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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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The University of Wisconsin-River Falls 2025 fall semester Dean’s List has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,724 students.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. Area students are listed below by name, hometown and major.
About UW-River Falls
Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a regional public university dedicated to student-centered learning and academic excellence. With more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, UWRF is committed to preparing students for success and service in the region, the state and beyond. Learn more at uwrf.edu.
Whitewater, WI
Haley Keltesch
Gwen Truesdale
Come and support Studio 84 at their Saturday SOUPer Bowl fundraising event. The artists have been busy glazing bowls and plates and are excited for you to take home one of their creations. There will be chili, chicken and dumpling, cheesy broccoli and more varieties of soup. Don’t forget the bread and yummy desserts too! The gallery and store will be open and there are over 20 raffle baskets just waiting for lucky winners. We are truly grateful for all of the friends of the studio that have donated items to help support this event.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state.
Appointments are preferred, and many are still available. Please use the QR code, visit https://www.versiti.org or call Lynn at 262-473-2997 to make an appointment.
Hosted by the International Student Association, the 44th Annual International Dinner is your chance to embark on a global culinary adventure.
Join us on Friday, March 6, 2026 in the UWW UC Hamilton Room for an evening filled with delicious international dishes and captivating cultural performances. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner starts at 6:00 pm, followed by a presentation.
Experience flavors from around the world, enjoy entertainment that celebrates diverse traditions, and immerse yourself in a night of culture and community. Cultural attire is encouraged but not required.
The International Dinner is a very popular event and tickets usually sell out. Student and under 18 tickets are $6 per person, and guest tickets are $12 per person. You can also purchase a table (8 seats) for $88. This purchase pays for a reserved table as close to the front as space allows. Tickets may be purchased here.
For questions, contact wilderms@uww.edu
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week we are flashing way back in the past to begin the 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The image is of noted presenter Jessica Michna as Abigail Adams, who will be at the Cravath Lake Community Building this Sunday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. for the Whitewater Historical Society’s first program of the year. The program is entitled “Abigail Adams – ‘A Lifeline of Letters'” and features Abigail Adams looking back at her life during this important era in American history. The program is free and open to the public, so join us for this entertaining and educational start to America’s 250th anniversary.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(photo courtesy of Historical First Impressions)
Daniel Portwine named to MSOE Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2025.
Daniel Portwine, from Whitewater, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Dean’s List for the 2025 Fall Semester. Portwine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List. Students on that list who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.” Students with a term GPA of 3.20 or higher, who are not on the Dean’s List, are on the Honors List.
Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 3,000 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, business, nursing, mathematics, user experience, and construction management. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.
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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