Tribute Book - Women`s Fund

Celebrate Women!
Tribute Book 2012
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Welcome to our 3rd annual Celebrate Women luncheon! Thank you for your
involvement in the Women’s Fund of Door County. The Women’s Fund encourages
giving among women—giving of your friendship and of your financial support to
help the women and girls of Door County thrive and prosper.
Our mission is to build, enrich and nurture the lives of women and girls through
collective wisdom and philanthropy.
This year we are introducing the Tribute Book. The Tribute Book provides all of
us a way in which to recognize and pay tribute to the accomplishments of women.
The women in this inaugural book cross the spectrum of age and experience;
each makes a lasting imprint on the life of another in our community. Their stories
nurture our future. We are grateful for the impact they have made, and for their
exemplary lives.
These Tributes will be on our web site (www.womensfunddoorcounty.com) for
the next year. We invite you to submit a Tribute for the 2013 Luncheon; information on how this can be done is also on our web site.
With our growing endowment, which is now over $100,000, the Women’s Fund
will continue to address the issues that affect the women and girls of Door County
into the future.
We need you—as volunteers on our committees and as board members. Please
check our web site for opportunities to make a difference or contact any of the
board members listed in this Tribute book.
A very sincere thank you to our Luncheon co-chairs Diane Sarosiek and Vicki
Wilson for heading up a fantastic committee of volunteers who made this
event happen. A very special thank you to Pam Maloney who created the first
Tribute Book.
Enjoy reading the Tributes and learning about the Women’s Fund. “When she
thrives, we all prosper.”
Sally O’Brien
Jane Stevenson
Virgi
nia W
il
so
n Joh
nso
n
gin
Wil
ilso
son
John
son
My Mother is a Door County native.
She was born in Egg Harbor, and grew
up on a dairy farm in Jacksonport.
Education was extremely important in
the Wilson family. My Grandmother
had been a teacher at the little North
Bay school on Hwy Q, and my Mother
continued those educational values.
She taught in many one and two room
Door County schools before her
marriage. Following my Father ’s
death, she finished her degree, and
went on to teach in the Green Bay
schools until her retirement. We are a
four generation family of teachers.
As a young college student, she spent her summers working in the kitchen at
Toft Point, a resort run by her aunt, Emma Toft, which is now a state natural
area. Growing up with wonderful garden produce, freshly caught fish, and
amazing cooks, encouraged her to become a gourmet cook before the word
became popular. If guests dropped by our home unexpectedly at 5:00 PM,
she had an entire meal ready to go with what appeared to be little effort! My
Mom was known for plowing thru the deepest mosquito-infested woods
picking wild thimbleberries to make jam, a tradition still carried on by our
family today.
My Mother grew up in a family that loved and preserved the beauty that is
Door County. She knew all the plants and when they would bloom at The
Ridges Sanctuary. She has passed this love and protection of our special spot
in the world on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
I am pleased to honor my Mother, who at the age of 96, is a true Door
County woman.
—Judy Hollingshead
An
ne Ir
ene M
arkwardt
Ann
Ire
Ma
My mother, Anne Irene Markwardt,
was my favorite teacher. Born to
Scottish immigrant parents in Detroit,
their words to her and hers to me have
inspired and enriched my life.
Her career was raising a family with
love, hard work and determination.
Throughout life when I’ve been
tempted to give up, I hear “If something
is worth doing, it’s worth doing well”
and “if at first you don’t succeed, try
again.” Her greatest gift was laughter
and a smile. She wrote in a letter,
“Adversity builds character. Usn’s have
had so much adversity we must be real
characters.” She was rich in creativity and “made ends meet” by telling us our
homesteader grandfather ate Montana Stew (boiled beans and hamburger).
She taught her seven children the importance of family. Bill, her “childhood
sweetheart,” always came first with her but she always made you feel as though
you did, too. “Don’t fight with your brothers and sisters” and “Go work it out
yourself” ring true for me today. Sometimes, I remind myself, “Remember, no
one is better than you; but you are no better than others.” Oh, the memories
of people around her beautiful and bountiful tables and “always room for
one more!” We sang the Johnny Appleseed song and said the Selkirk Grace
because “the Lord is good to me” and “pray the Lord be thankit.”
There was room in her heart for all, especially her grandchildren. Even when
Ian drew on Nana’s wallpaper with pencil, she didn’t erase it because we are
“all entitled to make mistakes.” For my granddaughter, I sing the songs she
sang to us.
She taught me to say “the magic words,” “Please and thank you,” to my
teachers. She also said “listen to your guardian angel” and I still do. Thank
you, Mom.
—Sherry Mutchler
El
iza
beth Be
r ry
Eliza
izabeth
Ber
Elizabeth (Betty) Berry was born in
January, 1909, the oldest and only
daughter in a family of 3 sons. Betty
attended college for 3 years, with
plans to be a Home Economics
teacher, but left college to marry
Vernon Hagmann. That marriage
produced 2 sons, and my mother,
Julie Ann. When Julie was 7 or 8 her
parents divorced. Divorcees were
looked down upon in the 1940s.
Betty moved back to Lead, South
Dakota where her parents lived. After spending 2-3 separate summers driving
with her children around the country looking for “the right place” to re-locate
with her 3 children (with a mattress tied to the top of her car! 2 would sleep
out under the stars on the mattress, and 2 would sleep in the car!), she moved
her family to Boulder, Colorado. She bought a home into which she took college students as boarders. Sometime after my mom graduated from college
and married my dad, she moved back to Lead, South Dakota where she began
what would be a successful hand-made drapery business. This was after she
took her “trip of a lifetime” around the world, a dream come true! She bought
a mountain cabin, the old train depot for Elmore, SD, and lived there year
round after her father passed away. Hers was the only year round cabin for
miles, and she would tell stories of the well pipes freezing, causing her to have
to crawl over the hard packed snow to the creek to get running water during
the winter. She slept on a “davenport” in the kitchen near the stove, with a
gun under her pillow, and a shillelagh near-by in case of an intruder. In the
1990s, when we moved her into town we found jars of unrecognizable home
canned foods. She had kept them out of fear of being stranded to protect
against starvation during the long and hard winters.
Grandma always used to say that she didn’t want to live to be 100 years old!
When I last saw her I commented that she didn’t move like someone who was
almost 100! She was shocked to hear that she was that old! Her wish came
true, as she passed away in July, at the age of 99½!
Betty Hagmann was a true 20th century frontier woman! Independent, fearless and strong! She had 6 strong granddaughters, and 2 fine grandsons. Six
great granddaughters followed, and one more great grandson, including a set
of twin girls and a twin girl and boy! All are happy and successful in their lives,
each channeling her pioneer spirit in some shape or form!
—Dorene Dempster, MD
Karen M
anke U
tn
ehmer
Ma
Utn
tne
My wife, Karen Utnehmer, retired from
an accomplished career in education and
is now a guiding force in the growth of
Nicolet Broadcasting, Inc. and the radio
stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com.
Her appreciation for the potential of
women makes Nicolet Broadcasting, Inc.
a more family-friendly business, welcoming women to pursue careers in radio
and social media.
Karen was the first woman to serve as a
public high school principal in Green Bay.
Karen often credits her success as a high
school principal to a work ethic learned growing up on a West Salem,
Wisconsin dairy farm. She completed college in just three years and began
teaching. While teaching she raised a daughter and son who, today, reflect
her personal work ethic as accomplished and successful professionals. Karen
taught her kids to work hard, get an education and value family. She did that
and now they are as well.
Every few weeks she drives across the entire state to visit her 97-year-old
father in an Onalaska nursing home. They enjoy playing cards for hours. I’m
impressed by her kindness and hope the saying about the best way to predict
how a wife will treat her husband is to look at how she treats her father will
be true when I get old.
Karen is a great wife, mother and daughter yet her smile is the most radiant
when she’s around her recently-arrived granddaughter. She thinks she won
the lottery when she can drive to Wausau and spend a few hours babysitting
with Harper Riley on her knee.
I’m a pretty lucky guy to be married to Karen Manke Utnehmer.
—Roger Utnehmer
President and CEO
Nicolet Broadcasting, Inc.
DoorCountyDailyNews.com
WBDK 96.7FM WRLU 104.1FM
WRKU 102.1FM WSBW 105.1FM
Be
rn
sth
us Ha
nso
n
Bern
rniice Of
Ofsth
sthu
Han
son
My mother loved and lived
by example. She taught us
four children to love and respect ourselves, nurture our
families, and care for our
community. She and Dad were
a team.
Mother taught us the love of
music. She sang along as she
played the “oldies” of the 30s
and 40s on the piano and we children would join in singing hymns.
One of my fondest memories is of Mother sewing our new clothes for school
by the cabin window. We would make our annual trip to Minneapolis to pick
out the fabrics and she would make us beautiful outfits which we girls would
in turn hand down to the next sibling when they no longer fit.
Mother was always ready with a “Minnesota hot dish” for a friend or
someone in need. Our home was known to the homeless transits as a
place for a hot meal— “Go to the preacher’s house,” they would say. We
learned humility.
Mother loved to wear hats!
It is with gratitude and love that I honor my mother who gave me life and
taught me how to live.
—Jane Stevenson
Wil
ma B
ru
ce M
ut
chl
er
ilm
Bru
ruc
Mut
utc
hle
My mother was born on a ranch on the
Cheyenne River, not far from Wall, South
Dakota to a Scottish Canadian homesteader
who was an early cowboy. She and her sisters
rode a horse to school together and worked
on the ranch until moving into town to be
near the high school.
One of the most impressive aspects of her
life was attending college during the
depression, where she earned a teaching
certificate. Her older sister went ahead of her
and sent my mother money to go to school.
In turn, my mother sent money to her
younger sister for her education. In those
days, female teachers needed to be single and
were only offered two year contracts.
She was also an athlete who played basketball and softball for her high school.
She was teaching in a rural school before the war and boarding on my father’s
dad’s ranch, where she was teaching his younger siblings. For four years, my
mother faithfully wrote my father weekly letters while he was in the army.
During the war, she interrupted her teaching career to work as a secretary for
the Merchant Marine in San Francisco.
My mother was a strong woman who guided our lives with quiet determination.
Education was very important to her children, who all achieved college degrees.
She was my cub scout den mother and my 4H leader. When we were all in
school, mom went back into education as a first grade teacher. As a mother
who worked outside the home, she was the only one that I can remember in
our area.
She loved her grandchildren and always was excited to see them and listen to
their stories. She taught them to play cards and enjoy board games.
I miss her a lot.
—Keith Mutchler
Mick
ey F
ellow
s
cke
Fe
ows
Mickey Fellows – Our beautiful and giving
mother.
Our selfless mother has spent her entire life
giving, to us and others, always caring for
her friends, neighbors, family, strangers and
community. Mom used her nursing skills
daily to console, defend, and befriend those
in need. Her smile, love and humor helped
so many people face big challenges and
persevere with hope. We are so grateful for
the effect she has had on our lives.
Mom seems to always find something
positive in every situation. Her consistent
enthusiasm is obvious when she says something is “the best ever” or “totally
awesome.” We still can’t figure out why Glidden Lodge isn’t rated with 5 stars
or why the Peninsula Players has not won a Tony Award.
Mom has always been crazy active with the grand kids (because her own kids
can’t always keep up): swimming, ice skating, jet skiing, hiking, golfing, biking,
traveling, driving hundreds of miles to babysit and making every event. How
blessed are we to have learned by her example.
Mom is facing a shortened life, but is at peace with God and content with
nature taking its course. Her faith gives her so much strength. Not surprising,
we are still learning from her as she guides us through this process. We are so
impressed with her wisdom and class. We are enjoying her stories, thoughts
and direction. Our Dad, her husband for 52 years, is her constant companion
and champion. Mom has lived large, with joy and endless love for others. Each
and every day is an opportunity and should be consumed. Swimming in Lake
Michigan, even now, with Mom was so special. We find it easy to express our
love for our beautiful mother. We have so much respect for her and appreciate
everything she has done for us unconditionally.
Mom, we love you completely!
Lovingly,
Boyd, Brian, Fred and Katie
with our spouses and your grandchildren.
Ja
ne Ha
nso
n St
evenso
n
Jan
Han
son
Ste
son
Jane Hanson Stevenson was born into a
family that was committed to providing
service to their community. Jane lives that
commitment every day. Jane, her husband
Dr. John Stevenson and their five children
moved to Door County in the 1970s.
The history of many of Door County’s
important charitable institutions is weaved
into the story of Jane Stevenson. She helped
shape a vision for Bay View Lutheran Church
as a gathering place for the community. With
that picture in mind, Jane led the campaign
to raise the money to expand the Church and
open its doors as a meeting place for
community groups of all kinds.
At United Way of Door County, Jane intended to serve as a volunteer on its
Board of Directors. But soon everyone saw that her talents and passion for
our community weren’t just a volunteer calling. So she became the Executive
Director of United Way and helped grow their campaign to higher levels of
giving for the benefit of Door County.
It wasn’t long before a new organization, the Door County Community
Foundation, would call upon her as well. Serving as its first professional staff
person, Jane became Executive Director and set the Community Foundation
on a path to grow into an important community organization. Today she serves
on its Board of Directors.
In 2008 Jane worked with nonprofits in our community to uncover issues
impacting girls and women in Door County. As Jane does, she took action and
co-founded the Women’s Fund of Door County.
She’s served on the Board of Directors of HELP of Door County and Crossroads
at Big Creek. We celebrate Jane and all she is doing to impact the lives of
others and to make her community a better place.
—Members of the Board
Women’s Fund of Door County
THE INSPIRATION
In a tranquil tourist place most of the year, Door County women and girls are
disproportionately impacted by unemployment, low incomes, limited educational
opportunities, lack of affordable housing, increased drug and alcohol use and
domestic and sexual violence.
After months of researching the status of women and girls in Door County, a
group of committed women joined together to address these issues and found
the Women’s Fund of Door County in 2009.
THE MISSION
The Women’s Fund of Door County builds,
enriches and nurtures the lives of women and girls
through collective wisdom and philanthropy.
THE IMPACT
Through grants, we are using the ideas and power of charities and non-profits
in Door County to create solutions and lead initiatives supporting women’s
success. Through educational opportunities, we are promoting a communitywide understanding of the status of women and girls to help improve their quality
of life.
2012 WOMEN’S FUND HIGHLIGHTS
Spring Grants Award Reception, June 6
Mom’s Picnic on the Farm, June 11
Midsummer’s Music Festival Collaboration, June 19
Celebrate Women! Luncheon, August 22
Financial Fitness Seminars, LIR, September-October
Fall Grants, November
GRANTING
Donor gifts are the grants that support women and girls in Door County. Since its
first grant cycle in the fall of 2010, The Women’s Fund of Door County has awarded
grants to 16 non-profits throughout the county, encompassing 24 opportunities
that have created solutions and led initiatives supporting the well-being of women
and girls and the prosperity of the county. A Grants Committee reads and awards
grants twice annually to applicants, with special consideration given to grants
that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and the inclusion of women and girls
in the planning and implementation.
The Women’s Fund evolved after extensive local research showed a need for a
fund that pooled charitable dollars for the greatest impact on building, enriching
and nurturing the lives of women and girls. Most recent spring 2012 grants to
the Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA provided funding for programs
that enhance the self-esteem and future goals of young girls. 2012 Spring grants
increased financial self-sufficiency counseling for women in Door County at FISC
Consumer Credit Counseling and provided Young Adult Parent Support (YAPS) at
Wellness Center of Door County. A grant to the Sister Bay Historical Society will
document ten women in Sister Bay’s history.
GRANTS AWARDED
ALTRUSA CLUB
Back to School Fair
COMMUNITY CLINIC OF DOOR COUNTY
Counseling Services for Women in Need
EPHRAIM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SISTER BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Garments of Our Foundations
FAMILY CENTERS OF DOOR COUNTY
SISTERS program
FAMILY SERVICES of NE WISCONSIN
Expect Respect
FISC CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING
Financial Literacy for Women
FRANCIS HARDY CENTER FOR THE ARTS/
GIBRALTAR HIGH SCHOOL
Exposure to Creativity
GIRL SCOUTS OF THE NW GREAT LAKES
Sevastopol School District Girl Scouts
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Women’s Build Training
HELP of DOOR COUNTY
Transitional Living Program
Women Ending Abuse & Violence
JIM LARSEN BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Spa Club
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Starting Over Project
At-risk Student Emergency Fund
(with Door Kewaunee Business and Education
Partnership)
GLAM: Girls Learning About Manufacturing
SEVASTOPOL and SOUTHERN DOOR SCHOOLS
Baby Think It Over Program
WELLNESS CENTER OF DOOR COUNTY
Breast Cancer Conference, September 10, 2011
Young Adult Parent Support (YAPS)
YMCA
Mother Daughter Event (internet safety)
Girls on the Run
EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Brown Bag Series, LIR, Fall 2011, Women’s Issues
Financial Fitness Seminar, June 2010
FOUNDING DONORS
Founders
These Founders will forever be celebrated as the great philanthropists who helped launch
the Women’s Fund.
Tom & BJ Cassidy
Anne & Richard Egan
Lutsey Family Foundation
Mary & Randy Morrow
Keith & Sherry Mutchler
Barbara Perloff
David & Lolly Ratajczak
Kathi Seifert
Jane & John Stevenson
Carolyn Zahn Waxler
Vicki & Doug Wilson
Gary & Marti (Spittell) Ziegelbauer
Anonymous
Forerunners
These Forerunners will forever be honored as significant benefactors in the early days of
the Women’s Fund.
Bill & Beth Virlee Dornaus
Michael & Orlaine Gabert
James & Donna Janning
Ronald & Pamela Maloney
Michael & Sally O’Brien
Jim & Diane Sarosiek
Sheila Haggerty Turner and the
Patrick & Beatrice Haggerty Foundation
Family
These Family members will forever be remembered as having helped create the Women’s
Fund.
Holly Ullman Herlache
Tim & Sue Stone
Betty Alexander
Debra Hertzberg & Mike Serpe Katy Swender
Debi Bashleben
Jon and Judy Hollingshead
Debbie Thomas
Susan & Brian Baus
Laura Joeckel
Sue Todey
Jane Berg
Judy Johnson
Karen & Roger Utnehmer
Cari & Bret Bicoy
Carolyn Jones
Bob & Barba Wahl
Brian & Kate Blazer
Marsha L. Kerley
Brian & Joan Wake
Gisela Brogan
Jen & Jordan Kobilca
William & Sandra Ward
Debra Brophy
Paul Kok
Richard & Pamela Wegner
Barbara Ann Buckingham
Debra & Terry Kortbein
Jeanne Whildin
Jon Carroll
Donald Kufrin
Pat & Eric Wickstrom
Greg & Debbie Casperson
Lainie & Bob Kufrin
Mary K. Wulf
Laurey Clampitt
Mary Ann McKoane
Anonymous
Sharon Cook
Carolyn & Greg Mox
Larry & Cynthia Crock
Betty Parsons
Associated Bank
Dorene E. Dempster
Dee Paulsen
Cornucopia Kitchen Corner
Joanne & Charles Dull
William H. Perloff
HTF, Inc. Miriam Erickson
Kristi Roenning
Prisca & David Smith
Sally Everhardus
Prisca Smith
Jacksonport United
Marsella Fults
Sara Cassidy Smith
Methodist Church
Patty Jo Hedeen
Denise Stillman
Liberty Square
Sharon Heinemann
2012 ANNUAL DONORS
Friends (up to $249)
Cheryl Chaudoir
Deanna D’Abbraccio
Miriam Erickson
Kathryn Fulwiler
William & Collette Goldammer
Mariah Goode
Bonnie Hartman
Kate Jones
Catherine Kasriel
Jennifer Kobilca
Sharon Lutsey
Thomas & Sherry Lynch
Ron & Pam Maloney
Greg & Marsha Meissner
Mary Moster
Keith & Sherry Mutchler
Camilla Nielsen
Sally O’Brien
Marcia Peterson
Pat Ploor
David & Lolly Ratajczak
George & Kristi Roenning
Christine Salmon
Mary Jo Schaars
DL Swanson
Michael & Barbara Sweeney
Janet & Michael Sohm
Kendra Sohm
Thomas & Karen Stemper
Wendy Tinnon
Sue Todey
Barba Wahl
Hendrik & Archelle Wolst
Supporters ($250 - $999)
Mentors ($2,500 - $4,999)
Mary Ann McKoane
Barbara Perloff
Heitpas Chiropractic
Liberty Square
Patrons ($10,000+)
Glidden Lodge Beach Resort
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country
Winery & Market
Anonymous
Honorary and Memorial Gifts
Lorraine Gustafson Becker
Sandra Ott
Lloyd Pratsch
Barbara Perloff
Marge Laubenstein
George & Diane Gissell
Jane Stevenson
Coggin Heeringa
Joni Meyer
Sharon Lutsey
2012 ANNUAL DONORS
Named Endowment Funds
Cassidy Family Fund
The Cassidy Family Fund has been established to promote the importance of education and women’s needs in a community
beloved by the Cassidy family.
For more than 50 years and three generations, the Cassidy family has enjoyed the
beauty that is Door County. The beauty of
Door County is apparent, but underneath
the tranquil surface is a serious need for
educational enhancements, affordable
housing and health care, in addition to
financial literacy for many of the full-time
residents of the county.
Doris Maloney Fund
The Doris Maloney fund was created
by her family to recognize her lifetime of
service and commitment to her community. Doris personifies the mission of the
Women’s Fund of Door County—she has
spent a lifetime nurturing the women and
girls of her family, improving the health and
education of patients she treated as an OB/
GYN nurse, and supporting the less
fortunate through her work in her church
and community. We are proud to honor
her with this fund.
Founded by two former educators, the
Cassidy Family Fund is committed to caring for the future of and nurturing of those
in need.
Be a Part of the Women’s Fund…
•
Volunteer! As a member of one of our several committees, you can help us advance
the work of the Women’s Fund.
•
Host a Friendraiser and invite your friends to learn about the Women’s Fund.
•
Sponsor a personal tribute in our Tribute Book to honor a special woman in your life.
•
Invest in the Women’s Fund. There are several ways you can help:
•
Make a one-time gift or a pledge
•
Establish a Named Fund, as a single donor or with a group, in your name or to
honor a loved one
•
Make a challenge gift
•
Leave a legacy gift in your estate plans
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Off
Offiicers
Jane Stevenson, Co-Chair
Nasewaupee
Sally O’Brien, Co-Chair
Sevastopol
B J Cassidy, Past Chair
Jacksonport
Mary Oyen Morrow, Vice Chair
Sturgeon Bay
Sherry Mutchler, Treasurer
Sturgeon Bay
Orlaine Gabert, Secretary
Sevastopol
Membe
rs of th
e Boa
rd
ber
the
Boar
Dorene Dempster, MD
Sturgeon Bay
Lolly Ratajczak
Egg Harbor
Sally Everhardus
Fish Creek
Diane Sarosiek
Jacksonport
Kate Jones
Sturgeon Bay
Kendra Sohm
Sturgeon Bay
Sharon Lutsey
Egg Harbor
Barbara Sweeney
Sturgeon Bay
Pam Maloney
Sturgeon Bay
Vicki Wilson
Sturgeon Bay
Barb Perloff
Baileys Harbor
Fund Historian
Beth Dornaus
Tonya Felhofer
Jenny Fischer
Holly Herlache
Direct
or
s Em
eritu
s
ctor
ors
Eme
itus
Lainie Kufrin
Dee Paulsen
Sue Todey
Karen Utnehmer
The Women’s Fund of Door County is a component fund
of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc.,
a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Women’s Fund of Door County
Door County Community Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 802
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
920-746-1786
www.womensfunddoorcounty.org