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Today is Monday, May 11, 2026
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Maria Gloria Benitez, 67, Fort Atkinson, passed away surrounded by her family at the Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.
Maria was born in Hildgo, Texas on October 11, 1955, to Fidencio and Maria Ester (Casarez) Beltran. She graduated from San Jsidro High School. On April 19, 1997, Maria married Angelio Benitez in Minnesota. Maria worked, teaching ESL at Purdy Elementary in Fort Atkinson and at Jefferson High School. She enjoyed fishing and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Angelio, Fort Atkinson; children Pam (Juan Aguilar) Garza, and Jose Garza, both of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren Ivan and Diego Gonzalez, Vincente and Mia Aguilar. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Isaac Beltran.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W. Main St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Whitewater. The day and time will be announced. Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by TeaLux Cafe Gallery.
- Address: 129 W Center St, Whitewater, WI 53190
- Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00AM – 11:00PM
- Phone: (262) 458-2243
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Bethel House.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 -WUSD Unplugged
Members of the Whitewater School Board will be attending the WUSD Unplugged session at Whitewater Middle School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 beginning at 4:00pm. A quorum of the School Board may be present; however, the Board will not be conducting any business during the event.
A week which saw Whitewater Soccer decimated by injuries, illness, and other absences ended on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Monroe on Thursday, September 14. Whitewater was able to dominate all aspects of the game and show Monroe very few opportunities to make it a contest. With a goal scored in the first 90 seconds of the first half by Avi Kalra and another beautiful headed goal 38 seconds into the second half by Abdi Calvillo, the Whippets were set on their way to victory. Whitewater will take on their toughest opponents yet when they take on the two leading goal scorers in the state against Big Foot this Thursday.
Whitewater:
- 2’ Goal by Avi Kalra assisted by Abdi Calvillo
- 40’ Goal by Abdi Calvillo assisted by Emerson Ellenwood
- Casey Schlicher 7 saves
Monroe:
- #3 with 13 saves
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Molly Fuller.
Through the strength of the Kilar family and the outpouring of community support, Run for Trey was established to support the development and maintenance of the little league field, Treyton’s Field of Dreams, and yearly local scholarships for students.
Mary and Mike Kilar’s son, Treyton, age 6, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver on September 2, 2010. Although his dreams were shattered by a senseless tragedy, the field built in his honor provides a safe place for children and families to celebrate life and spend time together. It is a place where children are encouraged to dream big and learn that through hard work, their dreams can become reality!
Although Treyton is now playing on the “real” field of dreams in heaven, the fundraising efforts each year from the Run for Trey helps thousands of other children have a better future and learn responsible life-long decision-making skills.
You can sign up for the Run for Trey at www.treysfield.org. The day will consist of lots of family fun activities including:
- Run For Trey features an all terrain run/walk
- Run onto the field at Perkins Stadium at UWW
- Dogs welcome
- Bounce
- Obstacle course for the kids
- Balloons
- Raffle
- Great food to enjoy!
-$20.00 Registration (Adults) – Before October 8, 2023
-$25.00 same-day registrations at the event (Adult)
-$15.00 Registration (17 & Under) – NOTE: Runsignup will discount at checkout based on birthdate.
-$20.00 same-day registrations at the event (17 & Under)
*Packet pickup starts at 8 am on race day. Race starts at 10. If you have any questions you can email Molly Fuller at mollyo18@me.com
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Continuing Education announces free lectures at Cedar Crest in Janesville this fall. Four lectures will focus on Culture and Conflict: Exploring the Civil War Era and are open to all.
Now in its third year, the Cedar Crest Lecture Series resumes on September 28. Attendees are invited to step back in time to the 19th century and explore the multifaceted dimensions of the War Between the States and the profound impact of the War on present-day society. Lectures in this series include:
- September 28
Union in an Age of Disunion: Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren, and the Dawn of Modern Celebrity Against the Backdrop of Civil War
Presented by Anna Hajdik, lecturer, Literature, Writing, and Film - October 5
To Bind their Wounds: Medicine in the US Civil War
Presented by Beth Jozwiak, associate professor, Integrated Studies - October 12
Moderation at a Time of Extremism: Lincoln’s Defense of the Union
Presented by Edward Gimbel, associate professor, Politics, Government, and Law - October 19
Gettysburg: The Battle That Saved America and Produced the Most Famous Speech in American History
Presented by Richard Haven, professor emeritus, Communication
The four public lectures will be held at 2 p.m. on the Thursdays listed above and will take place in the Gathering Room at Cedar Crest, Inc., 1702 South River Road, Janesville. Free parking is available and registration is not required. Visit our website at https://www.uww.edu/ce/cedar-crest for a full schedule and updates.
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA. Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.
As the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater marks the beginning of a new academic year, both of its campuses are welcoming more students than in recent years.
Projected enrollment for the fall 2023 semester is 11,462, an increase of 375 students or 3.4 percent, compared to fall 2022.
The Whitewater campus is expected to reach 10,764 students, up 2.6 percent from last year. At the Rock County campus in Janesville, enrollment is projected to be 698, up 105 students, a 17.7 percent increase. This marks the first year-to-year rise in total enrollment at the Whitewater campus since fall 2016, and the first increase at the Rock County campus since fall 2018.
“We are immensely pleased to see that our high-quality academic programs, our mission of accessibility, our standing as the most affordable school in the UW System and our commitment to student success are all resonating with students and their families as they choose a university home,” said Corey A. King, chancellor. “Over the past several months, we have strategically expanded our recruitment, persistence, and retention efforts to a university-wide responsibility. The Warhawk family is starting this new academic year strong!”
UW-Whitewater is experiencing enrollment increases across the board.
“Our School of Graduate Studies, which awards master’s degrees and doctorates, is at 1,710 students, which would be the second largest total in our history. The freshmen class of 1,975 students is the largest in six years, and the number of students taking face-to-face classes, as well as those individuals taking online classes, are all on the rise,” said John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “More students are transferring to UW-Whitewater from other colleges and universities, and the number of students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education is also increasing.”
UW-Whitewater boasts Wisconsin’s largest accredited school of business and licenses more new teachers than any other university in Wisconsin. More than 79 undergraduate majors — including newer programs like cybersecurity and legal studies — and 24 graduate programs are now offered at UW-Whitewater. This fall, the Rock County campus will welcome its first class of students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a collaborative degree program in partnership with Edgewood College.
The university’s official census will take place on the 10th day of instruction.
Obituaries
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
Carol Ann Seebruch, 88 of Whitewater passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 3, 2026. Carol was born July 12, 1937 in Chicago IL to William and Ann Borovec. She married Marvin Seebruch on June 9, 1984. Carol and Marvin enjoyed traveling the United States making it to 48 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed her time with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved taking pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol is survived by her three children; Bill Anderson of Fort Atkinson, WI, Terri Laban of Whitewater, WI, and Donna (Mike) Jones of Crivitz, WI. She … Read more
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