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The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Fall Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information. The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2025.
Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community. The Foundation has given grants to Fairhaven, The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, Whitewater Youth Soccer, the Whitewater Public Library, and much more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
As students, faculty and staff begin a new academic year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater continues to see steady enrollment growth across both of its campuses.
According to projections released Tuesday by the Universities of Wisconsin, 12,075 students are enrolled at UW-Whitewater for the fall 2025 semester. This is a nearly 3% increase from the final fall 2024 enrollment of 11,752.
At the Whitewater campus, 11,303 students are enrolled, compared to 11,042 last year. At the Rock County campus, 772 students are enrolled, compared to 710.
The freshman class is the largest in a decade — 2,459 new freshmen are enrolled.
“At UW-Whitewater, we are marking three consecutive years of enrollment growth,” said Chancellor Corey King. “We are thrilled to welcome new students, both first-year and transfers, to the Warhawk family and excited for those who are continuing their college journey with us. Our commitment to student success aligns with our institutional mission of academic excellence, inclusivity, access, and affordability which continues to resonate with students and their families.”
“In addition to our increase in new freshmen, another area we are seeing growth is in the number of college students transferring to UW-Whitewater,” said Jackie Briggs, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment and retention. “About 660 students transferred to UW-Whitewater from other institutions this fall, compared to 540 last year. Data shows they experience strong outcomes after becoming members of the Warhawk family. We have one of the top retention rates in Wisconsin for transfer students at 84.6%.”
Briggs said UW-Whitewater has an exceptional reputation across the state and new programs like Direct Admit Wisconsin allow the university to reach an even wider audience.
UW-Whitewater is home to Wisconsin’s largest accredited school of business and licenses more new teachers than any other university in Wisconsin. More than 80 undergraduate majors — including newer programs like cybersecurity and health and leadership studies — and 24 graduate programs are now offered at UW-Whitewater.
On the Rock County campus, three bachelor’s degree programs are driving increases in enrollment — the online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, which offers a flexible degree completion pathway for students who hold an applied associate degree from a technical college; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a collaborative degree program in partnership with Edgewood College; and the Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, which offers emphases in diagnostic sonography and radiologic technology.
Students enrolled in programs on the Rock County campus have the option to live in university housing on the Whitewater campus.
“This is a unique opportunity that sets UW-Whitewater apart and draws students from a larger geographic area than in the past. Nearly 180 Rock County students are living in Whitewater campus housing this fall, compared to about 140 last year,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the Rock County campus and dean of the College of Integrated Studies.
The figures released by the Universities of Wisconsin represent projected enrollment based on data from the first day of classes. The university’s official census will take place on the 10th day of instruction (Sept.15).
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
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Preliminary enrollment up at eight of the Universities of Wisconsin while holding steady overall
MADISON, Wis.—Enrollment at eight of the Universities of Wisconsin this fall increased, according to preliminary estimates based on Day One student counts as overall enrollment held steady.
New freshman enrollment is up three percent, or nearly 900 students, according to the preliminary estimates — with eight universities showing new freshman enrollment increases of five percent or more.
However, significant declines in international students are a likely reason overall enrollment remained steady and did not increase. International enrollment could drop as much as 15 percent at U.S. colleges nationwide, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International.
“We are seeing positive signs on enrollment for the third straight year,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “New freshman enrollment is particularly promising. It’s a win when our state’s public universities continue to attract and retain talent Wisconsin will need to prosper.”
Overall, enrollment is 164,340 in fall 2025, according to the preliminary estimates, down 96 students from the final 2024 fall enrollment counts.
Eight of 13 universities showed increases under the preliminary enrollments. The Universities of Wisconsin have been providing enrollment estimates based on Day One counts since fall 2020. Official enrollment counts will be released later this fall based on the 10th day of enrollment.
Rothman said the numbers are a positive sign that Direct Admit Wisconsin is attracting new students to the universities. The program’s first cohort of students enrolled this fall. Direct Admit Wisconsin offers automatic admission to qualified high school students without requiring an application.
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise also appears to be making an impact, Rothman said. The program for the fall 2025 cohort provides tuition and fees for students from families earning less than $55,000 after scholarships and other financial aid is considered.
The preliminary headcount enrollments for fall 2025 are:
- UW-Eau Claire: 9,498
- UW-Green Bay: 11,500
- UW-La Crosse: 10,627
- UW-Madison: 51,550
- UW-Milwaukee: 22,613
- UW-Oshkosh: 12,457
- UW-Parkside: 3,895
- UW-Platteville: 6,406
- UW-River Falls: 5,275
- UW-Stevens Point: 8,538
- UW-Stout: 7,047
- UW-Superior: 2,859
- UW-Whitewater: 12,075
- Total: 164,340
The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,400 students. Awarding nearly 36,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Universities of Wisconsin.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, at approximately 5:01 pm, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was notified of a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 12 and County Highway P in the Town of Whitewater, County of Walworth, Wisconsin. The Communications Center sent law enforcement and Fire/EMS units to the scene.
On arrival units found a crash occurred in the intersection between a 2007 Peterbilt dump truck and a 1959 Ford Ranchero. To secure the scene and ensure safety, the roadway was closed in all four directions for the duration of the initial investigation.
The passenger from the Ranchero, Sherry Grossman, 56-year-old female, was flown from the scene by medical helicopter to a Wisconsin hospital. The driver of the Ranchero, Peter Grossman, 61-year-old male, was transported to a local hospital by ground ambulance. The driver of the Peterbilt, Colton Bentheimer, 27-year-old male, was treated by EMS and released on scene.
The initial investigation found the Peterbilt was making a left turn at the intersection and turned in front of oncoming traffic. The Ranchero was continuing straight with the right of way. No fatalities have resulted from this crash. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit was requested to respond to the scene and will continue to investigate this crash.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office thanks those who assisted us with this crash including; Whitewater Fire/EMS Department, La Grange Fire/EMS, Med Flight medical helicopter, Whitewater Police Department, Whitewater Public Works Department, and the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Army Private First Class Leon R. Karwacki Who Lost His Life in World War II |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #273 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., Sept. 10, 2025, in honor of U.S. Army Private First Class Leon R. Karwacki, who lost his life in World War II at the age of 27 and whose remains have been identified and returned to Wisconsin for burial. “Private First Class Leon R. Karwacki was a hero who selflessly answered the call to serve and gave his life defending the values and freedoms we hold most dear,” said Gov. Evers. “We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice, and it is an honor to welcome Private First Class Karwacki back to his home state so that he may be finally laid to rest.” From Milwaukee, Private First Class Karwacki was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, and in September 1944, his battalion advanced against enemy forces near Stolberg, Germany. On Sept. 17, 1944, Private First Class Karwacki was killed during an attack, and due to the intensity of enemy fire, his body could not be recovered. Having made the ultimate sacrifice, Private First Class Karwacki was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and other campaign honors recognizing his brave service. In 1945, American graves registration personnel recovered a set of unidentified remains and subsequently interred them at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense and American Battle Monuments Commission exhumed the remains and sent them to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory for analysis. Using dental, anthropological, and circumstantial evidence, the remains of Private First Class Karwacki were positively identified. Private First Class Karwacki will be buried with full military honors on Wed., Sept. 10, 2025, in Milwaukee. |
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| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of 9/11 and State Day of Service and Remembrance |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #274 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., Sept. 11, 2025, and declaring a state Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. As Wisconsinites reflect and remember, Gov. Evers is encouraging folks to participate in a day of service to give back to their neighbors and local communities. Gov. Evers and members of the Evers Administration will be participating in service events on Thurs., Sep. 11, 2025, as part of the state Day of Service and Remembrance. “Today, we take time to remember all those who lost their lives in the attacks on 9/11, their families, loved ones, and survivors, including the countless brave first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who ran towards danger to help those in need, some of whom are still suffering from the health effects to this day,” said Gov. Evers. “As we reflect on that fateful day and how our nation was forever changed, we are also called upon to remember the spirit of unity and service that guided us in the days following to come together and help support each other during a time of great need. I encourage Wisconsinites to join in honoring this solemn day through acts of kindness to their neighbors and acts service in our local communities. We will never forget.” A list of potential volunteer opportunities, including virtual options, can be found on the Volunteer Wisconsin website here. Wisconsinites can also participate in other ways, including by engaging with their neighborhoods and communities, performing acts of kindness, or taking the time to reflect on the significance of the day. |
Whippet Soccer sailed to a comfortable 6-0 victory over Racine Lutheran on Monday night, September 8.
Four first half goals from Abdi Calvillo, Kevin Gonzales X2 and Langdon Coburn helped secure a deserved win, and your Whippets remain undefeated. Tyler Housel and Haniel Vilchez rounded off the scoring for the evening.
Casey Schlicher made 5 saves for the Whippets, and Daniel Gaus had 4 saves for Racine Lutheran.
With standout performances all across the pitch, your Whippets are ready to take on conference rivals Big Foot on Thursday for Staff Appreciation Night. Keep up the strong performances boys, and Go Whippets!
Whippet Goals:
- 2′ Abdi Calvillo
- 9′ Kevin Gonzalez (Abdi Calvillo assist)
- 24′ Langdon Coburn (Rosenberg Escobar assist)
- 33′ Kevin Gonzalez
- 62′ Tyler Housel
- 68′ Haniel Vilchez (Elijah Gutierrez assist)
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Written by Lynn Binnie
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The fulfillment of Reese Brantmeier’s dream of renovating and reopening the tennis courts located on the edge of the Washington Elementary School grounds was celebrated in a grand opening on July 12. Approximately 100 people were in attendance at the dedication, including three of her tennis coaches from North Carolina. One of the coaches remarked that he could see the courts from almost a mile away, as they are painted in “Carolina blue!”
Brantmeier remarked on how the tennis courts at Washington were the initial impetus for her love of tennis. She already competed in the U.S. Open in her junior year of high school. Her hope in rejuvenating the Washington courts was that other children will come to love the sport. She had indicated on the project’s website: “These courts and subsequent programming will introduce local children and families of all skill levels, ages, and identities to the joys and opportunities of this life-long sport. These courts would directly increase physical activity rates, cardiovascular fitness, and overall long-term health by promoting non-sedentary habits.” The library now has racquets and balls available to check out.
Additional donations still needed
Brantmeier’s project is partnered with the Patrick W. Ryan Memorial Tennis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to promoting tennis in Southeastern Wisconsin. Her fundraising efforts were successful in garnering donations not only from the Whitewater area, but from North Carolina and other parts of the U.S., not to mention international contributions including from New Zealand. The total as of the grand opening was nearly $160,000.
According to the project website, the goal is still $200,000 with $161,768.98 having been raised. That leaves the hope of receiving an additional $37,604.02, or $17,604.02 if no lighting is installed. The remainder is needed to establish an endowment that will ensure that the courts are properly maintained for the foreseeable future. Contributions may be made online through the Patrick W. Ryan Memorial Tennis Foundation or by mail c/o Ryan Incorporated Central, 2700 E. Racine Street, Janesville, WI 53545 with a check made out to the foundation and designated for the Brantmeier project.
US Open Results
The University of North Carolina’s Reese Brantmeier and Alanis Hamilton won their U.S. Open debut doubles match together last week in an afternoon match on Thursday, topping fellow Americans Thea Frodin and Kristina Penickova, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(8), in the first round of the women’s doubles competition at the US Open. With the win, Brantmeier and Hamilton advanced to the second round, and the two won $30,000 in prize money for the first round win. (Prize money for each round posted on the U.S. Open site.)
In the second round, Brantmeier and Hamilton faced off against the fourth-seeded Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens last Saturday. The pair defeated the UNC’s Brantmeier and Hamilton 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday afternoon in the second round of the 2025 US Open.
Against Kudermetova and Mertens (this year’s 2025 Wimbledon Women’s Doubles Champion), the UNC duo put up a tough fight in the early going of the first set, tying the score at 2-2 after four games. The fourth-seeded pros eventually put away Brantmeier and Hamilton, 6-3 in the first frame. Kudermetova and Mertens led, 5-0, in the second set before winning, 6-1, to take the match.
The 4th-seeded doubles team that defeated Brantmeier and Hamilton advanced all the way to the US Open women’s semifinal at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds in New York City.
Editor’s note: Our thanks to Greg Stewart for the US Open results.
Whitewater’s 5th Annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater on October 4.
“Celebrating five years of our local Whitewater Pride reminds us that when we come together in unity, we create a community rooted in joy, strengthened by pride, and committed to justice. As we honor this milestone, we also send love and support to LGBTQ+ people everywhere – especially our youth – reminding them they are seen, valued, and never alone,” Kim Simes said. Simes is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Family Equality and a founding committee member of Whitewater Pride.
Whitewater Pride is dedicated to bringing the LGBTQ+ community and Allies together. Their mission is to foster diversity, inclusion, and pride in the Whitewater community. Their vision is to create an open, affirmative, and accepting environment for all people, with a focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Whitewater City Manager, John Weidl, said, “In the military, in the classroom, and in City Hall, I’ve seen that strength comes from unity and from embracing our differences. That’s why my wife and I are proud to call ourselves a Warhawk student and alum, and why I’m proud to stand with Whitewater Pride on this joyous day.”
The event this year includes the UWW Marching Band, community and statewide speakers, engaging performances, live music, interactive dancing, an open mic, 30+ inclusive vendors, and multiple food trucks, including Sampa’s Tacos and Rocky Rococo’s. Speakers, including Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin State Representative Brienne Brown, UWW Chancellor Corey King, and WUSD Superintendent Sam Karns will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement and support locally and nationally. A children’s area includes a bounce house, face painting, activities, and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books. Leashed pets are also invited to attend and participate in a Pride Pet Costume Contest.
State Senator Mark Spreitzer said, “I am excited to join Whitewater Pride and help foster an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration throughout the City. I look forward to gathering with the community to celebrate all we have accomplished and loudly proclaim that we’re here, we’re proud to be here, and we’re going to celebrate Pride all year long.”
Please note that drone footage will be taken around 12 Noon on the day of the event for marketing purposes. Multiple announcements will be made prior to the drone flying, pointing out several areas to seek cover if attendees do not want to be filmed.
This year’s Pride Rally sponsors include: Whitewater Unites Lives, Zumidy Media, Coburn Company, Madison Technical College, First English Lutheran Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rodriguez Rentalz, Fort HealthCare, First Weber Real Estate, Fort Community Credit Union, Stellar Vintage, Sampa’s Tacos, LGBTQ+ Walworth County, the UWW PB Poorman Pride Center, and Pet Supplies Plus of Whitewater.
For more information or to support Whitewater Pride as Sponsor or Donor, visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.
Editor’s Note: The above was provided by Whitewater Pride.
The Unity Project to host 8th Annual Fort Atkinson Fall Fiesta (Fiesta De Otoño)
The Unity Project of Fort Atkinson will be hosting the eighth annual Fort Fall Fiesta on Saturday, September 13th from 12-4 pm at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.
The fiesta brings together English and Spanish speakers within our community for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, games and children’s activities. Authentic food will be available from La Morenita taco truck and the Hispanic congregation of First United Methodist Church. Delicious churro cheesecake, chocoflan and street corn from La Chucheria and sweet treats from Lulu’s Cravings. A local DJ will play a mix of music that will have you dancing and learning bachata and salsa. The Cub Scouts, Jefferson County Humane Society, Fort Healthcare and BASE will have fun activities for the whole family. There’ll be free face painting, balloon animals and giveaways. Also returning this year is the quinceañera fashion show co-hosted by the Fort Atkinson Club at 1:00 pm. Community members are invited to enter the domino tournament for a chance to win tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers. The event will also feature over twenty exhibitors who offer products, services, or opportunities to attendees.
This year’s event sponsors include Fort Community Credit Union, Fort HealthCare, Madison College and Molina HealthCare. Concessions are sponsored by Kwik Trip, Terra Staffing and 201 Waterfront Dental.
Special thanks go out to Mandy Bastien and the Fort Atkinson Generals, Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department and City of Fort Atkinson for their support.
“The Unity Project’s mission is to promote a sense of acceptance and belonging among all members of the community. The Fiesta is an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate, and create bonds that strengthen our community,” said Whitney Townsend,
event organizer.
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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