Nitardy Funeral Homes

10/20/2026

David James Riddell, 79, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

He was born on August 21, 1947, to the late James Riddell and Barbara Vandre (nee Somerville) and step-father Ralph Vandre in Fort Atkinson. David’s favorite hobby was flying his plane. He also road his Harley and drove fast in his Corvette. He enjoyed all of his “toys” he worked so hard for. David lived in many locations due to his work as General Manager at Container Board and Corrugated Packaging companies. In the last four years David thankfully moved back to WI to be closer to his daughter and family. He loved taking walks around his neighborhood and meeting all of the dogs in the area. He didn’t meet a dog he didn’t want to pet.

David especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him.

Those David leaves behind to cherish his memory include his daughter Kelly, grandchildren Emelia, Al and Lucy (Groeler), brothers Rick and Lance (Debbie). Nieces, nephews, and the mother of his children Carol Lein Riddell and close friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two sons Brian David and Lance James, his sister Laurie Riddell and sister-in-law Jackie Riddell.

VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson with burial to follow at Union Cemetery in Jefferson with Military Honors. The family asks you to join them at Soups On in Fort Atkinson following the burial. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to make donations to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.

Casual attire is welcome as we celebrate David's life.

View David J. Riddell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/14/2026

Debra (Debbie) Ann Marchiafava, affectionately known to many as the famous “Ms. M,” age 66, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Debbie was born on December 1, 1959, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph “One Arm Joe” and Carol Marchiafava. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1978.
Debbie and her siblings grew up in Whitewater, Wisconsin. They frequently spent weekends in nearby Janesville with their cousins at the home of Aunt Carmela and Uncle Jerry. Growing up, Debbie and her siblings always looked forward to eating at Gus’s Pizza and going to the movie theater on Friday nights. Sundays were reserved for family, as Debbie and her entire family gathered at Aunt Carmela and Uncle Jerry’s home for dinner, and time spent with their cousins.
Debbie cherished spending time with her family and friends, but the bond she shared with her brother, Paul Marchiafava, was something special. Born just one year apart and sharing the same birthday, Debbie and Paul were practically joined at the hip from the day he was born. Their connection was truly one of a kind. If you knew Debbie, you knew Paul, and if you knew Paul, you knew Debbie. They shared a lifelong closeness that was a special part of who they were.
Debbie had one of the biggest hearts and a genuine passion for helping others. She had many hidden talents and used them to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Her talents included crafting, cooking, tutoring young children in their studies, including translating for Spanish-speaking children. She was also a devoted advocate for victims of domestic abuse.
Debbie worked at various places after high school up until she lost her leg in 1990, where she learned to navigate life using one left & an electric scooter.
Debbie continued her education by taking courses at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
During the 1990s, Debbie volunteered for several years as a Crisis Line Advocate with People Against Domestic Abuse of Jefferson County, Wisconsin. She provided victims with a compassionate, understanding, and supportive presence during some of the most frightening and difficult moments of their lives.
Debbie, affectionately known as the famous “Ms. M,” worked for the Fort Atkinson School District at Purdy Elementary as a paraprofessional from September 1999 until August 2021. She devoted herself to helping each child grow and reach their full potential.
For more than 10 years in the 90’s Debbie lived in an elderly and handicapped apartment complex, where she became a source of kindness and fellowship for many of her neighbors. Every Thanksgiving and Easter, Debbie prepared a full-course meal and welcomed tenants who might otherwise have had nowhere to go. She opened her home and her heart, making sure others could enjoy a warm meal, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Debbie also had a tremendous love for animals. She adored her beloved dog, Ebony, and the many cats she cared for throughout her lifetime. Her heart was especially tender toward stray cats, whom she could never turn away. Her compassion for these animals reflected the caring spirit that was such a meaningful part of her life.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Debbie is survived by her sisters, Vickie (Barry Buckelew) and Sherry Stelse; brother Paul Marchiafava; brother-in-law Gary Stelse; and sister-in-law Sue Bakko Marchiafava. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Justin (Jelsey) Buckelew, Megan (Scott) Lyght, Marty (Tim) Eichenberg, and Michaela (Colin) Salzmann; great-nieces and nephews Harley, Laykin, and Heaven Buckelew, Charlie and Isla Eichenberg, and Rory and Callie Lyght; Aunt Carmela Gardner; Cousin Jon Gardner; Dannie & Timmy O’Grady and many great cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Diane Marchiafava; brother Steve Marchiafava; nephew Joey Buckelew; Uncle Jerry Gardner; and cousins Maryk and Matt Gardner, Lucia Mauerman, Lela Gardner, & Dale O’Grady.
A private burial will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Janesville, WI at a later date, where Debbie will be laid to rest beside her mom & dad.
Nitardy Funeral Home — Proudly serving the family.

View Debra "Debbie" A. Marchiafava's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/12/2026

Joyce Bower, 85, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026. She was born on August 10, 1941, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the daughter of Merlyn and Irene (Franckowiak) Edwards. Joyce leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work, family traditions, and memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Joyce was one of the toughest women you could ever meet. She was strong, independent, hardworking, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was a true no-nonsense woman who lived life on her own terms. After working at Jones Dairy Farm for 18 years, she moved to Florida, where she owned and operated a lawn-care business well into her seventies, a testament to her determination and incredible work ethic.

But beneath that toughness was a woman with a big heart.

Joyce was a woman of strong faith. She was dedicated to the Lord and the churches she attended. She served her church with passion, including altar guild, lawn care and gardening, driving others to church, and going on mission trips with the youth group.

Joyce's greatest love was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest joy in spending time with the people she loved. She is survived by her children, Donald Coleman (Amy), Suzanne Biedenharn (Bruce), Joyce Coleman Kloskey (Scott), and Rita Coleman; her grandchildren, Samantha Stedman, Blake Gleiter, Miranda Gleiter, David Coleman (Tiffany), Kelsey Carlton (Bryce), and Makayla Ullery; and her great-grandchildren, Brookelynn and Kaeson Stedman, Ryan and Keagan Nasett, and Lincoln, Eloise, and Reese Carlton; and her siblings, David Edwards, Mary Olson, and Karen Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Lee Edwards; her brother-in-law, Ron Olson; and her great-grandson, Declan Stedman.

Joyce had a special way of showing her love—she baked it.

Her kitchen was often filled with the smell of something homemade, whether she was baking for a birthday, a holiday, a family gathering, church, or simply because she wanted to do something kind for someone. For years, her family looked forward to receiving boxes of homemade baked goods at Christmas.

Joyce loved passing those traditions down. In her later years, she began teaching her children and grandchildren how to make the recipes they loved most—pumpkin bread, apple pie, moose balls, frosted Christmas cookies, and chocolate cake—ensuring the memories would continue long after she was gone.

She also treasured the simple moments. She loved going out for breakfast with her family, sitting around a table enjoying food, talking and laughing. Frosting cookies, coloring, or puzzles were favorite times with the children. Those ordinary moments, which may have seemed small at the time, will become some of their most precious memories.

Joyce also found happiness in music (especially Elvis), chocolate, her dogs, reading, feeding andwatching the birds, and travel.

Joyce will be remembered for her strength, her sense of humor, her generosity, and her love for her family. The love she gave will live on through the recipes she taught, the traditions she created, the stories they share, and the memories she left with everyone who knew her — passed from one generation to the next.

Although her family is heartbroken by her loss, they find comfort in knowing that Joyce is no longer in pain. After a long and beautifully lived life, she has traded her earthly body for a brand-new heavenly one.

Her family will look for her in the butterflies that flutter by, in the beauty of gardens, the flow of a waterfall, the smell of baking, and the table where stories and laughter are shared.

We will miss you so much, until Heaven calls us home.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church,302 Merchants Ave., Fort Atkinson. Luncheon will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church (stpetersfort.org), Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center (rainbowcommunitycare.org), or Albert's Dog Lounge(albertsdoglounge.org).

Nitardy Funeral Home of Fort Atkinson is proudly serving the family.

https://websites.tukios.com/organizations/8494/obituaries/joyce-bower/preview

10/04/2026

Derek Thomas Floerke, 42, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away on September 28, 2026.

Derek was born on August 25, 1984, to Norman and Debra Floerke. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and went on to graduate from Fort Atkinson High School in 2003. He continued his education at UW–Stout and UW–Platteville. During his college years, Derek enjoyed playing baseball for the Utica A's in the Home Talent League. In 2008, he answered the call to service and enlisted in the military.

From a young age, Derek shared a special connection with his grandfather, James Wolfgram. Their time spent together in the outdoors—hunting and sharing quiet moments of understanding—instilled in Derek a love for his country and a sense of pride that had guided him throughout his life. He dedicated much of his adult life to the Wisconsin National Guard and ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class.

As a full-time member of the National Guard, Derek served two tours in the Middle East with the 147th Aviation Battalion. His military service was an important part of who he was and something he was tremendously proud of. He was a dedicated soldier and a great friend to those with whom he served.

Derek continued his commitment to veterans and his community through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1879, where he served as VFW Commander from 2013 to 2015. He was proud to support fellow veterans and to remain connected to the military community that meant so much to him.

Throughout his military career, Derek received numerous awards and commendations recognizing his service, dedication, and accomplishments including: Army Commendation Medal-4, Army Achievement Medal-3, Army Good Conduct Medal-3, National Defence Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal W/2 Campaign Stars, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal W/Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device & 10 Year Bronze Hourglass, NCO Professional Development Ribbon-3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, WING Service Ribbon, WING Write Medal-8, Senior Aviation Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Derek possessed an easy charisma that made everyone feel like family from the moment they met him. Beyond his military service, Derek was an avid outdoorsman, a fan of classic westerns, and a proud Wisconsin sports enthusiast who faithfully wore his green and gold. Derek was happiest surrounded by the people he cared about, leaving behind a legacy of rich memories and stories that will be told for years to come.

Derek was also a devoted dog dad to his two beloved fur children, Max and Jack, who brought him companionship and love.

Though Derek quietly carried the heavy burdens of PTSD and addiction, those struggles could never overshadow the man he truly was: a beloved son, brother, uncle, veteran, and loyal friend whose strength, love, and heart touched everyone who knew him.

Derek is survived by his parents, Norman and Debra (Wolfgram) Floerke; twin sister, Emily (Andy) Harris; triplet brothers, Ethan Floerke, Tyler (Samantha) Floerke, and Dane (Brittany) Floerke; niece Reegan Harris; nephew Declan Harris.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James and Mary (Kreklow) Wolfgram, and his paternal grandparents, Norman Sr. and Gladys (Dickhut) Floerke.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 301 S. High St., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at North Oakland Cemetery, W7603 Perry Rd, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, with military honors taking place.

For online condolences, please visit the funeral home website below:

https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/nitardy-funeral-homes/fort-atkinson-wisconsin/derek-floerke/september-2026

09/26/2026

Earlier this morning some of our staff and their families enjoyed participating in the 10th Annual Emmy's Rustic Run. Among their favorites were the pancakes, face painting, of course, a variety of trails!

A special shout-out to our Apprentice Funeral Director Olivia, who ran exceptionally well in the starting 5K event!

Emmy's Rustic Run is an event held to raise awareness and support, along with fundraising for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), which is a rare genetic disease that affects Emmy and all children. All proceeds are donated to Project A-T, which helps fund research for life-changing therapy and finding a cure for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T).

For more information on Emmy's Rustic Run, please visit:

https://share.google/AH9UeahciEN7IeCl6

09/24/2026

Rosella (Labus) Schnagl, 100 years old, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at Oakwood Village – University Woods, Madison. Rosella was born on July 13, 1926, to Julia and Carl Labus in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her parents farmed in Lower Dutch Creek, rural Bangor, Wisconsin.

She graduated from Bangor High School in 1944 and from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1949. She taught Spanish and German at Madison East High School up to when she moved to Minneapolis in 1955. In Minneapolis, she worked at Prudential Life Insurance until after she married.

Rosella married Ted Schnagl on November 26, 1955. While in Minneapolis, Ted worked in the Energy Industry and together they had two children. In the early 1970s, they purchased a motel and moved from Minneapolis to Merrill, Wisconsin. About ten years later, they moved to Fort Atkinson, where they purchased a laundromat in the area and were semi-retired. Rosella lived in Fort Atkinson for 30 years then moved to Attic Angel in Madison, and Oakwood Village within the last year.

She had many hobbies and interests. She loved to travel and visited many countries. She was a member of AAUW, Trinity Lutheran Church, and volunteered at the Hoard Museum and Meals on Wheels. She appreciated music and was a member of a choir up until she moved to Madison. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Rosella is survived by a daughter, Pamela Schnagl, grandson, Daniel Abel, a chosen granddaughter, Safire Anne, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, her son, Steven Schnagl, her brother, Irvin, her sister, Ellenmae, and many cousins.

A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the School District of Fort Atkinson.

Nitardy Funeral Home of Fort Atkinson is proudly serving the family.

09/17/2026

Rick T. Sexton, 62, passed away on September 13, 2026 after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his family.

Rick was born on July 14,1964 in Fort Atkinson, WI, the son of Sally (Wolfgram) Sexton and Edward Sexton.

Rick graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1982 and was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. He very much enjoyed visiting with pastors Scharrer, Vik and Kirschbaum.

Rick was a connoisseur of classic and 80s rock as well as music history and enjoyed playing his guitars. He also was an avid follower of the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Rick and his sister, Laurie, would debrief daily about what was going on in the sports world. Rick also loved watching his nephews, Brady and Tyler, play basketball and baseball during their grade school and high school years, rarely missing local games, as well as watching his brother, Barry, and nephews play city league softball. Rick would call his dad, Ed, to provide update on the outcomes and how each one played.

Rick was a good, kind and gentle person who loved his Savior Jesus and his family. Rick was the family historian and listening to him retell family stories will be missed. During her last years, Rick was primary caregiver to his mom and did so with a loving heart. He and Sally spent many afternoons going on drives past her childhood homes and favorite places in Jefferson and Helenville. His final act of selflessness was giving the gift of life through organ donation; his donations provided hope for three families.

Rick loved his Yorkies – Tiffany, Shea, Lucy, and Annie – and his first girl, Suzy, a Poodle. He also loved watching Laurie’s fur-babies from time to time.

Rick is survived by his brother, Barry (Amy) Sexton of Fort Atkinson, sister, Laurie Sexton (Larry Wooley) of Wauwatosa, nephews, Brady (Auhea) Sexton (great nephew and niece, Kingston and Keilahni) of Fort Atkinson, and Tyler Sexton (Maura Drabik) of Middleton, cousins, and wonderful friends, Al and Kris Fehly. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, his uncle Bob Sexton, uncle Wayne Wolfgram and his wife Pat.

A private family service will take place with Pastor Allen Kirschbaum presiding. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Jefferson County Humane Society.

Nitardy Funeral Home – Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

Rick’s favorite passage was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

View Rick T. Sexton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/12/2026

Our Location Leader Noah is all set for tonight's Jefferson County "Light up the Night" ride along Glacier River Trail!

While Serving our families brings us great joy, being part of such amazing surrounding communities is on another level.

So ride on by and say hi!

09/11/2026

Yesterday our Administrative Manager Lindsay took part in a clay shooting event with Commonheart Home Health and Hospice at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek.

The event helped fundraise for supportive programs like "Last Wishes" and "Because We Care." These programs are essential in helping families during life's most important moments.

Nice shooting, Lindsay!

Disclaimer: Always think and promote gun safety.

09/11/2026

Today we honor the memory of those lost and the heroes who will never be forgotten.