Blog Articles

The WWOA Nomination Committee is looking for you or someone you know to fill three WWOA Board of Director positions that will become vacant at the close of the 2026 Annual Meeting in Rothschild in September. Directors whose terms are expiring are Steven Ahrenholz, Tom Culbert, and Jake Schuh.

Channel 7 out of Wausau is reporting:  MOSINEE, Wis. (WSAW) – Ahlstrom announced Thursday it will close two of its four paper machines and the pulp mill at its Mosinee facility. The pulp mill and one paper machine will cease operations June 30, 2026. A second paper machine will cease operations Sept. 30, 2026. The changes will affect approximately 200 employees. Two hundred employees are expected to stay on staff.

Tom Sharratt, Westby… age 82, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024. Tom completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at UW – Madison in 1964. At the same time, he received a commission in the US Regular Army and served on active duty for 21 years as a Field Artillery officer.

Jerold “Jerry” Apps, Madison… age 91, peacefully passed away at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg after a short illness on December 23, 2025. Jerry is one of the Midwest’s most revered writers. He devoted his life to the celebration and preservation of Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural heritage, it’s past, present and future. Jerry was born at home on the family farm in Wild Rose, WI – a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing.

James (Jim) Nelson, Woodville… age 93, passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2025.  Jim was a WWOA life member. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy, and throughout his life he often shared stories of his adventures. After his service in the Navy, he completed his degree at Stout State University. He retired from 3M. Endlessly curious and naturally talented with his hands, Jim could fix just about anything.

Reuben Ellefson, Westby… age 89, passed away on the evening of December 6, 2025, in the company of family at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, Wisconsin, the city he called home for nearly 60 years. Reuben served as a U.S. Navy firefighter for two years as a young man, which allowed him to travel to places like Greece, Spain, France, and more, after which he married the love of his life, Eileen Claire Boland.

Chuck Pogorelcnik, Milwaukee and Ogema… passed away on October 31, 2025. Chuck was life member in WWOA and active in WWOA and the North Central Chapter. He was named the 2019 Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year and later became the Regional Tree Farmer of the Year. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, 8500 W.

Darrel Mathieu, Luck… age 83, passed away at his home from metastatic kidney cancer on June 9, 2024. He settled in Brainerd, Minnesota, where he worked for the state Department of Economic Security as an employment counselor and served in the Army National Guard. He also was a coroner. In Brainerd, he met his wife of 56 years, Janice (Lindholm) and they had two daughters.

Dr. William Faller, Kewaunee… age 84, passed away on March 31, 2024. Born in Chicago, IL on July 25, 1939. On June 19, 1965, in Germany, William married the love of his life, Heidi Schatek, embarking on a journey of partnership and companionship that lasted for nearly six decades. Dr. Faller dedicated his life as a pathologist.

Chuck Hoffman, Mishicot… age 76, died unexpectedly Saturday morning, October 11, 2025 at his residence. Chuck was born in Two Rivers  and he was united in marriage to Karen M. Pleuss at First Reformed United Church of Christ in Manitowoc. Over the years, Chuck held various employment positions. His longest period of employment was working as Buildings & Grounds Supervisor for the Mishicot Public School District until retiring.