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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Former Whitewater Resident Earns PhD
Rebecca Fischer (née Brereton) formerly of Whitewater, defended her doctoral dissertation June 13, 2024. Through her research and dissertation titled Reducing Kidney Transplant Rejection Rates Through Medication Adherence Education Post-Transplant: A Quality Improvement Project, Fischer earns her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Jacksonville University. Fischer, who attended Lincoln Elementary for Kindergarten through 6th grade in the 80s and 90s, is a nurse practitioner in abdominal transplant surgery at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
Congratulations, Becki. We are proud of you.
Submitted by Roni Telfer and Rachel (Telfer) Dorn
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.
The Beloit Sky Carp will be hosting John Vodenlich Day Sunday, June 23 at ABC Supply Stadium in Beloit. The day celebrates the accomplishments of Warhawk Head Baseball Coach John Vodenlich and the success of the 2024 UW-Whitewater baseball team.
Join us in celebrating Coach Vodenlich’s 700th win, induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and tying the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record for career wins, as well as the Warhawks’ phenomenal 2024 campaign that featured WIAC regular season and tournament titles, NCAA regional and super regional championships and a run to the national championship series. Purchase tickets here!
The Beloit Sky Carp and UW-Whitewater will recognize the fantastic accomplishments of Coach Vodenlich and Warhawk Baseball at their game against the Lansing Lugnuts on June 23. First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m.
Coach Vodenlich and members of the 2024 squad will be on site with the national runner-up trophy. Coach Vodenlich set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Lakeland and Fort Memorial.
Reserve your spot at this link or by calling 262-473-2997. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells. Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative.
Congratulations to Fairfield Inn & Suites for being recognized with the Purple Angel Designation by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative. This designation shows that at least fifty percent of the staff has been through a dementia friendly business training learning about dementia and how to best serve those with the disease. There was also a walk-through of the facility with recommendations to assist those with dementia. Others in Whitewater with this designation are Binning and Dickens Insurance, First Citizens Bank, Reynold’s Heating and Cooling, Studio 84, Irvin L Young Memorial Library, Seniors in the Park, New Beginnings APFV, First United Methodist Church, First English Lutheran Church, Discover Whitewater, and Associated Bank – Whitewater.
If any business or church is interested in the Dementia Friendly training please contact Jennifer Jackson, Seniors in the Park at 262-473-0535 or jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Congregational United Church of Christ has sold its building with an expected real estate closing date of July 31. The congregation will continue to use the building at least through the end of 2024, and eventually will be meeting in a yet-to-be-determined space.
Senior Pastor Dr. David Mc Donald told the Banner, “The Congregational United Church of Christ is looking forward to a new phase in its ministry. Our building has been a remarkable home to us since 1881, and while we have many memories of family, friends, and worship in the space, we are eager to determine our “next” in service to Christ and the community. We have been in Whitewater since 1840–before Wisconsin was made a state, and look forward with hope to our bicentennial celebrations in 2040.”
The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year, ending in May.
Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities ranking.
Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:
Whitewater, WI
Bryce Hibbs, Communication Studies Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis
Josie Hintz, Finance Major
Catherine Skindingsrude, Biology Major
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.
Landmark Trek takes a look at the history behind the Whitewater Effigy Mounds, and what work the city of Whitewater is doing now to help maintain these special grounds. Please click the link below to watch this Landmark Trek.
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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