Neil C. Binkley, Jr.
Graduate of Unity High School, 1971; Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1975; Graduated Summa Cum Laude; Member of Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities; Graduated with Honors from University of Wisconsin Medical School, 1979; Member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Residency at Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin, 1979-1981; Chief Resident in Internal Medicine, 1982; Presently Dr. of Internal Medicine, Marinette, Wisconsin; Member of American Medical Association; Member of Wisconsin State Medical Society of Internal Medicine; serves on Board of Directors of YMCA in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Articulate - Caring - Gifted
Inducted May 28th, 1989
WALL OF HONOR
The "Wall of Honor" was established to recognize those who have demonstrated or contributed to the following areas: education, business, human services, government, athletics, military service, fine arts, and community service. Only alumni and employees are eligible. The voting committee consists of no more than six members. There are five voting members and one non-voting chairperson. The wall of honor does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, parental or marital status, sexual orientation or physical, learning, emotional or mental disability.
Please use the form below to nominate anyone up who you think is worthy of such recognition.
~ Download Printable Nomination Form
Click on each name to learn more about the person.
Name | Date Inducted |
Neil C. Binkley, Jr. | May 28, 1989 |
Richard O. Klatt | May 28, 1989 |
Richard Swenson | May 28, 1989 |
Fred R. Ubbelohde | May 28, 1989 |
Neil Binkley, Sr. | June 3, 1990 |
Raymond G. Christensen, MD | June 3, 1990 |
Captain William E. Nordeen, USN | June 3, 1990 |
Allen W. Anderson | June 2, 1991 |
Dr. Myrvin F. Christopherson | June 2, 1991 |
Charles M. Jorgensen | May 31, 1992 |
Captain Michael B. Nordeen | May 31, 1992 |
Dr. Ronald A. Ward | May 31, 1992 |
Charlene Elaine Johnson Anderson | May 30, 1993 |
John E. Floreen | May 29, 1994 |
Robert E. Murphy | May 29, 1994 |
Don Wade Miles | May 28, 1995 |
Erik E. Pedersen | May 26, 1996 |
Amy Elizabeth Markert | May 23, 1997 |
Elleen J. Rogers | May 23, 1997 |
Raymond Castellano | May 22, 1998 |
Dr. Constance Majeske Danielson | May 22, 1998 |
Dan Mosay | May 22, 1998 |
Peggy Lauritsen | May 28, 1999 |
Terri M. Palmberg | May 26, 2000 |
Marjorie Bangle | May 24, 2002 |
Mary Ann Murphy | May 28, 2004 |
Ann Hraychuck | May 27, 2005 |
Gene Ludack | May 26, 2006 |
Norma Thompson | May 26, 2006 |
Dr. Kelley Chrouser | May 25, 2007 |
Dave Stark | May 25, 2007 |
Elliott Paulsen | May 23, 2008 |
LuAnn White | May 23, 2008 |
Jeffrey Heiderscheidt | May 22, 2009 |
Roger L. MacKinnon II | May 22, 2009 |
Adam Peterson | May 22, 2009 |
Jackie Reynolds | May 28, 2010 |
William "Bill" Alleva | May 28, 2010 |
Michael "Mike" Morris | May 28, 2010 |
Carolyn (Reed) Vadnais | May 27, 2011 |
Harry Alan Beck, O.D. | May 27, 2011 |
Jane Jensen Smith | May 25, 2012 |
Monti. J Hallberg | May 25, 2012 |
Gina Sarow | May 24, 2013 |
Ben Ellingson | May 24, 2013 |
Lee Milligan | May 24, 2013 |
Craig Miles | May 23, 2014 |
Paul A. Hauge | May 22, 2015 |
Alice Peacock | May 27, 2016 |
Milton G. Kier, Ed. D. | May 27, 2016 |
Curtis Gaylord | June 13, 2017 |
Steve Quist | June 13, 2017 |
Daniel Murphy | July 10, 2018 |
Kathleen M. Gionis (nee Gaylord) | July 10, 2018 |
Richard O. Klatt
Graduate of Clear Lake High School, 1944; served in the Navy from June, 1944 to July, 1946; Bachelor of Science, UW-River Falls, 1951; taught and coached at Webster, WI 1951 to 1955; Master's Degree, UW-Madison, 1958; taught at the Centuria, WI 1955-1957; coached baseball, basketball, football, track; taught at Unity from 1958 - 1980; head football coach, 1961-1974, earning three conference championships with an overall record of 60-49-3; 24 years of coaching experience; U-Club Advisor, 1963-1976; Athletic Director, 1961-1985; Middle School Principal, 1979-1987; Pool Director, 1979-1987; Community Education Director 1979-1987; received WI State Service Award for service to the Community Education Program; Treasurer, 1984-1985; President, 1986 of the Wisconsin Community Education Council; Chairman WIAA Football Rules Committee for three years; WIAA Middle School Advisory Committee, 1984-1987; Centuria, WI village board from 1965-1979; Lion's Club member for 23 years. Retired August 1, 1987.
Commitment - Excellence - Friend to all.
Inducted May 28, 1989
Richard Swenson
Graduate of Prairie Farm High School, 1945; Bachelor of Science, UW River Falls, 1949; served in the Army from 1950-1952; studied at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; UW Stout; Freedom Foundation, Valley Forge, PA; U-W Eau Claire; taught and coached at Richland Center, WI, 1949-50; taught and coached at Mindoro, WI, 1953-55; taught and coached at Stanley-Boyd, WI, 1963-64; taught and coached at Unity High School from 1964-87; member of the basketball coaching staff; 36 years of coaching basketball: 435-224; 7 championships; cross country coach, 5 years; baseball coach, 2 years; track coach, 4 years; 4 championships; member of the WIAA 25 year coaches association; member of church boards; member of Centuria Planning Commission; served as public relations coordinator for the Northwest United Educators, 4 years; WI Governors conference coordinator for AOD programs; commencement speaker at 5 graduation ceremonies; media sports columnist for 2 years; Westcap Youth Corps Field Director; chairmen of the Unity High School Social Studies Department for 15 years.
Outstanding Contribution - Gentleman - "Pep Rallier"
Inducted May 28th, 1989
Fred R. Ubbelohde
Graduate of New Richmond High School, 1939; served in the Navy from July 1, 1943 to June 30, 1945; active duty, rank of Lieutenant JG; also served in the Naval Reserve; Bachelor of Science, UW-River Falls, 1947; taught at Centuria, WI 1947 to 1949; Clayton Schools 1949-1953; Master's Degree, University of Minnesota, 1954; taught at the Milltown School, 1953-1957; Unity High School teacher, coach and building principal; High School Principal from 1958 until retirement in 1983; coached baseball, basketball football; upper St. Croix Valley Conference Secretary, 1964 to the present (as of 1989) ; Charter member of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators; served on the UW-River Falls Foundation Board of Directors; Northern representative of the retired members commission for AWSA; serves on the UW-River Falls Athletic Hall of Fame Committee; serves on the Polk County Housing Board; Balsam Lake Homeowners Association Board of Directors; and is a member of the Unity School Board, elected in 1988; Milltown Mayor for three terms; Milltown Church Council member and President.
Respect - Admiration - Dedication
Inducted May 28, 1989
Neil Binkley, Sr.
Graduate of Wisconsin State University-Superior - Bachelor & Masters Degree Programs; attended University of Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota; taught and coached in Park Falls, WI, 1940-42; entered the Army Infantry and served as a 1st Lieutenant, 1942-45; taught & coached at Hayward, WI, 1945-47; came to Balsam Lake in 1947 where he taught and coached until 1953; Principal at Balsam Lake, 1953-57; Superintendent at the Unity School District, 1957-1973. Elected to the Hall of Fame, UW-Superior, October 20, 1984. Outstanding coach and athlete; Successful Administrator and Educator.
"A good friend, who says what he means and means what he says"
Inducted June 3rd, 1990
Raymond G. Christensen, MD
Graduate of Unity High School, 1962. Bachelor of Science, Wisconsin State University, River Falls, 1966; Doctor of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1971. Internship, St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, MN, 1972. Board Certified Family Physician/Co-Founder and President of Gateway Family Health Clinic, Ltd., Moose Lake, MN; Community Memorial Hospital, Cloquet, MN; Miller Dwan Medical Center, Duluth, MN; St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN; St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth, MN. Medical Director: Mercy Hospital and Health Care Center; Chief of Staff, Mercy Hospital. President, Family Health Systems, Moose Lake, MN; President, Arrowhead Emergency Medical Services Association, Duluth, MN; President, Northern Lakes Health Care Consortium, Duluth, MN; President-Elect, St. Louis County Medical Society. Director, Minnesota Academy of Family Practice. Chairman of the Medical Standards and Practice Committee. Arrowhead Emergency Medical Services, Northeastern MN, Member-Board of Directors. Moose Lake Public School System, Physician Advisor. Preceptor-U of MN, Minneapolis, Rural Physician Associate Program. Preceptor-U of MN, Duluth, Second-Year Program. Medical Examiner, Pine County, MN; Deputy Coroner Cariton County, MN. Medical Director Mercy Hospital Ambulance Service, Moose Lake, MN.Active Personal Interest: Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, York Rite, AAD Temple Pipes and Drums. President, AAD Cars. Royal Order of Jesters. Scientists Rosicrucianae in Civitatibus Foederatis; The Philalethes Society. Kitchie Gammi Club, Duluth, MN, Moose Lake Gold Club.
National Awards: National Rural Health Association, Louis Goran Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Care, May 2, 1989.
Inducted June 3rd, 1990
CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. NORDEEN, USN
Graduate of Centuria High School, 1954; Bachelor of Science, UW River Falls, 1958; Master of Science, Salve Regina College, Newport, RI, 1985; Naval Aviation Officer Candidate, 1959; Naval Aviator, 1960; Distinguished Naval Career including:Administrative/Operations/Executive Officer-Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadrons, Three, Seven, One; Deployments aboard USS INTREPID, USS NASHVILLE, HMS ENGADINE; Recruiting Officer for Aviation Officer Programs; Exchange Pilot/Training Officer with Royal Navy; Air/Senior Watch/Training Officer-USS NASHVILLE; Executive/Commanding Officer-Fleet Command Composite Squadron Five, Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines; Assistant Director of War Gamin, War College, Newport, RI; Staff of Inspector General, Washington, D.C.; Senior Military Attache, American Embassy, Athens, Greece.
Awarded Air Medal with Bronze Star; Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit Medal.
Captain Nordeen died in a terrorist bombing in Athens, Greece, June 28, 1988. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., July 6, 1988.
BRAVE - -FAITHFUL - - HEROIC
Inducted June 3, 1990
Allen W. Anderson
Graduate of St. Croix Falls High School, 1948; Bachelor of Science Degree, University of North Dakota, 1953; Master's Degree, Colorado State College, 1968; 1953-55 82nd Airborne Division Master Parachutist, 'American Spirit Honor Medal' for outstanding leadership & example to Comrade in Arms"; began teaching physical education at Turtle Lake High School, 1955; coached basketball, achieving 2 conference championships; 1961-75 Unity Physical Education-Driver Education Instructor & coach; earned 3 basketball championships, record 126-98; overall record 215-121 ; Head Track Coach - 12 conference championships; 2 state championships; 1 state runner up; Initiated boys/girls gymnastics & boy's cross country programs; Innovator/ Director - "Eagle Circus," 1964-74 - Top High School Circus in the State of Wisconsin; American Red Cross Water Safety Chairmen - Polk County - 1960-68; 1975 John Deere Corporation - Snowmobile Race Team Director; Manager of Competitive Engineering; Division Manager of Marketing; Consumer Product Division Sales Manager; Retired from John Deere, June 1991.
Dr. Myrvin F. Christopherson
Graduate of Milltown High School, 1957; Bachelor of Arts, Dana College 1961, Master of Science, 1963, and Doctor of Philosophy, 1965, Purdue University. President, Dana College, Blair, Nebraska since 1986. Previous teaching positions as Communication professor at UW-Madison, 1965-69; UW-Stevens Point (UWSP), 1969-86. Associate Dean at UWSP. Visiting professor at S.U.N.Y., Buffalo, NY, and at UW-EauClaire. Taught overseas in London, 1977, and the Republic of China, 1980.Author: Speaker's Trainer's Guide, 1971; Editor, Journal of the Wisconsin Communication Association, 1978-80, contributor to The New Book of Knowledge.
Honors: Who's Who in the Midwest, The International Who's Who of Intellectuals, Who's Who in Wisconsin, Personalities of the West and Midwest; Outstanding Educators of America; Outstanding College Teacher of the year by Wisconsin Communication Association.
Selected Memberships: Chairman, Communication Strategy Commission for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America(ELCA), Advisory Board, The Lutheran: Past Chairman, Board of Trustees, Palmer College of Chiropractic; member, Governor's Council for Higher Education; VP, Nebraska Independent College Foundation, Secretary, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska.
In 1957 Dr. Christopherson was president of a joint student committee which named Unity High School and chose the colors and nickname.
Commitment - Excellence - Friend to all.
Inducted June 2, 1991
CHARLES M. JORGENSEN
Graduate of Milltown High School, 1953; UW-Madison, Bachelor or Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering & Agriculture, 1959; Office, Army Corp of Engineers, 1960 - affiliation with IH trucks; Pioneered multi-axle construction trucks; 1968 - Dealer Principal at Waukesha Truck Sales; 1970 - Peterbilt franchise in Wisconsin was founded; Mr. Jorgensen is currently the chief executive officer & President of Peterbilt of Wisconsin, Inc. He was the Wisconsin Truck Dealer of the Year 1985 & 1990; Great Lakes Region Dealer of the Year - 1988; Chairman, Peterbilt Dealer Council 1981 & 1991; Chairman Waukesha County Technical College Advisory Council - 1989; Finalist for American Truck Dealers - Deal of the Year, 1990. Member - Board of Directors, SEATS, Inc., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Inducted May 31, 1992
Captain Michael B. Nordeen
Graduate of Unity High School, 1961; graduate UW-River Falls, 1966; Commissioned an Ensign, 1966; Designated a Naval Aviator, 1968; Graduate Armed Forces Staff College 1976; Distinguished Naval Career including:Attack pilot assigned to VA-81 flying from USS FORRESTAL and USS J F KENNEDY; Pilot exchange program, Royal Australian Navy, Sydney, NSW Australia; Flight Deck Officer, USS F D ROOSEVELT; Attack pilot assigned to VA-66 flying from USS INDEPENDENCE and USS EISENHOWER; Staff Officer, Commander Light Attack Wing ONE; Commanding Officer VA-15 flying from USS INDEPENDENCE: Attack Training Officer and F/A-18 Hornet Introduction Officer for Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet; Commanding Officer VA-174; Executive Officer USS MIDWAY; Commanding Officer USS MARS New Carrier Construction/Procurement Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare.
He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Navy Battle E (3), Navy Expeditionary Medal (2), and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
On May 9, 1991, he became the 24th Commanding Officer of the USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64)
Inducted May 31st, 1992
Dr. Ronald A. Ward
Graduate of Unity High School, 1962; Pre-dental undergraduate - UW River Falls, 1962-64; Doctor of Dental Surgery, Marquette University, 1964-68; Captain, UN Air Force, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, 1968-71; Master's Degree - Marquette University, 1971-74; Oral Surgery Residency, 1971-74; 1974 to present - Private practice as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon; Chief of Dept. Dentistry at Oconowoc Memorial Hospital, Waukesha University Dental School, Department of Oral Pathology and Orthodonics; Board of Directors - Republic Capitol Bank of Milwaukee; Owner of Wards Balsam Beach Resort.
Inducted May 31, 2006
Charlene Elaine Johnson Anderson
Graduate of Unity High School, Valedictorian, 1970; UW-LaCrosse, 1970-74, Bachelor of Science; UW-River Falls, 1978-79, Master of Science; taught in Mitchell, South Dakota; earned 3 consecutive Eastern South Dakota gymnastics Championships; 1978- Gymnastics Coach of the Year; 1979-80, Fort Dodge, Iowa Community School district; 1985 - developer of Fort Dodge Alternative Education Center - Counselor/Teacher; Member of many committees and groups including guidance Curriculum, Discipline, Community Based Curriculum, Seniors High Cadre; Arrowhead Area Education Agency, Human Relations Facilitator 1980-present; Fort Dodge Community School District, Multi-cultural , Non-sexist Facilitator 1992-93; 1991 - Iowa Association of Alternative Schools Teacher of the Year
Inducted May 30, 1993
John E. Floreen
Graduate of Unity High School, 1961; Bachelors Degree - Gustavus Adolphus College, 1965; Masters Degree - School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, New York, 1967; Doctor of Musical Arts Degree - University of Iowa, 1980. Conductor of the University Chorus and Chairman of the Music Department, Rutgers University, New Jersey. Recipient of Fulbright and National Endowment for the Humanities awards for music research in Austria, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary; Member of International Research and Exchanges Board, New Jersey State Council on the Arts-Music Panel, and Advisory Board of the Vivaldi Society of America; Conductor for CD recordings with Westminister Oratorio Choir, New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, University of Delaware Men's Chorus, Zelenka Chamber Orchestra; Composer, editor and arranger of several published musical works; Author of several articles and reviews; Organist and Choir Director at several churches in new Jersey.
Inducted May 29, 1994
Robert Murphy
Graduate of Milltown High School, Class of 1949; 29 years industry veteran- President and co-owner of Japs-Olson Printing Company, Minneapolis, MN; Second Vice-chairman, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Printing Industries of America; Member of Board of Directors & Chairman of Government Affairs - Printing Industry of Minnesota; Vice-chairman of the environmental conservation Board; Printing Industry of Minnesota Outstanding Graphics Arts Industry Leader, 1991; Elected to the Printing Impressions Hall of Fame, 1993; Avid outdoorsman; Married Judy Beddor, 1958; Children Patrick, Kathleen, Marjorie, Monica, Bridget, Michael.
"Ask a lot of questions and keep your eyes open."
Inducted May 29, 1994
Don Wade Miles
Graduate of the Balsam Lake High School, 1944. While in high school Don lettered 4 years in basketball, baseball and football; also lettered 2 years in boxing and track. US Army WW II Veteran; enrolled at the UW-River Falls, earning Bachelor of Science degree; lettered in Baseball and basketball - 3 years; Masters Degree at UW Stout in Guidance/Administration; taught, coached, counseled, worked with home-bound disabled students at Mondovi - worked as an administrator at Eleva-Strum High School for 22 years; 34.5 years in the field of education. Initiated first Wisconsin Interactive television system between school; served as President Jaycees' Academic Decathlon Chairman; Northwest Education Assoc. President/Board member; Member of Association of School Administrators - Member of Our Saviors Methodist Church. Don Miles has touched many lives through his dedicated service of quality education.
Inducted May 28, 1995
Erik E. Pedersen
Graduate of Luck High School, 1949, attended Grand view College, 1949-51,; enlisted in US Navy; Member of the Navy Honor Guard in Washington DC, Arlington National Cemetery, White House; member of the Navy Drill Team; Anti-Submarine Squadron of Norfolk, VA. Honors graduate of UW River Falls, 1958; taught Science/English at Unity Middle School for 31 years. Coached basketball and was a building principal; introduced/developed a program of Intermediate Science study into the curriculum. Member of the Luck Fire Department for 28 years; village board member' past member West Denmark Lutheran Church Council; Indianhead Chorus; Barbershop quartet- "The Professors"; avid fast pitch softball player; WITC/community education instructor for woodworking/carving projects; outdoorsman and muskie fisherman.
Amy Elizabeth Markert
Graduate of UHS 1977, US Air Force Academy graduate 1981 and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF; First woman to be a member of the "Wings of Blue" USAFA Parachute team; Jumpmaster, instructor, competitor including participation in two World Parachuting Championships (China 1994 and Bulgaria 1980) and 4 World Military Championships; Chief of Operations for 2066th Communications Squadron, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC; Promoted to Captain 1986; Chief of Deployment Planning 2nd Combat Communications Group, Patrick AFB, FL; Chief of Logistics 1982nd Communications Squadron; Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea; 1987 assigned to Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, HI; 1991 selected for special duty assignment to the White House communications Agency as a Presidential Communications Officer; Promoted to Major 1993; Military decorations include the Presidential Service Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (2); air Force Commendation medal (2); Retired July , 1996 from USAF; currently Supervisor of Network Services, Information systems and Administration, space Systems/LORAL in Palo Alto, CA
Inducted May 23, 1997
Eileen J. Rogers
Graduate of UHS 1961; UW River Falls Bachelors degree 1966; College of Racine Masters degree 1974; University of Arizona Masters degree 1975; Educational Administrative certification 1985; Mathematics/English/Special Education Master Teacher; Department Chairperson; University of Colorado Honorarium instructor; Selected as Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher by Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Singles Parent International Adoptions (India and Peru); President of the Board of Directors, Greccio Housing Unlimited; Board member, Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Colorado Representative to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Volunteer/member of Holy Apostle Social Ministry Team and Colorado Cancer Research Program.
Respected Leader, Volunteer, and MOM
Inducted May 23, 1997
Raymond Castellano
Graduate of Greenway HS; US Air Force flight engineer - 1953-57; Member of the Air Force track team as a pole vaulter; presented the National Defense Service Medal; Bachelors degree - St. Cloud University 1961; Minnesota State Archery Champion - 1958; Unity School District "resident artist" for 30 years 1962-92; Served as the 'golden voice' of Unity athletics for 22 years; Baseball coach - 1963-68; "Ring Leader" of the Unity Circus; served as Milltown Commercial Club President; Snowmobile Instructor; Cub Scout Advisor; active member of American Legion Post 257 including being District Adjutant; Unity Education Association President; Outstanding volunteer contributions to community, school & civic organizations avid sportsman and outdoorsman.
Accomplished - Innovative - Respected
Inducted May 22nd, 1998
DR. CONSTANCE MAJESKE DANIELSON
Graduate of UHS 1964; Bethel College, BA 1968; University of Minnesota, MS 1973; Indiana University School of Medicine, PhD 1979, MD 1984. American Board of Pathology certification; Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine. Currently, Director/Associate Director of Transfusion Medicine and staff pathologist at three Indianapolis hospitals. Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine. Author, consultant, lecturer, researcher, physician. Fellow, American Society of Clinical Pathologists and College of American Pathologists; former Board Member and past President, Indiana State Association of Blood Banks; member, AMA. Medical student mentor, active volunteer and church member.
Devoted - Sincere Compassionate
Inducted May 22, 1998
Dan Mosay
Graduate of Unity High School 1960; US Army 1960-63 - Military Police in US & Europe; involved in activities related to the "Berlin" and "Cuban Missile Crisis"; completion of Law Enforcement Recruit School 1976; 1976-96 Deputy Sheriff - Polk County; liaison for St. Croix Tribal Government; special officer for DNR; Under sheriff - 4 years; Unity School Board member 1980-88/treasurer - 6 years; member of WI Sheriff/Deputy Sheriff Association; WI Council of Criminal Justice; presented Medal of Valor for "line of duty service"; Active in Rotary Club, Balsam Lake Rod & Gun Club and avid muskie fisherman; Elected Polk County Sheriff - 1966
Dedicated - Role Model - Friend
Inducted May 22, 1998
Peggy Lauritson
Graduate of Unity High School 1973; UW-Stout 1977; Special Fine Art studies in Cambridge, England. 1980, Founder and President of Peggy Lauritsen Design Group. Numerous design industry awards, state, national & international. Active member of the business & creative community in the Twin Cities; Past President and 7 year board member of the MN Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO); Member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts; Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce; 1997 MN State Award: Women in Business Admin; 1994 MN Dept. of Trade & Economic Development, Advisory Board; 1991 NAWBO State Award Advocate of the Year.
"Dream Achiever"
Inducted May 28th, 1999
Terri M. Palmberg
Graduate of Unity High School 1971; UW-LaCrosse 1975; Arizona State University/Masters Degree 1981; currently West/Central District Administrator for Mesa, AZ Parks & Recreation Cultural Division; Board member of State & national parks associations; President's Recognition Award; Young Professional Award; Young Women of the Year Award; Youth Track & Field State Chairmen; President-Arizona Parks & Recreation Association; Arizona Legend 2000; Arizona State University faculty member; volunteer coach; initiated special events & programs for physically challenged people.
"Quest for Excellence"
Inducted May 26th, 2006
Marjorie Bangle
Graduate of UW-River Falls 1975; Masters Degree/UW River Falls 1989; Unity Elementary Teacher - 1975-2000; Honored Queen of the International Order of Job's Daughters; member of the Balsam Lake Library Board; Polk County Kinship Mentor; MS Cheerleading Coach; Wales Exchange Program Participant; Coordinator/Writing to Read Program; Teacher Mentoring Program Consultant; Community Education Gymnastics Coach; Secretary/Unity Education Scholarship Foundation; Sunday School Teacher; Volunteered for many community celebrations & sporting events; affectionately known as the "Unity Elementary Dentist."
"And what is as important as knowledge?" asked the mind;
"caring & seeing with the heart," answered the soul.
Inducted May 24th, 2002
Mary Ann Murphy
Graduate of Milltown HS 1957; College of St. Catherine/ Bachelors Degree; University of North Carolina/Masters Degree; Public Health Nurse, administrator & consultant/ 1961-1975; 1976-1999 Director of Nursing for Eau Claire City-Council Health Dept; awarded WI Public Health Association "Special Achievement Award"; WI Nurses Association "Political Nurse of the Year"; WI Division of Health "Partners in Public Health Award"; served as American Nurses Association/PHN Section Vice Chair; WI Nurses Association Board of Directors & PHN Section Chair; WI Council of Public Health Administrators President; Adjunct faculty, UW-Madison, UW Eau Claire & University of Minnesota School of Nursing; one of the founders of the Valley Free Health Clinic.
Skill - Vision - Determination
Inducted May 28th, 2004
Ann Hraychuck
Graduate of Unity HS 1969, 1973/Polk County Sheriff Dept. Secretary; 1974-1984/Dispatcher-Jailer; 1998-2001/Sensitive Crimes Investigator; 2001/elected Polk County, WI Sheriff & as of this honor, in her 2nd term; Instrumental in developing and implementing the first jail health care-educational program for inmates; Trainer for the WI Dept. of Justice; Founding Board of Directors for the CRA; Co-Founder of the Polk County Child Abuse Task Force; Violence Against Women Advisory Board; Governor Jim Doyle's Sentencing Guideline Commission & Homeland Security Board; Child Fatality Review Task Force; Hunter Safety Instructor; Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities co-founder; President of the Polk County Sportsman Club."In the line of duty' Medal of Valor Presented in 1991.
Role Model - Commitment - Integrity
Inducted May 27, 2005
Gene Ludack
Graduate Northland College 1956; UW-Master Degree 1965; taught at Siren HS - 1956-60; Unity HS - 1965-1993 as a teacher of Math, Physics and Computer Science; recipient National Science Foundation scholarship; Member of the NEA, WEA, NUE; Leader of the UW-River Falls Intern Teacher Program; appointed by the State Sup. of Schools to the WI Intern Teaching Board; 1st "Technology/AV Coordinator in the Unity District; Initiated the "Saturday Skiing Program;" Centuria Village President 1983-85 & 1995-99 & Board member for 13 years; Youth Sports Unlimited Member since 1987 & Treasurer since 1993; St. Patrick Catholic Church Building & Finance Committee; Snowmobile Safety Instructor,
"Master Carpenter,"
Avid Outdoorsman & Committed Volunteer
Inducted May 26th, 2006
Norma Thompson
Graduate of UW-River Falls 1967; Unity HS Physical Education/Driver Education/Life Skills Teacher - 1969-2000; GBB Coach 1973-80 earning 3 conference championships, & 3 regional championships; Girls Track Coach 1973-85 earning 7 conference championships & 3 regional championships; Girls Gymnastics Coach 1968-76 earning 2 conference championships; Pep Club Advisor 1968-2000; GAA advisor 1968-73 and instrumental in establishing the Title IX equity sports program for women in all sports; WI Driver Education Traffic Safety Association representative & secretary; President of the Polk County Horseshoe League; Centuria Bowling League Vice President & President; member of the Trade Lake Association; member of the Polk-Burnett Retired Teachers Organization; member of the NUE/WEA/NEA; member of the Cushing Fun Days Committee; volunteer health care giver.
"A friend who transforms & inspires the way we go forward in our learning and growing."
Inducted May 26th, 2006
Dr. Kelly Chrouser
Graduate Unity HS-1975; UW Eau Claire-1983; Mankato State-Master Degree 1987, PhD-University of Nebraska-1990/Communication and Rhetorical theory; Assistant Professor; published author for Mayfield Press & numerous journal publications; college course designer for the Univ. of Chicago, Columbia Univ., John Hopkins Univ., London School of Economics, Stanford Univ. & Carnegie-Melon,; Instructional Technology designer for online executive courses to include General Electric, America Express, Accenture & other Fortune 500 companies; research manager/national health care association; international consulting; Affiliation with American & International Communication Association; Association of Health Services Researchers; Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education; Board of Directors for Miracle House/Chicago; Central Little League/Des Plaines, IL; Chicago Association of Health Care Executives
Intellect-Integrity-Character
Inducted May 25, 2007
Dave Stark
Graduate Ellsworth HS; UW River Falls-Bachelors Degree; St. Mary's/Winona-Masters Degree; taught Social Studies & coaches Cross Country/Wrestling at Unity High School for 36 years; selected as Educator of the Year at Unity; "Most Influential Teacher" selection in NUE-5 years; Chairperson/Professional Staff Development Committee; Social Studies Dept. Chair; Charter Member of the WI Community Education Program; Balsam Lake Village Board member-10 years; Chairperson/Balsam Lake Homeowners Association; Balsam Lake Rehabilitation Board; Balsam Lake Community Club; Grand Marshall-2005 Balsam Lake Freedom Fest Celebration; 28 years of military duty with the 652nd & 327th USAR earning First Sergeant rank; Army commendation medal with Leaf Cluster; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; WI Reserve Military Achievement Award-1993; planned the development of the DD Kennedy Environmental Outdoor Classroom.
Inspiring-Energetic-Mentor
Inducted May 25, 2007
Elliott Paulsen
Graduate of UW-River Falls 1960; UW-Master Degree 1969; taught in the Unity Elementary School for 34 years and the Centuria Elementary School Principal for 16 years; coached HS baseball, 5th grade basketball, MS & Little League baseball; 8th grade girls basketball & was the "Official Timer" for HS basketball games-26 yrs; Boy Scout Leader; Sunday School teacher/Luther League Advisor; Polk County Kinship Board member & mentor; charter member Balsam Lake Rod & Gun Club-45 yrs/Scholarship committee; hunter safety instructor; Balsam Lake Village Council Trustee-9 yrs; Balsam Lake Fire Dept-14 yrs; President Balsam Lake Cemetery Board; Faith Lutheran Church Council; life member of the NEA;
Extraordinary Educator & Outdoorsman.
"Life is Learning - Learning is Life"
Inducted May 23, 2008
LuAnn White
Graduate Unity High School 1968; Business Professional & Leader; Village Market & Jensen-Sundquist Insurance Agency; Milltown Village President- 16 years; Milltown Community Club - 37 years; "Kid's Night Out" founder & coordinator; Spring & Halloween Dance coordinator for Polk County disabled adults; past President & Coach for Polk County Special Olympics & fundraising coordinator; founded the "Angels in Waiting" non-profit home for disable adults; Board of Directors for National Mutual Benefit Insurance, Community Referral Agency; Polk County Adult Development Center and Polk County Economic Development.
"Never take away anyone's hope. That may be all they have."
Inducted May 23, 2008
Jeffrey Heiderscheidt
Graduate Unity High School 1986; South Dakota State University - Bachelor's Degree 1991; Air Force Institute of Technology - Master's Degree 1996; Doctorate - Colorado School of Mines 2005; currently a Lieutenant Colonel Stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy; More Than Seventeen (17) Years of Service in the U.S. Air Force; Military Decorations Include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal; Taught Engineering Fundamentals and Environmental Engineering Courses to Air Force Cadets; Worked as Mechanical Engineer at Randolph Air Force Base and Lajes Field; Numerous Research Publications Related to Chemistry and the Environment; Mentored Young Boys in Cub Scouts; Active Member of Catholic Parishes Serving in Various Positions Including Lector, Usher, Eucharistic Minister, and Parish Council Member.
Inducted May 22, 2009
Roger L. MacKinnon II, Ph.D., CNIM
Graduate Unity High School 1984; UW-Superior - Bachelor's Degree 1989; University of Kansas - Master's Degree 1993; University of Kansas - Ph.D. 2001; Post Doctoral Associate at the University of Kansas 2001-2007; ACS Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry 1988; Trainee on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Training Grant, University of Kansas 1995-1998; Society for Neuroscience Member; Electrophysiologist with over 14 years of experience in a variety of techniques including whole-cell patch clamping in primary neuronal cultures and brain slices; Science Judge at Sunflower Elementary School; Instructor at the University of Kansas; Certification in Neurophysiological
Intraoperatve Monitoring (CNIM), 2008; Neurophysiologist monitoring spinal surgeries since 2007.
Inducted May 22, 2009
Adam Peterson
Graduate Unity High School 1999; UW-Superior - Bachelor's Degree 2004; Taught Math at Grantsburg High School and then Middle School Science at Athens School District; Implemented a Critter Care Program in the Athens Middle School Science Department; Adam's Critter Care Program was Implemented in the Luck School District and Also Featured on KARE 11 News by Kim Insley; Organized and Participated in the Local Diabetes Walk in Athens; In First Year of Teaching was Assistant Coach for High School Football, Basketball, and Baseball; In Charge of Athens Middle School Football Program; Named Head Boys Basketball Coach in Second Year; Organized Community Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament.Two Things Adam Always Told His Students Were:
"Being Great is a Privilege" and "Work Harder Today So Tomorrow Will Be Easier"
Inducted May 22, 2009
Jackie Reynolds
Graduate Unity High School 1967; Wisconsin State University-River Falls-Bachelor's Degree 1971; UW-River Falls Master's Degree 1985; taught in the Unity Elementary school for 37 years; Physical Education curriculum chairperson for 8 years; 1965 Milltown Queen; co-founder of Santa's Workshop and the Unity Elementary Yearbook; swim instructor at Balsam Lake Beach and Half Moon Beach; Unity Pool swim instructor for students and adults; Polk County Red Cross swim coordinator and instructor for 10 years; Community Education Adult Swimming and Elementary Gymnastics coach for 10 years; began Unity's Metric Meet and Jump Rope for Heart for elementary students; Jr. High Cheerleading advisor for 5 years; Jr. High Track coach for 13 years; Jr. High Gymnastics coach for 13 years; High School Gymnastics coach; P.S.D.C. committee member for 8 years; Balsam Lake Bi-Centennial Dance choreographer; organized Kiddie Parade for Fisherman's Party; active member of Milltown Community Club including working at the Fisherman's Party, Santa Day, Pumpkin Fest, and the 100th Birthday Celebration.
"Good Karma is Cost-Effective"
Inducted May 28, 2010
William "Bill" Alleva
Graduate UW-Superior 1971; UW-Superior Master's Degree in Teaching 1972; post graduate at UW-Madison, Eau Claire & River Falls; Unity HS Social Studies Instructor-11 years; UHS Principal-25 years; Quiz Bowl Coach; Mock Trial & Teen Court Supervisor; Middle School & Little League Baseball Coach; Varsity Baseball Coach; Assistant Athletic Director; Organized Unity intramural athletic athletic activities; Community Education Supervisor; Developed Unity's Alternative Diploma Program; Coordinator of UHS "Grad Party" & "Senior Video;" Cesa 11 Educational Consultant; WI Dept. of Public Instruction Social Studies Committee; North Central Secondary School Accreditation National Committee; Member of Senator Herb Kohl Scholarship Committee; Polk County Human Resources Board; Polk County Criminal Justice Committee; St. Croix Valley Family Resource Board of Directories; Kinship Mentor; WIAA official-40 years; Unity Area Lions Club member.
Inducted May 28, 2010
Michael "Mike" Morris
Graduate UW-River Falls 1972; taught mathematics at Unity High School for 36 years; 2006 St. Croix Falls Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year; Chair of the School Evaluation Steering Committee; mentor for many new teachers; served on District Curriculum Committee and Chaired the Math Curriculum Committee; member of Mathematics Advisory Committee for Cesa 11; coached Unity Middle School Boys Track from 1973-1979; coached Unity High School Boys track from 1980-Present; 1988 Sports Illustrated "Faces in the Crowd," 1996 Wisconsin Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame; coached Unity High School Baseball for 32 years winning 283 games as Head Coach, coaching in the State Tournament six times, winning the State Championship once, and State runner-up twice; 2009 Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Baseball Association; Assistant Football Coach for 27 years; Senior Grad Party volunteer; member of 2008 Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative Board; Our Lady of the Lakes Finance Council member, Pastoral Council member, Building Committee member, Religious Educator, Usher, and Parish Festival worker; Kinship Mentor.
Favorite Friday saying to students "Make Good Choices and Have a Good Weekend"
Inducted May 28, 2010
Carolyn (Reed) Vadnais
Graduate Unity High School 1982; United States Air Force Academy-Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology 1987; Utah State University-Master's Degree in Physics 1992; Air University-Master's Degree Strategic Studies; Currently a Senior Systems Engineer with Integrity Applications Incorporated, directly supporting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring, MD; More than twenty (20) Years if Active Duty as an Officer in the US Air Forces in Europe supporting Operations Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and a multitude of smaller contingencies and humanitarian operations; Managed extensive research efforts designed to improve combat survivability of B-2 Bomber fleet and improve space launch reliability; Retired from Active Duty in 2007 with the permanent rank of Colonel; Military Decorations include Air Force Research and Development Award, the Air Force Outstanding Staff Weather Officer Award (Twice), the Outstanding Technical Achievement in Weather Award, and Seven (7) Meritorious Service Medals Awarded by the US Air Force.
Inducted May 27, 2011
Harry Alan Beck, O.D
CAPT, United States Navy Medical Service Corp Unity High School Class of 1973; Ripon College, Bachelor's Degree 1977; Indiana University School of Optometry, Doctorate 1981; Dedicated family man; Active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Osceola including service on numerous church committees and providing custom hand-crafted altar furnishings; Community optometrist and business owner for twenty-five (25) years; Combined service time of twenty-nine (29) years in the US Navy and Navy Reserves, selected to rank of Captain in 1999; Served as a Navy Field Optometrist in Togo, Ghana, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, and northern Alaska; Recalled to active duty in 2005 and served a year as the optometrist at two (2) Army camps in Kuwait; Talented handyman, woodworker, artist and musician
Inducted May 27, 2011
Jane Jensen Smith
Graduate St. Scholastica-Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Home Economics Education in 1971; St. Mary's University-Master's Degree in Education 1997; taught family and consumer education at Unity High School for 33 years; Leader of Power of Positive Students (POPS); coached Unity High School Girls's Basketball from 1974-1990; coached Unity High School Girls' Track from 1974-1990; Wisconsin State Horseshoe Champion six (6) times; 1992 Wisconsin Horseshoe Pitching Association Hall of Fame; Wisconsin Horseshoe Pitchers Association Vice President since 1990; Volunteer Driver for Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County since 2008; Volunteer Driver for American Cancer Society; Volunteer for the Balsam Lake Red Cross.
Inducted May 25, 2012
Monti J. Hallberg
1972 Unity High School Graduate; 1979 University of Wisconsin-River Falls-Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Math and Science Education with a Coaching Minor; 1974-77 UW-River Falls Baseball Team; 1989 University of Wisconsin-River Falls-Master's Degree in Education Administration; 2007 Edgewood College-Ed.D. Doctoral Program for Education Administration, 1979-83 Luck High School Teacher in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Computers and Varsity Baseball & Wrestling Coach; Finance Coordinator, Director of Personnel, District Computer Coordinator and Math Teacher/Coach at the Saudi Arabian International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-8 years; Principal and Director of Curriculum and Staff Development at the Saudi Arabian International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-4 years; Unity Middle School Principal-2 years; Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Curriculum, and Instruction at the International School of Islamabad in Islamabad Pakistan-5 years; District Administrator in the Barron Area School District (since 2001-Longest Tenure for Barron District Administrator)-Initiated Strategic Planning, Electronic Curriculum & Textbooks, and Technology Standards for Employees; Enhanced Cooling and Heating Using Biomass Fuels in Partnership with Local Businesses; Passed Two (2) School Referendums; Served on Board for Wisconsin Association for Equity in Funding; Initiated School and Community Soccer; Barron Public Library Board; WASDA Legislative Steering Committee; Volunteer Soccer and Baseball Coach.
Inducted May 25, 2012
Gina Sarow
Graduate Central Michigan University-Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1979; St. Mary's University-Master's Degree in Children's Engineering 2001; taught elementary education at Unity Elementary School for 31 years; Girls JV and Assistant Basketball Coach 1978-1982; Girls Junior High Basketball Coach 1982-1988; Community Education Advisory Council Member 1990-2010; Outstanding Unity Teacher Award 1990-1993; Unity Teacher of the Year 1994-1995; Nominated for Disney's American Teacher Awards 1999 and 2002; Recipient of the Herb Kohl Fellowship Award 2000; Mentor Trainer for Unity Mentorship Program 2000-2010; Began Pet Partners with Murphy and Lewis (Golden Retrievers); Published Author in Science and Children Journal 2001; Presenter at the 26th Annual Early Childhood Education Conference 2003; Established and Maintained the Kindergarten Bird and Butterfly Garden; Organized a WWII Trip to Washington D.C. for Local Veterans; Board Member for the Natural Alternative Food Co-op; and Board Member for the Lamar Community Center.
Inducted May 24, 2013
Ben Ellingson
Graduate Unity High School 1999; Milwaukee School of Engineering-Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Electronics and Bioinstrumentation 2005; Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin Ph.D. in Functional Imaging 2008; From 2003-2005 worked as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery, at the Medical College of Wisconsin, studying vehicle crashworthiness, spinal biomechanics, and head trauma; During his Ph.D. studies he was instrumental in developing new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the spinal cord; Work in spinal cord imaging has led to a reputation as a world-wide leader in state-of-the-art spinal cord imaging techniques; After earning his Ph.D.; he took a position as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Radiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin studying brain tumor imaging; Received the W.S Moore Young Investigator Award in Clinical Research and 1st place prize in Cancer Imaging at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM); and currently he is an Assistant Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Physics in the Department of Radiological Sciences in the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Inducted May 24, 2013
Lee Milligan
Unity High School Class of 1972 Valedictorian; UW-River Falls, Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and Farm Management 1976; UW-River Falls, Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics 1985; UW-Extenion Agricultural Agent in Pepin County for seven (7) years; UW-Extension Agricultural Agent in St. Croix County from 1988-2010; Nominated for the 2010 ANRE Outstanding Agen Award; Recipient of the 2010 UW-River Falls CAFES Distinguished Agriculturalist; Loved being involved with Farm City Days and the Glenwood City County Fair; Co-Founder of the St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners Association; Enjoyed farm work and spending time outdoors - whether snowshoeing in the winter of bicycling on Wisconsin's many scenic trails; His greatest love was being a husband and best friend to his wife of 29 years, Debbie, and dad to his two girls; and most of all he loved the Lord, his God, and spoke often and longingly of spending eternity with Him.
Inducted May 24, 2013
Craig Miles
Graduate UW-River Falls-Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education 1980; St. Mary University-Masters Degree in Teaching & Learning in 2001; taught and coached in the Independence School District 1980-1985; taught in the Unity School District at Middle School and Elementary Levels from 1985-2012; while at Unity spent much time coaching as an assistant and head coach, in track softball, Middle school basketball and was head football coach for 26 years; Recipient of District II High School Coach of the year in 1998. Also served as a certified WIAA official in track, softball, baseball and football. Presenter/speaker to many different organizations on significance, grief, and kindness and compassion topics; Unity School District Oustanding Educator Award 2009; Wisconsin State Superintendent Friend of Education Award 2010; Unity school District Mentor Committee Chairperson; Mathematics Curriculum Committee Co-Chair; Coaches Faith Group leader; Trained PDP reviewer; FCA Leader; Present member of Luck Lutheran and past member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving as Council President; Interfaith Caregivers Volunteer 2011-present and W.I.N.G.S. Foundation Founder/CEO 2006-present.
"Kindness always counts"
Paul A. Hauge, DDS
Unity High School Class of 1966; University of Minnesota, Bachelor's Degree 1969; University of Minnesota Dental Surgery Doctorate 1974; Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota working at the Hennepin County Medical Center Department of Prosthetics and Oral Surgery; Established Hauge Dental Clinic in Centuria in 1975; Board of Directors of Osceola Health Care Foundation; Medical Staff at St. Croix Regional Medical Center; Medical Staff at Osceola Medical Center; Member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Member of American, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Dental Associations; Member of Northwest District Dental Society; Member of the St. Croix Valley and Cerec Dental Study Clubs; Corporate Member of St. Croix Regional Medical Center; Member of the Good Samaritan Board; Largest Provider of Dental Services for Underprivileged and Handicapped Patients in the Northern Half of the State of Wisconsin; Past and/or Present Member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Youth Sports Unlimited, the Balsam Lake Rod & Gun Club, and the Polk County Sportsman Club; and coached some middle school boys and girls basketball in the 1980s and Balsam Lake Little League baseball in 1964 and 1965.
Alice Peacock
Graduate Unity High School Class of 1988; Lawrence University - Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts 1992; National recording artist and singer/songwriter for radio, television and film; Trustee of the National Academy of Recording Ats and Sciences (GRAMMYS); Founder of Rock for Reading, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and resources for the cause of literacy.
Curtis Gaylord
St. Croix Falls High School Class of 1933; Attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN; Balsam Lake School Board Member; Publisher of the Polk County Ledger for 50 Years and Owner for Nearly 50 Years; Member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association for 50 Years and Held Numerous Offices in the Association; Served as President of the Polk County Newspaper Association for a Decade; Informed the Public on the Features of Consolidating the Unity School District and the Benefits of the Consolidation; Member of the Polk County Public Health Council; President and Secretary of the Balsam Lake Commercial Club; Charter Member of the Unity Lions Club in 1957 (Member for 31 Years Including Serving as President and Vice President); Honored by the Girl Scout Council of the St. Croix Valley; Received Recognition for Meritorious Service to the Polk County 4-H and was Recognized for Supporting June Dairy Month; Publicity Chairman for the Polk County Unit of the American Cancer Society; Also Countless Newspaper Awards Spanning Decades of Service.
Steve Quist
Unity High School Class of 1965; Worked at Tretsven Auto and Milltown Marine; Started His Own Business “Steve’s Alignment Center” in 1983; In Need of Expansion He Bought the Building on Main Street Where “Steve’s Appliance Plus” is Still Located; Member of Milltown Community Club for 34 Years Including Many Years as President; Active Promoter of the Annual Fisherman’s Party and Milltown’s Centennial Celebration; Spearheaded a Community Endowment Effort to Provide Continuing Education Scholarships for Unity High School Graduates; 2016 Milltown Grand Marshals with His Wife Joyce; Also Instrumental in Angels in Waiting, the Community Referral Agency (CRA), and Numerous Bering Park and Milltown Area Improvements Projects.
Daniel Murphy
Graduate Unity High School 2006; Attended the Rhode Island Naval Academy Preparatory School; Graduate of Unity States Naval Academy - Degree in Aerospace Engineering 2013; Vice President of Naval Academy Class of 2013; Completed His First Tour if Duty 2017; Currently a Lieutenant Flying a MH-60S Helicopter Stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Volunteers as a Coach, Jump Instructor, Jump Pilot, and Parachute Rigger for the Naval Academy Parachute and Skydiving Team; Volunteers Countless Hours at Homeless Shelters Near the Naval Base; Volunteers at Tidewater Park Elementary Tutoring Children of All Ages.
Inducted July 10, 2018
Kathleen M. Gionis (nee Gaylord)
Unity High School Class of 1965; Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, Bachelorof Arts Degree in International Relations 1969; Worked as Editor of the Luck Enterprise Herald Newspaper in Luck, WI, Honeywell, Inc., and Viking Electric Company before entering Hamline University School of Law in 1977, graduating with a. Juris Doctorate Degree in 1980; Admitted to the Western District of Wisconsin Federal Court and all the Circuit Courts of the State of Wisconsin.
Joined the James R. Erickson Law Firm , St. Croix Falls, WI in 1981 and established her own private practice in 1984 where she was the sole practitioner until her daughter joined the practice in 2007, establishing Gionis & Murtaugh Law Office, LLC, in St. Croix Falls.
Certified as a State Public Defender, Assigned Counsel Division, in 1980, and represented hundreds of indigent clients in criminal and mental commitment cases over the years; Family Law has been her primary area of practice and she has represented clients in over ten (10) counties in Northern Wisconsin over the years; Awarded the 2018 Governor's Trailblazer Pioneer Award Honoring Women in Business, celebrating 34 years of business ownership.
Inducted July 10, 2018