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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Wednesday, July 31, 2024
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Update 10/18 @ 3 p.m.: Name identifications added to the formal photos at the bottom of the post. Several additional photos of the dinner were also added.
The WHS class of 1973 held their 50th reunion at the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center on September 9. Photos are courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Tour of What WAS
In 1973 the high school was located in today’s middle school.
Senior Stairs
Dinner
Row 1 (Bottom row)
Alice (Rich) Schwarz, Robert Rowley, Mike Piper, Bruce McGraw, Joseph DeMott, Cynthia (Cuff) Cornwell, Lois (Beattie) Gray, Pat (Peck) Bromley, Peg Pomplin, Barbara (Ludeman) Frieberg, Lynn (Messerschmidt) Dickey, Kathi (Swenson) Werner, Mark Burrows
Row 2
John Stachowski, Jim Lawrence, Dan Bonk, Richard King, Brian Fehly, Clay Van De Bogart, Karen Kent, Joe Suchanek, Randy Crosby, Meredith (Misener) Crosby, Ed Steck, Ray Welter, George Behrens, Gregg Theune, Ardin Hammersted
Row 3
Connie (Ardelt) Foerster, Nancy (Duffin) Nugen, Tom Stanek, Francis (Street) Stanek, Becky (Nugent) Lippencott, Mary Holden, Debra (Roe) Borden, Joyce (Riggs) Hutchinson, Deborah (McLay) Meyer, Karen Luther, Kathy (Davison) Colwell, Debra (Poehler) Griffins, Donna (Taylor) Allenstein, Ann (Platner) Woods, LouAnn (Kettwig) Curran, David Nash
Row 4
Roger Roehl, Debra (Gerner) Ferguson, Melodie (Nass) Flewelling, Rebecca Ludeman, Janet (Bromley) Olson, Sue (Hookstead) Meyer, Clay Van De Bogart, Clayton Farrell, Joe Suchanek, Robert Ochs, Ray Gavitt, Mike Frawley, Katherine (White) Hitchcock, Nancy (Schaefer) Evans, Sue Joliffee
“Wedding Dresses of Whitewater, Past & Present”
Models and Displays
Refreshments include finger sandwiches, petit fours, bars, fruit cups, Kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake), mints, coffee, tea, and punch
Everyone is invited!
Free will donation
Online ticket purchases may be made at bethelhouseinc.org through October 20.
Reservations may be purchased at bethelhouseinc.org through Friday, October 20.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by Sirina Hoffmann.
The WWHSAA will be holding the annual meeting at noon on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Jessica’s Family Restaurant. All alumni and guests are invited to attend. During the annual meeting officer elections are held in addition to general alumni business. All attendees are responsible to pay for their own meal. Go Whippets!
The members of St. John’s Masonic Lodge invite the citizens of Whitewater and the surrounding area to come out and enjoy a nice hot meal and show your support for our lodge. Our semi-annual fundraiser dinners are essential to support our organization and the costs of maintaining and insuring our beautiful old building. Come out and dine in and allow us to serve you, or you can carry out meals and enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. We look forward to serving you.
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is not representative of the dinner, as there is no vegetable other than coleslaw on the menu.
Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is having a shorter monthly exhibit entitled Hallow’s Gala at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street. This exhibit is running from October 13 to October 29, Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The following dates have differing times to be in tandem with other local Whitewater events:
- Thursday, October 26 – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Hallow’s Gala is participating in the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce’s Ghouls Night Out which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- WAA is a part of the Scavenger Hunt during this event where “ghouls” can look for a special symbol within the gallery. The symbol will be hidden within the exhibit, and the WAA encourages both parents and children to not only look for it but also look at the spooky artwork presented by our artists.
- During the gallery open hours, WAA volunteers will give out candy as a trick-or-treating location among the lineup.
- WAA will also host a “Creepy Sounds Corner” where kids can use musical instruments provided by co-chair Christine Hayes to get into the Halloween spirit.
- WAA will also provide coloring pages with spooky themes for kids to color and take home.
On Sunday, October 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Hallow’s Gala will have its closing reception which will feature musical entertainment by Los Bromanceros. Los Bromanceros is the duo players Brian “Looper” Lucas and Kenny Jones who are also a part of the recently heard Brothers Quinn during the Savory Sounds event. Entry to the reception is $5 at the door, kids 8 years or younger get in free. There will be a costume contest with a small prize included, as well as candy and treats for attendees to enjoy. Awards for Best of Show and Viewer’s Choice will be announced during this reception.
Artists within this exhibit are…
- Bridget Coulter, mixed media artist (Whitewater, WI)
- Anna Curtis, mixed media artist (Menomonee Falls, WI)
- Michael Joers, painter (Janesville, WI)
- Ashley McDarison, digital artist (Delavan, WI)
- Kim McDarison, painter (Delavan, WI)
- Taylor McDarison, ceramicist (Waukesha, WI)
- Woody Olsen, mixed media artist (Janesville, WI)
- Roy Schmidt, photographer (Watertown, WI)
The information about this exhibit can be found on the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s website https://www.whitewaterarts.org/hallows-gala-2023.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to co-chairperson Ashley McDarison, mcdarisonproductions@gmail.com.
Click here to register. Please note that the deadline is today, 10/17.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Horticulture Program.
UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program is offering FREE educational online programs to help you be more successful in your own yards, gardens, containers – anywhere you grow plants!
Our next series, Houseplant Myth Busters, Tool Ideas and Succulent Spotlight, starts soon. Registration is required for each program. Participants can attend only one or all three! This series is open to the public. All programs in this series will be recorded and made available on the Extension Horticulture website. Go to bit.ly/3IYUVFq to find out more and to register!
Houseplant Mythbusters, Tool Ideas and Succulent Spotlight Online Programs
Debunking Houseplant Myths
Date/Time: October 31, 12:00 p.m.
Description: It can be hard to separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to plant care and pest prevention. Join us to discuss common misconceptions about your indoor plant care and learn the correct strategies to keep your indoor greenery thriving and healthy. Presented by: Johanna Oosterwyk, DC Smith Greenhouse Manager, UW-Madison
Adaptive Gardening Tools: What to think about for success next season
Date/Time: November 9, 12:00 p.m.
Description: Here are some ideas of gardening tools that will make your life in the garden easier and extend your time outside enjoying the weather. By using adaptive gardening tools you can care for your plants while reducing the chance of injury.
Presented by: Ann Loper, Chairwoman of the Lifelong Gardening Project, SouthEast Wisconsin
Master Gardener (SEWMG) Association
Growing Adenium (Desert Rose) – The Flamboyant Succulent
Date/Time: Tuesday November 14, 12:00 p.m.
Description: Adeniums, or “Desert Roses,” are popular houseplants because of their structurally interesting shapes and abundance of flowers available in a diversity of colors. But, as succulents, they have special cultural requirements for care and maintenance. Join us to learn how you can successfully grow these plants and keep them thriving at home! Presented by: Dan Mahr, Emeritus Professor and Extension Entomologist, UW-Madison, and Honorary Fellow and Past President, Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
Go to bit.ly/3IYUVFq to find out more and to register! These webinars are hosted by UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Horticulture. For upcoming events and learning opportunities, see https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/events/
Obituaries
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more
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