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Jim Winship is a Hometown Hero

December 10, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.

Jim Winship is a WUL Hometown Hero, and he was nominated by The Capital Campaign Committee for the Whitewater Public Library renovation, “For his service as the Chair of the Irvin L. Young Library Expansion and Renovation effort. Jim led the Capital Campaign committee with dedication, care, and creativity. Jim was loud and proud about the needs of the library, mobilizing the whole community who responded with enthusiasm and generosity, swiftly raising $2.3 million, exceeding the original goal of the campaign.”

Pictured here with Hometown Hero Jim Winship are members of the Capital Campaign Committee (left to right):   Kelly Davis, Anne Hartwick, Jennifer Motszko, Jim Winship, Brienne Diebolt-Brown, Doug Anderson, Richard Haney, Jon Kachel, and Gayle Stettler (not pictured are: Ginger Katzman, Stacey Lunsford and Diane Jaroch.)

The Committee shares:  “Jim Winship is a gem in our community. He is committed to improving the lives of all who call Whitewater home.  Jim’s engagement with the City Council, Bethel House, and UW-Whitewater reflects a passion for fostering connections and creating opportunities for people to support one another. If our nomination stopped there, Jim would be deserving of the Hometown Hero award. But with Jim, there’s always more to his service and dedication.

Specifically, we join together to nominate Jim Winship for the Hometown Hero Award for his service as the Chair of the Irvin L. Young Library Expansion and Renovation effort. Jim led the Capital Campaign committee with dedication, care, and creativity. Jim was loud and proud about the needs of the library, mobilizing the whole community who responded with enthusiasm and generosity, swiftly raising $2.3 million, exceeding the original goal of the campaign. Thank you, Jim, for your tireless leadership to improve a trusted and essential community institution. Your genuine love for our town inspires us to be change agents, embracing the role of building a brighter, more resilient future for all.”

The Capital Campaign Committee:

Anne Hartwick
Jon Kachel
Richard Haney
Ginger Katzman
Doug Anderson
Jennifer Motszko
Gayle Stettler
Kelly Davis
Stacey Lunsford
Diane Jaroch

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Ice Age Trail Granted Unit Status by National Park Service

December 10, 2023

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is now an official unit of the National Park Service.

Unit status gives the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

  • Official recognition within the National Park Service
  • Access to additional funding opportunities
  • Equal legal standing with other National Park Service destinations

    The administrative change in status was announced during a video press conference on December 7 by National
    Park Service Director, Chuck Sams and U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).

    “This is truly momentous for the Ice Age Trail and its thousands of supporters and volunteers,” says Luke Kloberdanz. “Unit status gives the Trail, and its volunteers, the recognition it duly deserves,” he says. “Make no mistake: the Ice Age Trail is world-class and the number of hours Alliance volunteers devote to it consistently rank among the top in all the National Park Service.”

    During fiscal year 2023, Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers dedicated 100,666 hours to Trail-related activities including trailbuilding, maintenance, and outreach.

    “Plus, the Trail gets more popular every year. Go out to a segment on a weekend; you’ll see for yourself—people are hiking the Trail like never before.”

    An economic impact study completed in late 2019 found that 2.3 million people visited the Ice Age Trail annually; that number has increased since. A new economic impact study is currently underway.

    43 Years to Unit Status

    Designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter, the Ice Age Trail is 1 of 11 National Scenic Trails in the country; six of which are administered by the National Park Service. Of those six, three trails (Appalachian Trail, Natchez Trace Trail, and Potomac Heritage Trail) were identified as units at the time of their designation. This specification was missing from the wording of the law when the Ice Age Trail, North Country Trail, and New England Trail were designated.

    There is no clear reason or policy for the discrepancy in language. However, non-designation had real-world implications for the Trails, including funding opportunity restrictions. It also meant the Trails were not recognized as part of the National Park Service.

    “It was quite confusing. On one hand, NPS (the National Park Service) is our administrative partner helping to create the Ice Age Trail. Alliance volunteers go through NPS-required training and report their volunteer hours to NPS,” says Kloberdanz. “But on the other hand, the Ice Age Trail was not allowed to enjoy the same benefits as other units of the Park Service.”

    “At last, the Ice Age Trail, North Country Trail, and New England Trail are on equal footing with other National Scenic Trails and National Parks,” he says.

    Achieving unit status was a decades-long initiative for the three Trails. The leadership, volunteers, and supporters of the North Country Trail Association, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Appalachian Mountain Club, and Connecticut Forest and Park Association championed the cause.

    “The Alliance appreciates the support of its elected officials at the state and federal level. We especially thank Senator Tammy Baldwin for being a stalwart supporter of the Trail since her days in local government and for spearheading the status change at the federal level,” Kloberdanz says. “Thanks also to Director Sams for his efforts and prioritizing the change. We look forward to a continued close relationship with our local NPS partners.”

Editor’s note: The six units that are now designated as NPS National Scenic Trails are:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Maine to Georgia (14 states)
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee
New England National Scenic Trail, Massachusetts to Connecticut
North Country National Scenic Trail, Vermont to North Dakota (8 states)
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

About the Ice Age National Scenic Trail:

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin. It traverses the state from St. Croix Falls in the west, to Sturgeon Bay in the east, going as far south as Janesville. One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age Trail highlights the landscapes that were carved out by ancient glaciers, which happen to be some of the most beautiful areas in the state. Approximately 60% of Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the Ice Age Trail.

About the Ice Age Trail Alliance:

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is the nonprofit, member- and volunteer-based organization which conserves, creates, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It consists of 19 volunteer chapters, spread across the length of the Trail. For more information visit IceAgeTrail.org.

Stoughton Trailers & Wahlin Fdn. Partner with UW-W to Enhance Workforce Development

December 10, 2023

Mr. Peter Danielsen, President of Logistics at Stoughton Trailers (right), presents Dr. Yamin Ahmad of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (left) with the Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellow; Thursday, October 26, 2023.  Photo credit: UW-Whitewater Nick Pook.

Stoughton Trailers and Wahlin Foundation Partner with UW-Whitewater to enhance workforce development; name new Fellow

Stoughton Trailers LLC, a leading Wisconsin-based semi-trailer manufacturer and sales organization, together with the Wahlin Foundation, a private foundation supporting Stoughton Trailers communities, have partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics to inspire the next generation of Wisconsin’s workforce leaders; name Dr. Yamin Ahmad Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellow.

The Wahlin Foundation Distinguished Fellowship is a $10,000 stipend awarded in each of the next five years to a qualifying supporter of business college programs. This fellowship expands the relationship that Stoughton Trailers and the Wahlin Foundation have formed with Wisconsin’s largest business school. There is also a Stoughton Trailers Student Scholarship program that provides ten $1,500 scholarships in each of the next five years. Together, the $125,000 gift serves to create awareness of local employers while making quality college education more affordable to 50 future employees.

Betsy McClimon, Executive Director, of The Wahlin Foundation, Inc. offers, “Now, more than ever, people, education, and research are at the forefront of our business world. The Wahlin Foundation and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater share a common vision and ideas to promote a better future. We are excited to partner with the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, and its outstanding students, faculty, and alumni.”

With the addition of this new role, Dr. Ahmad will provide mentorship, collaborate with the Information and Technology Supply Chain Department, and serve as a bridge between workforce needs and the aspirations of College of Business and Technology students.

Dr. Ahmad said, “Programs like this one from The Wahlin Foundation, Inc. and Stoughton Trailers draw attention to the importance of collaboration to meet workforce needs. The college has the opportunity to hear first-hand about the qualities and skills desired of graduates from regional business owners and students are able to make connections with would-be employers—all while helping students cover the cost of higher education. It is a win all around.” He continues: “The College of Business and Economics here at UW-Whitewater is unique among its peers. Not only do we offer the top-ranked single business program in the state, but our students have close access to faculty experts who go the extra mile to offer opportunities outside the classroom to help our students develop the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in today’s world. It’s not just about getting a degree – we want our students to be transformed by their experience here at the College of Business and Economics. Partnerships like this one help us to achieve that goal.”

Dr. Ahmad is both an economics professor at Whitewater and serves as the department chair. He earned both a PhD and MA in Economics from Georgetown University, an MSc in Economics and Econometrics from Bristol University in the United Kingdom, and a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science also in the UK. He has been with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since 2004.

About Stoughton Trailers

Stoughton Trailers values leadership, integrity, respect, and is customer-driven. Located in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the company started as a small family-owned business in 1961 and is now one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of over-the-road transportation equipment including, semi-trailers and intermodal container chassis.  The company operates from nine different facilities in the South-Central Wisconsin cities of Stoughton, Evansville, and Brodhead. In 2022 they opened a new manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. Stoughton Trailers has a combined 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space under their roof. Visit stoughtontrailers.com to learn more.

About The Wahlin Foundation

The Wahlin Foundation is a private foundation that provides monetary grants to non-profit organizations in the communities local to, and surrounding, Stoughton Trailer facilities. The broad purpose of the Foundation is to enrich lives and provide opportunities in these communities. Learn more at Wahlinfoundation.org.

About the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE) is Wisconsin’s largest business college. It is home to the #1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools, and is the only college in Wisconsin that offers an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degree program.  The Department of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management, and a Master of Business Administration with emphases in both. Programs also offer majors and minors and are available on campus or in 100% online formats. CoBE is in the top 2% of the world’s business schools having earned both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation. For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.

Wrestlers Have Big Week

December 10, 2023

The Whitewater Wrestling team finished up a busy week of competition culminating in hosting their 10th annual Whitewater Invitational on December 9. Saturday consisted of the varsity team competing against 14 other top-notch teams from the area including many division one programs. The team and individual competition was very stiff, potentially the best overall wrestling we have seen in the ten years of the tournament. 

Connor Friend – 3rd Place Whitewater Tournament

When the tournament ended, the Whippets found themselves in a respectable 5th place behind a very good Riverdale team from southwest Wisconsin who won the tournament, with Burlington coming in second. Third went to Janesville Craig and fourth went to Verona. The coaching staff was happy with the finish as there were some very high-quality teams ahead of the Whippets and thought overall we wrestled well. 

Connor Friend was the top placing Whippet coming in 3rd place. Connor lost a tough overtime match against an opponent from Riverdale who had beaten Connor last year quite severely. Connor wrestled very well losing on a scramble in overtime. In the third-place match, Connor was able secure a pin against a very tough young man from Lake Mills.

Nate Black and JJ Gonzalez also had very good days, each losing only one match and going 4-1. Because this is a scramble tournament the timing of their losses prevented them from being in the championship bracket so they did not medal but did wrestle extremely well. 

Nate Black

Team Picks Up Two Dual Meet Wins on the Week

On Thursday night, December 7, the wrestlers traveled to Beloit Turner to compete in two dual meets. In dual number one the Whippets took care of Clinton in the first dual 67-12. Coming away with pins in this dual meet were Jarvis Porcaro, Jason Villegas, Brady Friend, Traysen Thomason, Odair Porras, and Sebastian Cuellar. 

In the nightcap, the Whippets weathered a storm and were able to hang on to defeat Beloit Turner 48-30. As always, the Whippets vs the Trojans of Turner is a very competitive dual. The Whippets found Turner ahead and gaining momentum as we entered the 138-pound contest when Connor Friend and Traysen Thomason picked up a couple of quick pins. Then JJ Gonzalez and Odair Porras followed with some well wrestled matches to keep the momentum in our direction. After a loss, Jesus Barajas had a big win at 175 sealing the victory for the Whippets. The two wins on the night pushed the Whippets to 3-1 on the season.

The team is next in action on Saturday, December 16, when the varsity and girls’ teams go to the Mount Horeb Invitational and the JV team is at the Elkhorn JV Invitational.

Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

Wisconsin Chamber Choir presents Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on December 17 at First United Methodist Church

December 9, 2023

Experience the wonder and excitement of the Christmas story through J. S. Bach’s joyful Christmas Oratorio. The Madison-based Wisconsin Chamber Choir and a professional orchestra will perform this masterpiece in the resonant acoustics of Whitewater’s First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 pm.

A rich cast of characters comes to life in Bach’s picturesque music. Alto Rachel Wood is the voice of Mary, while the choir sings the words of the angels and the shepherds. Some of Bach’s most memorable four-part chorales interpret the meaning of the story, and the oratorio as a whole is framed by ebullient, dance-like choruses featuring virtuoso trumpets, timpani, flutes, oboes, and strings. Conducted by UW-Whitewater music professor Robert Gehrenbeck, the performers include UWW faculty Rachel Wood, alto; Sarah Read Gehrenbeck, organ; Leanne Kelso, violin; Cristina Ballatori, flute; and Tobie Wilkinson, timpani.

Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater

Tickets range from $5 [for students] to $20 [for adults] and are available in advance from www.wisconsinchamberchoir.org, and at the door. [The ticketing page also indicates that there is “Special ticket pricing for people who are experiencing financial hardship.”]

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Robert Gehrenbeck.

Greater Whitewater Committee Hosting Edgerton Hospital Whitewater Clinic Representatives

December 9, 2023

The Greater Whitewater Committee is Set to Host Marc Augsburger and Dr. Rene Buenzow from Edgerton Hospital- Whitewater Clinic as Guest Speakers at Upcoming December Meeting 

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Marc Augsburger, [Edgerton Hospital] CEO, and Dr. Rene Buenzow, Nurse Practitioner, at the upcoming December meeting. Edgerton Hospital- Whitewater Clinic opened in November 2023. 

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 14th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Marc and Dr. Buenzow will be discussing the new clinic in Whitewater. An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, December 13th. 

Marc Augsburger has over 30 years experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to his CEO experience, he managed various emergency departments and worked clinically as a registered nurse. Marc holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Lima Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University, and a Master’s of Business Administration, Healthcare Emphasis, from Baker College of Graduate Students. 

Dr. Rene Buenzow is the sole healthcare provider for the clinic. She is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and is board certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and an Advanced Registered Nurse. With a doctorate in Nursing from the University of Iowa, Buenzow specializes in both family practice and psychiatry. To learn more about the new clinic visit: https://www.edgertonhospital.com/ 

“I’m thrilled to have Edgerton Hospital open a clinic in Whitewater; additional healthcare services for Whitewater has been one of GWC’s top priorities. I’m looking forward to their future here in the Whitewater community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. 

 About the GWC 

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

VIP Services Announces Second Annual Casino Night Benefit: Mark Your Calendars for Feb. 10 

December 9, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by VIP Services.

VIP Services will be hosting their second annual ‘Casino Night Benefit’ on Saturday, February 10th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Geneva Tap House, located at 252 Broad Street in scenic downtown Lake Geneva. Funds raised at the event will be used to support VIP’s ongoing community programs and their essential services for adults with disabilities. 

Tickets for this unforgettable event are only $50 each and include entrance, playing chips, snacks, and a wide selection of beverages including wines, seltzers, and many varieties of beer. Guests will have the opportunity to play blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas hold’em. The top three chip holders at the end of the night will get to pick from the prize table. 


Craig Poshepny, Executive Director of VIP Services, sees the benefit as a chance to educate the public about VIP’s many services and create new connections in the community. 

“This is such a unique event, and it is also a great forum for talking about those we support in their efforts to overcome challenges and barriers to find employment and other opportunities to become involved in the community,” Poshepny said during a promotional announcement at VIP. “Moving the benefit to Geneva Tap House creates an opportunity to reach a wider audience here in Walworth County, form new partnerships, and hold an even bigger event than we did last year.” 

Poshepny said the additional space at Geneva Tap House will make it possible to have additional gaming tables and host more than 150 guests. Those interested in buying or reserving tickets are encouraged to call VIP Services at 262.723.4043 or visit the organization’s offices in Elkhorn. 

This Week’s City Meetings (Updated with link for Pathways for Participation Livestream)

December 9, 2023

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes public hearing regarding Consideration of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for U-Haul rentals for Ace Hardware located at 1415 W Main Street, Parcel # /A487200001, and Conceptual Plan Review of possible subdivision located on Elkhorn Road for Russell Walton Parcel # WUP 00346.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/642440733
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 642-440-733
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Pathway to Participation Presentation – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m. (Updated with link for the livestream.)
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
 We encourage you to come in person, tune into Channel 990, or watch the presentation live on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/event/3956484 ).
More information regarding this event may be found in this Banner article.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor, 312 West
Whitewater St.
*In Person

Whitewater University Technology Park – Executive Committee – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m.
Conference Rm. 115
Agenda

City of Whitewater Landmarks CommitteeWednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 312 West Whitewater St.,
*In Person and Virtual
Agenda includes Water Tower Situation and Signage, Birge Fountain Fundraising, Territorial Oak, and Effigy Mounds Update.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/228748509
You can also dial in using your phone:
Access Code:
228-748-509
United States:
1 (312) 757-3121



Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Irene Heckert, 87

Janet Irene Heckert, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024 in Delavan, Wisconsin. Born on November 1, 1936, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Gladys and Henry Jansen. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Kenneth Heckert and her brothers Sonny and Paul and sister Darlene. Janet was a graduate of Elkhorn High School in 1955. On October 24, 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Heckert, at Elkhorn Baptist Church in their hometown of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Janet worked for many years as a seamstress, but her true passion was as a … Read more

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Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78

Obituary: Fred Chester Traxler, 78 Fred was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin on October 23, 1945, son of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler. He was born to eternal life at Ascension St. Francis Place in Milwaukee on June 1, 2024. Fred was a 1964 graduate of Whitewater High School. In his younger days Fred enjoyed bowling and polka dancing–and was very good at both. He was very competitive, especially when pitching horseshoes with his Dad, brothers, and cousin Sid. He was always ready for a card game, and was also a big fan of the Packers and Brewers. Fred is preceded … Read more

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Obituary: Harry Oliver Dempsey, 80

Harry Oliver Dempsey passed away peacefully and among family in Elkhorn, WI on July 24, 2024 at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944 to William and Norma (Shober) Dempsey, Harry grew up on the family farm in Whitewater. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed hunting and fishing, a passion that he later passed on to his own children. All his life he could often be found in his shop, building or fixing something – from a child’s toy to lawn mowers, cars, and tractors. His passion for self-sufficiency extended to his large garden whose abundance he happily … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley A. Knuteson, 85

SHIRLEY A. KNUTESON, age 85, of Whitewater, died Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Glenwood at Mulberry Campus in Whitewater. She was born to Hugo and Helen (Wilson) Ferge of Elkhorn, WI. She attended school in Walworth High School, graduating in 1956. Shirley worked at Sterlingworth in Elkhorn and then Fairhaven Nursing Home prior to retirement.  As a young woman, she loved roller skating, had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses on the farm. She was a loyal Brewer and Packer fan. Her diverse family was her pride and joy.  Shirley is survived by her six children Jerry … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Dave Triebold

A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.

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Celebration of Life: James Paul Fisher, 86

James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more

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Obituary: Shirley M.  Messier, 86

Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more

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Celebration of Life: Patricia Parr

Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more

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Obituary: Margorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89

Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more

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Obituary: Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 (UPDATED)

Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more

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