The Clinton Topper

Joyce Grace Aldrich, age 88, a long-time Bradford Township resident passed away at Willowick Assisted Living in Clinton on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was born on October 1, 1934, on the family farm in Walworth County, the youngest of five children of Arthur and Violet (Baker) Vant. She graduated from Lake Geneva Regional High School in 1952. Joyce married Percy Aldrich on March 6, 1954. Together they farmed and raised four daughters in Bradford Township. Joyce was active in her church (Emerald Grove Congregational UCC) holding many positions. She enjoyed working as an election worker in Bradford Township for over 50 years. Her most rewarding job was working with her daughter and...

Beverly Jean Bobolz, age 83, of Avalon passed away Friday April 29, 2022 at SSM Health St. Mary's Janesville Hospital. Beverly was born in Osage, IA on April 23, 1939, the daughter of Peter and Bertha (McDowell) Spoden. She grew up in Janesville and graduated from Janesville High School in 1957. Beverly married Gene A. Bobolz on September 28, 1957. Together, they farmed in Bradford Township on the farm where they continued to reside until they both passed away this year. In addition to farming with her husband, Beverly enjoyed caring for her family, golfing, gardening and raising her flowers. Beverly Bobolz is survived by her children; Julie Mullikin, Theresa (Neil) Schnurr, Daniel (Lori)...

Witte, Ronald A. "Ron" age 51 of Avalon, Wisconsin passed away on September 17, 2021, at Beloit Memorial Hospital in Beloit, Wisconsin. Ron was born in Nebraska on March 7, 1970, the son of Keith and Jacqueline "Jaci" (nee. Gerth) Witte. He grew up in Fort Dodge Iowa, until his family moved to Clinton, Wisconsin when Ron was in sixth grade. He graduated Clinton High School class of 1989 and attended Blackhawk Technical College. On March 12, 1994, he married Deanna J. Kuhlow. Ron and Deanna lived in Janesville, and East Troy for a time and settled on the farm in Avalon in 1999 where the couple raised three sons. Ron was an Assembly Tester B group leader at Ecolab in South Beloit,...

Hazel Mae Zick, 97, of Clinton, WI, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Alden Meadow Park Health Care Center. She was born on May 21, 1924 in Clinton, WI the daughter of Ernest and Erna (Meihack) Zick. Hazel graduated as a valedictorian from Clinton High School. Hazel was formerly employed by Borgs in Delevan, WI. She enjoyed eating at the Sundown Caf? and Clinton Kitchen. Hazel loved nature, going on hikes and taking the Elementary School kids to Carvers Roehl Park, where she taught them how to identify flowers. She was a member of the Clinton Garden Club and the Ned Hollister Bird Club. Hazel was an avid radio listener of WGN, her fondest memory was when she got to meet Orion...

Elaine Marcella Nelson, 82, of Beloit, WI., passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Beloit Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 13, 1938 in Beloit, the daughter of Lyle and Mary (Borkenhagen) Mathewson. Elaine was a 1950 Beloit Memorial High School graduate. She married Donald Nelson on May 28, 1960 in the First United Methodist Church, Beloit, WI. He predeceased her on October 4, 2012. Elaine was formerly employed at Alden Meadow Park Nursing Home. Survivors include her daughter, Brenda (Aaron) Friborg; sister, Edith Carlson and brother, Gene (Elsie) Matthewson. Elaine was predeceased by her parents; son, Brian Nelson; brothers, Richard, Leroy, Charles and Raymond Mathewson. A...

Gail G. Kuhlow "GG", age 77, of Avalon, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on the farm with family at her side on Sunday March 14, 2021. GG was born in Beloit, Wisconsin on July 13, 1943, the daughter of the late Winfred L. and Genevieve May (nee. Dillree) Garvey. She was a 1961 graduate of Beloit Memorial High School. On October 2, 1964 she married Richard G. "Dick" Kuhlow. GG was a farmer's wife, spending much time working with the hogs and beef cattle, chasing the three kids, and enjoying life on the farm. She and husband Dick were very active in 4-H, being leaders for the Bradford Swine Project for many years as well as their participation with the Livestock Committee in Rock County. ...

Clark A. Colby, 64, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. He was born July 21, 1956 to the late Eugene Webster and Joan (Schoonover) Colby. He was a graduate of Clinton High School. Clark was a truck driver throughout his life, most recently with Frito-Lay. He would find himself doing long haul drives early on in his career but as the years went by he found the short routes better. Outside of work he truly enjoyed his time with his family, including children, grandchildren and siblings. The mountains were always a welcome site for Clark where he loved to camp. He also enjoyed cooking out, lounging by the pool, trading in his truck or car when he found something else, or...

Barbara J. Drake, 89, of Clinton, WI, died on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Beloit Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 1, 1931 in Soldiers Grove, WI, the daughter of Ray and Marcella (Salmon) Chitwood. Barbara was a 1949 graduate of Soldiers Grove High School and attended Minnesota Bible College and the American Institute of Banking in Minneapolis, MN. She married Merlin Drake on July 24, 1951 in the Church of Christ, Soldiers Grove, WI. He predeceased her on February 17, 2014. Barbara was employed by the First National Bank in Minneapolis, MN and in Great Falls, MT, Turner School District, Blackhawk Technical College, and retiring from Beloit College Theater as a bookkeeper. She was a...