Condolences

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.

Sue Peskar, Woodbury, MN …age 83, died September 8, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.  She loved to travel, the love and dedication she had for husband was stronger still and is evident in the twenty years they spent building a little cabin north of Hayward.

Charles “Chuck” Lepinski, Berlin… age 97, passed away July 20, 2023.  Chuck and Sylvia celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Chuck was active in his community and proud of his service in the Navy. Charles was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the VFW, and AmVet. He was honored to be on the first Old Glory Honor Flight out of Appleton in October 2009.

Harold O. Hansen Sr., Wild Rose… age 82, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023. Long-time WWOA member who enjoyed spending time on the Hansen Tree Farm. Harold was owner of Hansen Heating and Plumbing, JH Mini Storage and J & H Holdings.

Daniel Lehrer, Menasha …age 90, passed away at home on June 14, 2023, with his family at his side. In his retirement years, he enjoyed planting trees on the land he purchased from his father in Ogdensburg. He named a few trees for his children, mostly to keep track of the rows.  Family and time with nature became more important to Dan as he aged.

Shirley Kopitske, Bonduel… age 93, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.  Shirley became a tree farmer with her husband, Virgil, starting in 1960.  Virgil served as WWOA’s President from 1999-2001.  Shirley served as Secretary and President of the WWOA Wolf River Chapter.  She was a committee member of two WWOA Annual Meeting planning committees. Her Shioc River Tree Farm was a member of the American Tree Farm System.