Condolences

Lee Johnston, Oconto Falls…age 84, passed away at his home in Oconto Falls on July 4, 2024.  After serving in the Army National Guard, Lee went on to work in forestry most of his life. He started as a seasonal worker in the Bagley and Stiles fire towers for several years. He was then permanently assigned to the Stiles Ranger Station and later to the Oconto Falls Ranger Station.

Rosemary Bazile (Fournier), Town of Wyoming (Waupaca Co.)… age 83, passed away on June 23rd, 2024 at Aster Assisted Living in Clintonville after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease surrounded by her loving family. At a blind date at the age of 15, she met John Bazile, who would eventually become her future husband. Rosie started Bazile Assessment Services with her husband.

Grace Witter White, Madison… age 98, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison, WI, where she died peacefully. After graduating from Wausau Senior High School in 1943, Grace made a deal with her parents that if she won a national writing contest, she could go to college.

Ernest “Ernst” Gutschow, Kiel…age 76,  passed away at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center on May 14, 2024. He graduated cum laude in Music Education from Lakeland College and furthered his education at the VanderCook College of Music, Chicago. Ernst entered the United States Navy Music Program where he served at the U.S. Navy School of Music, studying string bass and the art of Drum Major.

Wayne D. Grocki, Chilton… age 80, died on February 26, 2023 at Thedacare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, WI following a battle with pancreatic cancer.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and had a very long and successful career at Zenith Electronics.  He proudly secured several highly visible patents related to radio frequency technologies and participated in several U.S. military-related projects.

Dexter Porter, Sheboygan Falls… age 78, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2023.  He married Jean Bursack in 1976 in Wautoma. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Dexter retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil conservationist, and continued conservation projects until the very end. He enjoyed many outdoor activities but most importantly Dexter loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

David Ladd, Dodgeville… age 89, of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Upland Hills Health Nursing & Rehab Center. Dave helped establish the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association and was a charter member of WWOA. He served on WWOA’s original Board of Directors. He was active in the  local WWOA Bad Axe Chapter.  He was also known for his work with the National and Wisconsin Walnut Councils.

Judith “Judy” Ann Bauer, Wautoma and Brooklyn Center, MN….age 83, passed away on April 7, 2024 in Brooklyn Center, MN.  Judy and her deceased husband, Ted, were active WWOA members and volunteers. They assisted with the planning and implementing of several Annual Meetings. They served on the Fundraising Committee and sold tickets at the Annual Meeting. They were also active in the local Central Sands Chapter.

Jacquelin “Jacq” Collins, Boyceville… age 90, died Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Red Cedar Hospital in Menomonie, after a stroke ended his long battle with Louie Body dementia. He met and married his wife Natalyn Dexter in Illinois in 1961. He became a noted British historian, Texas Tech professor and leader at the University. His British history classes were so popular that the Department decided to hire a second British historian, Brian Blakeley.

Gavin P. Kowalski, Wittenberg… age 12, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 11, 2024 at his home.  He was currently in 6th grade at Wittenberg Elementary School.  Gavin faced many obstacles in his life but his determined personality and family helped him persevere to live life to the fullest. Gavin was son of WWOA members, Ted and Christine Kowalski and grandson of Maribeth (& John, deceased) Czerwonka.