine Topel, 68, of Fort Atkinson passed away on August 5^th, 2021 at her home.

Karen was born on June 3^rd, 1953 in Fort Atkinson to Kenneth and Lorraine (Damuth) Topel. She spent her early life in Fort, graduating from Fort Atkinson High School in 1971. She evidently enjoyed the city, as she became a lifelong resident.

She liked to browse garage sales and thrift stores, but what she loved more was spending time with her grandchildren and her dear son, Brandon. She also had a fondness for her beloved dog, Chico. Karen was a passionate and caring person whose love for life and others will be remembered.

Karen is survived by her grandsons, Jadin Moldenhauer and Aaron Topel; her siblings, Nancy (John) Burton of Eagle, Michael (Kathy) Topel of Fort Atkinson, and Daniel Roberts of Hebron as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lorraine; her grandparents; her son, Brandon Topel in 2017, and her infant sister, Linda Ann Topel.

A private family burial will take place at Lakeview cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Her family would like to extend special thanks to all her dear friends at Riverview Manor with whom she developed wonderful friendships.

She will be dearly missed.

Rest in Peace.

-Karen

Diane Jean (Mauel) Deegan, born to Howard and Margaret Mauel on Aug 21, 1945 in Fort Atkinson Wi Hospital. Diane Deegan Passed at Rainbow Hospice on Aug 7, 2021. She is now peacefully waiting for the promised resurrection vs John 5:28-29.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Margaret and her brother Gene Mauel.

Diane J Deegan is survived by her three children: Scott Deegan of Whitewater, Steve Deegan (Kim) of Eagle, Wi and Kelly Deegan-Reigle Janesville, Wi. She also has 3 grandchildren, Keith, Kody and Joshua Deegan, and her sister Janice Riley and brother Roy Mauel.

Diane had her own cleaning service for 45 years as she enjoyed most of her work, but also the long-term relationships over the years as well. She loved the outdoors planting, gardening and bird watching, along with the challenge of a good puzzle and the pleasure she got, when she finished it.

Diane was a member of the Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses, Fort Atkinson, Wi. She was baptized in 1973, had a very strong faith as this was a large part of her life. She loved sharing bible truths with friends and neighbors; her faith carried her through many of life’s challenges.

The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice of Johnson Creek, Wi for their help, comfort and wonderful care they gave Diane. A special thanks to all the family and friends that came to comfort her in her last days.

Flowers for Diane’s family may be sent to the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, August 22^nd from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A virtual memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 28^th at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. Log into Zoom here: https://zoom.us/join

ID: 9180357193 Password: 334509

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