Obituaries

June Gnatzig, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at Mulberry Glen in her hometown of Whitewater, WI.

June was born on June 24, 1929, to Mary (Voight) Stelse and Gustave Stelse. June married Roger Gnatzig on January 21, 1951, in Whitewater, WI. June worked at Franklin Junior High for most of her working life. She was a proud servant member of the First United Methodist Church for over 70 years where she enjoyed preparing meals for celebrations, funerals and activities. In addition, she loved participating in her Church Circle and teaching Sunday School.

June loved baking and cooking for her family and friends, watching her soap operas, 2-mile walks-well into her 90’s, reading, doing puzzles, watching her sons’ sporting events and then her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Everyone knew the best place to be during the holidays—“snitching the widest variety of homemade Christmas treats from the three-season porch cookie table!”

June enjoyed infinite time with loved ones.

June is survived by Sons: Hugh (Susan) Gnatzig, Larry (Deborah) Gnatzig, Brian (Sam) Gnatzig, Brent (Pat) Gnatzig. Grandchildren: Vanessa (Danny) Byrd, Daniel (Elizabeth) Gnatzig, Gina (Corey) Meredith, Caroline (Bobby) Gonzales, Amber (Kirkland) Rivers, Lyndsey (Kyle) Serres, Abby Gnatzig and Kelsey Gnatzig and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary (Voight) Stelse, Gustave Stelse and her brothers Loren Stelse and Verson Stelse.

A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI on January 27, 2025, from 10:30 am– 12:00 pm with service to follow. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the Family with arrangements.

A heartfelt thank you to Rainbow Hospice, the staff at Mulberry Glen and Patty Tarpley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Whitewater Fire Department.

You will live in our hearts forever. We love you. Online condolences may be made at nitardyfuneralhome.com

Dr. Chilukuri Rao, 88, of Whitewater, passed away December 26, 2024, at a local care facility. A memorial visitation for Dr. Rao will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI.

Dr. George Harold Seeburger, 89, of Lake Mills passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills.

George was born on July 20, 1935 in Phillips, Wisconsin to George and Nellie (Knight) Seeburger.  He graduated from Phillips High School and received an undergraduate degree from UW Stevens Point and went on to earn his PhD from the University of Georgia Athens. He was a biology professor at UW Whitewater up until his retirement.

George married Nancy Carole Skalitzky on November 6, 1959 in Waukegan, Illinois. Nancy passed on November 13, 2021.  They enjoyed traveling to Rockport, Texas, where they were snowbirds for thirty years.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing in Phillips and yearly trips to Canada,

George is survived by his children, Mark Seeburger of Menomonie; Kurt (Linda) Seeburger of Lake Mills; granddaughter, Ashley Seeburger of Janesville; siblings, James Seeburger of Tyler, TX, Phil Seeburger of San Marcos, CA; many nieces and nephews.

At this time, no formal services for George are arranged.

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

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.