Henke-Clarson Funeral Home

04/20/2026

Karen S. Witzel

Karen Sue Witzel (née Horn), age 79, of Janesville, Wis., passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Karen was born on April 10, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Harold and Sally Horn. She married the love of her life, Charles Witzel, on February 21, 1971, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and care for others.

Karen worked as a hairdresser, a profession that reflected her warm personality and genuine love for connecting with people. She had a deep and abiding faith and loved the Lord with all her heart. Karen found joy in life’s simple pleasures - cooking for those she loved, rummage saling, tending to her garden, and caring for animals, especially her beloved granddogs.

She will be remembered most for her kindness, her strong faith, and the love she shared so freely with her family.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Witzel; her daughter, Tanya Erickson (Todd); her son, Josh Witzel (Elizabeth); and her grandson, Jadon Witzel. She is also survived by her nieces, Charlene Bussell and Amy Horn, along with many extended family members and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Sally Horn; her brother, Eugene Horn and his wife, Geraldine; and her niece, Francie Roinas.

Karen’s life was a testament to faith, love, and devotion to family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Karen’s family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Pastor Mike Dissmore will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 28th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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04/20/2026

04/17/2026

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04/13/2026

David C. Thomas

David C. Thomas, 91, of Janesville, WI, died on March 6, 2026. David was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on May 11, 1934, the son of Chester and Vivian Thomas. He attended school in Port Edwards, WI, graduating from John Edward High School. David married Dorothy E. Hirsch of Boscobel, WI, on March 25, 1956, in Boscobel. David earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts from Wisconsin State College in Platteville, WI, and his Master’s degree in Industrial Arts from Stout State College at Menomonie, WI. After having served two years in the US Army, achieving the rank of Specialist Third Class, David was an Industrial Arts teacher and instructional manager for 33 years in Janesville. He began his teaching at Marshall Junior High School and then, for the greatest portion of his career, at Franklin Junior High School. As a member of the Janesville Education Association, David served for several years on the Insurance Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Janesville Education Association Credit Union.

David was an active member of Cargill United Methodist Church, serving as Trustee, Lay Leader, Chairman of the Administrative Council, a member of the Board of Directors on the Cargill Foundation, and on numerous committees and task forces. He was also an Assistant Scoutmaster of Cargill’s Boy Scout Troop, where his two sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After retiring from the teaching profession, he spent several years as Caretaker at Cargill, delivered meals for the Meals-On-Wheels program, and was a 30-year volunteer at Rotary Garden, serving as a “Grumpy.”

David enjoyed working with wood, both carpentry and cabinet making. He was proud of the fact that he designed and built his own house in Janesville with the help of friends. David loved nature, and the family spent many summers hiking and camping. He was also a family history buff and compiled a family history that included not only facts about family members but also information about the circumstances in which they lived.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Vivian Thomas, and sister Marian (Rodger) Schwartz. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Thomas, son Stephen Thomas, son Daniel (Kay) Thomas, grandchildren Elizabeth (Timothy) Upper and Joshua (Danielle) Thomas, and great-grandchildren, Gideon Upper, Phoebe Upper, Luke Upper, and Violet Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Friday, May 29, 2026, at Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI. Entombment will be in the Milton Lawns Mausoleum. Memorials can be made in David’s name to Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545. Henke-Clarson Funeral Home assisted the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com

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04/13/2026

Frederick Gensmer

Frederick (Fred) Gensmer, age 76, of Janesville WI passed away on April 8, 2026 at SSM Health Hospital (Janesville). He was born on April 30, 1949 in Winona, MN. He married his high school sweetheart Jean (Carol) Muller on August 8,1970 in Lancaster, WI.

In Fred’s younger years he raised dogs with his brother Bob (Barney) and loved fishing on the Grant River. He passed down the love of the sport to his son and grandson. He was a successful Realtor in the Janesville area for over 40 years and owned his own building company, Eastwood Custom Homes, until retirement. He loved helping his clients and became personal friends with many of them. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren, gardening, lawn care, watching NASCAR racing, and classic cars. He was in the process of restoring his 1978 Pontiac Trans AM at the time of his illness. He also loved sitting on the deck with friends and family visiting, telling jokes, and grilling dinner for everyone. He loved and missed his wife, Jeannie, greatly and was looking forward to reuniting with her.

He is survived by a daughter Shelly (Roger) Swenson and a son Phillip (Brandy Liptow). Two grandchildren Jacob Sheldon and Hayley Swenson. Brother Bob (Sue) Gensmer, sister Karen (Bob) Bedward and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his wife Jean and parents Gary and Janet Gensmer.

A celebration of life will be held on April 30, 2026 from 3-7pm at Wedges Bar and Grill, 2006 N Co Rd E, Janesville. Family and friends are welcome to attend. A burial will be held at a later date at St. Clement Catholic Cemetery in Lancaster, WI. Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.

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04/13/2026

Robert Dale Fenrick

Robert Dale Fenrick, Sr., age 85 of Edgerton, passed away on Thursday April 9, 2026, at the Edgerton Care Center. Robert was born on November 20, 1940, in Janesville, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Siggelkow) Fenrick. He grew up on a farm in Janesville Township. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Robert married Sue A. Heritage on August 16, 1965.

Robert farmed for many years on the family farm and prior to retiring had a livestock hauling business. He enjoyed horses and tractors and was especially fond of attending tractor pulls. He was a member of Oak Grove Church, Evansville.

Robert Fenrick is survived by his wife, Sue Fenrick; children, Robert (Michelle) Fenrick, Jr., Deanna (John) Willard, Karl Fenrick, Jamie (Patrick) Palmer, and Kelly (Jenny) Fenrick; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mildred Fenrick; brother, Daryl Fenrick; and his canine companions, Maggie, Roscoe and Ricko.

Robert’s family wishes to thank the Edgerton Care Center and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care as well as the congregation of Oak Grove Church for their support and fellowship.

Funeral services will be at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Pastor Jonathan Hollingsworth will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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04/10/2026

Robert D. Fenrick, Sr.

Robert Dale Fenrick, Sr., age 85 of Edgerton, passed away on Thursday April 9, 2026, at the Edgerton Care Center. Robert was born on November 20, 1940, in Janesville, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Siggelkow) Fenrick. He grew up on a farm in Janesville Township. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Robert married Sue A. Heritage on August 16, 1965.

Robert farmed for many years on the family farm and prior to retiring had a livestock hauling business. He enjoyed horses and tractors and was especially fond of attending tractor pulls. He was a member of Oak Grove Church, Evansville.

Robert Fenrick is survived by his wife, Sue Fenrick; children, Robert (Michelle) Fenrick, Jr., Deanna (John) Willard, Karl Fenrick, Jamie (Patrick) Palmer, and Kelly (Jenny) Fenrick; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth (Richard) Pratt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mildred Fenrick; brother, Daryl Fenrick; and his canine companions, Maggie, Roscoe and Ricko.

Robert’s family wishes to thank the Edgerton Care Center and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care as well as the congregation of Oak Grove Church for their support and fellowship.

Funeral services will be at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Pastor Jonathan Hollingsworth will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Evansville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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04/10/2026

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04/09/2026

Robert Wayne Butler, II

Robert Wayne Butler, II, age 68 of Janesville, WI, was called home by our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with brain cancer. Robert (Bob) was born on January 30, 1958, to parents, Georgia (Snow) Butler and Robert W. Butler, Sr. in Stafford, CT. He married Debra (Powell) Butler on July 3, 1976, in Stevens Point, WI. They celebrated 49 years of marriage prior to Bob’s passing – true soulmates.

Bob graduated from Windham Regional Vocational Technical High School, Willimantic, CT, (Electrical Major 1976). With Bob’s fine-tuned skills in all the trades, Bob held employment positions as Director of Facilities for Stafford Public Schools, Stafford, CT, Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, Janesville, WI and completed his career at Clinton Community School District, Clinton, WI in 2020.

Bob was a member of Cargill United Methodist Church, Janesville, WI. He was a faithful servant of God throughout his life. Bob truly enjoyed spending time with family, being a teacher and mentor to those he worked with over the years, always ready to help anyone who asked for it, an all-around “fix it” mastermind (no matter how difficult the task), and a dedicated Boy Scout Leader. Bob’s passion throughout his life was woodworking in his shop.

Bob was loved by his immediate family, as well as his extended family. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra (Powell) Butler; their daughter, Cameron (Kenny) Kuberka of Mukwonago, WI; and their son, Robert (Crystal) Butler, III, of Stafford Springs, CT; grandchildren, Robert W. Butler IV, Frank Butler, Oliver Butler and Coral Kuberka; his mother, Georgia (Snow) Butler; two brothers, Thomas (Paula) Butler and Jon (Darlene) Butler; two sisters, Donna Berdnick Butler and Michele (Karl) Schutz and several others. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert W. Butler, Sr. and brother-in-law, Peter Berdnick.

Visitation will be Monday, April 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at CARGILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville, WI, followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cargill United Methodist Church or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, Janesville is assisting the Butler family with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.

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04/08/2026

Arden Wentzel

Arden (Ardie) Wentzel, 93, of Milton, WI entered eternal life on April 4, 2026 as his Savior bid him “Come good home!”

Arden was born in South Branch, MN to William and Melinda (Becker) Wentzel and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1954 and devoted over 60 years to the Lord’s ministry in the WELS as a school principal, teacher and church staff minister. Arden served various congregations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, most recently, St. Matthew’s in Janesville, from which he retired in 2018 at the age of 85.

On July 29, 1956, Arden married Carolyn Krueger of Albuquerque, NM and together they raised four children, Linda, Jane, Peter and James.

Arden was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend whose wisdom, faith, guidance and humor greatly impacted all who knew him. Arden was deeply committed to his Lord, the church, his family and friends. He was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers and Brewers and a gifted baritone vocalist who joined choirs and barbershop quartets. Arden was also a legendary storyteller who entertained many with his tales.

Arden Wentzel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn, his parents, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Arnold (Dorothea) Wentzel, Arvid (Joyce) Wentzel, sister, Arlynne Wolf and brother-in-law Thorild Nelson. He is survived by his sister, Ardith Nelson, his brother-in-law Dan Wolf, his children, Linda (Dennis) Frankowski, Jane (Thomas) Neuman, Peter (Laurie) Wentzel, James (Terry) Wentzel. He is further survived by grandchildren Andrew (Whitney) Neuman, Marcus Neuman, Joel (Cheyenne) Neuman, William (Ellen) Wentzel, Brittni (Pat) Carran, Caitlin (Zach) Trimble, Brian (Hayleigh) Wentzel, Amelia Wentzel, Lydia Wentzel and step-grandson, Jay (Erica) Horton as well as 10 great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. A special thank you to his devoted companions, Dale Beutin, Theresa Biele and Amy Scott, as well as the compassionate and caring staff of Milton Senior Living and Agrace Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 709 Milton Avenue, Janesville, WI. Reverend James Janke will officiate. Visitation will be at the CHURCH from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services on May 9th. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME is assisting Arden Wentzel’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Arden’s name to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Janesville, WI and Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills, WI.

We take comfort in knowing that Arden is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, where there is no more pain or sorrow, only peace and eternal joy.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 14:5 (Arden’s Confirmation passage)

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04/08/2026

Timothy Wade Cooper

Timothy Wade Cooper, 69, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away with his family by his side on the morning of April 3, 2026, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Timothy was born on October 14, 1956, in Cherry Point, North Carolina, to Kenneth and Shirley Cooper. Following his graduation from Swansboro High School in June of 1975, Tim proudly enlisted in the United States Army in July of that same year. He dedicated 20 years of honorable service to his country, retiring in April of 1995. During his military career, he began as a tanker and later served as a Military Police officer. His service took him across the country and around the world, including assignments in Georgia, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Germany, Johnston Atoll, and other locations. Tim was deeply proud of his time in the Army—a pride he carried with him throughout his life, often seen wearing an Army hat or shirt as a quiet symbol of his service.

In 1996, Tim made Janesville, Wisconsin his home, where he built a life centered around family and hard work. He worked for several years at Stoughton Trailers and later with Todd’s Groundskeeping before fully retiring in 2021. Known for his strong work ethic, Tim took pride in everything he did.

Tim found joy in the simple things. He had a true love for tending to his lawn and yard, where his green thumb was evident to anyone who passed by. He enjoyed trips to the local casinos, listening to Elvis, and watching his favorite TV shows. Above all, Tim had a personality that left an impression—he was gruff and he loved to give people a hard time, but always with a sense of humor that those closest to him will never forget.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Klaudia Cooper; his son, Bryan Cooper (Jayna), and grandchildren, Collin and Ava; and his daughter, Jennifer Cooper. He is also survived by his mother, Shirley Cooper, and his three sisters, Patti Vitale, Frances Williams, and Linda Verbetich. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Cooper.

He will be remembered as a proud veteran, a hardworking man, and someone who brought laughter, strength, and character to those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

A private memorial will be held by the family. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY assisted the family. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com

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