WFSC logo American Philatelic Society Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs
American Philatelic Society Chapter #350
American Topical Association Chapter #107

          This page lists with honor WFSC members who have passed away. The information is obtained from the "Closed Albums" columns published in Across the Fence Post, and reprinted here, and from the "Closed Albums" sections of the WFSC Annual Meeting Minutes also published in Across the Fence Post (ATFP).

          yyyy = listed in the "Closed Albums" section of the WFSC Annual Meeting Minutes for this year published in ATFP

Closed Album - Anne Burgett

Across the Fence,February 1990, Page 6

Oshkosh Philatelic Society: Mrs. Anne Burgett, 80, December 20, 1989. Anne was the wife of Herbert E. Burgett, whohas been Secretary of OPS for many years. Anne and Herbert met as young stamp collectors at a club meeting, and a romance blossomed into marriage.

Closed Album - Dr. David A. Baerreis

Across the Fence,February 1990, Page 6

Badger Stamp Club: Dr. David A. Baerreis, 73, died in Taos, N.M. on October 31, 1989. Dr. Baerreis was active and respected among the Badger Stamp Club membership and served as President of the club during 1976-77. In 1982, he moved to New Mexico, but continued to correspond with several of his stamp collecting friends in Wisconsin.

Closed Album - Earl J. Morser

Across the Fence,February 1990, Page 6

Oshkosh Philatelic Society: Earl J. Morser, 76, died on October 2, 1989 Earl had been President of OPS. Fellow employees at Wisconsin Electric Power Co. saved stamps on incoming mail for Earl, and he made the stamps available to others to further the hobby.

Closed Album - Raymond N. Schmitz

Across the Fence,May/June 1990, Page 2

Raymond N. Schmitz (Fond du Lac Stamp club), 75, died in Fond du Lac on Sunday, March 4, 1990. Ray was active in the stamp club for many years and served in various official positions, especially secretary and treasurer, which he enjoyed most. About a year ago, in disposing of his collection, he contributed many items to local club members.

Closed Album - Robert F. Meyer

Across the Fence,January 1990, Page 2

Robert F. Meyer, 69, past president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs died November 20, 1990. Bob served as president of the Wisconsin Federation from 1988 to 1989 and was president of the Wauwatosa Philatelic Society from 1983 to 1986. He also was a member of the Polish American Stamp Club, the Germany Philatelic Society of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Philatelic Society.

In 1989 he was the Milwaukee Area Distinguished Philatelist at the third annual appreciation dinner meeting. The criteria for selecting an individual were one who visibly demonstrated repeatedly their interest in stamp collecting and in developing the interest and enjoyment of the hobby for others.

Closed Album - Stephen F. Darling

Across the Fence,January 1991, Page 4

Steve Darling, one of three founders of the Outagamie Philatelic Society in 1941, passed away October 14, 1990 at the age of 89.

In 1983 the following criteria was submitted by the Outagamie Philatelic Society for his membership into the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs Hall of Fame:

(1) He is an active member that has (2) exhibited his postal history materials and collection many times in local and WFSC exhibitions. (3) Served in an official capacity several times as president of the local club, and in 1957 as WFSC President, and past president of the Postal History Society; (4) attended meetings and WFSC shows on a regular basis, (5) contributed to philately in general thru his research and documentation of the postal history the Green Bay Territory, City of Appleton, Counties of Outagamie, Calumet and Manitowoc.

(6) After 40 years is still supportive of the local club. The latest program he presented was a first-hand account of the UPU in Switzerland. He authored articles on postal history in school papers for youth, and wrote articles for our Valley Philatelist and the Badger Postal History publication on the postal history of Outagamie County, etc.

Steve Darling collected stamps for over 70 years. In 1918 he entered the University of Minnesota. One of his early stamp findings dates back to 1918 when he found an envelope with a U.S. C1 (first airmail) in the wastebasket. After the University he had a teaching fellowship at Harvard. He received his doctorate in1928, and then had a traveling fellowship in Europe. He came to Appleton in 1929 to teach chemistry at Lawrence University, and less than a year later also taught a chemistry class at the newly founded Institute of Paper Chemistry. When he retired from these two educational facilities after 40 years of teaching he was head of the chemistry department at Lawrence University.

Some of his collecting interests were a collection of Holland from number one on, and an exceptional Austrian collection, and several aspects of United States collecting, United Nations, etc. He sold most of his collections in the late 40's to finance his childrens education.

When Appleton hosted the 1977 WFSC convention in Appleton, he was an exhibitor of Appleton Postal History, Show Chairman, and Master of Ceremonies of the banquet. When Appleton again hosted the state show in 1988 he was able to attend the banquet.

He was a lifetime member of APS, past member of the SPA, WWII CCC, European CCC, etc. He helped several local people sell their collections by preparing them for submission to the auction house.

He traveled to Europe many times visiting many of his stamp correspondents. Fostering goodwill on another continent!

Closed Album - Fred Huebner

Across the Fence, March 1992, Page 12

Fred Huebner, of the Badger Stamp Club, passed away on January 3, 1992. He was a member of the club almost from the time of its inception in the early 1960s and served umpteen terms as an officer. His stamp collecting friends in the Madison, WI area, will miss him.

Closed Album - Charles J. Peirce

Across the Fence,March 1992, Page12

Charles J. Peirce, 82, who was one of the first stamp collectors inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Wall of Frame when it was formed in 1976, died Jan. 16 at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

He was a teenage charter member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society when it was formed in 1930 and served as president of OPS on three different occasions. Mr. Peirce was a member of the American Philatelic Society since 1964 and was a life member of the Society of Philatelic Americans.

He was a past president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs (1947--48). Charles was also a member of the Wisconsin Postal History Society, which he served as secretary-treasurer- for seventeen years. We also operated the New Deal Cover Service for many years (later known as the Oshkosh Cover Service).

A 1931 graduate of Marquette University, Mr. Peirce was employed by Superior Coffee Ca. from 1932 to 1957, the last eighteen years as owner of the company. He was employed by the Oshkosh Paper CO. until his retirement in 1969.

We married Bernadette Graf of preen Bay in 1936. She preceded him in death in 1969. He is survived by his second wife (Leone Weher), whom tie married in 1983, by two daughters and a son, and by three stepsons.

Closed Album - Arthur K. Boyce

Across the Fence,September 1992, Page 5

Art Boyce passed away on July 29, 1992, at age 69. Art was an active philatelist in the Madison, WI, and area. He was a member of the former Madison Stamp Club. He later joined the Badger Stamp Club, where he held the position of VP for four years. Art additionally served as WFSC SW Regional VP for the years 1988 and 1989. He specialized in Canadian semipostals.

Closed Album - Esther Hunhausen

Across the Fence,December 1992, Page 8

Esther Hunhausen, veteran stamp collector of the Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society, passed from this life o n Sept. 30, 1992. She was 76 years old.

Esther was a prime mover in getting the Wisconsin Valley club going after World War II. As program director for the club, she would arrange an interesting program for each meeting.

Esther was interested in exhibiting. In the early shows, her exhibits generally garnered top honors. She also worked with youth at many of the shows.

Several years ago, the Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society made Esther Hunhausen an honorary member.

FAREWELL, ESTHER::

Closed Album - Lyle A. Hobbs

Across the Fence, February 1993, Page 4

Lyle A Hobbs, member of the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame, died December 13, 1992, after undergoing a surgical procedure. Lyle was in his mid-70s, and until the time of his death continued to be active in philately. He was well known statewide, having served as president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs for the 1948-49 term. He served two terms as secretary-treasurer, and was a regional VP in the mid-1960s. His chairmanship of the WFSC Committee on Exhibitions was due to expire in April 1993.

Lyle also has held office in the Manitowoc Philatelic Society and was the current president of the Wisconsin Blue and Gray Society. He, additionally, was a member of the Sheboygan Stamp Club.

Lyle was an avid collector and exhibitor of Civil War material and items related to inland waterways. His expertise and kind and gentle manner is a great loss to the Wisconsin philatelic community.

Closed Album - Erik W. Martini

Across the Fence, May/June 1993, Page 1

WFSC President Erik W. Martini suffered a massive heart attack and died at his Milwaukee home on Monday, March 15, 1993. His death was sudden and very much unexpected.

Erik was 65 years old and is survived by wife Inge and three adult-aged children. He retired from the printing trade a few years ago. Unfortunately, he'll never get to use the round-trip tickets to Germany he received as a gift upon his retirement. His commitments to organized philately and other personal matters compelled him to continue to postpone the vacation and visit with relatives abroad.

Erik's active participation with the WFSC dates back to 1977, when he was elected the first Milwaukee Region VP. He held that position until January 1992, when he took over the WFSC presidency for the 1992-93 term. Erik was a conscientious and effective president with a variety of goals. His greatest goal was to achieve closer cooperation among member clubs.

In addition to his WFSC activities, Erik held membership and offices in many Milwaukee-area clubs. These include the Italian-American Stamp Club (past-VP), Czeslaw Slania Study Group, Germany Philatelic Society (past-VP Milwaukee. Chapter.), Polish-American Stamp Club (Treas.), and Milwaukee Philatelic Society. Erik was well known for his service on the MILCOPEX Committee. Since 1976 he served in a variety of capacities. He was General Chairman of MILCOPEX '93. On the national level, Erik was a member of the American Philatelic Society and the Croation Philatelic Society.

Erik's collecting interests included Germany, Poland, Croatia, Austria, Yugoslavia, and Switzerland. His specialty was Saxony on cover with number cancellations. Erik was not only a collector, but also an experienced exhibitor and WFSC certified judge.

Many feel the loss of Erik Martini within the Wisconsin philatelic community, and we remember him with great honor.

Erik's successor to the office of president of the WFSC is Greg S. Schmidt, of Neenah, WI.

Closed Album -- Les Mack

Across the Fence Post, September 1994, Vol. XVI No. 7, Page 1

Les was a long-time member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society and a recent member of the Badger Stamp Club. He served as GBPS's president for at least two years. He collected first-day covers and Mr. ZIP blocks. Les passed away on May 15, 1994.

Closed Album -- Ralph O. Hoffmann

Across the Fence Post, December 1994, Vol. XVI No. 10, Page 1

  Ralph was a member of the Oshkosh and Outagamie Philatelic Societies for 19 years. Throughout the years, he held many offices in both clubs. He was an experienced collector and was active in the Zippy Collectors Club.

  Ralph served as the WFSC NE VP for the years 1978-82 and was elected to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1985.

Closed Album -- Tom Regan

Across the Fence Post, December 1994, Vol. XVI No. 10, Page3

  Tom was a member of the Fond du Lac Stamp Club, in which he served in various offices. He also held membership in several other specialty organizations. He passed away at his home on Oct 17,1994.

Closed Album -- Charles K. Luks

Across the Fence Post, January 1995, Vol. XVII No. 1, Page 3

  Since 1986, Charles Luks was WFSC member-at-large. He passed away on Oct 7, 1994. He often exhibited his collections at WISCOPEX and was nationally known for his column "The Mail-In Exhibitor", which appeared in The Philatelic Exhibitor, journal of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors [APS# AF0157].

Closed Albums -- George R. Johnson

Across the Fence Post, January 1995, Vol. XVII No. 1, Page 8

  George Johnson was a member of the Chain-o-Lakes Stamp Club. He passed away on Nov 22, 1994.

Closed Albums --  Wayne Mott

Across the Fence Post, January 1995, Vol. XVII No. 1, Page 8

  Wayne Mott, age 86, passed away on Nov 16, 1994. He was a member of the Badger Stamp Club and specialized in collecting United Nations material. 

Closed Albums -- Dorothy Rautmann, James Flores, Dorothy Meyer

Across the Fence Post, April 1995, Vol. XVII No. 4, Page 11

  All were members of the Sheboygan Stamp Club

Closed Album -- Rev. C. Luke Leitermann

Across the Fence Post, May-June 1995, Vol. XV No. 5, Page 2

  Father Leitermann passed away in March 1995. He was a past-president of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and served one term as WFSC Secy.-Treas. [Webmaster's Note (DH): He also ran a dealership called Vatican Stamps for many years.]

Closed Album -- Harold C. Myhre

Across the Fence Post, May-June 1995, Vol. XV No. 5, Page 2

  Harold Myhre passed away in early April 1995. He was a member of the Badger Stamp Club (Madison) and Wisconsin Postal History Society.

Closed Album -- Steve Oettinger

Across the Fence Post, September 1995, Vol. XVII No. 7, Page 8

  Steve Oettinger, a long-time collector and sometime dealer of the Green Bay Philatelic Society, dies in April 1995. Steve was a quiet, unassuming person, whose obituary did not divulge any facts about his past life. His Worldwide stamp collections were one of his constant friends. We will miss his wry smile and ready sense of humor at our meetings and shows. (Submitted by Clete Delvaux, Secy., GBPS.)

Closed Album -- Emory Bowers

Across the Fence Post, September 1995, Vol. XVII No. 7, Page 8

Emory Bowers was a member of the Baraboo Area Stamp Club. He held the position of club treasurer.

Closed Album -- George H. Haertel

 Across the Fence Post, September 1995, Vol. XVII No. 7, Page 8

George H. Haertel held the honor of "Distinguished Member" of the Central Wisconsin Stamp Club. George died on July 21, 1995.

Closed Album -- Bernie Kniffen

Across the Fence Post, September 1995, Vol. XVII No. 7, Page 8

Bernie Kniffen passed  away on August 6. He was a long-time member of the Badger Stamp Club. Due to ill health, gave up his collecting activities a few years ago.

Closed Album --   Mary Lou Wagner

Across the Fence Post, September 1995, Vol. XVII No. 7, Page 8

Mary Lou Wagner served for many years as secretary-treasurer for the Manitowoc Philatelic Society.

Closed Album -- Randall Moldenhauer

Across the Fence Post, March 1996, Vol. XVIII No. 3, Page 2

  Randall "Randy" Moldenhauer, age 70, of Pickett, WI, passed away on January 27, 1996. Randy was an active member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and seldom missed a meeting

Closed Album - William J. Stilp

Across the Fence Post, September 1996, Vol. XVII, No. 7, Page 8

William J. Stilp, Outagamie Philatelic Society member since 1946, passed away July 21, 1996. Bill served as the club's secretary-treasurer far many years. In 1967, his non-collecting wife took over his position until 1978. The Stilps also handled bringing in and serving refreshments at the OPS meetings. Both were awarded OPS life membership.

Bill was a member of the American Philatelic Society. He collected United States first-day covers.

Closed Album - Curtis Moore

Across the Fence Post, January 1997, Vol. XIX, No. 1, Page 2

Green Bay Philatelic Society lifetime member and sometime dealer Curtis Moore died in October 1996 of complications from diabetes. Club records show that Curtis's GBPS membership extended farther back in time than any other current member: his name is recorded as a junior member on the 1932 rolls.

In the past few years, Curtis's illness caused the loss of his legs. Yet it was only his failing eyesight that prevented him from being philatelically active. Nevertheless, most GBPS members will fondly remember Curtis's past participation in club activities - as he now begins new collections.

Closed Album - Wilbur Symes

Across the Fence Post, February 1997, Vol. XIX, No. 2, Page 7

Wilbur Symes, charter member of the Manitowoc Philatelic Society passed away in November 1996. Symes served as the WFSC's president for the 1951-52 term of office. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 7992.

Symes was an active Footloose Filatelist. Additional memberships included the Wisconsin Blue and Gray Society, Wisconsin Postal History Society, and now defunct Wisconsin Christmas Seal and Charity Stamp Society.

Closed Album - Walt(er) Doberstein

Across the Fence Post- December 1997, Vol. XIX, No. 10, Page 9

Walt(er) Doberstein (1921-1997), of the Green Bay Philatelic Society, died on October 19, 1997. Although Walt did not get to too many meetings in recent years, he did add his five minutes' work in GBPS's September program, "A Baker's Dozen of Your Favorite Stamps."

The GBPS directory indicates that Walt had lately limited his collecting to postally used United States philatelic items. But in his earlier years as a journalist in display advertising, he wrote a series of topical articles, which he illustrated with stamps, for newspaper publications.

Closed Album - Gene Bowman

Across the Fence Post, January 1998, Vol. XX, No. 1, Page 1

On November 19, 1997, Gene Bowman closed his album for one last time. Gene was a founding member of the Waukesha County Philatelic Society and over the years has contributed greatly to philately on all levels. Yet, we know he is watching from on high and his influence will continue to have an effect on us as we go about the hobby that we love.

Our condolences and best wishes go out to MaryAnn Bowman, Gene's wife, who is also a WFSC officer.

Closed Albums - Carl Skupski

Across the Fence Post, February 1998, Vol. XX, No. 2, Page 1

Carl Skupski, age 90, died on December 25, 1997. Carl served as WFSC president for the years 1972-74. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1978. Throughout the years, he held various offices in the Milwaukee Philatelic Society, Wauwatosa Philatelic Society, and Polish American Stamp Club.

Closed Albums Ruby Otto

Across the Fence Post, February 1998, Vol. XX, No. 2, Page 1

Ruby Otto also died on December 25, 1997. Ruby, together with her husband, Bill, held membership in several Milwaukee-area clubs. She was highly regarded as the sparkplug behind club social events. Ruby and Bill were honored at the Milwaukee-area 1996 Distinguished Philatelist Appreciation Dinner.

Closed Album - Herbert E. Burgett

Across the Fence Post, April 1998, Vol. XX, No.6, Page 1

Herbert E. Burgett, of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society, died on February 23. 1998. He was 89 years old. Herb was a charter member of the OPS when it was formed in 1930 and held all offices in the club at one time or another.

Herb specialized in Christmas seals and charity stamps and was also an officer of the now disbanded Wisconsin Chapter, Christmas Seal and Charity Stamp Society.

He was inducted into the WFSC Hall of Fame in 1986.

Closed Album - Ray Atchison

Across the Fence Post, July/August 1998, Vol. XX, No. 6, Page 7

Ray Atchison, age 69, died on April 21. 1998. Ray was president of the Fond du Lac Stamp Club and a member of the Ripon Philatelic Society. He served the 1958-59 term as president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs and was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1993

Closed Album - Leroy Haberkorn

Across the Fence Post, November 1998, Vol. XX, No. 9, Page 3

Chain-o-Lakes Stamp Club member Leroy Haberkorn passed away in August. Leroy often shared many interesting stories about his stamp collection with club members. He was a well-known Waupaca resident having successfully coached the Waupaca High School football team for several years.

Closed Album - Doris R. Brand

Across the Fence Post, December 1998, Vol. XX, No. 10, Page 7

Doris Brand, of Bruce, WI, died on May 19, 1998. Doris was a member of the Sheboygan and Chippewa Valley Stamp Clubs. She also was a longtime WFSC member-at-large.

 

Closed Album - Mary Portz

Across the Fence Post, January 1999, Vol. XXI, No. 1, Page 3

Mary Portz, member of the Waukesha County Philatelic Society, died in November 1998. Mary was also a Waukesha-area stamp and coin dealer.

Closed Album - Bill Allen

Across the Fence Post, May/June 1999, VOL. XXI, No. 5, Page 10

Bill Allen, of Escanaba, MI, died suddenly in December 1998. Bill, a member of the Northwoods Philatelic Society (Iron Mountain, MI), was a tremendous asset to the club and stamp collecting in general.

Bill was a member of numerous other philatelic organizations and was widely respected well beyond the boundaries of Michigan as a postal historian. He gave eagerly yet modestly of his incredible abundance of knowledge, and one could not help but gain from moments spent with him in the enjoyment of stamp collecting.

Bill will be greatly missed by all of his Northwoods Philatelic Society friends.

Closed Albums Eugene Joyce

Across the Fence Post, May/June 1999, VOL. XXI, No. 5, Page 10

Walworth County Stamp Club member Eugene Joyce died on December 6, 1998, after a courageous fight against cancer. Through-out his 77 years, Gene served with the U.S. Air Force in World War II and the Korean War, and as a teacher at Badger High School in Lake Geneva.

He was the WCSC's treasurer for seven years and a regular volunteer helper for the group's annual show. Of stamps, he often said, "I like whatever catches my eye. If you don't like it, don't collect it, but save it for someone who does!"

Gene is sadly missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known him.

Closed Album - Ruth Fisher

Across the Fence Post, July/August 1999, Vol. XXI, No. 6 , Page 7

Ruth Fisher, a member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society, died on March 21. Ruth was club secretary from approximately 1979 through 1990. She was an ardent collector of Mr. ZIP blocks. Known as a caring person, Ruth was the club's one-person Sunshine Committee.

Closed Album - Robert L. Sommerfeldt

Across the Fence Post, November 1999, Vol. XXI, No. 9, Page 3

Robert Sommerfeldt, a member of the Pond du Lac Stamp Club, died on September 8, 1999. Bob was a past-president of the club and handled all the club show publicity for many years.

Closed Album - Ray  Orz 

Across the Fence Post, March 2000, Vol. XXII No. 3, Page3

  Ray Orz, a member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society and the Polish American Stamp Club, died on January 27, 2000. He was 85 years old.

Ray was extremely active in both clubs. He almost regularly served as delegate for either of these clubs at the WFSC Annual 3usiness Meeting.. 

Closed Album - Raymond P. Scheffner

Across the Fence Post, April 2000, Vol. XXII No. 4, Page3

  Ray Scheffner died on February 27, 2000. He was 85 years old.

Ray was a longtime member of the Sheboygan Stamp Club and active in promoting youth philately.

Closed Album - Jean Sempere

Across the Fence Post, May/June 2000, Vol. XXII No. 5, Page 3

Jean Sempere, aged 77, died on December 27, 1999. She was a longtime member of the Northwoods Philatelic Society (Iron Mountain, MI). Jean is remembered for her enthusiasm for stamp collecting, cheerful disposition and faithful attendance at club meetings.

Closed Album - Mary Ann Sarsfield Koerner 

Across the Fence Post, October 2000, Vol. XXII, No. 8, Page 1

Former WFSC Treasurer Mary Ann Sarsfield Koerner died on August 3, 2000. Mary Ann served in this position throughout the years 1975-86.

She also was an extremely active member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society, Polish American Stamp Club, and Italian American Stamp Club. Mary Ann held many offices in all three groups, including president of the MPS.

Closed Album - Raymond J. Wood

Across the Fence Post, October 2000, Vol. XXII, No. 8, Page 1

Raymond J. Wood, 73, passed away on August 17, 2000. For 50 years, Ray dedicated his efforts toward organized philately in Wisconsin. He was the WFSC's VP for the 1955-56 term. He later became the WFSC's South Central Region VP and had served in that position since 1992.

Ray joined the Belle City Stamp Club (Racine) in 1950 and throughout the years held every office within that organization. He also was a member and past-president of the Wisconsin Postal History Society. He specialized in postal history of Racine.

Closed Album - Dorothy Repine

ACROSS the Fence Post, March 2001, VOL. XXIII, No. 3, Page 9

Dorothy Repine, longtime member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society, died on December 22, 2000, at age 84.

Dorothy specialized in British postal history, and from the early 1960s to the mid-1970s, she regularly exhibited her collection at WISCOPEX.

Closed Album - Ray Van Handel Jr.

Across the Fence Post, April 2001, Vol. XXIII, No. 4, Page 5

Ray Van Handel Jr., age 80, died on February 8, 2001. He was a member of the Wisconsin Postal History Society and the Sheboygan Stamp Club. A graphic artist by profession, Rays special cancel designs was used at many major philatelic events.

Ray specialized in Sheboygan postal history, German inflation stamps, and the first issue of Czechoslovakia.

Closed Album - Irene Orz

Across the Fence Post, July/August 2001, Vol. XXIII, No. 6, Page 2

Irene Orz died on March 5, 2001. She and her husband, Ray, who died in 2000, were very active members in several Milwaukee-area clubs.

Irene served over 25 years as secretary of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society. She was a founding member of the Italian American Stamp Club and the Polish American Stamp Club. She also was a charter member of the Czeslaw Slania Study Group, which is based in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee-area clubs honored Irene at their 1990 Distinguished Philatelist Appreciation Dinner.

Closed Album - Chuck Baldridge

Across the Fence Post, October 2001, Vol. XXIII, No. 8, Page 5

Chuck Baldridge, of Florence, WI, died on June 25, 2001. He was a member of the Northwoods Philatelic Society (Iron Mountain, MI) and the Wauwatosa Philatelic Society.

Chuck owned Baldridge Worldwide Stamps and was very much liked and respected among Wisconsin collectors. He received the WFSC's Dealer Recognition Award in 1999.

Closed Album - Morris (Morrie) Luck

Across the Fence Post, December 2001, Vol. XXIII, No. 10, Page 4

Morrie Luck passed away on October 14, 2001; He was an active member of the North Shore Philatelic Society of Milwaukee. He was also a member of other Milwaukee-area clubs.

Morriss recent philatelic endeavors involved reaching out to youth. He devoted much time to participation in local school programs that allowed him to introduce stamp collecting to the students.

Closed Album - William "Jim" Maher

Across the Fence Post, March 2002, Vol. XXIV. No. 3, page5

On February 2, 2002, William "Jim" Maher died of a sudden heart attack. The incident occurred while he was on a trip to New York City.

Jim was very active in the WFSC administration. He served on the Finance Committee, Hall of Fame Committee, and Judging Committee.

He was a member of the Milwaukee and the Waukesha County Philatelic societies. He was the current vice president of the Wisconsin Postal History Society.

He was also a certified WFSC judge. As an exhibitor, his collection of Irish philately garnered many national-level awards.

Jim was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1990.

Closed Album - Daniel "Revenue" Rhoades

Across the Fence Post, March 2002, Vol. XXIV. No. 3, page5

Former WFSC President Dan "Revenue" Rhoades died December 29, 2001. As his nickname implies, Dan specialized in the field of revenue stamps both as a collector and dealer. Due to ill health, he sold the business in 2000.

Dan was a longtime member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society. He served as the WFSC's Southeast Region VP from 1975-78 and assumed the presidency for the 1981-83 term. Dan was an American Philatelic Society judge and a certified WFSC judge.

Closed Album - Jim Seiler

Across the Fence Post, March 2002, Vol. XXIV. No. 3, page5

Jim Seiler passed away on January 17, 2002. He had been receiving chemotherapy at the time of his death.

Jim was a member of the Sheboygan Stamp Club and the Manitowoc Philatelic Society. He assisted the WFSC by serving as ATFP advertising manager.

Many Wisconsin philatelists knew Jim and his wife, Renee, as proprietors of Renee's Stamps. In 1996, the Seilers received the WFSC Dealer Recognition Award.

Closed Album - Orion Hintz

Across the Fence Post, September 2002, Vol. XXIV, No. 7

Orion Hintz passed away on June 26, 2002. He was a longtime member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and had served as the group's secretary for eight consecutive years.

Orion's philatelic interests included used U.S. and worldwide stamps. He also collected U.S. revenues and duck stamps.

Closed Album - William "Bill" Otto

Across the Fence Post, October 2002, Vol. XXIV. No. 8, page1

Bill Otto, age 74, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on September 5, 2003. Bill was an extremely active member of several Milwaukee-area clubs.

During the years 1992-95, Bill served as president of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society. He was the current president of the Italian American Stamp Club and the Polish American Stamp Club. He was a charter member of the Waukesha County Philatelic Society and the American Air Mail Society Billy Mitchell Chapter. Additional memberships include the Germany Philatelic Society Chapter 18, North Shore Philatelic Society of Milwaukee, Czeslaw Slania Study Group, the Wisconsin Postal History Society, and the American Philatelic Society.

Bill was involved in a myriad of activities sponsored by Milwaukee-area clubs, including promoting philately to youths.

In 1996, he received the Greater Milwaukee Area Distinguished Philatelist award. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2001.

Despite his tremendous service to philately, it's well documented that those who knew Bill respected him and developed affection for him because of who he was, not just because of what he has done.

Bill collected stamps and covers of the United States, Canada, Great Britain and the United Nations.

Closed Album - Robert "Bob" Sparks

Across the Fence Post, September 2003, Vol XXV, No. 7, Page 5

Robert "Bob" Sparks passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2003. Bob was a long time member(35 Yrs) of both the Oshkosh Philatelic Society, and the Outagamie Philatelic Society. He was also an APS member.

During his membership with the Oshkosh Club, Bob served as the Clun's Secretary for five Consecutive years. He also headed many short term projects for the Oshkosh Club. Bob was also very generous in supplementing the Oshkosh Club's assets. He will be missed by many of his fellow collectors.

Closed Album - Carl J. Ziesemer

Across the Fence Post, November 2003, Vol. XXV, No. 9, Page 3

Carl J. Ziesemer, of Des Plaines, IL, died on September 24. He was 81 years old. Carl was a well-respected and familiar figure at Wisconsin stamp shows. He and his wife, Phyllis, operated Plainex Stamps from 1971 to 1999, and received the WFSCs 1998 Dealer Recognition Award.

Carl was a WFSC member-at-large. He also was a member of the Kenosha Stamp and Cover Club, as well as some national philatelic organizations. Carl is especially remembered for his exceptional generosity in supporting youth philately.

 

Closed Album Deanna Juhnke

Across the Fence Post, November 2004, Vol.XXVI, No. 9, Page 5

Deanna Juhnke, of Stevens Point, passed away on October 10, 2004, after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 65 years old.

Deanna was well known throughout the Wisconsin philatelic community having served as WFSC treasurer for 18 years (1986 through mid-2004). She demonstrated extreme competency in her position and rarely missed an Executive Board meeting. She was additionally active in many other aspects of the WFSC, often stepping in to help when needed. Deanna and her husband, Rollie, regularly helped staff the WFSC society booth at MILCOPEX and at every WISCOPEX.

In addition to her WFSC activities, Deanna served the Central Wisconsin Stamp Club throughout her 30-plus years of membership. With the exception of the presidency, she held every office at one time or another. She was general chairman of WISCOPEX 94, when it was hosted by the CWSC.

Deanna was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame Class of 1997. Her collecting interests included stamps from Hungary and the United States. She also had a fondness for topical collecting, even though she never developed a collection of her own. What she especially enjoyed, however, was the fellowship of other philatelists.

We sorely regret the loss of Deanna Juhnke and we remember her with great honor.

Memorial donations can be made to Deannas favorite charity, which was the Portage County Humane Society, P.O. Box 512, Sevens Point, WI 54481.

Closed Album - Roger J Szymanski

Across the Fence Post, December 2004, VOL. XXVI, No. 10, Page 4

One of the most active stamp collectors in the Milwaukee area passed away September 21, 2004. Past President of Milwaukee Philatelic Society and president of the Polish American Stamp Club, and recipient of the Greater Milwaukee Area Distinguished Philatelists Award. Mr. Szymanski started collecting as a kid and his hobby took him on a lifelong journey including extensive travel to national and international shows, most recently Milcopex 2004 to visit with his many area stamp collecting friends.

He belonged to about 20 philatelic societies and clubs, specializing in Germany, Austria and airmail, willingly sharing his knowledge and interests, regularly helping youth at Milwaukee-area shows. Roger Szymanski will be missed by many in the Milwaukee region.

Closed Album - Robert Bob Johnston

Across the Fence Post, July/August 2005, Vol. XXVII, No. 6, Page 1

GBPSs club secretary for the pst two years passed away in February 2005

Closed Album - Claude Dominique Giralte

Across the Fence Post, July/August 2005, Vol. XXVII, No. 6, Page 1

On April 30, 2005, one of our long time, cherished members and club president, passed unexpectedly after having heart by-pass surgery a few weeks ago.  Claude Dominique Giralte was born in Reims, France on May 31, 1944.  He moved to America at the age of 18.  He fought for our nation in Vietnam between 1965-66, although he did not become a US citizen until 1973.  He began a 38-year career with Concours Motors in 1964.  He was married to Margaret Ellen Schmidt on October 7, 1972.  They had two sons:  Daniel and Raymond.  After Claude retired from Concours Motors in 2002, he began to work full time with Margaret at their bead store in Cedarburg.  But we all knew Claude best for his love of philately.  Claude started collecting stamps at the age of 12 and has been active in many stamp clubs over the years.  Our club was fortunate to have had his leadership for so many years.  His work was exhibited on state and national levels and had won numerous awards.  In 2000, Claude won a silver medal at the Sydney Olympics for his exhibit on swimming and swimming pools.  Claude will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.  We will miss him dearly.

Closed Album - Leroy Carl Anderson

Across the Fence Post, November 2005, Vol. XXVII, No. 9, Page 4

Leroy Carl Anderson, 78 ROCKFORD - Leroy Carl Anderson, 78, of Rockford departed his life for a much better one Aug. 30, 2005, after a valiant battle from complications of surgery. Born Jan. 20, 1927, in Rockford, the son of his beloved "Mama" Elsie Anderson and his dad, Carl A. Anderson. He worked as a carpenter and served many years as an officer of Carpenters Local 792. He was director of the Carpenters Apprenticeship program for 34 years and continued to train apprentice carpenters until his illness interfered. He served in Japan during World War II as a member of the occupation Army and after discharge was a proud member of the Army Reserves in Rockford for 20 years, going to Fort McCoy, Wis., once a year for training. He was the grand marshal in a recent Labor Day Parade in Rockford. Member of Forest City Baptist Church, serving on the Building and Grounds Committee. He was also involved with The Salvation Army and was a member of Rockford Stamp Club and American Philatelist Society. Leroy was a friend to many people and enjoyed helping out whenever he could. Survivors include children, Jonathan, Joy, Heather and Sara; sister, Lillian E. Cave; nephew, Tom Cave, and his family; niece, Valerie J. Benson; former wife, Debbie; his relatives in Sweden, whom he visited in 1998 (his ticket was given to him by the Carpenters); and his many friends.

 Closed Album - William A. Grosnick Sr.

Across the Fence Post, December 2005, Vol. XXVII, No. 10, Page 4

William A. Grosnick Sr. died Tuesday, Oct. 4,  2005 at a Wausau hospital after collapsing at the Wausau Post Office. Bill was 93 years old.

  Survivors include his wife, Edna; son, William Jr., and daughter, Mary Wagner and granddaughter,  Gretchen Wagner.  

 Bill was a World War II veteran and was  employed by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad from 1945 to 1975. Bill was a very active member of many fraternal organizations and social  clubs.

Bill Grosnick was president of the WFSC for  the 1985-86 term and the Central Region VP 1983-85.

He was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of  Fame in 1988. Bill was a long-time member of the  American Philatelic Society and the Wisconsin Postal  History Society. He exhibited his various postal history  specialties at many stamp shows for many years.

 The Wisconsin Valley Philatelic Society was  privileged to have Bill's support as a member since  its beginning fifty years ago!

  Bill's enthusiasm and support in all aspects of  philately will be inspiration to stamp collectors for  years to come.

  We are all grateful to have known you, Bill.

Closed Album - Mary Ann Owens

Across the Fence Post, January 2006, Vol. XXVIII, No. 1, Page 5

Wisconsin native Mary Ann Owens passed away on November 21, 2005. She was well known in philatelic circles throughout the world.

Mary Ann started collecting stamps in 1960 when she was given a set of 1957 elephant stamps from Laos. At the time, she was already collecting elephant miniatures. This gift of stamps was to lead her into new directions in the hobby and adventures that would take her throughout the world. Her elephant stamp collection eventually became an award-winning exhibit.

In later years, her exhibiting world extended to other thematics like "The Blue Danube River", "Umbrellas and Parasols", and the "U.S. Transportation Coils". Sometimes she exhibited in other disciplines, but she always came back to topical/thematic exhibiting. Most recently, her exhibits were on "Ladybugs", "The Badger", and "The Aspinwall Connection" (a display exhibit on genealogy.)

Mary Anns first foray into organized philately was joining the American Topical Association (ATA) in the 60s. She served as an ATA judge. In 1969 she was awarded the ATA Distinguished Topical Philatelist Award.

Mary Ann was the founder of the Waukesha County Philatelic Society. She was also active in the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs where she served as a judge from the late 1960s to 1980. She was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1977.

The American Philatelic Society (APS) was another organization that Mary Ann had close ties to. She was a member since 1964 and served on many committees (Awards and Honors, International Relations, Youth, Speakers, Commissioners, and Judges Accreditation). She served as an APS Director-at-Large from 1993-1997. She was an APS Accredited judge as well as an FIP judge at many internationals. In 1991, she received the APS Luff Award for Outstanding Service to Philately.

Mary Ann was appointed to the USPS Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee in 1979. She served that organization until her retirement in 1997.

In 1993, Mary Ann signed the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists of Great Britain.

Mary Ann served as seminars coordinator for major U.S., international, and world-class events. She was the author of several books and wrote columns for various philatelic publications.

Mary Ann always found time to talk to and help collectors. She did much to advance the cause for topical/thematic collecting and exhibiting at a time when it was not as accepted as a philatelic discipline. She gave freely of her time and talents. Her seminars were always interesting and informative.

Mary Ann left Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1980. She had made Brooklyn, New York, her home the last 25 years. But she always had a soft spot in her heart for her home state Wisconsin. She was an avid sports fan and passionately followed the Wisconsin teams. She returned to Wisconsin regularly to support our stamp shows as well as to pursue her genealogy interests. Mary Ann was a true Badger! The philatelic world and Wisconsin will miss a truly great friend.

Closed Album - Paul C. Thoman

Across the Fence Post, March 2006, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, Page 8

The family and philatelic friends of Paul C. Thoman mourn his death on January 27th, 2006, at the age of 73. He was in a care facility the last months suffering from Parkinsons disease. Services and burial were held in Neenah on January 31st.

He was active for many years in the philatelic community. Starting in 1985 and ending in 1994 he completed six terms as president of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and one term as Vice-President. For a number of years Paul and his wife Lois hosted the end-of-the-year OPS picnic at there Neenah home. One of his collecting interests was first day covers and he found himself President of the First Day Cover Collectors of Wisconsin. He enjoyed the design of covers and generously gave examples of his work to his many friends. With help from Lois he always seemed to come to the OPS Christmas meeting with homemade treats. Several times he provided program material for the club, often in the form of games to test your philatelic knowledge.

He had many friends at the Outagamie Philatelic Society too.

He married Lois Stolper in 1960 and was the proud father of two children, Jane and Todd. After service in the U. S. Navy, Paul earned two education degrees from the University of Wisconsin System and started teaching in 1990, and then tutored for ten more years. The qualities that made him a respected educator were evident in his hobby activities. He will me missed.

Closed Album - William "Bill" Feldhausen

Across the Fence Post, March 2006, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, Page 8

Longtime Green Bay Philatelic Society member William "Bill" Feldhausen, 81, died Monday, December 26, 2005. Because his practices with the Allouez Village Band sometimes fell on the same night as GBPS meetings, Bill could not always make our meetings, but he was always ready to help the club--especially at setting up for BAYPEX shows. The GBPS directory listed Bill's collecting interest as "General." He was interested in collecting most stamps--including Christmas seals.

Closed Album - Roy E. Northwood

Across the Fence Post, May 2006

Roy E. Northwood, former president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs and named to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1993, died at his residence in Stevens Point Feb. 18. He was 83. Northwood was active in organized philately in the central Wisconsin area for many years. He was president of the former Portage County Stamp Club and a life member of the Central Wisconsin Stamp Club of Stevens Point and Port Edwards. Born in 1922 in Gloucester, England, Northwood came to the United States with his family in 1926 and lived first in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. Northwood and his wife, Luella, moved to Wisconsin Rapids from St. Louis, Mo., in 1959. He was customer relations manager and training director for Preway Inc. and retired in 1987. His wife preceded him in death. Northwood served as WFSC president for one two-year term, 1983-85. He served as Central Region vice president a total of 16 years, spanning his term as president. He also served on several WFSC committees. He collected British South Atlantic, United States, United Nations and Antartica.

Closed Album - Gilbert R. Labudde

Across the Fence Post, May 2006

One of the old lions of stamp collecting recently died in Oshkosh. Gilbert R. Labudde died March 21 at the age of 97. He was suffering from congestive heart failure and related problems of his advanced age. He last attended an Oshkosh Philatelic Society meeting Feb. 7. Until recently, Labudde drove to Evergreen Retirement Community building, where he was met by club members who helped him get to a lower-level meeting room. He was a founding member and the last living charter member of the Oshkosh Stamp Club, now called the Oshkosh Philatelic Society. Five members met and organized that group Feb. 24, 1930. He was assigned membership #14. Labudde was an employee of the Oshkosh Northwestern for more than 50 years, having served a number of editorial positions, including editor. He retired in 1978. Although his newspaper responsibilities prevented him from serving as an OPS officer until after retirement, he served as vice-president during most of the 1990s, and was eventu- ally honored by the organization for all his positive coverage of the hobby during his professional years. Labudde served the U.S. Navy during World War II, and attended numerous ship reunions over the years, including one in 2005. He was planning on attending a 2006 event as well. His pastor of many years noted that during Labudde's military service he escaped injury on at least three occasions when his ship was damaged and there was extensive loss of life. Labudde received military honors by Oshkosh vertans' groups. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma ("Nan"), in 1987.

Closed Album - Fred Erickson

Across the Fence Post, July 2006

Known sometimes as "Fearless Fred," Frederick L. Ericksen, longtime member of the Fond du Lac Stamp Club closed a well-worn album April 21. Fred also was a member of both the Oshkosh and Ripon philatelic societies for many years. Fred began his philatelic activities as a youngster at the old Fond du Lac YMCA Stamp Club. His father's automotive business provided an unending source of used stamps from letters and packages. While Ericksen's philatelic interests throughout his life covered a wide variety of areas, his later years were focused on exhibit-oriented collections of stamps featuring the orchid.As a past president of the Fond du Lac Men's Garden Club, this activity probably suggested the direc- tion of his last philatelic concentration. Mr. Ericksen was long acquainted with Fond du Lac's heavy-hitter collectors, including Philo and Elmer Foote and Dr. E.V. Smith. He was a past president of the Fond du Lac Stamp Club and served the WFSC as East Central Region Vice President (1984-96). He also served s delegate to many WFSC meetings and was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame. In later years, Mr. Ericksen participated as the club's youth leader. Truly, an important space in the Big Album has now been filled.

Closed Album - C. Dorance Gibbs

Across the Fence Post, November 2006

C. Dorance Gibbs, 78, of LaCrosse, died Tuesday Sept. 12 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse. He was born Claren Dorance Gibbs on Dec. 21. 1927, in LaCrosse to Claren and Sylvestra (Wermuth) Gibbs. Dorance was a lifelong stamp collector, having begun collecting at the age of 5. He later turned his hobby into a small business. He also has been a life member of the American Philatelic Society since 1969. After contracting polio at the age of 17 and missing his senior year of high school, Mr. Gibbs later returned to night school and completed his high school educa- tion. He furthered his education with two years of business college. On June 16, 1951, Mr. Gibbs married Joan Elston in LaCrosse. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary earlier this year. He worked for the Trane Co. in the order and billing department, retiring in 1980 after 30 years of service. Mr. Gibbs is survived by his wife, Joan, of LaCrosse, a daughter, Kathy (Gilbert) Nimm, of Watertown; a son, Rev. John Gibbs of Superior, as well as grandchildren Mark Gibbs, Melissa (Travis) Cooper, Elizabeth Nimm, Jessica Nimm and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Patricia Ferguson, and by his brother, David. Memorials may be given to the Gundersen Lutheran Foundation or to the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Gibbs' family also would like to thank Dr. Venki Paramesh and his associates at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center for the excellent care he received. They also would like to thank the nurses and CNAs on the sixth floor and in ICU for their care and compassion.

Closed Album - Peter D. Adamini

Across the Fence Post, October 2007

Wisconsin stamp dealer Peter D. Adamini of Green Bay died July 6. He was born Nov. 29, 1942, in Ishpeming, Mich. He was a member of the Green Bay Philatelic society. Adamini graduated from Nothern Michigan University and taught high school at Escanaba, Mich., for 17 years.

Closed Album - Mario Giombetti

Across the Fence Post, October 2007

Mario Giombetti, 83, of Bristol, former president of the Kenosha Stamp & Cover Club from 1980-82, died July 9 at his home. He also was vice president of the club from 1975-79. Giombetti is survived by seven children, eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. His wife, Marlene, died in 2002.

Closed Album - James B. Hale

Across the Fence Post, December 2007

Jim Hale died Nov. 4, 2007, at age 85. Jim lived in Madison, Wis., and was a longtime member of the Badger Stamp Club, where he was an avid supporter of BSC's youth group. Jim also was an extremely active member of the Wisconsin Postal History Society, having served as vice president from 1969-73. Most notable, though, was his impressive approximate 25 years of service as editor of Badger Postal History, the WPHS's quarterly journal. Jim additionally edited several of the WPHS's numerous bulletins and authored his own book titled History of Post Offices of Door County, Wisconsin. Jim devoted much time at the Wisconsin Historical Society compiling an inventory of its philatelic holdings, which later became a WPHS publication. He was a prolific writer of articles related to Wisconsin postal history. He also wrote extensively for publications related to his employment as a wildlife research professional for the State of Wisconsin. Jim became involved with stamp collecting at age 8 and throughout the years, exhibited his various collections at the local, state and national levels. He was a WFSC-certified judge and was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1994. Jim was an enthusiastic, inquisitive and genuinely helpful individual, who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Closed Album - Jeff Stenber

Minutes, WFSC Board Meeting, April 2008

Member, Milwaukee Philatelic Society.

Closed Album - Dick Loescher

Minutes, WFSC Board Meeting, April 2008

Member, Outagamie Philatelic Society.

Closed Album - Hilda Termaat

Minutes, WFSC Board Meeting, April 2008

Member, Central Wisconsin Stamp Club.

Closed Album - Ronan Breit

Minutes, WFSC Board Meeting, April 2008

Member, Kettle Moraine Coin & Stamp Club.

Closed Album - George Stolze

A founding member of the Northwoods Philatelic Society, George served as president on several occasions, and was instrumental in helping get club auctions off to a great start, as he ran the bid book for years prior to taking ill. He was key in establishing the relationship between the club and its host, the First Lutheran Church of Iron Mountain, Michigan. He served the church, the club, and the community with dedication.

Closed Album - Chuck Green

Charles H. (Chuck) Green of Oshkosh, treasurer of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, died at Mercy Medical Center on April 9. He was 80 years old.

A collector of United States stamps for many years, Green was a long-time member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and was its immediate past president. He took the office of WFSC treasurer July 1, 2008, and would have completed his term this summer.

He was born in Gary, Ind., in 1929, and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1947. Green served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. His adult working years were as an insurance agent in Omro, Wis.

Green assumed leadership positions in several charitable and civic organizations. He was state president of the Elks as well as the past exalted ruler and current treasurer of the Oshkosh Elks Lodge. He was a past president of the Oshkosh Jaycees and past president of the local United Cerebral Palsy board, on which he was a member for 10 years. He had been a mentor for the Winnebago County Literacy Council and a former Little League coach.

In recent years, the Oshkosh Philatelic Society would have a club meeting activity of sharing of members' "other hobbies." Green usually would show interesting books he had collected from his growing-up years. The WFSC planned to donate a philatelic book in his honor to the Oshkosh Public Library. Green is survived by his wife, Beverly, four children and nine grandchildren.

A memorial Service was held April 13. It was attended by several collectors from the OPS and the WFSC.

Closed Album - Harold E. Richow

Minutes, Wisconsin Postal History Society, Annual Meeting 2011

Harold E. Richow, 79, of Sun City, CA, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Inland Valley Medical Center in Windomar, CA. He was born in Racine, January 21, 1929, son of the late Harold and Marie (Nee: Bellaire) Richow.

Harold joined the U.S. Army towards the end of WWII and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. Upon his discharge from the service, he had various careers throughout his lifetime.

Surviving are his wife, Wilma; his former wife and mother of his children, Rosemary Richow of Oceanside ,CA; children, JoAnne Tierney of Belle Plane, MN, Debbie Richow of Racine, Cindy Anderson of Buena Park, CA, Marianne (Paul) Douglas of Racine. Harold "Rick" (Charlette) Richow of Phoenix, AZ, Mike (Ann) Richow of Racine, Richard (Christine) Richow of Westchester, OH; stepchildren, Deana (Tom) Pentzer of Chino, CA, Debbie (Robert) Miller of Diamondbar, CA, Glenda (Ken) Kransfeldt of Yorba Linda, CA, Greg (Darlene) Brobston of Altra Loma, CA; 25 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn.

Closed Album - Allan Marcus

Across the Fence Post, April 2011

Allan Marcus, 69, whose service to the hobby of stamp collecting was long and significant, died unexpectedly Friday, April 8, at his home in Neenah. His death came less than a week after he reported at WISCOPEX '11 about his activities in 2010 as northeast region vice president for the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, a position he had held since 2003.

Unassuming and soft-spoken, Marcus advanced the hobby of stamp collecting in many ways and enjoyed all its aspects, from the private enjoyment to public associations.

At the deadline for this newsletter notice, arrangements were being made by his wife, Mary, and family for a memorial service to be held April 30. Marcus was a member of the Outagamie Philatelic Society, Oshkosh Philatelic Society, Green Bay Philatelic Society and Northwoods Stamp and Coin Club of Iron Mountain, Mich., all of which he visited on a regular basis, often bringing others with him for the drive. He also was a member of the American Philatelic Society.

His service to the WFSC goes back to 1993, when he was appointed to a half term as vice president to fill a vacancy. He was appointed again in 1995 to fill a short-term vacancy and then elected to office in 1995 and continuously re-elected until he was chosen as Federation president for the term of 2001-03. He was elected to the WFSC Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2002.

At the time of his death, in addition to his role as regional vice president, Marcus was serving on the committee on exhibitions since 1998 and on the nominating committee since 2003. He was on the newsletter committee 1993-2001.

On a local level, Marcus held officer positions in the Oshkosh Philatelic Society several times, dating to 1982-83 and in the Outagamie Philatelic Society since 1987-89.

He was show chairman for WISCOPEX shows in 1998, 2003, and 2008 and also was show chairman or bourse chairman for several club shows, dating to 1993.

A commercial artist by profession, Marcus designed cachets for several WFSC first-day covers and club cachets.

Closed Album - Donald L. Kenyon

Fond du Lac Reporter, June 5, 2011

Don Kenyon was an active collector and club member for many years with the Fond du Lac Stamp Club and the Oshkosh Philatelic Society. He was an officer in the Fond du Lac club, serving as secretary. He also helped keep current the glass enclosed poster space at the Fond du Lac post office. When he came to the Oshkosh meetings he almost always brought another local collector with him, and many joined him as a member of both clubs.

Service to his country was given by active Army duty from 1942 to 1945. He retired as Major after many years in the Army Reserves. He completed his college at Oshkosh State Teachers College in 1947 and taught mathematics at Mayville and Rosendale High Schools. He retired as an instructor in 1984 at Moraine Park Technical Institute.

Several times over the years the Oshkosh club has programs where members are asked to tell about "My Other Hobby!" Don would talk about his enjoyable time on Lake Winnebago. This was based on his membership in the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, the Fond du Lac Sailing Club, and also the Fond du Lac Ice Yachters.

He is survived by his wife Pluma, one son, and two daughters, and several grandchildren.

Closed Album - Gladys "Toots" Joslin

Across the Fence Post, April 2012

The Green Bay Philatelic Society sadly announces the death of Gladys "Toots" Joslin (1926-2011).

Toots was a long-time member of the Green Bay club, serv- ing as GBPS historian for more years than most current members can remember. The club scrapbook she maintained is a record of the club and its members' activities.

Gordon Lindner, the club's other lifetime member, recalls that in the 1960s Toots was a great spokesperson/recruiter for the club. Gordy also remembers her as a former stamp dealer who rented tables at stamp shows. But his ultimate praise was that "Toots was a good person."

Closed Album - Alice Kluskens

Across the Fence Post, April 2012

Alice Kluskens of the Town of Niagara, died March 3 at Dickinson Memorial Hospital, Iron Mountain, Mich., after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's.

An early member of the Northwoods Philatelic Society, Iron Mountain, she participated enthusiastically in the club's activities until 2010. Her son, Steve, serves as webmaster for the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs.

Mrs. Kluskens was born in Chicago in 1938 and married Emory Kluskens of Niagara in 1958. In 1972, they moved back to Niagara where he operated a tool and die business. He died in 1981.

Alice Kluskens collected stamps as a child and resumed the hobby soon after she married. She favored British Commonwealth and early United States stamps.

Mrs. Kluskens distinguished herself as a 20-year 4-H leader, known throughout Wisconsin, and was an active citizen in the town. "Above all else, she valued learning and independent thought," Steve Kluskens said.

Closed Album - Fred Ziemann

Across the Fence Post, April 2012

Many are not aware of the impact Fred had on exhibiting.

Until a few years ago there was not a "Display Class." Fred noticed when asking club members to exhibit at their club's annual show, they were reluctant to do so. Thinking it over, he decided the word "Exhibit" seemed to scare them off. But, when they were asked to "display" their unusual items, they did, and the "Display Class" was born. Having success getting club members to exhibit in his new category, Fred wrote a "Letter To The Editor" of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors, telling about his success getting new exhibitors. This was the forerunner of that new exhibiting class becoming a new APS-sanctioned class. This has become a very popular exhibiting class as many collectors had items they would've liked to show and until now couldn't. This new class brought about some very interesting exhibits and continues to do so, thanks to Fred.

Closed Album - Wallace Cleland

Across the Fence Post, April 2013

Wallace W. "Mo" Cleland, of Madison, Wis., passed away on March 6, 2013, at age 83. He was a member of the Badger Stamp Club (Madison) and was inducted to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wallace had been active in philately for over 40 years, during which time he conducted original research advancing the understanding of philately and has provided exceptional service to the philatelic community. These efforts were recognized by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum when he was selected as recipient of the 2008 Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award, honoring lifetime achievement in the field of philately.

Wallace specialized in the field of U.S. plate numbers and markings, revenue stamps, coil production, and Washington-Franklin head stamp production. He published over 235 articles in The United States Specialist and Canal Zone Philatelist and served as editor of the Durland Standard Plate Number Catalog. He furthermore did expertizing for the American Philatelic Society and presented several lectures and seminars at national and international exhibitions.

Wallace was extremely active in the United States Stamp Society. He was a three-time recipient of the USSS's highest award for research, having garnered the Hopkinson Memorial Literature Award in 1986, 2002 and 2006. He served as chairman of the Plate Number Check List Service for many years, and in 1989 he was elected to the USSS Board of Governors. In 1992, he was elected to the chairmanship of the Board of Governors and also served as the society’s twelfth president for a portion of that year. He served as the society’s board chairman through 1997. The USSS recognized this service to philately by awarding him the 2006 George W. Brett Century of Service Award, and he was inducted into the USSS Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wallace was a professor in the Biochemistry Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1985 for his pioneering work on enzyme mechanisms, and received many major awards in the field of biochemistry.

Closed Album - Rev. Kenneth McCall

Across the Fence Post, July 2013

Ken McCall, aged 80, and a resident of Escanaba, Mich., died on Jan. 9, 2013, at home. Ken was a member of the Bay de Noc Stamp and Coin Club and was an avid stamp collector of the U.S., and Great Britain and her colonies. His interests were varied and before his death, he had 323 vintage radios that he took to a radio auction in Ohio. His collecting hobby grew after a career as an ordained Presbyterian minister, from which he retired in 1989. Ken served churches in Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. His wife, Carol, a social worker, made their home in Escanaba, Mich., while he served as chief administrator of the Mackinac Presbyter and traveled to about 40 northern churches. Ken was an active and willing participant in all of the activities of the Bay de Noc Stamp and Coin Club. His integrity was above reproach and he will be missed.

Closed Album - Roy Gensch

Across the Fence Post, April 2013

Roy H. Gensch, of New Berlin, Wis., passed away in September 2012. He was living in Iowa at the time. Roy was proprietor of North Bay Stamps and a frequent participant at WISCOPEX and many WFSC member-club shows and bourses. He specialized in German material, pre-1945 U.S., revenues and some non-Scott listed items. Roy was the recipient of the WFSC’s 2005 Dealer Recognition Award.

Closed Album - Serge Logan

Across the Fence Post, February 2014

Serge E. Logan, of Racine, Wis., died on October 30, 2013. He was 87 years old. Serge was extremely active in the now-disbanded Belle City Stamp Club (Racine) and the Kenosha Stamp and Cover Club. He was newsletter editor for both and held many elected offices. Serge specialized in U.S. stamps and particularly U.S. Christmas issues. He also collected Scouts on stamps and Russia. He had an impressive career with the SC Johnson Co., in Racine. For more about Serge’s dynamic life experiences, go to TheJournalTimes.com obituaries of November 3, 2013.

Closed Album - Steve Robert Langkau

Steve Robert Langkau, a former officer of Oshkosh Philatelic Society, died Aug. 10 at Oakwood Manor in Oshkosh. He was 88. Langkau, who primarily collected United States airmail issues, was president of the society during 1990-91, secretary 1991-93, and WFSC historian from 1992-95. He became less interested in the hobby in recent years but did write a 27-page booklet on the history of OPS. A Navy veteran of World War II, Langkau was superintendent of the Oshkosh Sanitation Division.

Closed Album - Mark Kulieke

Mark Warren Kulieke was born on September 3, 1948 in Zion, IL. Mark, older sister Lynn, and their parents moved to Highland Park, IL. His father was a teacher and died when Mark was 13 years old which was very difficult for him to deal with as the only male in the family. He attended grade school and graduated from high school in Highland Park. At 18 he went to college in Decatur, IL for one year and then transferred to the University of Kentucky where he earned a BA degree in History. After graduation he went into the United States Army and had the choice of being a sniper or an investigator, he picked the latter. He was stationed in Vietnam from 1970-1971 in the "brown" area. He was what we would call today, an undercover drug investigator. Several times, the building he had just been in blew up. Of the twelve men trained for that position, Mark was one of only four that came home alive. While in Vietnam he got Hepatitis B and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which he did not know about until the late 1990’s.

After his discharge from the Army, he returned to the University of Kentucky where he earned a MS in Library Science. After his education, he returned to the Chicago area and got a job working in the printing trade, instead of working in a library. Library work was what he really enjoyed doing. Mark specialized in the area of legal and classified documents and worked for several large legal firms.

Mark’s family had a cabin in Door County and he liked the beauty of the nature and the friendliness of the people so he decided to move to Wisconsin. Mark married his first wife when he was thirty years old. They had no children and were only married for 12 years. He married his second wife, Pat, in 1994 and lived with her the rest of his life.

Printing, as with many kinds of work is closely connected to the economy, so in 2001 when the economy dropped, Mark, like many others found himself out of a job. It was Pat that talked Mark into applying for the job as Librarian at the Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI). Mark did not want to go there. This was the only time that he used his MA Degree. It turned out to be the most rewarding job he ever had. He loved the people he worked with and even liked working with the "bad boys."

Mark had a life long interest in two things, world religions and stamps. He was not a member of any religious organization, but strongly believed in God and Jesus Christ and tried to live according to His teaching by his actions. He rarely talked about his past, or even why he liked stamps. It turns out that his stamps were the place that he found peace and safety from his PTSD (combat fatigue) and other troubles of the world.

Mark was waiting for a liver transplant which never came. As typical of such cases several different cancers took over his body. Mark Warren Kulieke closed his album on October 3, 2014, at home in peace and quiet, with his loving family at his side. He is survived by his second wife, 4 step-children, a son-in-law, 3 granddaughters and his first wife.

Mark will be missed by all who knew him.

Closed Album - Verna Shackleton

Across the Fence Post, September 2014

Verna Shackleton, of Appleton, Wis., died on June 16, 2014. She was 84 years old and leaves many fond memories for the philatelic community here in Wisconsin, nation-wide, and beyond. Verna was most known for her 25-some years as secretary for the Collectors of Religion on Stamps. She con-tributed articles for The COROS Chronicleand annotated checklists on German, Swiss, and North American stamps showing churches. She extensively exhibited her collection of European churches on stampsand won many awards.She’s the recipient of the COROS Founders Award and the World Union of St. Gabriel Golden Badge of Honor for her achievement in religious philately.On the local level, Verna served 25 or more years as secretary-treasurer for the Outagamie Philatelic Society (Appleton, Wis.) and assisted with the club’s annual OUTAPEX. She wrote a column titled “Topically Yours” for the OPS newsletter and received the OPS Spark Plug Award. In 1979, she was honored with the WFSC Northeast Region Vice President Award. Verna was active with the Wisconsin Fed-eration of Stamp Clubs and was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1988. She was particularly known for her many years as WFSC historian (1995-2011). She also served two years on the Publicity and Public Relations Committee and was on the Hall of Fame Committee from 1993-95 and again from 2002-10. Verna often stepped forward to serve as WISCOPEX exhibits chairman.Verna presented her slide show of “Churches on German Stamps” at AMERIPEX ’86 and volunteered as a seminar speaker at several national-level shows. In addition to memberships discussed above, Verna was involved with the Fine Art Philatelists, American Topical Association, and ATA Americana Study Unit. Exhibiting was her passion as she claimed it enhances one’s love of the hobby as you dig below the tip of the philatelic iceberg into the what, where, when and why.Verna’s obituary appears in the August 13 Appleton Post-Crescent.

Closed Album - Gordon Lindner

Green Bay Philatelic Society newsletter, December 2015

Gordon (Gordy) W. Lindner passed away on October 22, 2015. He was 77 years old. Gordy is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Nancy. He is also survived by their daughter Laurie and granddaughter, Carly, and a son, Jeff. Gordy worked as a master upholsterer for 50 years at Green Bay Upholstery.

This is basically what the Green Bay Press Gazette had for Gordy's obituary. I want to add a little more about the Gordy Lindner we knew as a lifetime member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society. Gordy was an active member in the Green Bay Philatelic Society for many years until he sold his collections. He was awarded life membership in the club several years ago. He was a part time dealer. He served as the club's vice-president on more than one occasion. He was the show chairman for longer than any of us care to remember, or can remember for that matter. Finally, he was never at a loss to express his opinion on club matters or anything else either.

Gordy had various collecting interests over the years which included Monaco, gold foils (the ones that were really gold), British Commonwealth definitives, and United Nations. Gordy really enjoyed foreign stamps and took a great interest in them. He was an old fashioned salesman. As one club member put it — "he reminded me of an Armenian rug dealer: he could sell gravel to a rock." That member commented that he had a U.N. collection, an Israel collection, and a Princess Di collection in his possession to prove his point. As a matter of fact, I have a foreign accumulation incorporated into my collection too.

Another member commented on Gordy's love of people and the wealth of stories he had at his disposal. I think the words used to describe him was "he was a great raconteur." I second that comment as I remember Gordy telling stories en route to stamp shows, at the shows, on the way home, at club meetings, or whenever you ran into him. He knew so many people in the philatelic community and had experiences with most of them that became topics or subjects of his wealth of stories.

For my own self, I remember time spent with Gordy learning how to be a show chair. I'd go over to his house and we would talk about items of philatelic interest and solve the problems of the world. Eventually we got around to planning the next show and my training. It was a great time.

Gordy, you were a friend, stamp dealer, philatelist, collector, club member, and a fun and interesting person. You will be missed in the philatelic community.

Closed Album - Lucy Marston

Across the Fence Post, February 2017

Lucy Marston, of Iron Mountain, MI, passed away on October 15, in Maplewood, MN. For the last several years, Lucy had resided with her daughter, Mem Lloyd, in that city. Lucy was 102 1⁄2 years young at the time of her passing.

Lucy had the distinction of being the most senior member of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs, through her long-time membership in the Northwoods Philatelic Society in Iron Mountain. Lucy was a very faithful member of the club, and always brought her enthusiasm and her kindness and joy to all the meetings. She collected U.S. stamps, and she was very generous in sharing with other club members, whenever she had stamps she could not use. Lucy continued to collect stamps, and enjoy her hobby immensely, even after she turned 102 years of age.

Lucy will be sadly missed by all her friends at the Northwoods Philatelic Society.

Closed Album - Eliot A. Landau

Across the Fence Post, February 2016

Eliot A. Landau, of Woodridge, Ill., died on January 4, 2016. Eliot was a long-time Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs member-at-large. He originally joined the WFSC to exhibit at WISCOPEX. He retained his membership even after he became a renown exhibitor and American Philatelic Society judge. Eliot was also a member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society and often judged exhibits at MILCOPEX. He was furthermore very active in Chicago-area philatelic organizations.

Closed Album - Jim Cottington

Across the Fence Post, March 2017

Jim Cottington, age 69, of Middleton, WI, passed away on December 11, 2016. He was a longtime member of the Badger Stamp Club (Madison). Jim was always ready to help others in the hobby. He also was the go-to person for technical support in setting up audio-visual equipment for BSC educational programs.

As a youngster, Jim attended the now-defunct Madison Stamp Club with his father, who also collected stamps. Jim specialized in Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Fiji. He also enjoyed collecting topicals on baseball, particularly Hank Aaron. He became an authority on the Fiji bird surcharge overprints and produced several video presentations on the subject, one of which became a seminar at the APS Stampshow 2013, held in Milwaukee.

Jim will be missed by all of us for his enthusiasm, helpfulness and expertise in stamp collecting.

Closed Album - Paul Poeschl

Oshkosh Northwestern, October 2017

Paul L Poeschl, age 69, passed away on October 5, 2017. He was a member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society, and staff member of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Night hours at the museum often kept Paul from stamp club meetings, but he was instrumental in entering some Oshkosh Philatelic Society items into the museum's collection.

Born in February 1948, son of Leo and Ethel (Fischer) Poeschl, Paul attended St. Joseph School in Oshkosh, Sacred Heart Seminary in Oneida, and Lourdes High School in Oshkosh, graduating in 1966. Paul's first job was teller in Oshkosh National Bank, then dispatcher for the State Patrol. He was a member of the Grand Opera House Guild, the Winnebago County Historical Society, Polish American Society in Menasha, and the K-B Club in Oshkosh.

Closed Album - Mike Lybarger

Across the Fence Post, January 2018

Mike Lybarger, of Madison, WI., passed away at age 79 on September 6, 2017. He was a longtime member of the Badger Stamp Club (Madison).

Throughout the 1990s, Lybarger was a faithful helper with BSC’s youth group. He also presented educational programs to the adult club and wrote articles for Across the Fence Post. Lybarger was a professor of history and political science at Edgewood College in Madison. Consequently, he most appreciated the history of the stamp subject. He collected foreign stamps and specialized in back-of-the book items of several countries.

In the early 2000s, Lybarger started selling stamp packets through Linn’s Stamp News. He totally enjoyed that venture and often spoke of how many wonderful acquaintances he made through his sales.

Closed Album - Gene Clark

Across the Fence Post, January 2018

Gene Clark, an active and long-time member of the Outagamie Philatelic Society, passed away at the age of 68 on September 28, 2017 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Gene was a past president, past vice-president and past newsletter editor in the Outagamie Philatelic Society. In addition, Gene was very active in the Boy Scouts of America holding many positions of leadership in that organization including stamp collecting merit badge counselor.

Gene will be missed by many of us in the philatelic community.

Closed Album - Richard Kern

Across the Fence Post, March 2018

Longtime member (over 50 years) of the Kettle Moraine Coin and Stamp Club, Richard Kern passed away on December 3rd at the age of 86, after a short battle with recurring cancer. Richard was retired from the West Bend Company. He was Treasurer of the Club at the time of his death. Besides a great collector of coins and stamps, Richard also collected board games, old road maps, books and Fisher Price toys. The Club remembers him most for his wonderful stamp and coin games he provided for annual Christmas parties for many years. Richard always had a smile on his face and despite painful hip and arthritis problems he was always at the club meetings and never complained.

Richard was born in St. Killian, WI, and grew up on the family farm. He served in the Korean War from 1951-53 and following his marriage to Barbara in 1956, they settled in a home in West Bend where he would remain for 60 years. Barbara passed away in 2008 after 52 years of marriage. Richard wanted to stay in his home and was able to do so until a few weeks before his passing. Richard and Barbara had seven children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Deepest sympathies are extended to his family

Closed Album - Jerry Husak

Across the Fence Post, April 2018

The stamp collecting world mourns the loss of Jerome Husak, the founder of the American Topical Association. Jerry closed his album for the last time on February 22, 2018. As a 17 year old boy, he started the ATA in 1949, working out of his parent’s home in Milwaukee, WI. Today the American Topical Association is the largest all-topical stamp collector organization in the world with nearly 3,000 members. With the help of his wife Sally, Jerry took an idea and through diligence and hard work made the hobby of stamp collecting so much more enjoyable for all. He was one of the original inductees to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 1976. His leadership, foresight, and fellowship will be sorely missed by so very many. REST IN PEACE JERRY.

Closed Album - Art Menz

Across the Fence Post, October 2018

Art Menz passed away on May 18 at the age of 97. He was one of the founding members of the Janesville Stamp Club. He was a lifetime member of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and a charter member of the Janesville Stamp Club since 1969. He was a vest-pocket dealer of stamps and his interests included United States, Israel, and United Nations stamps. He had many stories to tell such as how as a young man, he mowed lawns and was happily paid in stamps. Growing up, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and 38 years at General Motors. His roles with the Janesville Stamp Club include board chairman, exhibit chairman and president. His leadership, stories and fellowship will be greatly missed.

Closed Album - Frank Bontly

Across the Fence Post, October 2018

Frank Bontly passed away June 28 at the age of 72. He was a member of the APS and the Janesville Stamp Club. He was employed at Rock County in Human Services and was a job coach of CESA II. His collecting interests included United States, Switzerland, Switzerland airmail and railroad covers. It is with deepest sympathies that he will be missed by his friends and family.

Closed Album - Frank J. Marrelli

Across the Fence Post, October 2018

Frank J. Marrelli, aged 75, of Kenosha, Wis., passed away on July 4, 2018. He was a member of the Italian American Stamp Club and Kenosha Stamp and Cover Club. Frank was the owner of F&M Stamps in Kenosha. He began as a dealer at local shows in Milwaukee and Kenosha. Frank became a very successful wholesaler, supplying dealers across the United States.

Closed Album - Al Frei

Across the Fence Post, October 2018

Al Frei, aged 90, of Madison, Wis., passed away on June 25, 2018. He was a long-time member of the Badger Stamp Club (Madison). He collected stamps of the United Stamps, Germany, and Canada.

Closed Album - Vern Kraus

Across the Fence Post, November 2018

Vern Kraus, aged 77 of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., passed away on March 26, 2018. Vern served his country in the U.S. Navy. His hobbies included growing & tending his roses, as well as collecting and dealing stamps and postcards. Vern was a member of the Kenosha Stamp & Cover Club.

Closed Album - Ken L. Morton

Across the Fence Post, November 2018

Ken L. Morton, aged 80 of St. Charles, Minn., passed away on July 24, 2018. Ken served in the US Navy as a gunner on the battleship USS Leonard F. Mason. Ken was an optician in Beloit, Wisconsin where he raised his family with his wife Marianne. Ken was an avid stamp collector and was a member and past president of the Janesville Stamp Club.

Closed Album - Donald "Don" Huebner

Across the Fence Post, February 2019

DONALD “DON” HUEBNER, aged 86, of the Badger Stamp Club, passed away November 29, 2018, after a seven-month battle with cancer. He was a veteran, retired bank examiner, Badger and Packer fan, and an ardent collector of many antiques. Lorna May, his wife of 60 years, said “He got his love of antiques and collecting from my mother!" Don especially loved and had a great eye for postal history and other items that had a story to tell. Sometimes it was just the eye appeal of the cover or postcard, but he had a lot of knowledge of “rates” and interesting destinations. If you did research on a cover or destination, Don was always appreciative, as it added to his knowledge. He had a great love for the postal history of the various Zeppelin flights and Zeppelin memorabilia, like toys, menus and books. He always asked a particular dealer friend about “what new treasures” he had acquired or had for sale. Don enjoyed attending shows and club meetings where he could search for new treasures. Don will be missed by our club.

Closed Album - Ken Coakley

Across the Fence Post, March 2019

KEN COAKLEY, of the Green Bay Philatelic Society (GBPS), died on November 16, 2018. Ken was a longtime treasurer and lifetime member of the GBPS. He collected mainly United States stamps. His basement housed much of GBPS’s archives including frames and juniors’ material he brought along to BAYPEX shows. Ken will be remembered for the colorful assortment of old United states stamps—sometimes four or five in number—that he affixed to the newsletter before mailing them to members.

Closed Album - Ellsworth J. Semler

Across the Fence Post, August-September 2019

In March 2019 Northwoods Philatelic Society lost one of its valued long-time members, Ellsworth J. Semler (1928-2019), a jovial person especially noted for his willingness to serve others. He served NPS for several terms as president and led or assisted on many club projects over the years. Because he collected stamps worldwide, he shared a common philatelic interest with every member. Ellsworth served for more than 20 years in the United States Army, the Army Reserve, and the National Guard and was an active member of the Uren Cooper Johnson American Legion Post #50 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, and a dedicated member of the Maranatha Assembly of God Church, Kingsford, Michigan. Every stamp club needs selfless people like Ellsworth to lead and serve. No club can adequately replace such a person when his album is closed.

Closed Album - Darelle Lee White

Across the Fence Post, October 2019

DARELLE LEE WHITE, of Madison, Wis., passed away on July 20, 2019, at age 78. Her death was attributed to a spinal stroke in early 2018 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was a member of the Badger Stamp Club and was appointed the club’s social secretary. She also served on the WFSC Publicity and Public Relations Committee. Many remember Darelle, who helped staff the WFSC booth at MILCOPEX and WISCOPEX. Her pleasant smile and enthusiasm for philately and philatelic fellowship will be missed.

Closed Album - Chuck Sanders

Across the Fence Post, March 2020

CHUCK SANDERS closed his album on December 16, 2019, at the age of 83 years. He was born and raised in Ishpeming, MI. He was a big quiet man, always willing to help. He was employed by Schneider Transportation National Inc. as Director of Loss Prevention for 27 years. He served in the U.S. Army. His main collecting interests were Monaco, South Korea, Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and other miscellaneous. He was a member of the American Philatelic Society. Chuck was a long time, active member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society. He was always there to help set up BAYPEX and help the venders pack up at the end. He was also known as the one who took food orders at BAYPEX and delivered the food, “still hot,” and with the correct change. He is going to be missed by all.

Closed Album - William “Bill” Hodge

Across the Fence Post, April-May 2020

Longtime Oshkosh Philatelic Society member William “Bill” Hodge died on January 26, 2020, at age 87. Because of health problems, he had not been an active member since 2015. At one time, he was a busy collector of foreign issues. Because of his anthropology background he presented several interesting programs at OPS club meetings. Bill was a retired UW-Oshkosh professor.

Closed Album - Jim Stearns

Across the Fence Post, April-May 2020

JIM STEARNS (1945-1920), a member of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs’ Hall of Fame, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at home near Iron Mountain, Michigan on Monday, February 24, 2020, following a long battle with cancer. He was one of the founding members of the Northwoods Philatelic Society, of which he was secretary since the mid-1980s, and also a member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society and past-president of the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada Stamp Club. On the national level, he received his 25-year pin from the American Philatelic Society at the APS’s 2001 Stamp Camp, where he was a frequent participant. Jim became a part-time dealer in stamps and postcards in 1974 and participated as a dealer at shows in both Wisconsin and Michigan where he encouraged postcard collectors to look beyond the picture on the card and philatelists to look beyond the stamp and cancel. Being community minded, with other NPS members, Jim was instrumental in developing and marketing two covers to help raise money for local charities. His Hall of Fame nomination stated: “He is highly respected among the philatelic community ... and has been instrumental in countless ways in promoting our wonderful hobby.”Jim was a true ambassador for philately. He helped to ensure that the NPS’s biennial Stamp Camp for Kids in the Iron Mountain area took place and spoke to school children, the Kiwanis Cub, and other groups in addition to working with local Boy Scouts pursuing their stamp collecting merit badge. He wrote an extensive article on Moroccan stamps that appeared in Across the Fence Post. He also created exhibits, two of which are displayed on the WFSC website.For those who knew him well, Jim will be remembered warmly as a person deeply grounded in family, friends, and faith and deeply interested in the welfare of those close to him. By profession, Jim was a social worker who was perhaps most proud of helping families to grow through adoption. He was loving, kind, helpful, and tactful, a man willing to help and teach others, a man with a sense of humor who could see light even in difficult times. He enjoyed the richness of life in the company of others, and in his will to live and remain active even in periods of adversity, he was an inspiration to all. In his unwavering religious faith and his devotion to others, Jim gave witness to living the Great Commandment to love God and others.

Closed Album - Bob Lambert

Across the Fence Post, June-July 2020

Bob Lambert, my great uncle and long-time member of the Green Bay Philatelic Society passed away on November 17, 2019.Bob struggled for several years with Parkinson's disease but occasionally was able to attend meetings with the help of generous members picking him up and getting him home afterwards. Bob collected mostly U.S. material. He was always interested in what his friends were collecting and always had a positive comment about their collections at meetings.He was 91 years old and the last sibling of seven children to pass away, all of whom were proud to be descendants of the first Belgians (1850's) to settle in the Bay Settlement area of Wisconsin. The avid baker was known for his Belgian pies and Christmas candy. His "jolly" booming laugh always reminded us of a good Santa Clause laugh. Bob had many friends as he was an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance for 34 years in Green Bay and Oconto Falls. He drove a Lamers school bus for 10 years after retirement for after school activities such as track, basketball and football. He was a mentor and role model for these young people he admired and befriended. Bob's many hobbies besides stamps were theater, acting as a fur trader at Heritage Hill, grafting fruit trees, gardening, wine making, traveling, rock polishing, wood carving and especially a good game of cards with family and friends. Bob has been and will be missed by our members at GBPS. I miss him greatly too. Respectfully submitted, Tom Aldrich

Closed Album - Phil McCormick

Across the Fence Post, Oct-Nov-Dec 2020

Phil McCormick, a long time close friend and stamp dealer in Wisconsin, passed away on September 9, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. Originally, from Antigo, WI, he was a Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam war. He worked as an industrial salesman for many years. “Fearless Phil”, as he was called by his friends and family, was a stamp dealer at many shows in Wisconsin over the past 48 years. Like many of us he started collecting stamps as a youngster. After he got married, his wife would buy him stamps on various occasions and that got him back into collecting stamps. His wife Pat remembers going to his first stamp show as a dealer in Green Bay. Pat and their daughter sat with Phil at his table. Phil developed a friendship with many of his show customers. When talking about shows he would always mention that he expected this or that person to show up. When they didn't he was worried that something may have happened to them. That was the thing that his customers liked most about Phil, that he really cared about them. Phil and I became friends because we often ended up having tables next to each other at shows. There was a show in Green Bay one year and all the dealers that were scheduled to be at the show were there, except Phil. I had the only cell phone, at the time, so I called his home, when he answered I asked if he coming. He said “that's next week”. So I informed him that everyone else was here now. He got there two hours after the show started. We even went together to evaluate collections. On those trips we had some wonderful discussions about life. On one in particular I had met Phil at a park and ride and he drove to the site. On the way back we were so involved in our discussion that he drove right by the exit to my car. We laughed all the way to the next exit and back. I am certain that many stamp collectors and dealers will miss him as much as I do. Respectfully submitted, Dave Carney

Closed Album - William "Bill" Yankus

Across the Fence Post, Oct-Nov-Dec 2020

William “Bill” J. Yankus, age 77, of St. Lawrence, Wis., passed away on September 8, 2020. Bill was not one to sit still. He was active in a number of organiza-tions serving youth. He was in the Kingsmen Drum Corps and became an instructor for several years. He was a leader for the St. Lawrence Eager Beavers 4H Club. He also joined the St. Lawrence fire department and became one of their first EMTs.Bill was very active with the Boy Scouts. He attended several jambo-rees throughout the United States and Europe where he taught stamp collecting. He was involved with an updating of the Stamp Collecting Merit Badge manual. Bill was also active in Scouts on Stamps Society International and often staffed their society table at stamp shows within and surrounding Wisconsin. Bill was a member of the Kettle Moraine Coin and Stamp Club.

Closed Album - Thomas Boykoff

Across the Fence Post, Jan-Feb-Mar 2021

Thom Boykoff died Decenber 28, 2020, at age 77. He lived in Madison, Wis., and was a longtime member of the Badger Stamp Club. He died of COVID-19 with underlying health issues of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.In addition to collecting stamps, Thom had an amazing collection of official photos, cards, stationery and other items of ephemera from dignitaries around the world. He had letters from every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan, holiday cards from Fidel Castro, etc. Thom had a very clever method of attaining these items and shared interest-ing stories with his fellow Badger Stamp Club members.Thom was an attorney and spent a career in numerous posts in Wisconsin state government.

Closed Album - Henry J. “Hank” Schmidt

Across the Fence Post, Jan-Feb-Mar 2021

Hank Schmidt, of Oshkosh, Wis., died in September 2020. He was 88 years old and had been living in a memory care center.Hank was an active member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society, having served as president and vice president for several terms. He was also extremely active in the now-defunct First Day Cover Collectors of Wisconsin. He was the group’s president for four terms and for eight years edited their newsletter titled The Wisconsin Cover Sheet.Hank’s other memberships include the Wisconsin Postal History Society, Collectors of Religion on Stamps, American Philatelic Society, and the American First Day Cover Society, for which he contributed articles to First Days, journal of the AFDCS. He produced his own first-day covers identified under the brand name “Art Coy.” Hank served six years as vice president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs. For several years he wrote a column about first day cover collecting that appeared in Across the Fence Post.Hank was inducted into the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2003.

Closed Album - Roger Carlson

Across the Fence Post, Jan-Feb-Mar 2021

Roger Carlson, age 80, of Madison, Wis., passed away on November 3, 2020. He had endured a long battle with cancer.Roger was an avid collector of worldwide stamps. He was a member of the Madison Stamp Club and the Badger Stamp Club, for which he had served a term as vice president and president.

Closed Album - Adrian Stransky

Across the Fence Post, Apr-May-June 2021

Adrian Stransky, of Madison, Wis., died on January 28, 2021. He was 101 years old and attended Bad-ger Stamp Club meetings until the pandemic arrived in 2020. The club celebrated his 100th birthday in Febru-ary 2019. (See Across the Fence PostApril 2019, p. 9).Adrian served in World War II and participated in a Badger Honor Flight in 2011. He started a court reporting business and a printing company in Madison, Wis.Adrian was a long-time collector of worldwide stamps.

Closed Album - Lloyd Rectenwald

Across the Fence Post, Apr-May-June 2021

Waukesha County Philatelic Society - It is with regret that I inform you that the WCPS lost a club member to COVID-19. Lloyd Rectenwald, 74, passed away on December 15, 2020. Lloyd’s membership in the club goes back many years. He faithfully attended almost every meeting. His international collection filled many albums and he enjoyed sharing a topical collection of ladybug stamps that he made for his wife, Sherry.

Closed Album - John Romppainen

Across the Fence Post, Apr-May-June 2021

Waukesha County Philatelic Society - Long-time club member John Romppainen passed away last March (2020). Many will remember John for his interest in first-day covers. He even created his own line of cachets which he sold at shows and on the inter-net. John’s interest in cars and World War II were also reflected in his collecting interests.

Closed Album - Eric Richter

Across the Fence Post, Apr-May-June 2021

Members of the North-woods Philatelic Society have lost another good friend: Eric Richter. For many years Eric and Joan made the trek from Crivitz to the NPS meetings and added greatly to the fellowship of the group. Their warm personalities and Eric’s knowledge of stamps made them an important part of each meeting.Following service in the U.S. Marines (1949-53), college, and marriage to Joan, Eric worked in the financial department at Kim-berly-Clark in Neenah (1956-1987) and then taught outdoor education at a YMCA camp (1987-1994). He and Joan moved to Crivitz in 1994 and spent summers in the Les Cheneaux Islands near Cedarville, Mich. Simple biographical facts fall far short of describing Eric, however. He was a man for whom engagement with people was a strong motivating factor.In recent years, health problems limited Eric’s physical presence at NPS meetings, but he and Joan remained in contact with the club through the newsletter and personal contact with mem-bers. We give thanks for the long association we had with Eric and extend our sympathy to Joan, son Rob, and Eric’s many friends who will miss him greatly.CLOSED ALBUMEric Richter(5/22/1931 - 12/29/2020)

Closed Album - Kirk Becker

Across the Fence Post, July-Aug-Sept 2021

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Kirk Becker, a longtime member of the Green Bay Phila-telic Society. Kirk closed his album for the last time on May 6, 2021. Kirk was very active in the Green Bay club. At one time or another he held each of the four offices in the club. Most recently he was the club’s treasurer and had been in that role since 2009.Kirk was also very active for a time in the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs. He was a past-editor of Across the Fence Post and he contributed to the research, development and design of the first “Wis-consin on Stamps” album that the WFSC put together.Kirk collected stamps from around the world; he particularly enjoyed collecting definitives. He was working on a Japanese collection and a New Zealand collection when he passed. He was very proud of the fact that he had completed his Bahawalpur collection. Most of those stamps are fairly com-mon, but there was one stamp he spent some years searching for; needless to say, he was quite pleased when he finally found it.Kirk will be greatly missed by all his philatelic friends both in the Green Bay Philatelic Society and in the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs. RIP, Kirk.

Closed Album - Ken Hrubec

Across the Fence Post, Oct-Nov-Dec 2021

Ken Hrubec, a member of the Badger Stamp Club, died on July 27, 2021. He was 70 years old. Ken spent his lifelong career operating a metal finishing business in Illinois. Upon retirement, he moved to Viroqua,Wis. Ken was an ardent worldwide collector. His passion for the stamp collecting hobby lives on through a request that any memorials be given to the American Philatelic Society.

Closed Album - John Fagan

Across the Fence Post, Apr-May-June 2022

John Fagan, of Menomonee Falls, Wis., passed away on January 30, 2022. He was 93 years old, and spent many of those years volunteering to serve the philatelic community. He was resoundingly welcomed to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame Class of 1996. John was a member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society, the Germany Philatelic Society (Chapter 18), the Wauwatosa Philatelic Society, and founding member of the Waukesha County Philatelic Society. He was a member of three other Milwaukee-area clubs that are no longer meeting. On the national level, he held membership in the Ameican Air Mail Society, Germany Philatelic Society, American Society of Polar Philatelists, France and Colonial Philatelic Society, American Topical Association, and the American Philatelic Society. John held offices in several of the local clubs, as well as volunteering his time and talents on numerous projects at all levels. He served as club treasurer, librarian, auction record keeper, meeting setup and tear-down helper, and MILCOPEX bourse chairman, to mention a few. He graciously operated his offset printer to produce club publicity at no or minimal cost to clubs. He also printed Across the Fence Post for a period of years. John served as WFSC Southeast Region VP from 1993 to 1999. He was awards chairman from 1999 to 2020. John collected early France and zeppelin stamps and covers.

Closed Album - Paul T. Schroeder

Across the Fence Post, Oct-Nov-Dec 2022

Paul T. Schroeder, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, died on September 9, 2022. He was 82 years old. Paul was born in suburban Elmhurst, Illinois, and throughout several years, lived in Chicago, Peoria, and Morton, Illinois, as well as in Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. He served a stint in the U.S. Army from 1963-65, most of which was spent at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii. Paul was a graduate of the University of Iowa. He worked in Illinois as an office manager/accountant (Korsmeyer’s Super Markets) and a comptroller (Bennet Publishing Co.). He relocated to Oshkosh in 1990 to be closer to his remaining family members and became very active in Wisconsin philately. He joined the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and served a term as president, followed by taking on the office of treasurer, for which he served many years. Paul was an active member of the Wisconsin Postal History Society. He was a prolific writer for Badger Postal History (journal of the WPHS) and served as the society’s vice president for approximately 15 years. Paul served as the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs East Central region VP from 1997-99, vice president 2004-08, and president for the 2000-01 term. Paul was inducted to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2002. On the national level, Paul served a term as director (president) of the Post Mark Collectors Club. He also served two terms as treasurer. He wrote articles for the PMCC Bulletin and edited the club’s 50th anniversary history booklet. Paul was also a member of the Mobile Post Office Society, Machine Cancel Society, and American Philatelic Society. Paul wrote articles that appeared in Linn’s Stamp News, and Stamp Collector magazine.

Closed Album - Jack Green

Across the Fence Post, Oct-Nov-Dec 2022

Jack Green, of Madison/Waunakee, Wisconsin, died on September 10, 2022. He was 96 years old. After serving in the Army Air Corps, he embarked on his career working for the United States Geological Survey, mainly analyzing water tables and water usage. His job first sent him to California, then to Waukesha, Wisconsin, and then to Madison in 1966, where he lived the rest of his life. Jack was an avid stamp collector and served for many years as a WFSC certified judge. He was a prolific exhibitor and especially enjoyed topical collecting.

Closed Album - Maurice Wozniak

Across the Fence Post, Jan-Feb-Mar 2023

Maurice Wozniak, of Waupaca, died on November 24, 2022. He was 82 years old. Maurice was a member of the Central Wisconsin Stamp Club since the 1990s, where he served as secretary and helped with the club’s annual show. He was also a member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society, the American Philatelic Society and the British Caribbean Philatelic Study Group. His main interest was in U.S. and Barbados philately. Maurice served as president of the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs from 2005 to 2011. He went on to serve as northeast region VP from 2012 to 2018 and was inducted to the Wisconsin Philatelic Hall of Fame in 2009. He was general chairman of WISCOPEX 2004. Maurice was a graduate of the UW-Madison journalism school. He spent 28 years in Milwaukee working as a reporter and editor for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 1966, he moved north for a job at Krause Publications, in Iola, Wisconsin. He worked as editor of Stamp Collector and Stamp Wholesaler and the Minkus catalogs. He also has edited three editions of the Warman’s U.S. Stamps Field Guide. He has written articles for the American Philatelist, Across the Fence Post and a variety of general interest publications. Being a dedicated writer, Maurice was active in many journalism organizations. Maurice spent 22 years in the U.S. Naval Reserves and retired as a commander. He served three years active duty and two stints as commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Public Affairs Company in Milwaukee. Maurice was an ardent promoter of philately in Wisconsin and devoted to the hobby to the point of making it the focus of his career.

Closed Album - Mary Yahr

Across the Fence Post, Jan-Feb-Mar 2023

Mary Yahr, of West Bend, died on November 9, 2022, at age 65 and after many years of battling cancer. Mary was a member of the Kettle Moraine Coin and Stamp Club for which she served as secretary and newsletter editor. She is especially known for the many years she led the club’s extraordinarily active Ben Franklin Club in West Bend. She was also a member of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society for which she served on the board of directors and on the MILCOPEX committee. Mary was a graduate of the UW-Eau Claire. She worked as executive director of the West Bend Builders Association. She was an extremely active volunteer and especially enjoyed working with youth. As part of her volunteer work at the West Bend Art Museum, she developed a series of Art Mom talks that she gave at local schools. She was also a 4-H leader and a Girl Scout troop leader. She served as a substitute aid with the West Bend School District. Mary loved stamp collecting but she also loved traveling.

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