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Obituary: E. Greg Kent, 80

September 26, 2023

E. Greg Kent of Alamo, California, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday morning, September 10, 2023, after a yearlong battle with aggressive prostate cancer. He remained pain free and cared for 24 hours a day by Beverly, his wife of 59 years.

Greg was born July 18, 1943, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin and raised nearby in Whitewater. Greg lived an amazing life; accomplishing much in his 80 years. Greg was a graduate of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and played offensive tackle for their 1964 Liberty Bowl winning football team. After playing in the 1965 East West Shrine game, Greg went on to play for the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions and began accumulating real estate.

In 1970, Greg moved his family to settle in Alamo, California. Soon thereafter, he established California Custom Carpets, Inc. in Dublin, California. He could be found in his office in Dublin, managing the business and adding to his real estate portfolio every day until he became ill a year ago. Today, his considerable real estate holdings scattered across the West Coast, stand as a testament to his work ethic, constant drive and lifetime of incredible success. In the last 25 years, Greg became especially proud of the Buckeye Ranch, an old California ranch, he purchased in 1988. Greg spent a considerable amount of time and effort developing the Buckeye Ranch into a working cattle ranch and an enjoyable get away spot where he and his family spent many weekends.

But what really set Greg apart from the crowd throughout the years, was a benevolent larger-than-life personality and a willingness to quietly help those in need. Quick to tell an interesting story or funny joke, he was blessed with a character and presence that drew people to him, and a kindness that created many deep long-term friendships. He will be missed by his friends at the Alamo Coffee Shop, the “Once a Month” sporting clay shoots, Ducks Unlimited, Big Piney elk hunts, on the streams and lakes across the West, and at the Buckeye Ranch. Most profoundly, he is loved and will be missed by his wife, Beverly, son Brad, daughter Stephanie, son-in-law Brad, and two grandsons, Clayton and Chase.

May God hold him close, give him a great seat at the poker table, and put him in the best duck blind heaven has to offer! E. Greg Kent, a BIG MAN, with a BIG HEART; he lived a BIG LIFE and left a BIG LEGACY!!!

Whitewater Public Library Holds Great Retro Cookbook Contest

September 26, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

Guided Journaling Workshop at the Library Oct. 4

September 26, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

WHITEWATER, WI—Community members are invited to a free guided journaling workshop led by local writer Katy Daixon Wimer. Enjoy reflective journaling prompts and inspiring, lively conversation. Feel free to bring your own journal or a small journal will be provided.   

The workshop will be held at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

This program is for adults and there is no cost to attend. Teens are welcome with a participating adult. Registration is requested. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org and click on “Events – Registration Forms” to register in advance. You may also email sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-458-2782 to register or with any questions.  

UW-Whitewater Technology Surplus Sale Oct. 3 & 4

September 25, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The UW-Whitewater IT Services Technology Surplus Sale will be held at the Community Engagement Center (CEC) on October 3 and 4. Take advantage of great pricing on used equipment like Macs and PCs, monitors, projectors, cameras, hard drives, and more for your home or personal use.  For details, please go to our Technology Surplus information page.

CEC Location / Entrance Sale Location:
Community Engagement Center (CEC)
Room 108/109
1260 W. Main Street (next to Walmart)
Whitewater, WI 53190

Hours:

October 3

  • 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Early Access*
  • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. General public

October 4

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. General public

Shop early because IT Services cannot reserve items, and everything is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment forms accepted: credit, debit, Purple Points, cash, or check. Receipts will be provided for all purchases.

These devices are for personal use only and will not be supported by UW-Whitewater. All devices are sold as-is and may not be returned or used at UW-Whitewater for any reason. Individuals with tax-exempt status should bring in a physical copy of their signed tax exemption form to process tax-exempt purchases.

*Early Access passes distributed to current UW-W students and employees are valid from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3. The pass admits one individual to the sale during the early access window. All sale rules apply to early access purchases.

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Human Journey in Faith – El Camino Humano en la Fe

September 25, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Nancy Brunner.

Where did your family come from? Why did you settle in Whitewater? Where are our fellow citizens from? What are our own Human Journey in Faith stories?

Please join us on Sunday October 1, 2023 as the Human Concerns Committee from St. Patrick’s Parish is sponsoring a presentation called “The Human Journey in Faith” from 10:15-11:15 (between the masses) in Berry Hall at St. Patrick’s Parish Whitewater. Light refreshments provided.

The hour long presentation will have 3 parts:
*Rob Shelledy, our moderator, was the Director of Social Justice ministry at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for many years. He will give an overview of Human Dignity and Social Justice with a “See, Judge, Act,” perspective.
*Witness talks from parishioners and/or Whitewater community members regarding their own or ancestors’ journey
*Questions/Answers/Discussion.


¿De dónde vino tu familia? ¿Por qué te estableciste en Whitewater? ¿De dónde son nuestros compañeros feligreses? ¿Cuáles son nuestras propias historias

Acompáñenos el domingo 1 de octubre de 2023 ya que el Comité de Asuntos Humanos de la Parroquia de San Patricio patrocina una presentación llamada “El Camino Humano en la Fe” de 10:15 a 11:15 (entre las misas) en Berry Hall. Se proporcionan refrigerios.

La presentación de una hora de duración tendrá 3 partes:
*Rob Shelledy, nuestro moderador, fue Director del Ministerio de Justicia Social en la Arquidiócesis de Milwaukee durante muchos años. Dará una visión general de la Dignidad Humana y la Justicia Social con una perspectiva de “Ver, Juzgar, Actuar”.

*Charlas de testigos feligreses y/o miembros de la comunidad de Whitewater sobre su propio viaje o el de sus antepasados.

*Preguntas/Respuestas/Discusión.

Run for Trey is Sunday October 8

September 25, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Molly Fuller.

The 13th Annual Run for Trey is on Sunday, October 8 at Starin Park in Whitewater, WI!! 

Through the strength of the Kilar family and the outpouring of community support, Run for Trey was established to support the development and maintenance of the little league field, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, and yearly local scholarships for students.  

Mary and Mike Kilar’s son, Treyton, age 6, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver on September 2, 2010. Although his dreams were shattered by a senseless tragedy, the field built in his honor provides a safe place for children and families to celebrate life and spend time together.  It is a place where children are encouraged to dream big and learn that through hard work, their dreams can become reality! 

Although Treyton is now playing on the “real” field of dreams in heaven, the fundraising efforts each year from the Run for Trey helps thousands of other children have a better future and learn responsible life-long decision-making skills. 

You can sign up for the Run for Trey at www.treysfield.org. The day will consist of lots of family fun activities including:

  • Run For Trey features an all terrain run/walk
    • Run onto the field at Perkins Stadium at UWW
  • Dogs welcome
  • Bounce
  • Obstacle course for the kids
  • Balloons
  • Raffle
  • Great food to enjoy!

-$20.00 Registration (Adults) – Before October 8, 2023

-$25.00 same-day registrations at the event (Adult)

-$15.00 Registration (17 & Under) – NOTE: Runsignup will discount at checkout based on birthdate.

-$20.00 same-day registrations at the event (17 & Under)

*Packet pickup starts at 8 am on race day. Race starts at 10. If you have any questions you can email Molly Fuller at mollyo18@me.com

Our Readers Share: Mark Dorn

September 24, 2023

Mark Dorn shared some photos of early evening visitors to the Village at Trippe Lake condos.

Photo by Mark Dorn
Photo by Mark Dorn

League Book Club Study on Gender Identity September 28

September 24, 2023

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area.

On Thursday evening, September 28, 6-8PM, at the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in Whitewater, the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will host the first of 3 Book Club discussions on Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia.  Sissy is a complex, moving and enlightening memoir written by a non gender conforming young man. Tobia inspires readers to open their minds and experience his fascinating journey of gender positivity.

Books are reserved at the Whitewater Public Library and the first discussion will cover the Introduction and Part I (read thru page 97).  You do not need to be a League member to attend this event!  The League welcomes all who are interested in deepening their understanding of this important topic. If you have any questions, please contact Dwight C. Watson at dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com or call 920-542-8601.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Jerome Francis Burke, 76

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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