Obituary: Carl Birk, 94, of Fort Atkinson

Carl Birk, 94, of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away December 1, 2023, after a short illness.

He was born to parents Carl “Pat” Theodore and Ina Bell (Marsden) Birk, on March 1, 1929, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Fort Atkinson and graduated from high school there in 1947. He worked for Waterman, Fuge & Associates in Fort Atkinson as a draftsman. He became certified as a plumbing and electrical designer from the University of Pittsburgh, and started his own business, P & E Systems, in 1969, specializing in plumbing and electrical design.

He married Margaret (Baird) Birk on November 1957. They were together 58 years before her passing in 2016.

Carl was proud of his service as a sergeant in Company C, 2nd Battle Group, 128th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Division Red Arrows from May 1947 to August 1966. In 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, he was deployed for six months to Fort Lewis in Washington. He volunteered as a gun coach for the Fort Atkinson rifle team in the early 1970s. Additionally, Carl belonged to three veterans’ organizations: Co. C 128th Infantry, Old Timers, and the Red Arrow Club of Southern Wisconsin, and attended many reunions for these groups throughout the years.

He was an active member of the Royal Order of the Jacks in Fort Atkinson for many years, helping with the annual banquets and pancake breakfasts along with other social activities for the group. One of his favorite pastimes was playing the penny slot machines at Ho-Chunk Casino, enjoying many trips to the Madison and Wisconsin Dells locations. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, playing cards (Poker, Euchre, Bridge, and Sheepshead) and Cribbage, reading Western novels, and eating out at his favorite restaurants (Stagecoach Inn, Red Lobster, Outback, Cracker Barrel, and IHOP to name a few).

Carl is survived by his son Carl Birk (Myrna), and daughters, Karen Birk (Paul Behling) and Barbara Birk as well as his granddaughters Dana Behling, Kirby (Caleb) Birk Attwell, and Isabel Birk; and brothers, Ed (Lorraine) Birk and Jim (Vicki) Birk along with nieces Jenny (Steve) Schroeder, Jamie Birk, Kelly Birk, and Stacy (Jennae) Tomlinson.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, LeRoy.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Chris Patrick from Visiting Angels, Oak Park Place, and Rainbow Hospice for helping Carl.

The family requests that people make donations to the National Guard Educational Foundation (https://www.ngef.org/donate/online-donation/) in lieu of sending flowers.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date.

Nitardy Funeral Home is serving the family. To view the obituary online please visit www.Nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Joseph Jess Campbell, 95 (Updated)

Updated 12/15/23 to correct the link for memorial contributions.

Joseph Jess Campbell, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on November 27, 2023, at the age of 95. Joe was born to J. Jess and Laura E. (Hitch) Campbell on April 11, 1928, in Harvey, Illinois.

Joe graduated from Whitewater High School in 1946. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed at bases in CA, where he had the opportunity to work with Bob Newhart. He would later advance to Sergeant and was honorably discharged on August 8, 1954. It was just prior to this time of service, on June 18, 1952, that Joe and Karin’s little brothers, Bill and Ole, introduced them to each other and it was love at first sight. On their 3rd date in late June, they got engaged. While on holiday leave, Joe and Karin were married at the Congregational Church in Williams Bay, WI on December 31, 1952. After his time in the Army, Joe primarily worked in sales, marketing, and management at companies such as Campbell’s Clothing Store, Montgomery Ward, Top Value and K-Promotions. After numerous transfers, Joe and his family would eventually settle in Pewaukee Lake, WI in 1966. On his 50th birthday in 1978, he established his own business, Campbell Incentive Company, in partnership with Karin. On Labor Day weekend, 1989, Joe and Karin moved to Stoughton, WI. Joe then retired in 1991. In 2018, Joe and Karin moved to Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI.

Family meant everything to Joe. He loved telling stories about genealogy and family history, particularly that of the Hitch family. His work ethic, honesty, and integrity were stellar. He loved the work he did, meeting the needs of his customers and working to solve their problems. He passed on his work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Joe was very active in the Lutheran Church, especially in Stoughton. He also loved to play cards and was an avid reader, enjoying books on history and historical novels. As a boy, he loved being in the water, particularly with his cousins at Lauderdale Lake, WI. Later, he became a swimming champion in Columbus, OH in 1943. He taught numerous children to swim, even swimming across Pewaukee Lake with his sons, and teaching his daughter how to paddle a canoe. He loved to swim in refreshing cold water including swimming in the Baltic Sea in March with his mother-in-law! He loved to canoe, sail, swim, and even go tubing with his grandchildren. Joe loved to watch both his children and grandchildren in a wide variety of activities, such as football games, track & field, sailboat races, band concerts, piano recitals, and swimming at the beach. Often these excursions kept him driving great distances, which they enjoyed together. Joe also enjoyed winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. These activities kept him in great physical condition, as did his long walks with Karin and various dogs including two wiener dogs named Tina! Joe was a 33rd degree Mason.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Karin E. (Stromgren) Campbell, his children and their spouses, Ingrid (Dan) Cassidy, Jim (Karly) Campbell, John (Nancy) Campbell, and Dave (Kathy) Campbell. He was the proud grandfather to Sarah Gervasini, Danielle Cassidy, Erin Campbell-Wagner, Katie Campbell, Laura Campbell, Peter Campbell, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bill (Helen) Campbell and sister-in-law, Jan Campbell.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his stillborn daughter, Nina, and brother Richard Campbell.

A memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Fairhaven, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, WI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairhaven Senior Services or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org. The Campbell Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Fairhaven for the friendship, kindness and compassion given to Joe and Karin over the past 5 years.

Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Tami Corinne Schultz, 62

Tami Corinne Schultz, 62, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Tami was born on April 20, 1961, in Fort Atkinson to Jerry and Sandra (Bittner) Footit.  She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1981.  Tami married Ronald Schultz on July 18, 1992.  She worked for over 20 years at UW-Whitewater.  Tami enjoyed gardening, decorating, and painting.  Tami loved to help her daughter and she always looked forward to being with her grandchildren.  

She is survived by her husband Ronald of Whitewater; daughter Desirae (Clayton Peterson) Schultz, Milton; stepson Ryan Schultz, Madison; grandchildren Casey, Willow, Emmett, and Sullivan Peterson; parents Jerry and Sandy Footit, Whitewater; brother Timothy Footit, Whitewater; sisters Kimberly (Gary) Ramsden, Fort Atkinson and Wendi (Heinrich) Gobel, Cambridge; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery.  Family and friends may attend the visitation at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  

The family is indebted to Rainbow Hospice for her end of life care and comfort they have provided. 

As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to OCRA-Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Website-Make a gift. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: James Ronald Rubietta, 86, of Jefferson

On October 28, 2023, James Ronald Rubietta of Jefferson, WI passed away at the age of 86. The co-owner of Whispering Wings Game Farm, he grew up in Illinois. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marie (Huff); two sons Richard and Thomas, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister Diane (Rubietta) Ruppert and her two adult children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild; and sister Beth (Selonke) Waters, her son Scott, and two grandchildren. 

Jim was preceded in death by his father Elmer Rubietta, his mother Bernice (Duerr Rubietta) Selonke, his stepfather Ed Selonke, and three nephews: Matthew John Ruppert, Greg Ruppert, and Donny Waters.

Jim and Marie met in high school English class, and Marie became his biggest fan on and off the football field. The former president of the Lincoln Park (IL) Gun Club and State Championship Skeet Shooter, Jim was mechanically gifted, and owned a successful business in the Chicago area. When he sold the business, they moved to Jefferson, WI and quickly joined the agricultural and sporting communities around the state. 

Their Whispering Wings Game Farm in Jefferson became a favorite landing spot for wildlife. Jim and Marie brought with them their love for German Shorthair dogs. Their love of the land expanded to include acres of diverse plantings and wetland preservation.

​A valiant man, Jim refused to allow impossibles to stop him. Ingenuity and productivity marked his life. Whether fixing an engine, writing a computer program, riding the range on a golf cart, or devising a way to pull a tractor from a pond single-handedly, Jim could make things work. A master of managing many tasks even past retirement, he not only ran the game farm operations but also balanced responsibilities of a second position with Upcon Property Services.

​His family will remember this unforgettable man, waving from the tractor grinning, or troubleshooting a vehicle’s problem. He answered an impromptu helpline with family for clear-headed wisdom and mechanical advice. Through his glasses, he watched the world with interest; always his heart shone through when he gazed at his family. The world around him will remember his generosity and love for others; and his love of land, animals and sportsmanship.

​The memorial service will be held on December 10 at 11 a.m. at Nitardy Funeral Home at 550 N. Newcomb St, in Whitewater, WI, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. A tribute reception will follow at First United Methodist Church, 320 S Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. The Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Raymond T. Garlock, 75

Raymond T. Garlock, 75, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. 

Ray was born on December 11, 1947 in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Donald and Inez (Barnes) Garlock. He grew up in the Palmyra area and after his schooling worked as a Laborer for the majority of his working career. Ray was good with his hands and enjoyed fixing things. He worked at Pal Steel for a number of years and enjoyed his time there. He also worked as a cement truck driver for over 10 years, and was most recently employed by the City of Whitewater at the compost site.  On May 10, 1986, Ray was united in marriage to Vicki Meisner and the two would go on to share 37 years of marriage together. Ray had quite a few interests and liked to be busy doing something. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He also liked to tinker, fixing engines, vehicles, lawnmowers, and pretty much anything else that needed fixing. His appearance could come off as tough, but beneath his rough exterior was a caring and kind person. Ray was sociable and enjoyed talking and joking with others and would help a friend or neighbor in need. He also had a special connection with animals, especially his dogs and he leaves behind his heartbroken Springer Spaniel, Lucy, and Zeker. Ray will certainly be missed. 

He is survived by: his loving wife, Vicki Garlock of Whitewater; his sons, Matthew Beck of Seattle, WA, and Tom (Dana) Garlock of Whitewater; his granddaughter, Taylor Stachula; his sisters, Donna Skibbe of East Troy, Barb Krueger of Palmyra, and Joan “Pinkie” Garlock of Palmyra; and his brothers, Richard of Fort Atkinson, Harry “Red” (Darlene) of Palmyra, Robert (Chris) of Fort Atkinson, Jerry (Lori) of Palmyra, and Donald (Liz) of Whitewater. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his two daughters, Jody and Candie, and his brother, Daryl.

An Open House Celebration of Ray’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center in Whitewater, WI (341 S Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190).

The family wishes to thank all the nurses and doctors at Froedert Hospital and Horizon Hospice for their wonderful care of Ray.

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

Obituary: Daniel L. “Dan” Schroedl, 82

Daniel L. “Dan” Schroedl, 82, of Whitewater passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at his home.

Dan was born on November 1, 1941 in Whitewater to Anthony and Dorothy (Kyle) Schroedl, where he has lived and worked his entire life.

Dan retired from Hawthorn Mellody Dairy in 1992 after 18 years of service, after which he could pursue horses and hunting full time.

Dan was the recipient of numerous awards and trophies from his passions of rodeo, horsemanship, archery and hunting. Dan loved his time outdoors with Kathy, friends, family and pets Levi, Henry the Longhorn, Pepper, and Remington. Dan and Kathy especially enjoyed horseback riding trips with friends. When not on horses they enjoyed motorcycle rides with the local group. They were also known to get in the mud occasionally with the UTV.

Dan is survived by his son, Heath (Denise) Schroedl; four step-grandchildren, Aaron Pointon, Andy Pointon, Nicole Gilbert and Brad (Ruby) Gilbert; twelve step-great-grandchildren; three great-great-step-grandchildren; niece, Leanne (Michael) Storck; fiancé, Kathy Pusateri; stepchildren, Christina (Matthew) Legris, Carrie Steffen; and step-grandchildren, Trent Steffen, Aurora Legris, and Avery Legris.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Schroedl and Dorothy (Kyle) Schroedl and uncle Dean C (Harriet) Hollinger.

Funeral services will take place at 12 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 North Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Hillside cemetery.

Dan was a perfect representative of his favorite flower, the Thistle. Representing resilience, strength, determination, protection, and pride.

All donations to go to Rainbow Hospice.

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

Obituary: Dr. John C. H. Oh, Ph.D., 89

Dr. John C.H. Oh, Ph.D., passed away peacefully at Oakwood Village, in Madison, Wisconsin on November 9, 2023. He was born in Korea as Chung-Hwan Oh in 1934. In the early 1950s, John came alone to the United States to pursue his dreams. In New York, he met the love of his life Joy (Kim Hie-Sook) whom he would marry in 1958, and together they built a life and family. John is survived by Joy, his wife of 65 years, who was at his side on his last day; daughters Ruth Oh (W. Fuji) and Elizabeth Oh Uglow (Jay); sons Dr. James Oh (Cheryl) and Dr. David Oh (Christina); and 8 grandchildren: Kathryn (Juan), Christopher, Jonathan, Justin, Timothy, Michael, Elizabeth and Allison.

He is also survived by brother Oh Chung-Sub (Baltimore); sister Oh Chung-Ae (Seoul); and sister Kim Chung-Bok (Rev. David Kim, Houston).

John valued the importance of education and was inspired by the American system of democracy. In 1955, he earned his B.A. from Florida Southern University and a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University in 1956. In 1961, at the age of 27, John earned his Ph.D. from New York University. He was the original Dr. Oh of the family. John served, with distinction, as a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Department of Political Science, where he helped to establish the Public Policy and Administration Major and served as its first coordinator. In 1997, before retiring as an Emeritus Professor, John received a Governor’s Special Award in appreciation for his 35 years of dedicated service to the State of Wisconsin from the Honorable Governor Tommy Thompson.

From 2005 to 2022, John and his wife Joy lived as retirees in Temecula, California. In 2022, John and Joy returned to Wisconsin, residing at Oakwood Village in Madison. A Memorial Service will be held at the Oakwood East Tree of Life Chapel on Tuesday, November 21 at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s honor to the Oakwood Foundation (www.oakwoodfoundationinc.org). All Faiths Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.

Obituary: William “Bill” A. Oliver, 61, of Janesville

William “Bill” A. Oliver, of Janesville, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the age of 61. Bill was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on March 10, 1962, the son of George “Jim” and Janice (Knudson) Oliver. After graduating from Stevens Point High School in 1981, Bill went on become an Officer with the Whitewater Police Department, serving from 1991 until his retirement in 2016. Bill married Irene (Nankya) Oliver on June 11, 2004 in Jefferson County, and they were blessed with a son, Andrew. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed working part-time at Enterprise Car Rental as a driver, and always looked forward to his time at the Lakehouse in Chippewa Falls with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Oliver; his son, Andrew Oliver; siblings: Cathy Corbeil, Marcus Oliver, Jonathan (Melissa) Oliver and Dave (Sheila) Oliver; mother in-law, Corney Derodra; six siblings in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, George “Jim” and Janice Oliver; and his father in-law, Joseph Nsubuga.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on a later date. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting his family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Obituary: Debra “Deb” A. Heiber, 70, of Roscoe Township, IL

Debra “Deb” A. Heiber, of Roscoe Township, IL, passed away on October 2, 2023, at the age of 70 years, at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics following complications from surgeries. She was with family members and comfortable at the time of her passing.

Deb was born on October 16, 1952, in Gary, Indiana; the daughter of Curtis H. and Alice M. Yule. She married Gary L. Heiber on May 27, 1972 in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. She graduated from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, WI. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974 from Creighton University, including 3 years studying at Marquette University. Deb majored in English, minored in Spanish and received her secondary education teaching certification. She completed her Masters Degree in English and English Composition in 1978 at Marquette University. She continued taking many classes in Educational Administration, and had been in the educational field from 1974 until February 2016, 41 ½ years. Deb’s major positions were with the UW Center System/Rock County from 1982 to 1990. Then UW-Whitewater from 1990 until 2016. She was involved with developing many advising programs at Whitewater; first in the Registrar’s Office and then as Director of Advising in the College of Letters and Sciences.

Deb received 4 Academic Staff Excellence Awards at Whitewater. She was a founding member of WACADA (Wisconsin Academic Advising Association). They were a State Association of NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) founded in 1979. Deb was President-Elect of WACADA in 1997/98 and was President in 1998/99. She has received the 2002 WACADA Leadership Award. From NACADA, Deb received a Certificate of Merit in 1989, and in 1998 an Outstanding Advising Program Award, and in 2003, the Outstanding Advising Administrator Award.

Aside from advising students, Deb and Gary were longtime Marquette University Men’s Basketball fans, holding season tickets from 1970 to present, with the exception of three years when they lived in Nebraska. Deb spent many years following her son Mike’s activities in sports and music. After he was off to school, Deb became a part-time jewelry maker and sold jewelry in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, until her health interfered in 2021. She also enjoyed her time with her yoga group from North Pointe and was always an avid reader.

Deb is survived by her husband, Gary Heiber; her son, Michael “Mike” (Alyssa) Heiber of Cedar Park, TX; granddaughters, Mia J. and Clara V. Heiber of Cedar Park, TX; her sister, Christina (Phillip) Lear of Dade City, FL; and many extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Curtis H. Yule; and her mother, Alice M. (Yule) McGrew, who recently passed in 2021; two premature twins, Douglas and Emily, (who lived only a few days in 1981); her mother and father in-law, Carolyn and Donald Heiber;  and her stepfather, James McGrew.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME, 1800 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, 53545; with a meal being served immediately following the service in the LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER at Schneider Funeral Home. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Deb’s family would like to give a special thank you to the Palliative Care Floor at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Additionally, an extra thank you to Kate and Tom Heiber-Cobb for their support in her last days and in helping organize her memorial service.