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WHS Students Among the Honorees at Upcoming Jerry Awards for Musical Theater Excellence

June 6, 2022

Editor’s note: The following announcement was provided by the Overture Center for the Arts.

The 2021/22 Jerry Awards program will culminate in a show honoring student and school achievements, including performances by the Outstanding Award recipients, in Overture Hall on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Two outstanding performers will be selected to represent the program at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (Jimmy Awards®) competition in New York City.

Alex Sullivan (L) and Brooke Mason (R)

The following Whitewater High School students will be honored:
– Alex Sullivan (Urleen) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose

Brooke Mason (Wendy Jo) – Outstanding Supporting Performer, Footloose
Madison Strickler – Spirit Award alternate, Footloose (Kayla Mikos, Spirit winner for Footloose, is unable to participate in the ceremony)


“We’re thrilled to announce 400-plus award recipients this year within the 85 productions around the state in 75 communities of varying sizes and theater programs with varying budgets,” commented Tim Sauers, Overture’s chief artistic experiences officer. “After a two-year pause, it was amazing to get out and see musical theater performed in high schools around the state. This year, the cast, crew and production teams navigated new challenges, and everyone rose to the occasion. We look forward to celebrating their work in Overture Hall in June.”

Participation statistics for the 2021/22 season:

  • 85 productions
  • 79 schools/community theater organizations
  • 48 schools are represented in the 81 Outstanding Lead Performance Award recipients
  • 23 counties
  • 40 reviewers (three reviewers attended each production)
  • 450+ students performing in annual awards shows in Overture Hall
  • 8,500 people involved in the Jerry Awards through engagement with their local high school musical

The complete list of recipients may be found here.

The Jerry Awards is a high school musical awards program that encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater. The program began in the 2009/10 school year with 23 productions within 45 miles of Madison and has since expanded across the state through partnerships with Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, The Grand Theater and Viterbo Fine Arts Center. Educators and industry professionals review productions at Wisconsin high schools and/or community theater organizations and provide valuable feedback to students. In its first decade, the Jerry Awards engaged more than 700,000 students, teachers, theater professionals and community members.

To be eligible for the Jerry Awards, high schools apply in the fall or spring to have their musical reviewed by the program.  Three adjudicators (industry professionals and educators) are assigned to see the show and write a critique evaluating it in various categories such as performance, design and direction.  Critiques are compiled and sent to each school with nominations. In addition to the critique and being recognized at the awards show, participating students are eligible to audition for the Jerry Ensemble, become a student critic and receive special ticket offers to performances at Overture Center, Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Grand Theater and Viterbo University Fine Arts Center.

Overture’s Jerry Awards are sponsored by Old National Bank with additional funding provided by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Katie Dowling-Marcus and Ben Marcus and contributions to Overture Center.

The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 140,000 students who participate in 46 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $5,000,000 in educational scholarships. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, the NHSMTA invites one Best Actress and one Best Actor nominee from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a week-long theatre intensive that includes coaching, training, and rehearsing led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend one week in New York City from Monday, June 20, 2022, through Tuesday, June 28, 2022, and their combined efforts throughout the week will lead to one extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. The thirteenth annual Jimmy Awards will take place on Monday, June 27, 2022, at the Minskoff Theatre. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

Day Two of State Track and Field Results in Medals, Personal Records

June 5, 2022

On Saturday, June 4, the Whippets competed in Day 2 of the WIAA State Track and Field Championships in La Crosse, WI. The team had several competitors who had qualified for Saturday’s events during the preliminary rounds on Friday, as well as other athletes competing in distance and field events.

Day two proved to be a day to remember for the Whippets, despite the weather changing significantly from day one, which was full of sun and temps in the 70’s, to overcast skies, cooler temps, headwinds on the home stretch, and rain falling intermittently throughout the day.

Maddie Buehler was up first for the Whippets as she coiled into her blocks for the last time in the 100-Meter Dash Final. She got off to a great start and looked strong throughout in the toughest field she has faced in her career yet. She finished in 10th overall in a time of 12.94 seconds with a gritty effort. It was a great season for Maddie in this individual event, as she got to rub elbows with state finalists for the first time during the State Final. Her Sectional time of 12.41 pulled her to within .06 of the school record, good for #2 all-time in Whitewater history. Maddie’s accomplishments in the individual sprint events during the 2022 season are a lot to be proud of!

Next up was the Girls’ 4×200 Meter Relay Final, running out of lane three on the ten-lane track. The team qualified for the final by running within the top 10 teams on Friday. Maddie Buehler returned for her second race of the day, getting into the blocks to lead off the relay. She shot out of the blocks and ran a strong leadoff leg and made a clean exchange to fellow Whippet Emma Weigel. Emma came screaming down the home stretch in front of the roaring crowd of a full grandstand and got the baton to Olive Coburn early in the zone. This quick exchange saw Olive press on the gas, and she gave it her all during her last race in a Whippet uniform. Olive finished her leg of the relay strong and passed the stick to a patiently waiting Kindyl Kilar. Another smooth exchange from Olive to our anchor, and Kindyl was off like a rocket with one goal in mind: bringing home a medal. With the entire fanbase of Wisconsin Track & Field cheering the relays on down the home stretch, Kindyl brought it home and crossed the finish line in 6th place, claiming the final podium position! Their time of 1:47.00 was a hair off their best time of the season from the prelims, but at this point, it didn’t matter as their smiles on the podium said it all!

With the rainy weather conditions unsafe for vaulting outdoors, the Girls’ Division 2 Pole Vault was moved inside Mitchell Hall where Evie Troxel competed in her first ever State meet. Surrounded by her family members, teammates, and coaches, Evie used her home crowd advantage of the cheering fans to sail cleanly through the opening height of 9’ 0”. The next height of 9’ 6” was her previous goal entering the 2022 season, but as she crushed that height at sectionals, she proved that 9’ 6” is no longer a challenge for her! At State she showed that same demeanor and cleared 9’ 6” on her first attempt. With several other competitors remaining in the competition, the bar was raised 6 more inches to 10’, a height that Evie had several attempts at last week at the Sectional meet. Of her three attempts at that height, Evie had two that were very close to clearing and setting a new personal best on the biggest stage. With her ability to stay clean through the first two heights, she finished tied for 9th place and a smile a mile wide that is trademark Evie! 

The final event for the Whippets was freshman Jack Hefty in the 3200-meter run. Jack had been waiting nearly two full days of competition for his event as the gun went off at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. In what were the best conditions for a distance event in years, Jack ran the most thrilling race one could imagine. The race strung out early as both the winner and runner-up would eventually break the state record in this event. He started out in 15th place at 400 meters as he knew the pace would be brisk. He stayed true to himself, controlling what he could control and made his way to 13th in two laps, 11th in three laps and 9th coming through the 1600 in 4:47.12. Jack stayed locked in on his pacing as the pack he was with chased down other runners in front of them. On the penultimate lap he pressed on the accelerator and ran a 70 second lap, and from there it was all guts as he went into overdrive and passed four runners on this final lap to come screaming home in 7th place overall and closed in 63.1 seconds! Jack cut just over 20 seconds off his previous personal best from Sectionals, nearly breaking the school record held by Ben Maas from 1996. Jack’s time catapulted him into the #3 spot all-time in the Whitewater Track and Field record books in the two-mile. His 7th place finish was one place away from the podium and scored the Whippets two points for the weekend. It was a stunning effort, and an incredible end to a stupendous freshman season for Hefty!

This concludes the 2022 Track and Field Season! It was the first “normal” season for nearly the entire program, as the team was able to resume a typical schedule full of invitationals and a two-day state meet for the first time in three years. The coaches would like to thank all the athletes, parents, fans, staff, and the Whitewater community that have supported the team through this season. We will celebrate all the athletes on Monday during our end-of-season banquet as we close the chapter on a fine season!

Girls D2 Results: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Track/2022/D2girlsstateresults.pdf

Boys D2 Results: https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Track/2022/D2boysstateresults.pdf

Article and Photos Submitted by Matt Green and Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Track and Field Coaches
mgreen@wwusd.org
ccarstens@wwusd.org

Day One of State Track and Field Meet in the Books

June 3, 2022

The Lady Whippets were the first to burn up the track at the WIAA State Track and Field Meet in La Crosse on Friday, June 3, starting with Junior Maddie Buehler in the 100 prelims. Maddie battled her way hard to the finish to come away with a sixth-place finish in the second and final heat. Her time of 12.53 was strong enough to finish in 10th overall, claiming the final spot in Saturday’s Final.

Next up on the track was the Girls’ 4x200m Relay prelim. In this race, junior Maddie Buehler, senior Olive Coburn, junior Emma Weigel, and junior Kindyl Kilar had strong exchanges and finished third in their heat. Their time of 1:46.74 placed them in 5th heading into tomorrow’s final. Having never cracked the top ten in program history, this relay found themselves 6th all-time in WHS history in this event.

Sophomore Ethan Dugan was the lone male to compete today on the track for the Whippets, and that was in the 400m Dash. Ethan ran a very strong race and came away with a new personal best of 51.74, just missing out on the final as he placed twelfth overall.

Ethan Dugan

The same quartet from the 4×200 lined up for the 4×100 and ran their second best time of the season, falling just short of reaching tomorrow’s final.

The last event on Day 1 for Whitewater was Kindyl Kilar in the 200 prelims. In probably the deepest field in memory, Kindyl got out hard and ran a gutsy race to finish in 25.63 to place 16th. 

Saturday will feature Maddie in the 100, Maddie, Olive, Emma and Kindyl in the 4×200, junior Evie Troxel in the Pole Vault, and freshman Jack Hefty in the 3200. It’s a great day to a be a Whippet!

Live Results: https://live.pttiming.com/?mid=5086

Article Submitted by Matt Green
Whitewater High School Head Track and Field Coach
mgreen@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Justin Crandall

Meet the WHS Class of 2022 (Update: In memoriam section revised)

June 2, 2022

The Whitewater High School Class of 2022 will graduate on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in an indoor ceremony in the Whitewater High School Main Gym. All family and friends are welcome; no tickets are required. Doors will open to the public at 1:00 p.m.
Congratulations, graduates!


In Memoriam

Whitewater Kiwanis Announces “Kiwanian of the Year” and Distinguished Service Awardees

June 2, 2022

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

At a special meeting of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, club leaders presented several awards to local Kiwanians:

The “Kiwanian of the Year” was awarded to Rollie Cooper for his fundraising efforts for the We-Go-Round playground for children with all abilities. Rollie Cooper has been a Kiwanian for many years, and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the children of Whitewater and the world.

Kiwanian Lorrie Koppein Presented the “Kiwanian of the Year” Award to Rollie Cooper.

A Certificate of Memoriam was presented to Mrs. John Newhouse honoring John’s 37 years of service as secretary and service to Kiwanis.

Kiwanian Lorrie Koppein Presented an Award to Mrs. Newhouse in Memory of her Husband John Newhouse.

Distinguished service awards:
   —Craig Cobb was recognized for 45 years of service to Kiwanis.

Craig Cobb was recognized for 45 years of service to Kiwanis.


   —Rick Norman was recognized for: 30+ years as treasurer; major pancake breakfast contributions; and for his management of poinsettia and lily sales.

Rick Norman was recognized for: 30+ years as treasurer; major pancake breakfast contributions; and for his management of poinsettia and lily sales.


   —Kathy Schumacher was recognized for her many years managing the Bridge Marathon with profits going to the Breakfast Club and for her years of service as a member.

Kathy Schumacher was recognized for her many years managing the Bridge Marathon with profits going to Kiwanis and for her years of service as a member.


Others presented in absentia for decades of service included: Betty Schoonover (her award will be presented at a later date at Fairhaven) and Jack Trojan.

In addition Kiwanis will be presenting memorial plaques to the family of Joanne Coulthart honoring her service to Kiwanis and Margaret Toennies in honor of her husband Jim. These individuals recently passed.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100% of funds raised going directly to youth projects and zero to administrative costs. Last year the club distributed more than $20,000, with donations to Whitewater Unified School District, shoes and winter clothes for students, and scholarships, among other important causes. In addition, the club has donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space and First United Methodist Church that served free meals during COVID, Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund as well as supporting other service projects in the community.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: WHS around 1900

June 2, 2022

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

In honor of high school graduation this weekend, we offer this c.1900 post card view celebrating Whitewater High School.

The image is of the old “Big Brick,” built in 1884 as the west side grade school. In 1889, a high school program was started in the Big Brick and by 1894, it took up the entire building, forcing a move of grade school pupils to the nearby old Esterly House, a building that became the Esterly School.

Note what was listed on the card as the school cheer, “Ricker-Racker; Fire-Cracker; Zip-Boom-Bah; Whitewater High School; Rah, Rah, Rah. Don’t know if this year’s graduates will be giving that cheer, but congratulations to all in the Class of 2022!

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3101PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

Whippet Athletics Hosts ESPY Night

June 2, 2022

On Wednesday night, June 1, the Whitewater High School Athletic Department hosted its first ever Whippet ESPY night. ESPY stands for Excellence in Sports Performances Yearly. The night was devoted to recognizing all of the athletic accomplishments throughout the course of the 2021-22 school year.

Individual sport MVP’s, All-Conference athletes, scholarship winners, state qualifiers, and multi-sport athletes were all recognized during the ceremony. Several coaches, teachers, and community members were on hand to present the awards to the athletes in attendance. The department also recognized longtime athletic trainer Danielle Koran who is serving in her final year as the school’s trainer. Danielle has served as the school’s athletic trainer for over a decade. Also in attendance and recognized was longtime photographer and friend of the program Bob Mischka. Bob has provided the school and families high quality pictures of sporting events for years!

This year Whitewater High School had 450 individuals sign up for at least one sport, which accounts for almost 80% of the overall student body. After the awards ceremony, the athletes, coaches, and parents mingled in the lobby where refreshments were served and “selfie booths” were provided. It was a great night for all in attendance and a great night to be a Whippet! #1Family #TheStandard

Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Crandall
Whitewater HS/MS Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org

Dave Gerber Announces Candidacy for Walworth County Sheriff

June 1, 2022

Editor’s note: The following information was received from a political candidate announcing that he is running for office. Any other candidate wishing to seek a political office in the Whitewater area is encouraged to provide information to be published in The Banner.

With the recent announcement from Sheriff Kurt Picknell on his retirement at the end of this year, I humbly announce I am a candidate for Sheriff in this year’s election. I have spent the last 27 years dedicating my time in service to the citizens of this great county and will continue to do so as your next Sheriff. This decision was not taken lightly as I understand the Office of Sheriff carries with it a great deal of responsibility. In my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, I have been honored to have served in the various ranks and specialty teams up to my current role as your Undersheriff, which is second in command of the Sheriff’s Office. I will continue to apply my education and experience along with integrity, compassion, and professionalism in serving the citizens of Walworth County. I ask for your support and prayers during this election.

Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell states, “Undersheriff Dave Gerber is the most qualified in every way to be the next Sheriff of Walworth County. He has the education, experience and dedication serving and protecting others. Dave has a highly distinguished law enforcement career ready to lead the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.”

Walworth County Sheriff David Graves (retired) states,Undersheriff Dave Gerber is running to be the next Walworth County Sheriff. Undersheriff Gerber has the education, administrative experience, and moral compass to move seamlessly into the top position as the next Sheriff of Walworth County. As a 42-year veteran of Walworth County law enforcement which includes 14 as Walworth County Sheriff, I had the opportunity to watch many deputies grow within the profession. Undersheriff Gerber rose through the ranks, accepting more responsibility with every new assignment and promotion. I came to admire his ability to interact with other employees as well as our outside law enforcement partners. Undersheriff Gerber is dedicated to keeping our county a safe place for all of its residents and visitors. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is the best choice for Walworth County Sheriff. Please join me in endorsing and voting for Undersheriff Dave Gerber for Walworth County Sheriff. You’ll be glad you did!”

Some of my endorsements include:

Sheriff Kurt Picknell – Walworth County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Dave Graves – Walworth County Sheriff’s Office (retired)

David Bretl –Walworth County Administrator (retired)

Nancy Russell – Chair – Walworth County Board of Supervisors (retired)

Rick Stacey – Chair – Walworth County Board of Supervisors

Zeke Weidenfeld – Walworth County District Attorney

Valerie Etzel – Walworth County Treasurer

Michelle Jacobs – Walworth County Register of Deeds

Kristy Secord – Walworth County Clerk of Courts

Chief Jeremy Swendrowski – Village of East Troy Police Department

Chief James Hansen – Delavan/Darien Police Department

Chief Joel Christensen – City of Elkhorn Police Department

Chief Brad Buchholz – Village of Sharon Police Department

Chief Donald Jensen – Town of East Troy Police Department (retired)

Chief Joseph Balog – Village of Genoa City Police Department

Chief Jeff Cates – Village of Fontana Police Department

Chief Matthew Kiederlen – UW Whitewater Police Department

Chief Steve Cole – Bloomfield Police Department

John Marra –Chief of Police Genoa City Police Department/Council President Williams Bay (retried)

Tom Whowell – President Village of Fontana (retired)

The training and experience I have received has prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future. As your Sheriff, I will continue to uphold the 183-year tradition of integrity, excellence, professionalism, and compassion. I will honor my oath to support the Constitutional rights of all our citizens and hold criminals accountable by continuing a strong partnership with all law enforcement agencies in Walworth County, along with our District Attorney’s Office and the Circuit Courts. I will always support all first responders for their hard work and dedication to the citizens we serve. We will enhance interoperability among all first responders in Walworth County in terms of communication and records management. I will continue to ensure fiscal responsibility within our annual budget. I will ensure all employees continue to receive the highest level of training in order to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Walworth County. I will continue to partner with all law enforcement agencies in the County to ensure we remain a safe place to live, work, and play. Our agency has worked hard to achieve accreditation through the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and I will ensure our accreditation status continues. A police agency is most effective when it engages and partners with its community members. I plan to continue our community outreach efforts and build stronger relationships with our citizens. Finally, I have worked tirelessly for decades providing the needed training and equipment for our employees and strongly support our agency in recruiting and retaining the best employees to serve our citizens. I am proud to serve alongside our 214 employees within the Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers and first responders in Walworth County. I am equally proud to serve with all of our dedicated county employees who serve Walworth County every day. Having served in the various ranks and specialty teams and most recently as your Undersheriff, the transition to Sheriff will be seamless. I look forward to being your next Sheriff.

BIO

Undersheriff Dave Gerber has 27 years of full-time law enforcement experience starting with the Village of East Troy Police Department and joining the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. Undersheriff Dave Gerber also continued as a part-time police officer with the Village of East Troy Police Department for an additional 15 years. In his tenure with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, Undersheriff Dave Gerber has served in many positions which include patrol deputy, detective, Lieutenant, Captain of Support Services, and Captain of the Patrol Division.  In his current role as Undersheriff, Dave is second in command and serves as Chief Operating Officer for our 214-employee workforce. Undersheriff Dave Gerber oversees all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office operations and is responsible for an annual 28-million-dollar budget. Undersheriff Dave Gerber has served for many years on specialty teams which include SWAT Team, Dive Team, Honor Guard, Evidence Technician, Bike Patrol, Background Investigations, and Field Training Officer. Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as the Chair of the Walworth County Traffic Safety Commission, and administered the K9 Unit, Traffic Crash Investigation Team, Fugitive Task Force, Gang Unit, Commercial Motor Vehicle Carrier Enforcement Unit, Boat Patrol contract with the Town of Whitewater, Town Liaison Program, Sex Offender Registry Unit, and many other specialty teams. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice as a Unified Tactics Instructor. Instructor certifications include Firearms, Defense and Arrest Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Vehicle Contacts, Tactical Skills, Professional Communication Skills, Taser, and many other disciplines. Undersheriff Dave Gerber also served as range-master where he oversaw all aspects of the Walworth County Range. Undersheriff Dave Gerber holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville in Criminal Justice/Sociology. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in Evanston, IL, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Command Institute, and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as an instructor at Gateway Technical College for many years where he instructed both in-service and police academy courses. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is a past State Director for the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Torch Run Council for Special Olympics and recipient of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Dale Brunner Hall of Fame award. Undersheriff Dave Gerber has volunteered for over 25 years for Special Olympics and coordinates the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and Polar Plunges. Undersheriff Dave Gerber is also a past Director for the Wisconsin Field Training Officers Association. In his spare time Undersheriff Dave Gerber enjoys being active and spending time with his family.  Undersheriff Dave Gerber has been married to his wife for 22 years and their twin sons both attend UW Whitewater. Undersheriff Dave Gerber served as a coach for many years for youth sports including baseball and soccer in the East Troy area. Undersheriff Dave Gerber enjoys bicycling and has participated as one of the Wisconsin Riders for the Police Unity Tour riding from New Jersey to Washington D.C. to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Obituaries

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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Obituary: Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz, 59, of Delaware / Obituario

Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more

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Obituary: Lowell V. Youngs, 87

Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs.  He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class.  After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958.  Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun.  He was … Read more

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