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Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Considering Name Change

June 9, 2025

Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Irvin L. Young Library.

The Library Board will consider a proposal to change the name of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library to Whitewater Public Library in its monthly meeting on June 16.

Jim Winship, who had been a longtime Library Board member and served as Chair of the library’s successful Capital Campaign, is making this proposal. He states: “Thanks to the City of Whitewater and the generosity of a large number of Whitewater area residents, we are completing a building project which increases the library size by 4400 sq. ft. and transforms the building. When the construction and renovation is complete, the library will have an expanded early learning wing, a new teen area, a larger Makerspace, additional collaboration spaces, outdoor event space, and greater accessibility. The name Whitewater Public Library, which is the way many people now refer to the library, best suits our library.”

The Library Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 in the Cravath Lakefront Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the City of Whitewater’s Municipal Building, located at 312 W. Whitewater Street. Individuals wishing to speak to the proposal are welcome to attend the meeting.

Editor’s note: Irvin L. Young was born in 1897 in Milwaukee. He was an alumnus of Lake Forest College of Lake Forest, IL and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. In 1940 he started the Snow Valley plant of Young Engineering in Palmyra. In 1954 he married Fern Drummond Jones of Chicago and established a home in his farm in the Palmyra area as well as retaining the Chicago home. Per his obituary, “He dedicated his life and income to the Irvin L. Young Foundation, a charitable foundation concerned mainly with the support of medical missionary work in Africa working through the board of 15 different denominations….Untold thousands of lives have been affected by the life and work of this one man.” Fern Young died in 2002. The Irvin L. Young Foundation made donations from its remaining assets of approximately $670,000 in 2019 and it was dissolved effective November 1, 2020.

The Whitewater Banner asked Library Director Diane Jaroch if she knew whether there were any stipulations connected to the foundation’s donation specifying how long the library was required to be named after Young. Jaroch replied, “I did do research before this idea was proposed, and there is nothing in the paperwork stating that we cannot change the name of the library.  I also consulted with Stacey Lunsford, the former Director. I plan to present the board with information on the history of the naming rights in their June board packet, so they will have all of the pertinent information they need before the June 16 board meeting.”

Local historian Carol Cartwright indicated that newspaper articles from 1987 and 1989 reported that the Young foundation gave $500,000 toward the library with the stipulation that it be named after Irvin Young. She stated that nothing was said about the duration of the naming. Taking inflation into account, today’s value of that donation would be approximately $1,300,000. The library opened in 1991, so it has carried the Young name for 34 years. The Young Auditorium, which opened on the UW-Whitewater campus in 1993, was also constructed with donations that included significant assistance from the Young foundation.

The approximate $6 million addition and renovation currently underway is being funded by over $2,300,000 in donations, library reserves of $840,000 and a $3,000,000 commitment from the city.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is a member of the Bridges Library system of Jefferson and Waukesha Counties. The other libraries in the system are named as follows:

  • Waukesha Public Library  
  • Mukwonago Community Library  
  • Brookfield Public Library  
  • Menomonee Falls Public Library  
  • New Berlin Public Library  
  • Dwight Foster Public Library (Fort Atkinson)  
  • Hartland Public Library  
  • Muskego Public Library  
  • Oconomowoc Public Library  
  • Pauline Haass Library (Sussex)  
  • Pewaukee Public Library  
  • Delafield Public Library  
  • Town Hall Library  
  • Watertown Public Library  
  • L.D. Fargo Public Library (Lake Mills)  
  • Elm Grove Public Library  
  • Jefferson Public Library  
  • Alice Baker Public Library (Eagle) 
  • Butler Public Library  
  • Powers Memorial Library (Palmyra)  
  • Big Bend Village Library  
  • Karl Junginger Memorial Library (Waterloo)  
  • Johnson Creek Public Library  

Kollwelter Family to Host Walworth County Dairy Breakfast / Desayuno Lacteo del Contado de Walworth

June 9, 2025

Discover, taste and support Wisconsin’s signature industry at the 48th Annual Walworth County Farm Bureau Dairy Breakfast on Saturday, June 14 from 7 to 11 am at JC-Kow Farms in Whitewater. JC-Kow Farms – owned and operated by the Kollwelter family – is located at W7522 Bluff Road, Whitewater. Whether you’re a lifelong dairy lover or new to farm-fresh experiences, the Kollwelter family invites you to come learn more about the people, products and passion that fuel the state’s $52.8 billion dairy industry.  

Breakfast will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk and ice cream. The Walworth County Dairy Promotion Committee will also be selling charcuterie cups featuring local cheese, meat and strawberries. There will be farm tours, animal displays, a scavenger hunt and other activities for families to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at the event – $10 for adults, $5 for children, under 5 eat for free. Parking will be located east of the farm with shuttles running to and from the farm. Parking for those with disabilities will be available on the farm. The event will be held rain or shine.

Local Student Graduates from Troy University

June 9, 2025

TROY, AL– Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI, graduated from Troy University during the Spring Semester/Term 4 of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Grosinske graduated with a Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science – Pre-Health Prof.

About Troy University

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.

GWC Hosting Landmarks Chair Pat Blackmer on Historic Starin Park Water Tower

June 9, 2025

The Greater Whitewater Committee is set to host Walworth County Historical Society board of directors’ member and Whitewater Landmarks Commission Chairman, Pat Blackmer, as a guest speaker at the upcoming June GWC meeting.

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Walworth County Historical Society board of directors’ member and Whitewater Landmarks Commission Chairman, Pat Blackmer, at the upcoming June meeting. Pat Blackmer will be presenting on the Historic Water Tower in Starin Park.

This event will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main St, Room 128, Whitewater, WI 53190.

Pat Blackmer is a fifth-generation resident of Walworth County who was born in the city of Whitewater. She completed college with a degree in education from UW-Whitewater and an M.S. degree from Illinois State University. Her teaching career included UW-Whitewater and the Wisconsin School for the Deaf.

Blackmer is active in several lineal and historical societies and is a weekly volunteer at the Walworth County Historical Society and a member of the board of directors. She has been an active preservationist all of her life with memberships in the National Historic Preservation Trust, Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation, and the Whitewater Landmarks Commission of which she is the current chairman. She was honored in 2024 when she received the first City of Whitewater Historic Preservation Award.

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 12th at 7 a.m. at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 W Main St, Room 128, The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to learn more about the Walworth County Historical Society. If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, June 11th.

“We are very thrilled to have Pat Blackmer present at this upcoming meeting,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight. “We look forward to hearing updates about the Historic Water Tower in Starin Park.”

Thomason and Hefty Leave Lasting Legacy in Whippet Jerseys

June 8, 2025

Saturday marked the final time that Traysen Thomason and Jack Hefty would don the Whippet jersey in high school competition. Both seniors have already achieved remarkable accomplishments in their careers, but they arrived at the state meet with unfinished business—and they delivered in dramatic fashion.

L-R Head Coach Tori Miller, Jack Hefty, Coach Carstens, Coach Green, Traysen Thomason, and Coach Wilson

Traysen Thomason – A Sprinter’s Dream Realized

Traysen was first up, with the 100-meter dash—arguably the most electrifying event in track and field—scheduled early in the day. With nearly 10,000 spectators packed in and the atmosphere electric, a rare hush fell over the crowd as the Division 2 finalists settled into their blocks. Traysen, reflecting on his mindset beforehand, said, “I simply wanted to put all the pieces together into this 100m final. All the things I’ve learned in my journey, and apply them here and now.”

He did exactly that. Launching from the blocks like a cannon, Traysen surged to an early lead, powering down the straightaway. His biggest threat came from a familiar foe—Ryan Walther of Delavan-Darien. As they barreled toward the finish, it came down to a lean at the line. The stadium collectively held its breath.

And then—it happened. Traysen Thomason’s name flashed first on the scoreboard.

With a scream of triumph and every muscle fiber bursting with adrenaline, Traysen celebrated becoming the first 100m state champion in Whitewater High School history. His winning time of 10.82 seconds edged out Walther by just two hundredths of a second.

Later that afternoon, Traysen returned for the 200-meter final, motivated by two goals: to reach the podium and break the school record he shared with Larry Gnatzig. With one final burst of brilliance down the home stretch, he achieved both. Traysen finished in third place with a new personal best and school record time of 21.97 seconds. An electrifying meet for Traysen.

He closed his high school career with three state podium finishes—including a state title in the 100m, a 4th-place finish in 2024, and now a bronze in the 200m. He holds school records in both sprint events and will continue his running career at UW-Whitewater this fall.

As is tradition, at 10:30 PM on Saturday in the auxiliary gym of Whitewater High School, Traysen was able to participate in the ceremonial ‘record-breaking ceremony’ as he now owns that mark. 

Jack Hefty – Capping Off a Storied Career

Soon after Traysen’s 200, Jack Hefty laced up for the final race of his high school career—the 3200 meters. With a loaded field and a fast early pace set by Declan Gregg (Aquinas) and Isaac Ewing (McFarland), Jack played it smart. He bided his time in eighth through the opening 400m, then steadily climbed the field.

By the 1600m mark, he had moved into third, only 1.5 seconds off the lead. Though the front-runners surged again with 800 to go, Jack fought to stay in contact and dig deep one final time. As the bell lap sounded, he battled not just for position—but for pride—and held on for a 6th-place finish in 9:22.09, the second-fastest 3200 of his career.

This race capped an incredible legacy. Jack leaves Whitewater High School with five state podium finishes over four years:

  • Freshman Year: 7th in the 3200m
  • Sophomore Year: State Champion in the 1600m
  • Junior Year: Repeat Champion in the 1600m, 3rd in the 4x400m relay
  • Senior Year: Three-peat in the 1600m, and a podium finish in the 3200m

He holds school records in both the 1600m and 3200m, with the third-fastest 4×400 team and second-fastest 800 time in school history. This fall, Jack will take his talents to the United States Naval Academy in Maryland, where he will compete for both the cross country and track & field teams.

Collectively, they scored 29 points, placing 4th overall as a team.

As Traysen and Jack sprinted and surged through their final races in Whippet uniforms, they weren’t just chasing medals—they were etching their names into Whitewater history. Their drive, talent, and leadership will be felt for years to come. From school records to state titles, from roar-of-the-crowd finishes to quiet moments of reflection, these two athletes have shown what it means to represent their school with excellence. The next chapter awaits—but their legacy is already set in stone.

Article and Photos Courtesy of Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Local Student Graduates from Westminster College in PA; Honored on Dean’s List

June 8, 2025

Local Student Named to Westminster College’s Spring 2025 Dean’s List

NEW WILMINGTON, PA – Amber Krebs of Whitewater, Wis., was among 364 students named to the Westminster College’s Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester.

Krebs, majoring in psychology, is a graduate of Whitewater High School. The student also graduated from Westminster College in May.

The Westminster College Dean’s List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who achieved a 3.6 grade point average or higher in a minimum of 12 semester hours during the spring semester.

About Westminster College: Westminster College is nationally known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, focus on student success, and the effort invested in making higher education affordable and attainable to all students. Established in 1852, Westminster is proud to be the first college in the country open to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex or religion from its founding charter by the Presbyterian Church (USA).

This Week’s City Meetings [Updated again]

June 8, 2025

Updated 6/9/25 @ 9:30 a.m. to add public notice for Landmarks Commission on Tuesday.
Updated 6/10/25 @ 3:35 p.m. to add school board special meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Sale of Alcohol by the
Drink located at 141 W Whitewater Street #B, Parcel Id # TR 00008 for Jessica Marks
d/b/a Waypoint Bar and Games.
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 join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/678316285
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 678-316-285
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Public Notice Re: Possible Quorum – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
This notice is given to inform the Public that the Landmarks Commission will be at the Hamilton House
to review with the owners the proposed wheelchair accessibility ramp. The information follows:
When: Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Hamilton House, 328 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190
A quorum of the Landmarks Commission may be present. This notice is given to inform the public that
no formal action will be taken at this meeting. The event is open to the public. This notice is given to inform the Public that the Landmarks Commission will be at the Hamilton House to review with the owners the proposed wheelchair accessibility ramp.

City of Whitewater Equal Opportunities Commission – Tuesday @ 3:00 p.m.
Agenda
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar!
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84279670850?pwd=xgD5SbRxM11e4PbAPKclCNAf73lssf.1
Passcode:670334
Phone one-tap:
+16469313860,,84279670850#,,,,670334# US +19292056099,,84279670850#,,,,670334# US (New York)
Join via audio:
+1 646 931 3860 US
Webinar ID: 842 7967 0850
Passcode: 670334
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbnkEmUNhq

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding the award of Contract 2-2025, 2025 Street
Maintenance Project and Discussion and Possible Action regarding Walworth Avenue and Prince Street intersection
safety ideas.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89700852359?pwd=B6DBgg3LHYsaH1pwW2f4W3FuZk7D4F.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston)
Webinar ID: 897 0085 2359
Passcode: 473266

City of Whitewater Board of Review – Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Open Book and opportunity to meet with the Board of Review to object property assessment
This document provides important information about the requirements for objecting.

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Virtual closed session “Specifically, to discuss and take action on the terms of the employment contract to be offered to the new superintendent.”

City of Whitewater Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission – Thursday @ 5:30 pm.
Agenda includes Discussion on existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and goals moving forward.
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 note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85714330388?pwd=CjRmjWRlaah98VuaLWvHV61DdRpwLi.1
Meeting ID: 857 1433 0388
Passcode: 568840 —
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,85714330388#,,,,*568840# US
Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)



Elkhorn’s Bethel United Methodist Church’s Community Food Forest Garden Project

June 7, 2025

Bethel’s Community Garden Project

One of the delights of spring is the opportunity to plant a garden. Gardens provide great food, physical and mental health benefits, and social connections to other gardeners. However, not everyone has the space for a garden, the time to tend to it from planting to harvest, or the experience to grow one. That’s where community gardens can be a valuable resource.

In 2024, a garden was planted at Bethel United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Hwy 12/67 and County Road A (www.ElkhornBethelUMC.org). The garden was planted on a piece of unused land at the church and provided beautiful flowers and produce which all community members and congregation members were encouraged to enjoy.

In 2025, with help from the gardening group Wisconsin Food Forests, this garden is being expanded. Wisconsin Food Forests (www.wisconsinfoodforests.com ) is an organization dedicated to establishing community gardens based on perennial plants
that will provide food for years to come.

The Bethel Garden sits on a half-acre behind the church building and will include an annual garden of flowers and vegetables, an herb garden, and a variety of perennial food-producing plants, from root crops to trees. It is an open space where all community members are encouraged to participate. Anyone can come maintain the garden, help themselves to flowers and produce, wander around, or just sit and read a book. We encourage sharing of the flowers and food grown there with all who visit. All surplus produce will go to the Elkhorn Food Pantry, while we hope to share flowers with those in local nursing homes, care facilities, and senior living complexes.


Our most recent planting day was Saturday, May 31, 2025, where Bethel members and community friends came together to share their hands, their hearts, and their green thumbs.

What is a food forest? Like a forest, food is grown from plants at different levels, including roots, ground cover, and herbaceous plants, as well as trees and shrubs. (From: https://www.fairamountfoodforest.org/what-is-a-food-forest.html )


The expansion of the garden is fairly labor intensive for the first year. In subsequent years as the garden becomes dominated by perennials, we anticipate that it will become more self-sustaining by virtue of being relatively low maintenance, and by the collective participation of people in the community.

We are deeply grateful for the number of folks who have already stepped up to help get this garden established. We had our first planting day on May 3, 2025, and had 20 plus volunteers, including children, show up to help put in the primary plants of the food forest. Since then, we have planted more perennials and annuals, including the vegetable garden, pumpkins, and lot of flowers. If this project sounds intriguing to you, please contact us with any questions (or advice). Please spread the word to anyone who might be interested and feel free to share our contact information with them.

Contact info:
Diane Bustamante
Tim Middleton
Email: middlemante@genevaonline.com

Come see our garden grow, sit for a while to enjoy the progress, lend a hand, and/or get inspiration for your own gardens. We welcome and celebrate everyone’s participation. Need a reason to come? Bethel will host a Farmers Market & Faire on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 10 AM – 2 PM – the perfect time to see what’s happening. All are welcome to join us for this special day.

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.  He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck).  She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more