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Today is Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Karen Carrig began her tenure as Rainbow’s President/CEO in 1997.
by Kenyon Kemnitz, Rainbow Community Care
Rainbow Community Care announces the retirement of Karen Carrig after 27 years as President/CEO. Even though Carrig says it is bittersweet to be retiring from her role as Rainbow Community Care’s President/CEO, she will continue to remain involved in the organization. Carrig will now serve as President of the Rainbow Hospice Foundation and will assist with all fundraising efforts and donor relations.
As Carrig’s leadership role comes to an end, she reflects on Rainbow’s humble beginnings. When she first started in the late 90s, Rainbow only served nine patients a day and since then has become a respected leader in end-of-life care in rural southern Wisconsin with an average daily census of over 300 patients in its hospice and palliative care programs.
“This has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve with such a dedicated staff, board, and volunteers,” said Carrig.
Rainbow did not have to look far for Carrig’s successor. The Rainbow Hospice Care Board of Directors has selected Carol Brown as the next President/CEO. With her experience spanning over two decades at Rainbow, Brown is poised to lead the organization into the future. Carol’s tenure at Rainbow began in 2002 as a Registered Nurse Case Manager and since that time she has held an extensive list of positions, including Admissions Nurse, Inpatient Center Manager, Director of Program Integrity, Patient Care Coordinator, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Operations, and most recently Chief Operating Officer.
Carrig cannot think of a better person than Brown to take over her role and knows the organization will be in great hands.
“I already know Carol has all the skills, knowledge, and qualities necessary to succeed in the job, plus an incredible amount of integrity that will serve her and our communities well,” Carrig said. “She is committed to delivering quality patient care, making our staff feel valued, and acknowledging our volunteers. She will do an excellent job because she is already so embedded in the culture and helped create the culture in the organization.”
“Each role has provided me with invaluable experience,” said Brown. “While working with our patients and their families, I found a real love for hospice. Having some of my own family members on hospice over the years is what really motivated me to be a leader who helps shape the type of care we provide. My leadership roles gave me foundational knowledge in strategic planning, leadership development, regulatory compliance, and fostering community partnerships, all of which have prepared me to lead this wonderful non-profit organization as President/CEO.”
Over the years, developing and nurturing relationships with care partners working in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other community groups and organizations has helped Rainbow improve the way they serve patients and families. Both Carrig and Brown expect that to continue.
“We are all guided by a mutual vision to improve the lives of our neighbors and friends,” Carrig said. “People we live with, work with, go to church with, and see in the grocery store – these are the folks we care for. We built our inpatient center in Johnson Creek because we knew its presence would help us care for more and more vulnerable people in the communities we serve.”
“Over time, an understanding of what constitutes good end-of-life care in this rural part of the state has evolved by prioritizing personalized care plans, enhancing communication between healthcare providers and patients/families, and increasing access to supportive services,” Brown said. “Rainbow Community Care has played a pivotal role in driving these changes through community education initiatives and the development of innovative care programs.”
Adding new service line offerings and programs has helped Rainbow evolve and Brown thinks that mindset is key to long-term survival in the ever-changing landscape of American healthcare.
“What sets Rainbow apart is its unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and personalized care that is supported by a dedicated team of professionals and strong community partnerships,” Brown said. “To remain competitive and a leader in hospice, palliative, and guided care well into the future, we must continue to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of our patients while staying true to our core values of dignity, respect, and quality.”
Carrig’s leadership and guidance have been an inspiration and comfort to Brown, who took over the duties of Rainbow’s President in January.
“Karen has provided me with immeasurable and invaluable advice throughout my career,” Brown said. “She emphasizes the importance of strong leadership, community service, continuous learning, and prioritizing patient-centered care. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating complex challenges and driving our success. She will be greatly missed.”
By Tom Ganser
On March 16 and 18 the Whitewater community experienced the magic of music, thanks to two concerts in the UWW Young Auditorium.
On March 16 the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra and the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra (comprised of UWW students) combined talented musicians in a concert that began with the performance of strings only “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams and conducted by David Anderson, LGSO Music Director. This was followed by a performance of “The Planets, Suite for Large Orchestra” by Gustav Holst and conducted by Christopher Ramaekers, UWW Director of Orchestras, and that showcased over 120 musicians and a choir of UWW female voices led by Robert Gehrenbeck, Director of Choral Studies.
On March 18, Glenn C. Hayes conducted nearly 80 members of the University/Community Band in the performance of five selections, including excerpts from Symphony No. 1, “The Lord of the Rings” by Johan de Meij and “Country Band” March by Charles Ives.
The next concerts by these ensembles include the University/Community Band on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Young Auditorium, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Young Auditorium, and the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Big Foot High School Auditorium,
For more information about the LGSO concerts and Chamber Music concerts visit www.LakeGenevaOrchestra.org.
For more information on the University/Community Band and Whitewater Symphony Orchestra concerts visit www.uww.edu/coac/events.
Director of Children’s and Family Ministries
Whitewater Area Regional Ministries of the United Methodist Church is seeking a half-time Director of Children’s and Family Ministries who will provide leadership, coordination, resourcing and communication for its Christian education programs for children and youth. Our aim is to encourage faith development in an inclusive, caring and fun environment. Please submit a resume or letter of interest to dan@fumcwhitewater.org or Rev. Dan Fahs, First UMC, 145 S. Prairie Street. Whitewater, WI 53190.
Purchase a Yard Sign for Your Graduating Senior!
¡Compre un cartel de jardín para su graduado!
The cost is $20 if paying by cash/check; $20.66 if paying online. Orders may be submitted using the link at the top of this post. They must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12th. Payment is not due now, but must be made before signs can be picked up or delivered.
For Questions, Contact Elizabeth Miller
emiller@wwusd.org
Frank P. Weinberg, formerly from Whitewater, received his 60 year recognition of being a member of the Masonic Lodge Oriental #20 Mesa, Arizona, where he resides with his wife and family. Frank started off on his Masonic journey at the Masonic Lodge in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Editor’s note: The above submission was provided by Frank Weinberg.
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 nonprofit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community.
Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community. Consideration will also be made based on the results of the 2023 Civic Summit, when more than 30 community members, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers, and others determined key areas for improvement in Whitewater:
- Communicating to Whitewater’s diverse population in English and Spanish, making signage bilingual, coordinating communication to all groups, and providing opportunities for people of different backgrounds, age groups, etc. to integrate to help meet community needs;
- Housing assistance, affordability and accessibility for families and professionals seeking to purchase homes;
- Marketing Whitewater by coordinating and cross-pollinating events, calendars and volunteer opportunities.
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 find more information and fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bx6_oS4QSIAeR3BoVjNTeVJfQzg
The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2024.
Kat Mawhinney, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “We are pleased to be able to offer these grants to organizations helping to make the Whitewater community stronger.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Whitewater Community Foundation web site https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/community-action-grants/ or contact Kat at 262-473-1403.
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 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.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Margaret Wheeler.
Updated note: The snacks are provided through a private donation.
#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Passenger car purchased for the never-completed B Line
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a rare one of a passenger car purchased for the “B Line,” a short-line railway that was partially constructed between Whitewater and Lake Geneva in 1914.
The purpose of the B Line was to be a fast connection to Lake Geneva where passengers and/or freight could be transferred to lines going to Chicago. This would provide people and businesses in Whitewater faster transportation in Walworth County and, ultimately, to Chicago.
The line was partially built, but never completed due to lack of funding and the increase in prices for steel created by World War I in Europe. A portion of the roadbed for the B Line can still be seen along Highway P at Bluff Creek south of Whitewater where the road was raised to go over the highway and the creek.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5547PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
Obituaries
Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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