Condolences

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.

David Jackson, Gleason… age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, with family by his side.

Gerald Kress, Menomonee Falls… age 86, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Jerry and Nancy built their dream retirement home on a 40-acre parcel of land purchased in 1969.  He pursued his love of the outdoors through his membership with the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association. He also enjoyed raising show and racing pigeons with the Montello Racing Pigeon Club along with gardening, fishing and hunting.

Helen Alexander, Naples, FL and Glidden, WI…age 79, passed away on September 4, 2022. She loved and cherished her family.