Obituaries

Terrence G. “Slo” Edwards, age 83, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home.

A celebration of life will be from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Connell’s Cedar Shack in Adams, WI.

Terrence was born November 30, 1940, in Elgin, Illinois to Milton and Betsy (Mahoney) Edwards.

He married Kathleen “Mutz” Wilson “on March 18, 1977, in Kane County, Geneva, Illinois.

Slo worked 33 years for ITW Buildex in Illinois before he retired and moved to Adams County. He loved the Cubs & Bears, playing the machines at bars, and spending time with Mutz. He had a great sense of humor and loved to socialize.

Slo was preceded in death by his parents Milton & Betsy; brothers Thomas “Tommy” & David, and two nephews John & Keith.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Cynthia (Brad) Tafel; son, Timothy (Beth) Edwards; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers, Steve (Cindy) & Craig (Sue); sister, Kim, and two sisters-in-law Roslyn & Margaret “Marg”. He is further survived by cousins and close friends.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.

Michael G. Bloomer Jr., known affectionately to friends and family as Mike, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2024, due to complications from cardiac stenosis. Born on January 29, 1959, in Fairfax, VA, Mike’s life journey of 65 years was marked by an unwavering dedication to his loved ones, a passion for the outdoors, and an earnest commitment to his community in Necedah, WI, where he spent his final moments surrounded by the warmth of family.

Mike’s early years in Virginia set the stage for a life rich in love and adventure. His youthful spirit was a beacon that continued to shine brightly as he ventured into the world, eventually laying roots in Wisconsin. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Julie L. Bloomer, and together they built a family founded on the principles of kindness, laughter, and resilience. His role as a father to Amanda Bloomer, Joseph (Katie) Bloomer, and Andrea Smith, his step-daughter, was one he cherished deeply, and his love was a guiding force in their lives.

He was the proud brother to Charlie (Vicky) Bloomer, Lorrie (Dave) Fox, Tim (Linda) Bloomer, Shan (Jessica) Bloomer, and Shawn Bloomer, all of whom shared countless memories filled with joy and camaraderie. He is further survived by brothers-in-law Jim (Connie) Peasley, Louie (Cindy) Peasley, Steve (Sue) Peasley, Sisters-in-law Debbie Peasley and Karen Neal, Linda (Jeff) Vavrin, Sue (Ray) Pruitt and Kathi (Hal) Rasmussen.  Mike was also a doting grandfather, his heart brimming with pride for Jayden, Charolette, Emma Bloomer, and Greyson Kacmar. His legacy as a family man will be carried on through the stories and values he instilled in each of them. He is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews, who will continue to honor his memory by living the lessons he taught through his own example of integrity and strength.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Michael G. Bloomer Sr. and Barbara J. Bloomer, and his brothers Danny and Larry Bloomer, Mother and Father-in-law Louis (Mary) Peasley, and brothers-in-law Dave Peasley, Rich Peasley and Joseph Peasley.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike found solace and joy in nature. Hunting, fishing, and UTV riding were not just hobbies but a testament to his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and the beauty of the wilderness.  In his younger years he was an avid Eagle Scout.  His reverence for the natural world was infectious, and he was always ready to share a story or two about his latest adventure in the great outdoors.

Mike’s commitment to service was evident through his active involvement with the Necedah Lions Club. His contributions to the club were numerous, and his efforts helped foster a sense of unity and support within the community. His generous spirit and willingness to lend a hand were hallmarks of his character, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched.

As we bid farewell to Mike, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. His laughter, which echoed through the halls of every gathering, will resonate with us forever. Mike’s unwavering love for his family, his passion for the outdoors, and his dedication to his community will continue to inspire those who knew him. His was a life that exemplified the virtues of compassion, loyalty, and friendship.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Mike Bloomer Jr. will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, and we hold tight to the memories that will forever be a source of strength and solace.

As we say goodbye to a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, let us honor Mike’s memory by emulating his kindness, his laughter, and his zest for life. In every ripple of the lakes he loved, in every rustle of the leaves during a quiet hunt, and in every act of service to our neighbors, his legacy will endure. Rest in peace, Mike; your journey here has ended, but your story continues within us.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St) in New Lisbon.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Hare Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 P.M. until the time of service. Chaplin Michael Amberg presiding. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Elma Jean Nichols, 87 of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Elma was born October 22, 1936 in Coloma, WI to Arnold and Margaret (Lyon) Sorenson. She attended Adams-Friendship High School graduating in 1954. Elma married the love of her life, Charles Nichols, on December 4, 1954 in Coloma, WI. From this beautiful union the Lord gave them four daughters; Patricia, Peggy, Norma, and Nancy.

Charles built their home in Adams County in 1959 where they enjoyed country living. Elma’s work history included bookkeeper for the Farmers Union Cooperative, sales clerk and bookkeeper at Murph’s Department Store, school bus driver for Adams-Friendship School District, and bookkeeper for Grand Marsh State Bank.

She enjoyed raising her four daughters to know and love the Lord. She delighted in visiting with family and friends and corresponded with many by letters.

Her family knew Elma for her insightful advice and wonderful hugs. She had some notable sayings throughout her years also. The most famous and beloved one of her children and grandchildren is: “Why are there fourteen people in my kitchen?”

Some of her favorite things were car rides with Charles to see the countryside; vegetable and flower gardening; daisies, daffodils, and yellow pansies; quiet times with Charles viewing nature out their large kitchen table window; regularly attending Grace Bible Conferences to strengthen her walk with the Lord; listening to her beloved husband sing classical and gospel songs; reading her variety of books; and listening to gospel music with the dearest one to her heart being: “Complete in Thee.”

Elma was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Margaret Sorenson; Aunts and Uncles: Bethel (Robert) Hazeltine, Mildred (Marvin) Neuman, Vinetta Hollers; and son-in-law, Dave Dowden.

Survivors include her husband Charles of 69 years. Daughters: Patricia (Leslie) Landon of Friendship, Peggy (Scott) Willis of De Pere, Norma (Rick) Abbott of Whiting, and Nancy Dowden of Adams. Grandchildren: Cynthia (Royce) Hazel of Wisconsin Rapids, Peter (Jessica) Landon of Friendship, Michael Landon of Friendship, David (Megan) Willis of Green Bay, Amy (Nick) Darnick of De Pere, Benjamin (Kate) Abbott of St. Francis, Daniel Abbott of Nekoosa, Emily Abbott of Stevens Point, Ashley (Joe) Noelke of La Crosse, and Amanda (Aaron) Johnson of DeForest. Great grandchildren, Gavin Hazel, Zoe Hazel, Hannah (Aaron) Tully, Riley Landon, Jadyn Landon, Logan Landon, Crispin Landon, Haiden Landon, Desiree Landon, Korbin Landon, Jackson Willis, Sawyer Willis, Breleigh Darnick, Matthew Darnick, Sophie Korbal, Brooklyn Korbal-Abbott, Vincent Noelke, Charles “Charlie” Noelke, Alexia Johnson, and Aiden Johnson.

Donations in memory of Elma can be made to Berean Bible Institute of West Bend, WI; Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Milwaukee, WI; or the Adams County chapter of the Salvation Army.

A private celebration of life will follow at a later date.

The family of Elma thanks the staff of Rosebrooke Assisted Living Center and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

John Gilbert Whitteberry, age 91, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly life on Monday, July 22, 2024 in Mauston, Wisconsin.  He leaves behind a legacy of humor, strength, love, and a creative mindset to his family, community, and all those he encountered. 

He was born on March 5, 1933 in Lafayette, Indiana to Lawrence Benjamin and Faye Marie (Fetterhoff) Whitteberry.  He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Almeda Conner of Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 11, 1953 and they enjoyed 65 beautiful years of marriage together.  John and Mary had six children:  Joan (David) Jarvis of Houston, Texas; John Douglas (Carrie) Whitteberry of Dallas, Texas; Deborah (Jim) Wilson of Graham, North Carolina; Timothy (Joao) Whitteberry of Paraiba, Brazil; David (Ronie) Whitteberry of Cedar City, Utah; and Sandra (Mark) Kallian of Mauston, Wisconsin. 

John was active from his youth in the church and was a long time member and an integral part of the leadership at the Mauston Church of the Nazarene.  He served many years as Chairman of the Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, and Adult Sunday School teacher. Faith and time spent with God in the Word every morning was an essential part of his Christian Walk. 

John served in the Navy Seabees, Petty Officer 1st Class for six years, primarily stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War.  Both international and domestic travel continued to be an important part of his life while raising a family of six children. 

As a well-loved 6th grade teacher in the Mauston School District, John taught for 30 years, including time spent as a negotiator with the teacher’s labor union.  Previous students often greeted him with affection on the streets right up until the time of his passing. 

John was a creative provider for his family, teaching his children a strong work ethic.  They remember fondly and not so fondly many daily hours of chores as they helped grow and sell acres of cucumbers, muskmelon, sweet corn, and other crops on his 190-acre farm.  His children “enjoyed” chasing pigs, raising chickens, milking cows, riding horses, and a myriad of other animals and chores. John also established and built an efficient firewood business, cutting, drying and delivering 250 facecord to Chicago each year, powered by family muscle and a wood-splitter of his own creation.

After Mary’s passing, and at the age of 89, John sprightly walked down the aisle, to the delight of his children and church community, to join hands in marriage with Karon Jean Smyth of Frankfort, Kentucky.  Both John and Karon felt that God was the Architect that brought them together.  Their youth-like romantic union of over two years elated everyone around them.  

He is survived by his wife, Karon, his six children, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, and sister-in-law, MaryEllen Whitteberry.  He was preceeded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary and his siblings: Paul Whitteberry, Irene Hasenleder, David Whitteberry, and James Whitteberry.  

A Celebration of Life was  held on Saturday, July 27 ^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Mauston, Wisconsin, officiated by Pastor Michael Postell.