John “Jack” Mathie, Wausau – passed away April 5, 2021.  He was an active member of WWOA and the North Central Chapter.  All are welcome to attend the visitation and funeral service which will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Wausau, on Tuesday, April 27th.  The visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m.  The interment will immediately follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name can be sent to the Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (1300 Townline Rd, Wausau, WI 54403) or the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association at UW-Stevens Point (WWOA, PO Box 285, Stevens Point, WI 54481).

Joseph “Joe” Esch, Dodgeville – passed away March 25, 2021.  He was a life member of WWOA and served as WWOA’s insurance advisor for decades.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date.  The family suggests that memorials be made to the Upland Hills Health Hospice Care, 800 Compassion Way, PO Box 800, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or St. John’s Union Mills Catholic Church, 621 W. Division St., Dodgeville, WI 53533.

Gregory Herdina, Oshkosh – passed away January 18, 2021.  He was a life member of WWOA and volunteered at events in the Oshkosh area.  He also belonged to Trees For Tomorrow and American Tree Farm System.  Per his wishes, a private service will be held at a later date for immediate family.

Donald Kramer, Madison – passed away on December 11, 2020.   In the past, Don served on WWOA’s Publications Committee and was active on the Bad Axe Chapter board.  His private Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed. A celebration of Don’s life is planned for a future and appropriate date.

Helen Moberg, Nekoosa – passed away on January 21, 2021.  Helen served as the Wisconsin Woodland Owner’s Association’s Advertising Sales Consultant for Wisconsin Woodlands magazine from 1997-2020.  She was a very active and passionate WWOA volunteer.  In 1997, she and her husband, Ed, led a WWOA forestry trip to Sweden and Norway. She is most remembered for her ideas and work with the Women of WWOA that lead to the creation of WWOA’s My Land Handbook, which has helped so many WWOA members document and care for their woodlands.  At the time of her death, she served on the Gift Shop, Publications, and Website Committees and Women of WWOA Steering Committee.  In the past she and her husband, co-chaired the Gift Shop Committee, served on many Annual Meeting Planning Committees and was on the local Central Sands Chapter Board of Directors. No public service will be held at this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, PO Box 285, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

James Kissinger, Eau Claire and formerly of Hayward – passed away on January 16, 2021. Jim served on WWOA’s Northwest Chapter board and was active in planning several annual meetings.  A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 29, at the United Methodist Church in Hayward.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at the church.  In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks for donations to Sawyer County Forestry Department, 10610 Main St #100, Hayward, WI 54843 for planting an area of trees dedicated to Jim’s love of tree planting.

Joseph Mark Smith, Red Wing – passed away on August 9, 2020. A celebration of life will be at a later date. Memorials may be made in Joe’s name to the American Diabetes Association.

James Thiel, St John – passed away on May 12, 2020.  He  involved his family in his love of tapping maple trees and making maple syrup from his woods.  A memorial fund has been established in his name.

John “Jack” Kenefick, River Falls – passed away on September 26, 2020. Jack was former chair of the West Central Chapter and active on the 2020 (2021) Annual Meeting Planning Committee. Donations may be made to Adoray Home Health and Hospice, St. Croix Valley Shared Services ADORAY, 990 Main Street, Suite 1, Baldwin, WI 54002 or the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties, P.O. Box 745, River Falls, WI 54022.

Vilas David Krenz, Merrill- passed away on November 30, 2020. Vilas was an active member of the North Central Chapter and encouraged many woodland owners to join WWOA. Donations in Vilas’ name may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, 1104 East 3rd Street, Merrill, Wisconsin 54452.