Obituaries

Celebration of Life, Bob Obney, April 20, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm, 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater

A Celebration of Life will be held for at Robert “Bob” Obney of Whitewater on April 20, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm, at 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater, WI .

Whitewater, WI – The man, the myth, the legend – Robert “Bob” Clayton Obney Jr., 82, took his final bow on the stage of life on March 10, 2024. Born with a twinkle in his eye on July 8, 1941, in Barberton, Ohio, Bob was infamous for his dad jokes, his green thumb, and his ability to fall asleep in any chair known to mankind.

Bob leaves behind his soulmate Karen, his wonderful daughter Leslie (Mike) Grether, and his favorite grandson, Patrick, who inherited his granddad’s love for reading. His siblings, Jerry (Betty) Obney and Sue Roberts, will miss his uncanny ability to remember obscure family anecdotes. Preceding him in the great parade of life were his parents, Clarine and Robert Sr., and his brother-in-law John Roberts.

Bob was filled with an impressive lack of discipline and an abundance of charm. The Whitewater Lion’s Club will sorely miss Bob’s roaring laughter and less-than-lion-like mane. 

He was a vegetable garden enthusiast, a jazz aficionado, and a Buffet “Bash” concert groupie.

Bob was a philanthropist at heart, and now we are all left to fill the enormous gardening gloves he left behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 20, from 3pm to 6pm, at 841 Brewhouse, Whitewater, WI, where we will swap tales, and honor the man who taught us that life doesn’t have to be serious to be seriously well-lived. In lieu of flowers, send a joke to someone who needs a laugh or make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Whitewater Lions Club, or Shriners Children’s Hospital in Bob’s memory.

Bob, We’re pretty sure you’re out there somewhere, tending to the pearly gates’ garden. Keep the laughter going until we meet again.

Obituary: Tiiu (Rodima) Gray-Fow, 82

WHITEWATER, WI—Tiiu (Rodima) Gray-Fow, age 82, died at home on April 6, 2024, from the late effects of a heart attack that she suffered several months earlier. She was born in Tartu, Estonia, and spent her childhood in the shadow of World War II. When Tiiu was three years old, her family fled Estonia between the retreating Nazi army and advancing Soviet forces which were to occupy Estonia for the next fifty years. Young as she was, she still recalled their wild flight from midland Estonia to the harbor at Tallin, and the red glow in the sky from Tartu burning in the distance. She grew up in various German refugee camps, most notably the Estonian camp in the Alpine village of Geislingen where she spent almost three years and developed an abiding love of the mountains. At age ten, she emigrated to America with her parents and settled in the Lakewood area of New Jersey where a community of Estonian exiles was forming. Both Tiiu and her father contracted tuberculosis in America. Her father responded to antibiotics, but Tiiu did not recover until she underwent a risky new lung operation in her late teens. Tiiu matriculated at Douglass College in 1960 where she majored in history and met her lifelong friend Linda Alfonso. Afterwards, she moved to Madison to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. She taught European history at Carroll College, Marquette University, and then UW Whitewater where she met and married Raleigh Williams and started a family. Later, she returned to school for a masters in counseling and worked as a guidance counselor in Williams Bay and then the Palmyra Eagle school district. In 1983, she married Michael Gray-Fow with whom she shared a happy life for over forty years.

More than anything, Tiiu loved camping in the mountains and spent many summer vacations in the national parks, most notably in the Rocky Mountains. She was a passionate defender of trees and was responsible for planting and protecting many terrace trees in Whitewater. She was instrumental in forming the Whitewater Tree Commission and served as its chair for ten years. The City honored her service with a day named in her honor and a tree planting ceremony at Cravath Lakefront Park where a plaque now bears her name. She was active in local politics through the League of Women Voters and the Democratic Party of Walworth County. Democracy, she often said, is not a spectator sport. She loved to travel and returned to visit Estonia several times after it finally became independent in 1991, once with her cousin Maret Henrikson and twice with Michael. She was very serious about home maintenance and spent a lot of time fixing, painting and repairing the rambling old farmhouse that she shared with Michael and their many dogs. She loved her dogs, always and deeply: Muri the cherished dog of her youth, then Buster, Chester, Kalju, Rufus, and finally Puck and Sophie. She was a fierce spirit, a fighter, and a lover of natural beauty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eino Rodima and Aino (Keder) Rodima and all of her maternal first cousins including Juhan Urm. She is survived by her husband Michael Gray-Fow; daughter Susan Maaja Williams (partner Bryan James); step-daughter Emily Gray-Fow; cousin Juhan’s wife Carol Urm and their sons Erik and Matthew (Robbi) Urm; and Matthew’s children, Rebecca, Nicholas and Nathan Urm.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, April 20 at St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fort Atkinson. Lunch to follow at the church. Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to the Walworth County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.firstwisconsincremation.com.

Obituary: Jayce Xavier Rocha, 21

Jayce Xavier Rocha, our beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in a boating accident on March 9th, 2024 at the age of 21.

Jayce was born on March 4, 2003, to Benny and Casey Rocha in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Jayce attended Milton schools throughout his youth where he participated in many activities and built lifelong friendships. Jayce was a three-sport athlete excelling in hockey, lacrosse, and football. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he played football. Stevens Point is also where he met the love of his life, Mara. After his time at Stevens Point, he spent the summer and fall working for K&W Greenery doing landscape work before deciding to follow his dreams and move to Florida. Jayce was enrolled in Northwest Lineman College in Edgewater, FL, studying to become an electrical lineman and obtain his CDL. He was leading his class and excelling in the program, scheduled to graduate in May of 2024.

Jayce had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. If he wasn’t sitting in a duck blind, shooting his gun, launching his fishing boat, or casting a line, you could find him scouting a pond, practicing his bird calls, or getting his gear set up for the next day. The outdoors is where he was happiest.

Jayce also had a love for sports. He played on various youth and club teams all the way through high school and into college. Whether on the ice or on the field, Jayce’s competitive spirit and love for the game shone brightly. Through sports, Jayce created countless memories with lifelong friends.

Jayce was known for his infectious laughter, vivacious personality, and zest for life. His presence was undeniable, lighting up every room he walked into. Nobody could make friends faster than Jayce. Everyone who interacted with Jayce felt his ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world. Every one of Jayce’s days were filled with doing the things he loved most: being with friends or family, spending time with Mara, hunting, fishing, playing sports, listening to music, or making people laugh. He left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

To know Jayce was to love Jayce. Though Jayce may no longer walk among us, he is with us in our hearts and the memories we have with him. When you’re hunting in a field, fishing on a pond, or spending time with friends and family, think of Jayce and smile. May his memory be the source of many smiles, laughter, and fun for generations to come.

Jayce is preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Richard and Margaret Bailey, Alvin and Jane Becker, and Adelaida Vasquez; his second cousins Shelby Long and Andrew Rocha, and his uncle, Max.

Jayce is survived by his parents, Benny and Casey Rocha and sister, Emelia Rocha. His grandparents, Dan and Jane Becker, Grandfather Ramon Rocha, and Grandmother Susy Hernandez. Aunts and Uncles, Cody (Kari) Becker, Chad (Teegan) Becker, Ramon Rocha Jr, Felipe (Britnei) Cervantes, Stacey Rocha, Mari Rocha and Ashley Gonzalez as well as many other family and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at Rock River Heritage County Park on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Rock River Heritage County Park

5801 N River Rd.

Janesville, WI 53545

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Delta Waterfowl in Jayce’s honor.

Obituary: Mary Lee Mazurkiewicz, 81

MARY LEE MAZURKIEWICZ 08.18.1942 – 04.06.2024

Mary Lee (Floo) Mazurkiewicz, 81, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on April 6th at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on August 18th, 1942, in Milwaukee to Leona and Clarence Floo. She grew up with 3 sisters: Patricia, Sharon (Earl) Beranek, and Eileen (Robert) Shaffer. Mary attended Riley-Hayes Elementary School. She met her future husband, Richard Mazurkiewicz, at Pulaski High School and they married on June 13th, 1964. Before dedicating herself to the most important job of all, being a mother of 5, Mary worked for Brills Brothers and Hack’s Furniture Company in Milwaukee. Later, she worked for Sunny Day Dry Cleaners and Laundry in Mukwonago.

Mary was a kind and loving mother to 5 children: Patricia (Henry, deceased) Orton, Richard (Martha) Mazurkiewicz, Daniel (Lisa) Mazurkiewicz, Cathleen (Timothy) Swartz, and Timothy (Amanda) Mazurkiewicz. She was also a cherished grandmother to 12: Cassandra (Logan) Markko, Josephine (Jadon) Long, Haley (Zack) Starner, Isabelle Mazurkiewicz, Emily Orton, Alexandra Mazurkiewicz, Victoria Mazurkiewicz, Andrew Swartz, Matilda Mazurkiewicz, Eleanor Mazurkiewicz, Jolene Mazurkiewicz, and Lucille Mazurkiewicz. She also cherished her time with her 4 great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Starner, Theodore Long, Finn Markko, and Gemma Long. Known for her kindness, generosity, and love for her family, Mary enjoyed a good novel, movies, and many beloved television series. She enjoyed traveling to visit her family across the country, and vacationing in Las Vegas. Mary loved dancing with her forever partner, Richard, to the music of Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Conway Twitty.

Mary is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends who will dearly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her three sisters.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic parish in Whitewater.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Mary Lee. A memorial mass will take place at 1 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A memorial visitation will take place from 11 AM until the time of mass. “With love, we remember and honor Mary’s life, finding solace in the beautiful memories she leaves behind.”

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

Obituary: William Paul Mattert IX, 71, of Nekoosa

William Paul Mattert IX of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, passed away on April 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 25, 1952, to William and Hellen Mattert of North Prairie. William spent his formative years in North Prairie and attended Mukwonago High School. Upon graduating in 1971, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. William held his service in high regard and rose to the rank of Specialist 4th Class as an Aircraft Armament Mechanic stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington, dedicating seven years to his military duties.

Above all else, William cherished his family. In 1973, he met the love of his life, Jean Webber, and on February 21, 1975, they exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony witnessed by Dee and Roy Garcia in Michigan. Together, they crafted a beautiful life and nurtured five children: Tracy Mattert, Michele (Gabe Alwin) Lippens, William (Susan) Mattert X, Corrissa (Bob) Janke, and Travis Mattert. William found immense joy in the presence of his grandchildren: Brittany (Matt) Mattert-Kraft, Brandon (Chey) Kraft, Ashley Mattert, Michael (Sabrina) Lippens, Tyler (Laura) Lippens, Zoe Janke, William Mattert XI, and Austin Mattert, as well as his great-grandchildren: Desaray Kraft, Aurora Lippens, Ember Lippens, and Emery Lippens. He delighted in watching them grow, participate in various activities, and simply be themselves.

Professionally, William dedicated three decades to welding at RTE Powersystems in Waukesha, where he honed his craft and shared his expertise with colleagues. Beyond his work, William was a natural tinkerer, imparting his knowledge of car mechanics and gardening to his children. He found solace in the outdoors, indulging in his passions for fishing, hunting, and camping. For the past decade, he eagerly participated in Take a Vet Fishing, cherishing the camaraderie and the serenity of nature.

One of William’s lifelong dreams was fulfilled when his children gifted him and his beloved wife a two-week journey to Alaska, where they marveled at the sight of eagles soaring and whales gracefully swimming. Throughout his life, William embarked on numerous adventures with family and friends, but his fondest moments were spent gathered around a grill, cheering on the Packers and Brewers, and basking in the company of loved ones. His warm and welcoming demeanor ensured that his door was always open for anyone to visit and share a friendly hello.

William was preceded in death by his mother, Hellen; father, William; sister, Sandi; brother, Corey; and son-in-law, Ted. Their memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 20th from 11:00-3:00 at the American Legion Post 166, 201 S Water Street E, Fort Atkinson, WI. 53538.

Obituary: Robert “Bob” T. Bigelow, 56

Robert “Bob” T. Bigelow, 56, of Whitewater, WI passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at his home.

Bob was born on February 10, 1968 in Fort Atkinson, WI the son of Charles and Sherry (Reinke) Bigelow. He grew up in the Whitewater area and after his schooling, he worked on his dad’s farm at the beginning of his working career and would work in the farming industry for the majority of his career. Bob also worked in construction as a roofer and few other capacities. He was very skilled with his hands and was the type of person who could make or fix just about anything. Bob was a very helpful person and was willing to help a friend, neighbor or complete stranger in need. He truly would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Bob was known as “Bigzy” or “Uncle Bob” to his friends and family. For leisure, he loved being outside in God’s creation. He had a great appreciation for animals and their beauty and he loved hunting or anything else outside. He had a beloved pet Golden Retriever, Wally who went everywhere with him and the two were best of friends. Bob also enjoyed watching classic Westerns such as Bonanza or Gunsmoke. He was blessed with a son, Nicholas and he loved him very much. Bob was a good man and he will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

He is survived by: his son, Nicholas (Brittany) Osgood of Whitewater; his two grandsons, Duncan and Connor Osgood; his loving sister, Brenda Brown of Cambridge; and his niece and nephews, Danielle (Ryan) Larson of Menomonee Falls, Josh (Crystal) Brown of Fort Atkinson, Nathan (Brittany) Lathrop of Cambridge, Robert Lathrop of Whitewater, and Andrew Lathrop of Whitewater; he is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Wally.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held to honor Bob’s life at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main Street, Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Ruriko Minagawa Faytus, 96, of Richmond

Ruriko Minagawa Faytus, age 96, passed away at her Richmond Township home of 54 years on Fri., Mar. 22, 2024. She was born on Sept. 18, 1927, in Nagahama, Shiga, Japan, the daughter of Takeo and Yoshiko (Kikuchi) Minagawa. Ruriko married Pete Faytus on Nov. 24, 1959, in Tokyo, Japan. She moved to St. Francis, Milwaukee, WI in 1960 and was naturalized in 1964. After a move to Oak Creek, she moved to Whitewater in Sept. 1966 and finally to Richmond Township in Jan. 1970. She was employed as a nurse and accountant in Japan. In the U.S., she operated a business making ponchos, cushions, and stuffed animals in the early 1970s. She served for many years in the Women’s Auxiliary of Carpenter’s Union Local 836 in Janesville. Ruriko was skilled in longbow archery, shamisen, and mathematics. She could trace her ancestry back to 346 B.C. and was a direct descendant of Nakatomi Fujiwara who overthrew Emperor Soga in 645. Her great-grandfathers were samurai of the Takada and Aizu clans that were killed fighting the Imperial troops of Emperor Meiji in 1868 during the Boshin Civil War.

She is survived by her husband, Pete; son, Len (Stacie) Faytus, all of Delavan; a daughter, Michiko Tsuruga, Japan. She is also survived by one grandson, Lewis Faytus; three granddaughters: Rie Ishikawa, Tomomi Tsuruga, and Christine Faytus; three great-grandaughters: Brynn, Kylie, and Amara; five great-grandsons: Bentley, Arthur, Shunta, Eisuka, and Akito. She is further survived by sister-in-law Roberta Mashlan, of Milwaukee; three brother-in-laws: Harold (Leslie) Blaize Jr., of Montana, Anthony (Frances) Blaize, and James Blaize, all of Oak Creek, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Reiko (Douglas) Anderson of Washington and three brothers: Katsuhiko (Sueko) Minagawa, Shizuo Minagawa, and Kuniaki Minagawa, all of Japan, and a grandson; John Faytus, of Whitewater.

Ruriko requested that no memorial or service be held as she did not like somber events. Inurnment will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park, Janesville.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Obituary: Ed McManaway, 89

Ed McManaway passed peacefully on March 18, 2024. He was born on January 13, 1935 to Everett and Inez McManaway of Wheeling, Illinois as the seventh of eight children. He married the love of his life, Betty Guge on February 16, 1957. In the months following their wedding, the two of them had quite the adventures. The week after their wedding they drove to California for Ed’s Army heavy vehicle training for 6 weeks. Upon finishing his training, they had less than a week to drive back to Chicago so he could catch a flight to begin his 18 months of active duty in Germany.

While there, Ed drove trucks all over Germany and the surrounding areas and had little time off. In the free time he had, he made sure to take trips with Betty around Western Europe. Their favorite trip was Paris and later the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. After Ed’s service they returned to Wheeling, Illinois to start their family and his own excavating business. They built their own home that was not completed until the day they moved out, and by that time they had two sons, Walter (Wally) and Gordon (Gordy). In 1974 they moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin to start the next chapter of their lives, farming and enjoying the country life.

Upon moving to Whitewater, Ed continued his excavating business while running the farm at the same time. He was a magician on his backhoe and Caterpillar, always wanting to get his jobs done the right way the first time. He also loved farming, spending time working the fields, and tinkering on projects out in the shop. Even though Ed may have come across with a hard exterior, he loved his family very much. Every day in his wallet he carried around original photos from his and Betty’s wedding day, in addition to other family photos, until his final days. 

Ed was predeceased by his wife Betty, and his siblings, Ruth LeVine, Sid, Wade, Fay McKinney Walker, Bill, and Norman, and is survived by brother Martin McManaway, sons Wally (Gina) and Gordy (Omlay), and grandchildren Erin and Thomas.

We wish to thank Stephanie and Jess from Hearthstone for their help, John and Nancy Hoffmann for lifelong friendship and support, and the numerous other friends and neighbors that visited or left their impact on his life. A combined celebration of life service will be held for both Ed and Betty on Saturday, April 6 at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the service will be at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow in Fellowship Hall.

Obituary: Donald O.C. Klitzke, 85

Donald O.C. Klitzke, age 85, lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Milestone Senior Living in Stoughton, WI. He was born on January 21, 1939, to the late Herman O. C. Klitzke and Doris E. (Wescott) Klitzke.

In his earlier years he helped his parents on the family farm in Lima Township, was a milk hauler and later worked for Foremost in Whitewater and Arrow Products in Elkhorn. Over the years, he attended many farm auctions and he continued to have a passion for older farm tractors and equipment. He enjoyed playing euchre with his family, polka music, UTV rides, trains, collecting farm toys and his trips to the casino.

He is survived by his 3 children, Susan (Rick) Wille, Fort Wayne, IN, Tammy (Norman) Kingston, Whitewater and son Shane Klitzke of Whitewater; grandchildren, Andrew Wille, Kayla Kingston and Karly Kingston; great-grandchildren, Andrew Jr & Avery Wille, Kaden Kingston-Knudson and Karter Horner. Also surviving are his brother LaVerne (Rose) Klitzke, Cedar Falls, IA, and sister Karen (Thomas) Schoenbeck, Elkhorn, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Arlein Zanton Steinmetz, Betty Langholff, and Dolores Klitzke.

He was a member of First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater.

The family would like to thank the staff at Milestone Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the care they gave to Donald.

A Graveside Burial will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Richmond Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Juliette L. Horner, 13

It is with our heavy hearts, that we share the passing of Juliette L. Horner, 13, of Whitewater. She was a precious young girl who attended Whitewater Middle School as a 7th grader. She always came to school with a smile on her face, looking forward to seeing her friends. Juliette was involved in clubs, choir, and she enjoyed playing her flute in band. Juliette also enjoyed gaming and socializing with her friends.

She excelled in creativity through building Legos, knitting, origami, and drawing. Juliette’s perfect summer day would consist of: Having a family cookout, spending hours swimming in the family pool and ending the night with making smores by the campfire. Words used to describe Juliette include full of smiles, creative, shy, cheerful, friendly, helpful, excelled in creativity, bright, musician, smart, swimmer, fun, and mischievous.

Juliette will be missed and is dearly loved by her mother, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents, many more extended family and friends.

We are overwhelmed by the support we have received so far and can’t thank you all enough for helping the Horner family during this difficult time.

Contributions on Juliette’s behalf can be made at any Premier Bank location, payments through Zelle using email juliettememorial@gmail.com, or send funds to Premier Bank in Whitewater at 200 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190.

A memorial service will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 3 PM until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com