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On Saturday, October 14, twenty-one members of Ferradermis, multiple Ferradermis alumni, and the Washington Bricklayers FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team traveled to Lake Denoon Middle School in Muskego for the inaugural TWIST Off-Season Event hosted by the WarriorBots FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team from Muskego High School. Eighteen FRC robots, representing nineteen schools from Wisconsin and Illinois, took the field in competition beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at approximately 5 p.m. Eight FLL teams rotated through two two-hour scrimmages that allowed them to try out their new robots in a first-ever pre-season event for FLL.
TWIST was an event with a twist – all members of the high school drive teams needed to be female or non-binary. TWIST (Together, Women in STEM Thrive) was an event meant to highlight the role of women in STEM and encourage female team members to take on roles that they normally don’t do within the team. For Whitewater High School, sophomore Programming Lead Ace Hudec and sophomore Electro-Mechanical Lead Erison Dreksler had already been members of the Ferradermis drive team for the 2023 season, but Ace took on a new role as Driver on Saturday; Erison remained in the role of Human Player. They were joined on the drive team for Saturday by Robot Operator junior Outreach Lead Maddison LaHaie, Drive Coach junior Game Strategy Lead Emerson Dunham, and Technician senior Administrative Team Member Ghati Binagi. In regular season competition, the role of Drive Coach is filled by an adult, the team’s Head Coach and alum Jacob Lee. Coach Lee took on an advisory only role on Saturday, consulting with the drive team between matches.
Ferradermis is currently 61% female, which is highly unique in the robotics world. What did this mean for TWIST? It meant that some of our team members were able to step into roles on other drive teams for teams that didn’t have enough female members! Administrative Team Captain senior Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman served as Technician for FRC Team #8701 Graffiti from Greendale High School where she was joined by Electrical Team Member sophomore Belle Cohen who served as Graffiti’s Human Player. Sophomore Nina Heim stepped in at the last minute to fill out the drive team for FRC Team #930 from Mukwonago High School, serving as their Technician. This would lead to a very unique situation at the end of the day, when the Ferradermis alliance and the alliance containing Greendale and Mukwonago faced off in the event finals!
CAD Team Lead junior Zoe Olson took on the role of Head Scout, representing the team on the field for Alliance Selections while Safety Captain sophomore Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman spent most of the day watching over the team’s pit. Sophomore Margaret Brown continued to film matches for the team, bringing the footage to the drive team for analysis after every match. Robot Team Captain Andrew O’Toole and Business Team Lead Andrew Zimmermann worked with the scouting data being gathered in order to prepare a “pick list” for alliance selections. Scouts included sophomores Chacha Binagi and Rae Breisath who helped support freshmen Toby Kapfer, Ian Kowalkiewicz, Carson Miller, Preston Miller, Kai Peterson, and Ava Van Daele.
Ferradermis ranked #3 out of 18 robots after going 5-3 in the qualification round where robots are randomly assigned to play three-on-three matches. Ranking is based not only on overall match results but on specific tasks robots can accomplish during the matches. The top seed, the host WarriorBots, then asked Ferradermis to join their alliance for the elimination round, a double-elimination playoff tournament. Warrior and Ferradermis invited FRC Team #5125 Hawks on the Horizon from McKinley Park, Illinois to join them to round out their playoff alliance.
The #1 alliance received a bye in the first round of the playoffs and then defeated the #4 seeded alliance 106-103 and the #3 seeded alliance 113-95 to move undefeated into the finals. The #6 seeded alliance made up of Greendale, Mukwonago, and Roaring Robotics from Naperville, Illinois worked their way through the bottom half of the playoff bracket, defeating the #2, #3, and #4-seeded alliances to meet Ferradermis in the finals. In the finals, the champion is declared after a best-of-three series of matches. Ferradermis and Warrior fought hard, with their third teammate unable to move for much of one match, and lost 115-89 and 112-102. The difference in each of the finals matches was the ability of the robots to balance the charging station platform in the final 30 seconds of the match.
A highlight of the day for Ferradermis was their receipt of the “TWIST Ties” Award, which celebrated the team that was the most fun to play with and best embodied the values of Gracious Professionalism. This award was selected based on peer nominations and was a direct reflection of the team’s willingness to support other teams who were short-handed. Gracious Professionalism is a trait highly valued in FIRST Robotics and was a phrase coined by the late Woodie Flowers, co-founder of the program. According to FIRST, “Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process.”
Ferradermis was thrilled to see so many of its alumni involved and giving back to the program throughout the day. In addition to Ferradermis head coach Jacob Lee who works as an engineer in Menomonee Falls, Ferradermis founding member Wesley Salverson, a new MSOE grad working as an engineer in Fond du Lac, was on hand as a mentor for FRC Team Fondy Fire. Alum Rosie Aschenbrener volunteered as a judge, while alum Reilly Aschenbrener worked field-side for the entire tournament. Daniel Portwine, a 2023 graduate who will soon be mentoring FRC Team UPS in Milwaukee on behalf of MSOE, was there to support Ferradermis. It was also great to see alum Andrew Rollette there to support his little sister who is a member of the Washington FLL team.
Washington teacher Chris Nate led the Washington Bricklayers FLL team through three robot runs during the first-ever FLL pre-season scrimmage. The team was able to show great improvement, increasing their score from 100 to 155 from their first to second run. They were also able to showcase their Innovation Project publicly for the first time. The team now has until mid-November to take what they learned and make improvements before taking the field in competition. Catch FLL teams from all of our district elementary schools and the middle school in action at Mukwonago High School for a Regional event on Saturday, November 18. Like all FIRST events, this is free and open to the public.
As for Ferradermis, they will continue to meet and train in preparation for the reveal of their new season’s game during the kickoff event on January 6 before taking the field with a new robot for the 2024 competition in Duluth, Minnesota on February 29. Watch for them downtown on Ghoul’s Night Out and in the Whitewater Holiday Parade of Lights.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
On October 9 the Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission unanimously granted conditional approval to the site plan which was submitted for a free-standing Dollar Tree store at the corner of Main Street and Indian Mound Parkway.
There was no public comment. While recognizing that the commission’s role does not include evaluation of the viability of a planned business, commissioner Carol McCormick inquired as to whether the applicants are aware that there is already a Dollar General on the east side of town. Brad Marquardt, public works director, indicated that originally Dollar Tree had considered a property across the street from Dollar General, but the site was not found to be satisfactory for the construction. Marquardt remarked that the Dollar Tree representative stated that they’re like Walgreens and CVS, in that they like to be located close to a competitor’s building. A Dollar Tree store was located in the strip mall on Main Street a number of years ago. Their previous location is now leased by Anytime Fitness.
The only conditions the commission placed on the approval was that the landscaping plan be submitted and approved by the Urban Forestry Commission, that the lighting plan be submitted and approved by the city staff, and that the driveway on Main Street be reduced, per code, to 35 feet instead of 37 feet.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Fall Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit 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 WCFGrantApplication.pdf The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2023.
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 report was provided courtesy of Marilyn Fuerstenberg.
Whitewater High School classes of 1960, 1961 and 1962 celebrated their 63, 62, and 61 Reunion on Sept. 7,8,9. A welcome party at the Willow Brook Golf Course, a matinee lunch and play at the Fireside, and a dinner with an Elvis Tribute show by Logan Ramey and door prizes at The Evergreen Golf Club. It was a fun time reconnecting with our friends from years ago.
A “little video montage” of the event may be viewed here.
Classmates came from Oregon, Arizona, Kansas, Florida, Iowa, North
Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, North Dakota, and more.
Due to the closure of the Hawk Apartments, DLK is accepting $25 donations to the Whitewater Food Pantry for working 15 and 16 cu. ft. refrigerators that work well in garage settings. There also are a number of 220 volt, 20″ electric ranges available on a donation basis. Interested parties may call 262-473-5321 for details.
By the way, in response to a question that was passed on by The Banner, Mike Kachel indicates that they will try to have a sale of Hawk Bowl memorabilia sometime in the near future.
Editor’s note: The refrigerator photo on the homepage is not representative of the available appliances.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was made by the Social Security Administration on October 13. The average monthly payment will increase by $59. Last year’s increase was 8.7%, reflecting a higher rate of inflation than has been experienced during the past year.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2024
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans will increase 3.2 percent in 2024.
The 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2024. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 29, 2023. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits)
Read more about the Social Security Cost-of-Living adjustment for 2024.
The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $168,600.
The earnings limit for workers who are younger than “full” retirement age (see Full Retirement Age Chart) will increase to $22,320. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $22,320.)
The earnings limit for people reaching their “full” retirement age in 2024 will increase to $59,520. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $59,520 until the month the worker turns “full” retirement age.)
There is no limit on earnings for workers who are “full” retirement age or older for the entire year.
Read more about the COLA, tax, benefit and earning amounts for 2024.
Medicare Information
Information about Medicare changes for 2024 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries receiving Medicare, their new 2024 benefit amount will be available in December through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center.
Your COLA Notice
In December 2023, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security account.
This is a secure, convenient way to receive COLA notices online and save the message for later. You can also opt out of receiving notices by mail that are available online. Be sure to choose your preferred way to receive courtesy notifications so you won’t miss your secure, convenient online COLA notice.
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By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
River Falls, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, ranked seventh according to D3football.com, took down fourth-ranked UW-River Falls on their home field Saturday afternoon.
Tommy Coates dives into the end zone for a touchdown (Olivia Zinanni)
The Warhawks were dominant in the first half. The Falcons generated more offense in the second half, but two statistics stood out and sealed the game for UWW — the Warhawks tallied four takeaways and owned the possession game with the offense on the field for 38:14 in the contest. Two of those takeaways led to points and a hefty UWW lead in the first half.
After a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, the Warhawk defense forced a punt and the offense capitalized. UWW went 55 yards in 14 plays capped by an Alec Ogden six-yard touchdown scamper.
The UWW defense got the offense back onto the field in a hurry. Six plays into the Falcons’ next drive, Joey Antonietti picked off UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha, one of the best in the nation, for his third interception in as many games. Once again, the UW-Whitewater offense capitalized. Ogden hit Tommy Coates for a 13-yard reception on the first play. Two snaps later, Nick Wind hauled in an Ogden pass for a 36-yard gain. Two plays later, the Ogden-Coates connection was good from 21-yards out for the passing score. The Warhawks opted to go for two to make up for a missed extra point on the first touchdown, but the try was unsuccessful leaving UWW with a 12-0 lead.
The next series of drives was more of the same – a UWW takeaway that led to more points. This time Cole Yocum scooped up a fumble and returned it 32 yards to set up the Warhawk offense at the River Falls 30. The UW-Whitewater drive stalled sending out the field goal unit. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights from 44-yards out to make it 15-0 Warhawks with over 10 minutes to go before the half.
The defense forced a punt with the offense getting into field goal range on UWW’s next drive, but the 53-yard attempt was no good giving the ball back to the Falcons at their own 26 with 5:27 left.
UW-Whitewater’s stingy defense nearly held UWRF off the board in the first half forcing 4th down and 12 from the UWW 18 but Blaha was able to find a receiver in the end zone for the score. The extra point made it 15-7. The teams traded interceptions with Kyle Koelblinger picking off Konnor Aufenthie’s pass as time expired.
On the other side of the break, the defense continued to frustrate the Falcon offense, forcing a punt on the first drive of the half. Ogden went up the middle for 37 yards on UW-Whitewater’s first play of their drive. Tamir Thomas broke off the right side of the line and upfield for 22 more. He would cap the drive five plays later with a five-yard run. Another two-point attempt was unsuccessful to keep the score at 21-7.
That score held through the third. Early in the fourth the Falcons recovered a fumble and turned the takeaway into points to pull within a touchdown, 21-14, with over 13 minutes remaining.
Neither team was able to put up points in their ensuing drives and UWRF took over at their own 20 with 2:45 on the clock.
The Warhawk defense came up big, like they had been doing the whole game. After back-to-back incomplete passes for Blaha, Hawk Heffner came flying past the end of the line and straight to the quarterback for a sack and a loss of six yards to make it 4th and 16. Blaha’s next pass fell incomplete and the Warhawk offense took to the field in victory formation.
Ogden was 15-22 for 180 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Thomas was UWW’s leading back with 68 yards and a touchdown. Nick Wind hauled in three catches for 63 yards while Coates caught five passes for 46 yards and the score.
Defensively, Heffner tallied seven tackles and the late sack. Antonietti posted seven tackles and had the i
River Falls, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, ranked seventh according to D3football.com, took down fourth-ranked UW-River Falls on their home field Saturday afternoon.
Photo 1: Tommy Coates dives into the endzone for a touchdown (Olivia Zinanni)
Photo 2: Kyle Koelblinger looks up the field after hauling in an interception (Olivia Zinanni)
The Warhawks were dominant in the first half. The Falcons generated more offense in the second half, but two statistics stood out and sealed the game for UWW — the Warhawks tallied four takeaways and owned the possession game with the offense on the field for 38:14 in the contest. Two of those takeaways led to points and a hefty UWW lead in the first half.
After a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, the Warhawk defense forced a punt and the offense capitalized. UWW went 55 yards in 14 plays capped by an Alec Ogden six-yard touchdown scamper.
The UWW defense got the offense back onto the field in a hurry. Six plays into the Falcons’ next drive, Joey Antonietti picked off UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha, one of the best in the nation, for his third interception in as many games. Once again, the UW-Whitewater offense capitalized. Ogden hit Tommy Coates for a 13-yard reception on the first play. Two snaps later, Nick Wind hauled in an Ogden pass for a 36-yard gain. Two plays later, the Ogden-Coates connection was good from 21-yards out for the passing score. The Warhawks opted to go for two to make up for a missed extra point on the first touchdown, but the try was unsuccessful leaving UWW with a 12-0 lead.
The next series of drives was more of the same – a UWW takeaway that led to more points. This time Cole Yocum scooped up a fumble and returned it 32 yards to set up the Warhawk offense at the River Falls 30. The UW-Whitewater drive stalled sending out the field goal unit. Jeff Isotalo-McGuire split the uprights from 44-yards out to make it 15-0 Warhawks with over 10 minutes to go before the half.
The defense forced a punt with the offense getting into field goal range on UWW’s next drive, but the 53-yard attempt was no good giving the ball back to the Falcons at their own 26 with 5:27 left.
UW-Whitewater’s stingy defense nearly held UWRF off the board in the first half forcing 4th down and 12 from the UWW 18 but Blaha was able to find a receiver in the endzone for the score. The extra point made it 15-7. The teams traded interceptions with Kyle Koelblinger picking off Konnor Aufenthie’s pass as time expired.
On the other side of the break, the defense continued to frustrate the Falcon offense, forcing a punt on the first drive of the half. Ogden went up the middle for 37 yards on UW-Whitewater’s first play of their drive. Tamir Thomas broke off the right side of the line and upfield for 22 more. He would cap the drive five plays later with a five-yard run. Another two-point attempt was unsuccessful to keep the score at 21-7.
That score held through the third. Early in the fourth the Falcons recovered a fumble and turned the takeaway into points to pull within a touchdown, 21-14, with over 13 minutes remaining.
Neither team was able to put up points in their ensuing drives and UWRF took over at their own 20 with 2:45 on the clock.
The Warhawk defense came up big, like they had been doing the whole game. After back-to-back incomplete passes for Blaha, Hawk Heffner came flying passed the end of the line and straight to the quarterback for a sack and a loss of six yards to make it 4th and 16. Blaha’s next pass fell incomplete and the Warhawk offense took to the field in victory formation.
Ogden was 15-22 for 180 yards and a passing touchdown. He added 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Thomas was UWW’s leading back with 68 yards and a touchdown. Nick Wind hauled in three catches for 63 yards while Coates caught five passes for 46 yards and the score.
Defensively, Heffner tallied seven tackles and the late sack. Antonietti posted seven tackles and had the interception. Koelblinger added five tackles and three pass breakups to his interception on the day. Matt Burba registered four tackles and a sack for a loss of 16 yards.
nterception. Koelblinger added five tackles and three pass breakups to his interception on the day. Matt Burba registered four tackles and a sack for a loss of 16 yards.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Pride.
Whitewater’s third annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family friendly celebration takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.
The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, more than 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager John Weidl, UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King, WUSD Associate Principal Nathan O’Shaughnessy, and Executive Vice President of External Affairs at Family Equality Kim Simes, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.
“For the third year, Whitewater Pride is creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” Camden Harlan, an English teacher and co-advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance at Whitewater High School, said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we will continue to provide events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and Allies can come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”
Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These black and white T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site.
Volunteers from Creative and Resourceful Educator (CARE), a UW-Whitewater student group, will lead children’s activities. LGBTQ+ friendly children’s books will be on display from the Irvin L. Young Public Library. Adults and children can enjoy reading, games, and face painting in the children’s corner. Deanna Rolfsmeyer, the Children’s Librarian, will be available to help with book suggestions and to read books.
Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the second annual Pride Pet Costume contest. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.
This year, Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the event who have contributed financially to help support Whitewater Pride’s events including the Pride Rally. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn family, Generac – Pride Berg, Fort Community Credit Union, Whitewater Unites Lives, BaristaCats Café, Whitewater Cinemas, Whitewater Grocery Co, and Fort Healthcare.
“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.
Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor or Donor.
Event partners are Whitewater High School Gay-Straight Alliance, the Pride Center at UW-Whitewater, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, the City of Whitewater, and Whitewater League of Women Voters.
For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride.
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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