System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!Neil William Sawyer
Neil William Sawyer lived for 60 years before succumbing peacefully and painlessly to esophageal cancer on July 17th, 2009.
He worked until two weeks before his death and never stopped fighting his disease. As a child in rural upstate New York, Neil Sawyer loved to collect snakes and salamanders. As a young man he moved to New York City and worked for the next 20 years as an actor. Finally he combined both of these loves in the only way possible: he became a professor of biology. To do this, he went back to school and obtained his B.S. at Colorado State University and his Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut. He did his graduate research on certain tropical members of the tomato family in South American cloud forests. He also worked close to home, learning and mapping local flora. This established a career-long pattern of pursuing adventures but without losing his roots. He continued his research on the evolutionary relationships of tropical plants while also studying the reproductive biology of native plants. He also lent his expertise in plant taxonomy to help local non-profit organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut and the Lake Lorraine Restoration and Protection Association in Wisconsin.
At the end of his graduate education and at the beginning of hers, he met his wife Lela and soon uttered the fateful words, "it's a good thing you like cats". She went on to rescue many homeless felines and add them to their animal family. In spite of his later complaints, he tolerated her work and indeed made it possible. For this she is forever grateful.
Neil found his life's meaning in his work and always sought to convey this to his students. His love of science was his love of life. In memory of him, there will be a garden planted on the UW Whitewater campus and dedicated to him, available to all for learning, teaching, dreaming, and the appreciation of wild and beautiful things.
Jeremy "Jere" "Ogre" Michael Koch
Jeremy "Jere" "Ogre" Michael Koch, 36, of Whitewater, WI, died Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Janesville, WI. Jere was born on September 30, 1972 to Romelle (Schweitzer) Koch and the late Caroll Koch. Jere graduated from Whitewater High School in 1991. He was a CNC operator at Whitewater Manufacturing and a carpenter for Country Builders and other construction companies. He was a member of Carpenters Local 250 of Chicago and Carpenters Local 344 of Pewaukee, WI. Jere loved doing things with his friends, especially his outdoor activities of four wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, volleyball, softball, camping and having bonfires. His great sense of humor and jokes will be missed. He is survived by his mother, Romelle, 3 sisters; Kandace Koch of Cross Plains, WI; Karis Koch of Whitewater; Julie Koch of Fort Atkinson, WI, his little buddy Jake and other relatives and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at 6:00pm at the St. Patrick Catholic Church. Friends may call at the church from 4:00pm until the time of the service. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Jere's friends for their many visits while he was in the hospital. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Norman William NEELEY
Norman William NEELEY, age 61, of Janesville, Wisconsin formerly of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the Mercy Hospital, in Janesville. Norman was born in Seattle, Washington on February 28, 1948, the son of Harold and Frances (Ramsli) Neeley. He graduated from Whitewater High School. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Air Wing HMM262 during the Vietnam War. Norman was a doorgunner, crew chief, and quality control inspector. He received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Air Crew Wings and Combat Action ribbon. He flew 1262 combat missions which were mostly medi-vacs. He also did missions into Laos and Cambodia. On January 15, 1972, Norman married Mary Nell Peterson at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Whitewater.He received an Associate Degree in Police Science from District I Technical Institute in Eau Claire in 1976. He was first in his Police Recruit School and President of his class. After graduation he worked for the Altoona Police Department and also for the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department . When he left police work he had Norm's Pizza in Eau Claire. After moving to Spring Green in 1982 Norman became a Loss Prevention Manager for Sears Westowne for eight years. During his first year at Sears he brought his store from 37th place to 1st place in all categories. From 1990-1993 Norman owned and operated Country Hearth Restaurant in Spring Green. He also worked at Ho-Chunk Casino as a surveillance agent. Norman was a member of the Marine Corps League, Southwestern Detachment #623. He was an avid Packer Fan, loved to play chess and poker, was a fanatic about wildlife and Civil War history and liked doing his artwork. Above all, he enjoyed playing with his dog of eighteen years, Molly. She was such a source of happiness for him, especially these past few years. Surviving are: Wife: Mary Nell Neeley, Janesville, WI, Brother: Harold "Jack" (Gloria) Neeley, Lennon, MI, Sister: Kathleen (Andy) Rebman, Janesville, WI, Aunt : Carol French, Spokane, WA, Brothers-in-law: Carl (Cheryl) Peterson, Whitewater, WI, Don (Karen) Peterson, Sauk City, WI, Andy (Sandy) Peterson, Edgerton, WI, and Sister-in-Law: Patty (Dennis) Nagel, Marshfield, WI, 13 Nieces and Nephews, 21 Great Nieces and Nephews 3 Great-Great-Nephews. Norm was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 24, 2009, at 11:00AM at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, Whitewater, Wisconsin with Rev. Jerald Wendt officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater, Wisconsin. Friends may call from 5-7PM on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater and also one hour prior to the services Monday.
Raymond Briggs Sr.
November 11, 1912 - April 19, 2008
SPRING HILL, FL/JANESVILLE—Raymond Briggs Sr., 95, passed away peacefully at home from a broken heart on April 19, 2008. He gave up the will to go on after losing the love of his life, after 70 years of marriage. Raymond was born on Nov. 11, 1912, in Beloit, WI, to Liley and William Briggs. He married Verna Helgesen on March 17, 1937; together they owned and operated R&B; grocery store in Milton Junction. After selling the store, they built and managed many duplexes in Janesville. Ray was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge. He loved to golf, garden, cook, travel and entertain. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his only son, Raymond Briggs Jr. of Spring Hill, FL; five grandchildren: John (Vicki), Larry, Barb and Scott Briggs, all of Janesville, and Brian (Terry) of Rusk, TX; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna; and two sisters, Leora Larsen and Bernice Bergman.
Gladys Norine (Hanold) Brockman
March 11, 1915 - April 28, 2008
Gladys Norine (Hanold) Brockman, 93, formerly of Brodhead, WI, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2008, at Collinwood Elderly Care Home, Orfordville. She was born on March 11, 1915, in the Town of Willow, Richland County, WI, a daughter of James and Marion (Maddock) Hanold. She married Herschel Brockman on July 5, 1951, in Cherry Valley, IL. He passed away on July 31, 2002. Prior to moving to Brodhead, Gladys lived in Orfordville and Pittsville, WI. She loved taking care of her children, sewing their clothes, gardening, cooking, and helping with many farm chores. She held many various jobs such as being a CNA at Mercy Hospital and Sauk County Hospital, and worked at many different factories. Gladys was a giving person and always a help to anyone in need. She opened her heart and home to many, teaching her children to enjoy any task they had to do. Gladys enjoyed being involved with her church, was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years, and played the piano and organ for the services. She always had an extra seat in her car to take someone to church. Her faith in God was a big part of her life, and she instilled it into all who knew her.
Gladys is survived by her eight children: Richard (Claudia) Underhill of Edgerton, Millard (Lucy) Underhill of Beloit, Carol (Howard) Kohls of Vesper, William (Anong) Newcomb of Thailand, Betty (Kent) Schwartzlow of Monticello, Lawrence (Marilyn) Underhill, Nancy (Randall) Clankie, and Mary (Dale) Runaas, all of Orfordville; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, George and Wayne Hanold; and two sisters, Ruth (George) Payne and Louis (James) Flemming.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, BRODHEAD, WI with Dale Runaas presiding. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at noon on Thursday, May 1, at LOYD CEMETERY, Loyd, WI.
The family would like to thank Monroe Clinic Hospice and Collinwood Elderly Care Home of Orfordville for the excellent and compassionate care of their mother.
Christopher M. Brooder
October 20, 1968 - April 27, 2008
Christopher Mark Brooder, 39, of Minneapolis, MN, formerly of Delavan, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2008, at his home. He was born on Oct. 20, 1968, in Fond du Lac, WI, the son of Louis and Bertha (Velvikis) Brooder. He married Susanne Leighton in July of 2005 in Minneapolis. He graduated from Winona State with a degree in Photo-Journalism. Chris traveled the country winning many awards with his photography. He was an independent Web Designer in the Minneapolis areas.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne of St. Louis Park, MN; his father, Louis Brooder of Delavan; a sister, Tracy Kramer of Hubertus, WI; his mother and father-in-law, John and Sue Leighton of Minneapolis, MN; a niece, Jennifer of Alabama; and a nephew, Jonathan of Oconomowoc, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2008, at ST. ANDREWS CATHOLIC CHURCH in Delavan, with Fr. Brian Holbus officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service at the CHURCH. Burial will be at the St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Delavan. MONROE FUNERAL HOME, Delavan, is assisting the family.
Mildred L. Littig
Beloit
Mildred L. Littig, age 90, died Saturday December 13, 2008 at Premier Care in Beloit. Mildred was born September 6, 1918 to the late Winifred and Gertrude (Winkleman) Apker in Weyerhauser, WI. She married Virgil H. Littig on February 26, 1938 in Baraboo, WI. He preceded her in death on November 26, 1989.
A Private Family Service will take place at a later date. Mildred’s interment will take place in East Lawn Cemetery.
Harry Harold Krenz
Beloit
Harry Harold Krenz, 84, of Beloit, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2009 at the Alden Meadow Park Health Care Center in Clinton, WI.
He was born March 6, 1924 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the son of Julius and Anna Krenz. Harry was a 1942 graduate of Fall Creek High School. He married Anita Jane Lawrence in 1952 and she died in 1969. Harry later married Shirley (Hart) Carlson on February 21, 1970 in the Church By The Side of The Road in Rockton, IL. He was a Police Officer for the City of Beloit and later was employed by Beloit Corporation for 30 years retiring in 1989.
Harry is survived by his wife, Shirley Krenz of Beloit; nine children, Craig (Kathy) Krenz of Beloit, WI, Julie (Scott) Weiler of W. Bloomfield, MI, Debbie (Louis) Thelen of Mountain Home, AR, Jerry (Sandi) Carlson of Normal, IL, Ardenne (Daniel) Casey of Belvidere, IL, Pam (Scott) Henninger of Belvidere, IL, Cindy (David) Meindl and Leslie Melton (Daniel Draeving) both of Beloit, WI; 23 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Pam Holmstrom, a grandson, Scottie Holmstrom, a granddaughter, Kelly Steurer, three brothers and four sisters.
A private Family celebration of Harrys’ life will be held at a later date in the Schoenfeld-Mark Funeral Home. Cremation rites will be assisted by the Schoenfeld-Mark Funeral Home.
