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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Like this early 20th century post card expresses, we wish you all a “Happy Easter.”
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(postcard collection, Whitewater Historical Society)
Southern Lakes Memory Project, a new nonprofit organization, is excited to announce its official
launch. The organization is committed to supporting individuals living with dementia and their
caregivers by providing social respite, education, and training in the Southern Lakes area.
In response to the increasing need for better dementia care, Southern Lakes Memory Project has
developed its flagship program, Memory Matters. This initiative offers social respite programming,
allowing caregivers to take a break while their loved ones participate in cognitively stimulating
activities led by professional staff and volunteers. Additionally, the organization is focused on filling
the gap in dementia education by offering specialized training for caregivers, residential facilities, and
home care agencies. These educational programs will empower caregivers and healthcare providers
to deliver high-quality care to those affected by dementia.
“Our goal is to support families and caregivers who face the daily challenges of dementia care,” said
Jake Sawyers, Founder and President of the Board of Directors for Southern Lakes Memory Project.
“By providing social respite programs and quality education, we can create a community that offers
both support and hope to those living with dementia and those who care for them.”
Southern Lakes Memory Project plans to collaborate with local healthcare providers, organizations,
and community leaders to expand its reach and ensure that individuals and families have access to
the services they need. The organization is also inviting volunteers to join its efforts and help make a
difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
To learn more about the Southern Lakes Memory Project, get involved, or donate, please visit
slmemoryproject.com or contact southernlakesmemoryproject@gmail.com.
About Southern Lakes Memory Project
Southern Lakes Memory Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing support to individuals
living with dementia and their caregivers. Our goal is to help individuals with dementia and their
caregivers feel supported, engaged and valued. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the
lives of those affected by dementia.
Whitewater High School – Class of 1965
Celebrating their 60th Class Reunion
The Whitewater High School Class of 1965 is celebrating its 60th reunion the weekend of July 11-13, 2025, in Whitewater. Classmates should have received information via email or US Mail.
Activities include a casual social gathering the afternoon of July 11 at the home of one of the classmates. A round of golf is planned for Saturday morning, July 12, at Willow Brook Golf Course in Whitewater. There will also be a casual buffet at Willow Brook Club House Saturday afternoon, July 12.
Informational letters, including a questionnaire, were mailed out in March. However, if classmates have misplaced their information, haven’t received their letter, or should their plans have changed and are able to attend, they are asked to contact one of the committee members for information or to make RSVPs: Chris Thompson Pitterle cmpitterle@gmail.com (815) 988-4615, Judi Pizzichini (262) 473-4090, Jeff Winn (920} 723-0629 or Jim Holden (262) 215-7312.
The WHS Class of 1965 had 152 students, plus one foreign exchange student, Prasith Sithivong, from Laos. The class also had one classmate, Emily Saunders, who was an AFS exchange student to Japan for one year and left for Japan March 1964.
The class instituted a scholarship, with contributions from the Class of 1965 members, which is granted to graduating WHS students, with the first distribution made in 1999. The scholarship is not applied for but is granted to a graduating senior who is continuing their education to a four-year or one/two-year technical school. The recipient of the scholarship need not be at the top of the class academically, but must demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship, school spirit and work ethic. The Faculty Scholarship Committee (WHS) selects the graduating senior for this scholarship. If anyone, either a 1965 classmate or anyone else, would like to make a contribution to this scholarship, please contact Jeff Winn, (920) 723-0629.
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Chris (Thompson) Pitterle.
Steve Meisner, a Whitewater resident until his passing in 2023, per his obituary “was a multi-talented musician, entertainer, composer, and arranger who traveled the country and world with his band.” A master on the accordion, Meisner was particularly known for his polka band.
An article on the Shepherd Express dated April 11 provides a review of a new Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band album titled “Legacy.” Below are some excerpts; the complete article may be viewed from the link above.
‘Legacy’ by Steve Meisner and the Legacy Band: Legacy
Over a dozen years before his 2023 death at 62, Whitewater polka bandleader Steve Meisner had the ambition to record an album that represented the breadth of his musical taste and what he enjoyed playing in concert. Though he wasn’t able to see that task through to its completion, some friends and admirers have.
Legacy is comprised the rudiments of the career-defining statement he was able to track before his passing. Those bits of his voice, accordion and whistling (!) are fleshed out by the Legacy Band, featuring Southeast Wisconsin old time music mainstays, including multi-instrumentalists Don Hunjadi and Tom Brusky, to make a 16-track collection.
Legacy makes it seem almost as if the middle Meisner in the family’s musical lineage never left…..
Legacy plays as a worthwhile tribute to one of Wisconsin’s most storied and amiable ambassadors of a music inextricably associated with the state. And like all good polka, it brings a happy atmosphere, even to the loss of a much-missed musical figure.”
From Meisner’s website:
Steve’s Brand New CD, Legacy, Is Here!
February 10, 2025
We’ve been talking and teasing for many months about a new CD release coming from Steve Meisner and the members of the Legacy Band. If you have been waiting, the wait is now over. Legacy, the brand new CD from Steve and the guys, was officially released at the Illinois Polkafest in Schaumburg, Illinois. This is a truly unique recording featuring sixteen polkas, waltzes, and a variety of selections spanning multiple genres. You’ll hear Steve singing and playing along with the members of his band. You’ll hear the Steve Meisner Legacy Band playing brand new songs and many Meisner arrangements. And you’ll also hear Steve Meisner singing along with the Legacy Band. You can see the list of songs along with hearing several song samples and then order the brand new CD right now from the Merchandise Page. No longer have a CD player in your car or at home? Legacy is also available on a USB drive inside the jacket instead of the CD. Get either format or order both! Take a look right now and be among the first fans to get this brand new recording.
Easter at The Chapel
445 N. Warner Rd. in Whitewater
Good Friday, April 18th at 7 PM
Easter Sunday, April 20th @ 10 AM
For more information visit chapel.org/easter
Walworth County ADRC Presents Dementia Spotlight: Frontotemporal Dementia and Family Support
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to announce the return of Dementia Spotlight, a special educational event focusing on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). The event will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Health and Human Services Building, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn.
This year’s event will feature a presentation by the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration; an introduction to Lorenzo’s House, a non-profit organization that empowers those affected by younger-onset dementia; and a personal talk from Nicole Petrie, a former caregiver to her mother, who was diagnosed with FTD.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Dementia Spotlight again,” said Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “Frontotemporal Dementia, or FTD, is the most common form of dementia for individuals under 60. Unfortunately, when many people think of dementia, they typically associate it with Alzheimer’s disease and older adults. This event will help bring much-needed awareness of FTD and the unique challenges that it presents.”
To register for this free event, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will be closed on Thursday, April 17 for construction and Friday, April 18 for Spring Holiday. We will be open on Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
The Library Expansion and Renovation Project is currently in Phase 2, which is the phase in which the new addition is being constructed. The project is on schedule and the new space looks fantastic! Phase 3 will begin in the middle of June. At that time, the current building will undergo renovations. The entire project will be completed in November 2025. We can’t wait for our new building to be revealed to the community!
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring 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. Interested organizations can fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gY51mjXwlRW3vKYr75UWyqL5By6Wgdb4/view Please download and complete the form in Acrobat.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 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 The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation web site at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.
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.
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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