LIFE NOTICES
We announce those in our parishes that entered into a New Life.
Keep them, their families, and friends in your prayers.
At the death of a Christian, whose life of faith was begun in the waters of Baptism and strengthened at the Eucharistic table, the Church intercedes on behalf of the deceased because of its confident belief that death is not the end, nor does it break the bonds forged in life. The Church also ministers to the sorrowing and consoles them in the funeral rites with the comforting Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. (From "The Order of Christian Funerals")
Life Notices
Gerald Lee LaBarge
February 11, 1948 - July 16, 2024
Gerald Lee LaBarge peacefully passed away on July 16, 2024, at the age of 76 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He was born on February 11, 1948, to Raymond and Delores LaBarge in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the first of ten children.
Jerry's journey was one marked by excellence. He graduated valedictorian from Loyal High School in Loyal, Wisconsin in 1966 before being the first in his family to pursue a college degree, which he earned in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His passions led him to Marquette Law School where in 1974 he earned his Juris Doctor, while also following another passion, music, traveling the road in a band in the summer. Jerry went on to establish his own law firm, Jastroch & LaBarge, in Waukesha. For over four decades, Jerry's expertise and dedication as a lawyer served his clients and his community faithfully.
Jerry found solace in playing and listening to music, often attending festivals or bars with live acts to indulge in his favorite tunes. He found joy in simple pleasures - from traveling the world, to enjoying a round of golf, showing everyone what a real athlete looks like at bowling, camping at the "cabin" in the Dells, eating at his favorite restaurants and engaging in a friendly game of Sheepshead. He was a wonderful father, attending countless concerts, plays, and sports games for his children and grandchildren. He loved family events and entertaining anyone and everyone on the lake, cherishing every moment with his loved ones, and creating lasting memories with his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen; children Ray (Robyn), Lauren (Brian) McDowell, and Kirsten; grandchildren Greyson, Brooklyn, Asher, and Charlie; siblings Jackie Devaney, Tim (Judy), Kathy (Randy) Pachal, Patti (Gene) Pachal, Dave (Kim), Bruce (Lisa), Lisa (Dave) Schumacher; along with other family and friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Peggy Dahlby and Tom LaBarge.
In celebration of his remarkable life, a visitation will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Thursday, July 25, from 5-7pm. Following this, another visitation will take place at St. Joan of Arc (120 Nashotah Rd, Nashotah, WI 53058) on Friday, July 26, from 10-11am, with a service and luncheon to follow.
October 17, 1947 - June 1, 2024
Denny Daggett, 76, died peacefully on Saturday, June 1st, in Oconomowoc, surrounded by his family.Denny was born in Madison, WI on October 17th, 1947, to Parker Richard and Frances (Usher) Daggett.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 44 years, Kaye (Peterson); children Rick (Liz Daly), Rob, and Kate; grandchildren Nora & Brendan; brother Dick (Pam) Daggett; sister Pat (Mike) Healy; brother-in-law David “PD” Peterson; nephews Griff and Sam Weber; nieces Kristin (Kevin) Williams and Lindsay (John) Berger; nephew-in-law Aaron Schwind; great nephew Jack; as well as many friends, including life-long friends Maureen and Annie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother- and father-in-law, Helen & Richard Peterson, and his niece, Melissa (Peterson) Schwind.
Growing up, Denny’s family lived in cities across the U.S. including Madison, WI; Sioux City, IA; Whitefish Bay, WI; Silver Spring, MD; Whitefish Bay, WI (again); and Dallas, TX, before ultimately moving to Oconomowoc in 1962 when Denny was 15. He attended Oconomowoc High School, graduating in 1965.
Denny enlisted in the US Army at the age of 19 and served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star. After his military service he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison and later moved back to Oconomowoc.
Denny became known as “Mr. Oconomowoc”, having served as the Director of Tourism and Economic Development for the city of Oconomowoc for 13 years from 1988 to 2001. He was a passionate advocate and proponent of Oconomowoc and was tireless in his efforts to promote the city, including landing a segment on Good Morning America. He was involved in countless community efforts, including the Oconomowoc Public Library Board of Trustees, the Oconomowoc Parks & Rec Board, Oconomowoc Rotary Club, and the YMCA board (for which he received the Presidential Service Award). He was also President of the Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, working not just to promote Oconomowoc, but in collaboration with other CVBs to promote the state of Wisconsin.
He was also committed to several charitable organizations, including the local chapter of the American Cancer Society (charter member). He was instrumental in the formation of the Silver Streak taxi service for the elderly and he was Chairman of the March of Dimes Walk America Fundraiser.
Denny was a proud Irish Catholic and served on the St. Jerome Parish Council. He brought communion to the homebound on weekends, a practice he found rewarding and solemn. He was also a 4th degree knight of the Knights of Columbus.
At the culmination of his time serving the city of Oconomowoc, Denny was honored and extremely proud to be named Oconomowoc’s Citizen of the Year for 2001 by the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a selfless man, and in his remarks at the celebratory event he was quick to recognize the dozens of people he worked with hand in hand to make Oconomowoc a great place to live.
Denny was later Vice President of Public Affairs for Oconomowoc Residential Programs and then Director of Community Development at Pabst Farms Development Inc. He also served as Alderman for District 3 during his retirement.
More important than his many accomplishments, Denny was loved by many. He had an infectious sense of humor and was a bright light and source of mischievous fun. He was extremely generous with family and friends and he told stories that stayed with you (sometimes because you’d hear them more than once). He went by more than one moniker, whether “Denny,” “Dag,” “Daggett,” or “Pop Pop” (as his grandchildren called him). But the only time you’d hear him respond to “Dennis” would have been at the DMV.
Please join us to remember Denny on Saturday, June 8, at the Oconomowoc Rec Center, 220 W Wisconsin Ave, Oconomowoc, WI. Visitation from 1pm to 4pm, with a brief memorial service to follow starting at 4pm. Mass and burial at St. Jerome’s cemetery in Oconomowoc will follow at a later date.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, W359 N8512 Brown St, Oconomowoc at 1 PM. Visitation leading up to the Mass will begin at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow at 2:45 PM at St. Jerome Catholic Cemetery on Concord Rd in Oconomowoc with full military honors.
Jennifer G. McKittrick
4.18.63-6.19.24
Jennifer's unconditional love for her family was evident in everything she did. She enjoyed playing and participating in activities with her family, especially the “up and down the river” card game, which brought laughter and fun to every gathering. Her passion for traveling took her on memorable adventures, including a bucket list trip to Santorini, Greece this past September.
Visitation - Saturday, June 22 from 10-12 at St. Joan of Arc. Service to follow
To View the whole obituary, click this link:
https://www.pagenkopf.com/obituaries/Jennifer-Gene-Mckittrick?obId=31868143#/obituaryInfo
Edward D. Burns
6.13.46-6.3.24
An accomplished individual, he was the recipient of the Evans Scholar award to the University of Minnesota, where he valued education and hard work. Ed was known for his passion for golf, boating excursions with friends and family, and his adventurous spirit that led him to travel the world with his family. His commitment to his work was matched only by his commitment to serving his community as a member of the Delafield-Summit Lions Club.
To view the whole obiturary, click this link:
https://www.pagenkopf.com/obituaries/Edward-Donald-Burns?obId=31764458#/obituaryInfo
Gloria T. Ruggles
Gloria was an avid Packer and Brewer fan and enjoyed watching the games. George and Gloria both retired from Square D and previously owned and operated a Boy Blue in Bay View.
Visitation - Tuesday, June 11 from 10-11 at St. Catherine of Alexandria. Mass to follow
To View the whole obituary, click this link:
https://www.heritagefuneral.com/obituary/gloria-t-ruggles/