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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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The Whitewater Historical Society will open their local history museum for the season with a special temporary exhibit celebrating the Coburn Company’s 100th Anniversary. An opening celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:00 p.m. at the museum on Whitewater Street.
The Coburn Company was founded by Ora Coburn in 1925. During its early years, the company, under the leadership of Ora’s sons, Deane and Ronald, was an innovator as the manufacturer and distributor of the world’s first practical electric fence. Prior to Coburn’s innovation in controlling the charge in electric fences to make them safe, electric fences were dangerous. After successfully promoting the One-Wire Fence, the Coburn Company branched out into the distribution of other agricultural products and in the 1950s, the company developed a catalog for dealers and retailers to purchase specialty items for resale, particularly items related to the dairy industry.
In the late 20th century, Deane’s son, James “Jim” Coburn became the leader of the company, growing the business to new heights as a leader in the distribution of agriculture-related products. Jim was joined in this effort by wife, Virginia, and after the 1990s, by their sons, Thayer and Joseph.
The Whitewater Historical Society’s exhibit illustrates the growth of the Coburn Company and features many artifacts on display. The museum is open every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9-12.
Whitewater High School music students performed well at the Wisconsin School Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 26.
Twenty-five of the WHS students’ events received a 1st rating, while seven earned a 2nd rating.
In addition, several WHS students were recognized through the WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition Project, which honors the most outstanding performances at each State Festival campus. Selected by adjudicators through a two-step process, the recognition is one of the highest distinctions awarded at the event.
Five WHS events received Exemplary Performance Recognition:
● Dante Baker – Marimba
● Alexander Clarksen – Music Theatre
● Ava Van Daele – Music Theatre and Classical
● A’lani Ross – Music Theatre
Four additional events from WHS were nominated for the award:
● Ava Van Daele and A’lani Ross – Vocal Duet
● Charlotte Hajewski – Music Theatre
● Samuel Nickelsburg – Music Theatre
● A’lani Ross – Classical
The event was held on the UW-Whitewater campus. A complete list of results is available here.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Updated 5/20/25 @ 9:35 a.m. to add WUSD School Board special meeting on Thursday.
Updated 5/20/25 @ 9:40 a.m. to indicate that the WUSD School Board/WEA Bargaining Session scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
School Board of the Whitewater Unified School District and the Whitewater
Education Association – Monday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to exchange 2025-26 proposals. The meeting will be open to the
public. In addition, the parties may caucus individually in closed session. Subsequent negotiations will be conducted in closed session unless the parties agree to open sessions.
Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes demonstration of library’s new website and discussion and possible action regarding library’s social media accounts and continuing to allow public comments.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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 click the link below to join the webinar:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89087483919?pwd=fETZjbIiOS36jfGjg2ddiKeRemJgul.1
Meeting ID: 890 8748 3919
Passcode: A23rhghs
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Update: The district indicates that the following meeting has been canceled, “as an agreement was reached at the meeting yesterday.”
Whitewater School Board/Whitewater Education Association Bargaining Session – Tuesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to exchange 2025-26 proposals. The meeting will be open to the public. In addition, the parties may caucus individually in closed session. Subsequent negotiations will be conducted in closed session unless the parties agree to open sessions.
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. [Note new meeting time]
Agenda includes A representative from Bethel House is here to present 2024 data about community members who are facing homelessness or who are unhoused, Spring Splash after action report, Consideration of stop signs on Walworth Ave. at Prince St., Discussion and Possible Action regarding whether or not to submit a RFP for the WUSD School Resource Officer, Discussion and Possible Action regarding adding stop signs on Peck Street at the Whiton Street intersection, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the future of the Starin Park Water Tower, Discussion and possible action regarding an ordinance changing the Common Council meetings to 6 p.m.
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 click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83293572322?pwd=jX54LaxWgjLVL6EVbNytae1nnkCUcj.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID:832 9357 2322
Passcode: 828277
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tree planting at the Bark Park.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88307562402?pwd=Er49L1HWStfYB96uK4bCSrVZVJy6SF.1
Meeting ID: 883 0756 2402
Passcode: 283446
Or dial +1 312 626 6799 US
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Closed session to select the final candidate and possible consideration of contractual terms of employment/contract for the new superintendent. When the closed session ends, the meeting will end.
Cleveland, OH — The UW-Whitewater softball team claimed the NCAA Regional title with a 7-3 win over Case Western Reserve University Saturday. The Warhawks went 3-0 at the regional hosted by CWRU to punch their ticket to Super Regionals.
UW-Whitewater will take on St. Mary’s (MN) for the best-of-three Supers series. The location and times of Super Regional games will be announced when made official by the NCAA.
After a three-up, three-down inning for both teams in the first, the Spartans threatened in the second. Auburn Roberson (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) robbed the extension of an at bat for the leadoff with a nifty sliding catch in foul territory for the first out. CWRU drew a walk and pushed the runner into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. The Spartans put runners on the corners with an infield single before Josie Hammen (Combined Locks, Wis./Kimberly) got out of the jam with a strikeout.
UWW responded in the bottom half of the inning with two out offense. Roberson turned her stellar defense into clutch offense with the Warhawks’ first back knock of the game. Claire Kohnle (Tisch Mills, Wis./Kewaunee) made the pitcher work — after falling down 0-2 in the count, the senior fouled off a pitch before watching the next four balls sail by out of the zone for the walk. JJ Jakosalem (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Buffalo Grove) followed suit with a walk to load the bases. Kaitlyn Weidemann (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) sent a hard shot back up the middle for a single to center that plated two for the 2-0 UWW lead.
Case Western Reserve knotted the game with back-to-back four baggers to open the fourth. A couple of singles later and the Spartans had their only lead of the game, 3-2.
UW-Whitewater responded immediately in their half of the frame, once again scoring with two outs. Kohnle sent a rocket off the wall in center field for a double. Weidemann singled before Taylor Koehler (Wauconda, Ill./Wauconda) drew a huge pinch hit walk to load the bases. Emma Giese (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trail) took one for the team off of her front leg for the RBI hit-by-pitch. A wild pitch had all of the Warhawks on the bases moving with Weidemann sliding into home safely to give UWW a 4-3 advantage.
After a three-up, three-down top of the fifth, UW-Whitewater’s bats added one more in the bottom of the inning. Roberson was hit-by-pitch and Kohnle drew another walk. Roberson came around to score on Weidemann’s single down the right field line.
Giese kept the offense going in the bottom of the sixth with a one-out single to left center. Grace Wickman (Wausaukee, Wis./Peshtigo) stepped to the plate and took the first pitch for a ball. The next offering had the powerful righty swinging, connecting and the UWW bench yelling BOOM as the no-doubter left the park, easily clearing the wall in left field. The senior trotted around the bases, meeting her celebrating teammates at home plate.
With a four-run, 7-3 lead heading into the seventh, the Warhawk defense held. As Kohnle secured the final out in left field, the Warhawks streamed out of the dugout to the mound in celebration.
Weidemann was a perfect 3-3 at the dish with 3 RBI. Wickman added the two-run bomb to cap the scoring.
Hammen tossed the first three innings before Hock came in to claim the win in the game with four shutout innings of work.
Hammen, Wickman and Dani Peshia (Newark, Ill./Newark Community) were named to the All-Tournament Team while Weidemann was selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the Regional.
Written by Chris Lindeke
Advancing Education, Empowering K-9 Educators
A leader in teacher education in Wisconsin for more than 150 years, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will launch a Master of Science in Education in Elementary Middle Education starting this fall.
The program — which was approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents at a meeting in April and is pending final approval from the state’s Department of Public Instruction — provides a pathway for people with a bachelor’s degree to earn K-9 teacher licensure. Applications are welcome at this time, and admission will be confirmed upon receiving DPI approval.
The degree addresses a critical workforce need for elementary and middle school teachers in Wisconsin and throughout the region.
“UW-Whitewater is a leader in teacher education, and the MSE in Elementary Middle Education was created with the local and regional need for teachers in mind,” said Lana Collet-Klingenberg, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “According to the Wisconsin DPI, the largest shortage area for licensure is now in regular education in elementary and middle school. This degree is ideal for working adults who have a degree outside of education or for paraprofessionals already working in schools.”
The MSE in Elementary Middle Education is a two-year, online, asynchronous program that allows students to work at their own pace. The curriculum includes courses and school-based placements in teaching mathematics, social studies, fine arts, science, and literacy before culminating with a full-time semester-long student teaching placement.
UW-Whitewater, which opened its doors in 1868 as a school for future teachers, licenses the most teachers in Wisconsin. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the university offers six other MSE educator preparation programs, including:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team advances to the Regional Final in Adrian, Michigan with a walk-off win against Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday evening.
Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) sent Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) into score on a walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the 11th to give the Warhawks the 4-3 win in a defensive battle. Between the two teams, there were seven double plays throughout the game
Throughout the first two innings, both teams were able to get runners on, but the defense on both sides kept the runs off the board. The Warhawks finally broke through in the bottom of the third. Adam Cootway (DePere, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran) hit a two-RBI, with Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) cleaning him up with a RBI single.
The Warhawk defense and pitching protected the 3-run lead until the 6th inning. WashU loaded up the bases, scoring a two-RBI double with one out. The Warhawks got out of the inning with a double play to maintain their advantage.
Heading into the ninth, the Warhawks were still up 3-2 with Logan Eisenbarth (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) getting the call to pitch the final three outs. The Bears only needed one swing, tying the game up with a solo home run in the top of the 9th.
The game headed into extra-innings, with both teams not allowing a single base-runner for 12 straight outs.
In the bottom of the 11th, Darryl Jackson (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King) drew a five-pitch walk to become the first base runner. That was all the Warhawks needed, with Dominik McVay (Mineral Point, Wis./Mineral Point) sending a double over the right fielder’s head that allowed Jackson to score the winning run.
Eisenbarth earned his second win in as many days, improving to 7-0 on the season. Eisenbarth allowed the tying run but then pitched 2.2 innings of hit-less baseball in extra innings.
The Warhawks will advance to the regional final, taking on the winner in the Saturday night-cap of Adrian and WashU. First pitch is scheduled for 10 AM (CDT) in Adrian. The game will be streamed on ncaa.com.
Rock River Community Clinic Launches Capital Campaign to Sustain Local Access to Community Health Care Community Health Care
After 17 years of providing medical care out of the Watertown YMCA, and 18 years of providing dental care out of the Fort HealthCare Handeyside Clinic basement, Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is preparing for their next phase of patient care as the locations prepare for sale late 2025.
“It’s bittersweet to be moving out of our Fort Atkinson and Watertown clinics” states Olivia Nichols, RRCC CEO/Executive Director. “The care we provide was brought to life here thanks to countless hours of devoted volunteers and providers. We’re quite proud to carry on their legacy as we embark on this next chapter of our mission and service – it is needed now more than ever.”
Both building sales are part of larger community initiatives designed to centralize patient care and improve community access to healthy living. While significant, the need to relocate services has also allowed RRCC to reimagine service settings in the greater Jefferson County area to maximize access to affordable, comprehensive care. At the forefront of clinic goals, is integrating patient services to minimize overhead costs and maximize patient access to affordable services.
Specifically, as part of the 2025 Capital Campaign, RRCC aims to:
● Open a new integrated medical, dental & behavioral client site on the first floor of the Fort HealthCare Johnson Creek clinic to expand and integrate patient care services – a hallmark of community health centers and opportunity to expand dental access.
● Renovate the existing medical clinic in Whitewater to expand into the empty lower suite for administrative and business offices that maximizes clinic space for medical and growing behavioral health services.
● Relocate and renovate the Watertown medical clinic to the empty Medical Clinic building (Dr. Turke’s old office) on the Watertown Regional Medical Center campus.
“By integrating care services in Johnson Creek, we reduce barriers to accessing health care and gain collaborations that measurably and efficiently improve health outcomes,” states Dr. Nichols. “The proposed capital expansion will aid us – the collective greater Jefferson County region – in moving further upstream to reduce health disparities.”
In 2023, RRCC medical & dental clinics served 2,984 patients across 7,642 visits. In 2024, those numbers increased to 3,176 patients across 8,250 visits. Through the Johnson Creek expansion, RRCC estimates those counts will increase to 4,550 patients by 2026 and – with the expansion of behavioral health services – include 12,040 total visits.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.65 million, with $1.2 million needed for the Johnson Creek renovation, $175,000 for the Whitewater remodel, $50,000 to relocate the Watertown clinic, and $225,000 to support initial increased operational expenses and meet any incidental construction costs. Grant funding from local and regional funders is expected to cover approximately 50% of the project, with the remaining $800,000 to fundraise through the generosity of local donors.
The project is further supported through the greater Rock River Health Care Network (‘HealthWorks’). HealthWorks is a coalition of local healthcare organizations working collectively to improve health outcomes in Jefferson, Dodge & Walworth Counties by focusing on low- income family’s access to primary care. HealthWorks partners include Fort Healthcare, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Watertown Regional Medical Center, Rainbow Community Care, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Human Services, City of Watertown Health Department, and Rock River Community Clinic.
“We’re incredibly thankful to our HealthWorks partners who support this work, and the early donors of this exciting project,” Nichols adds. “The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation has pledged a $250,000 grant and an additional grant for $80,000 has been committed by the Common Ground Healthcare Foundation. Matching gifts are also underway thanks to local providers including our Medical Director, Dr. Donald Williams. We’re so grateful for their investments in local community healthcare infrastructure and expansion.”
Donations are being sought from individuals, small businesses, and corporations, with giving levels ranging from $500 to $200,000. All donors will be recognized in the Johnson Creek lobby on our donor wall, with naming rights available at higher levels of donation for our business center, dental surgery room, lab rooms, etc.
“We realize the project presents a big ask to our communities, which already generously support our efforts,” states Nichols. “We believe wholeheartedly in the importance of this next step for RRCC and the foundational impact it will have on rooting our work and improving our care.”
RRCC hopes to confirm all capital expansion support by September 2025, with construction set to begin in October 2025. All clinic updates are planned to be completed by February 2026.
For more details, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.com/about-rrcc/capital-campaign-2025/ or contact Dr. Nichols at director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or 262.472.6839.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides
comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit
www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
Cleveland, OH — The UW-Whitewater softball team topped host Case Western Reserve 7-6 in an eight inning thriller Friday to advance to the Regional Championship game. The Warhawks’ opponent for the title game will be determined upon completion of Friday’s slate of games. [The Warhawks will be playing Case Western Reserve again on Saturday at 10 a.m. They will play Case again at 12:30 p.m. “if necessary,” which appears to be if the Warhawks lose the 10 a.m. game.] It should be possible to watch the game(s) here.
UWW showcased grit and determination in the complete team win over the Spartans. However, the start to the game was one no fans of either team saw coming. After a three-up, three-down top of the first for the Warhawks (UWW was the home team via coin flip), the bottom of the frame showcased UW-Whitewater’s discipline at the plate against a rise ball pitcher. Five Warhawks reached on free passes – four by walk and one via hit-by-pitch. Meanwhile, Dani Peshia (Newark, Ill./Newark Community) singled to center field for the lone hit of the inning. All together three Warhawks touched home in the first for the 3-0 lead and before the inning was complete, UWW had chased the Spartans’ ace from the circle.
Case Western Reserve struck back, taking advantage of the tight zone and scoring two runs with the help of four walks in the top of the second to narrow the gap to 3-2. After 1.5 innings, nine free passes had been issued and the teams had just one hit combined while five runs had been tallied.
The Spartans captured their first, and only lead of the game, in the top of the third. Two singles, an error, a walk and a stolen base set up and plated the pair of runs for CWRU. The lead was short-lived as the Warhawks had an immediate response.
In the bottom of the third, Grace Wickman (Wausaukee, Wis./Peshtigo) led off with a walk. With two outs, Claire Kohnle (Tisch Mills, Wis./Kewaunee) watched four straight balls and headed down to first and Wickman advanced into scoring position. Taylor Koehler (Wauconda, Ill./Wauconda) was tapped for the pinch hit. The powerful lefty sent a blast to the wall in right center for a two-RBI double. Kaitlyn Weidemann (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) followed with a hit that fell in the Bermuda Triangle just inside the foul line in shallow right field. The base knock allowed Koehler to book it around third and slide safely into home for the 6-4 UWW lead.
The Spartans threatened in the top of the next inning with a speedy runner on when Kohnle made arguably the greatest catch of the season for UWW. A deep fly ball had the left fielder sprinting back toward the warning track. On the run, Kohnle reached up for an over-the-shoulder catch and as the ball hit her glove, she hit the wall. The ball was jarred loose but Kohnle used her free hand to reign it in before hitting the ground. Kohnle held up the ball as the umpires signaled for a catch to end the inning.
The 6-4 advantage for UW-Whitewater held until the top of the seventh. The Spartans were down to their last out when a double plated two and then the CWRU defense held to send the game into extras.
Case Western’s leadoff reached on a miscue and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, but Josie Hammen (Combined Locks, Wis./Kimberly) got out of the jam with a fly out and a pop out to bring up the Warhawk bats.
Emma Giese (Kenosha, Wis./Indian Trail) battled for a walk on a full count to open the bottom of the eighth and the speedy Belle Lapacek (Downers Grove, Ill./South) took over on the basepaths. Wickman laid down a perfectly placed bunt for the sacrifice to move Lapacek into scoring position. Peshia tagged a rocket to center field that caromed off the jumping centerfielder’s glove. Lapacek had to wait to make sure the ball was down and was held up at third as Peshia legged out the double. Auburn Roberson (South Elgin, Ill./St. Charles North) connected on the very next pitch with a liner to center for the walkoff single.
All in all, the teams combined for 14 hits and 17 walks. Peshia was 3-5 at the dish while Roberson tallied two RBI.
Rhiann Dick (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) and Brooke Hock (Green Bay, Wis./Preble) combined for the first six innings of work in the circle. Hammen came in for the final two innings to register the win and move to 17-2 on the day.
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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