Condolences

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.

William “Bill” Fucik, Ladysmith…age 94, passed away on December 28, 2023 at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point. Bill and his wife, Althea “Lolly”, married and moved to the Ladysmith area in 1994. There they became active WWOA members. Bill served on the Northwest Chapter Board of Directors for many years.

Glenn Charlson, Mountain … age 88, died peacefully Sunday, January 14, 2024 with family by his side.  Glenn and wife, Ev, have been active members in the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, its Wolf River chapter, and after moving north to their woodlands, Phoenix Falls chapter. Ev and Glenn set out to create a sustainable forest from former, unmanaged cropland.

James Shea, Marinette and Wilsonville, OR…age 88, passed away December 13, 2023 at The Springs in Wilsonville, Ore., where he lived for the last few years. Jim was a quiet, thoughtful man, someone you could always count on. He loved spending time in nature…hunting, fishing, planting trees and taking care of the land. In 1998 he and his wife Lilli (deceased) built Sheady Pines, a bed and breakfast in Marinette, Wis.

Lonnie Marek, Wausau… age 82, passed away on February 26, 2023.  He loved his wife, Peggy, and they had the deepest of bonds. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in a job well done.  Lonnie was a kind, gentle, spiritual man.