This picture appeared in the June 23, 2022, issue of the Watertown Daily Time newspaper.

On Men's Day, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, four golfing members of the Watertown Country Club were determined to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the club by playing at least 100 holes of golf in one day. Mark Roman, Andy Grinwald, Kelly Schauer, and Bill Kehl teed off at 5:05 a.m., and played for a total of 14.5 hours. The first 72 holes were completed by 11:10 a.m., but due to crowded course conditions, the afternoon rounds consisted of choosing which side of the course should be played next. All four golfers completed playing 109 holes, while the temperature eventually rose into the high 90s, and the heat index topped out at 101 degrees. They collectively hit more than 2,000 shots, but the scorecards were not divulged. They chose one of the longest daylight days of the year to help accomplish this feat.

After many, many, many years of golfing, Jeff Stangler finally got his first hole-in-one in March, 2023, while playing at Amelia National Golf and Country Club, Fernandina Beach, FL.

           

Nancy Schultz playing Hole No. 18, on her first time back to golfing after an extended absence from the WCC links, about 2005. The group on the far right, left to right, are: Laura, Susie, Daryl, Joy, and Nancy.

PGA Tour Fantasy Golf, Final Standings, 2020.

Leigh Larson had at least two 69 scores (1 under par) at Watertown Country Club.

Leigh Larson had a hole-in-one on Hole No. 5 on July 19, 1999, at the Watertown Country Club. This trophy given by Jay Brennan, who was playing along at the time.

The 1969 Watertown Country Club Membership List as a PDF document.

Leigh Larson got a hole-in-one at hole no. 5, on July 26, 2014. The club he used was a pitching wedge, not a 9 iron as the poster indicated.

Come golf at Watertown Country Club. Sometimes our golf holes are very scoring friendly!

   

These two pictures show one of the six holes that were temporarily modified for a special member golf appreciation event held on Saturday, September 13th, 2014, at the Watertown Country Club. The approximate diameter of these temporary cups appear to be 10 to 12 inches. These pictures were taken on hole No. 14.

Typical example of the new hole yardage signs for 2015, which include the updated yardages for four different tee positions.

The new design score card which debuted in 2015. The hole shown is No. 14. Please note there are now four teeing locations for each hole, with the new hole distances shown.

The previous design score card which debuted in 2013. The hole shown is No. 13.

Ronald L. "Ron/Ox/Dr. O" Vaught won the 1983 Watertown Country Club Golf Championship. Shown L to R, are Gene "Geno" Frank (WCC Golf Professional), Jim Wade (runner-up in 1983), Ron Vaught (The Champ), and Wayne "Gutzie/Don Carlo Gutzini" Schultz (attendee). Ronald L. "Ron" Vaught died Saturday, July 10, 2010, in Watertown, WI, at age 64.

July 13, 2010

Ronald L. Vaught

Ronald L. Vaught, 64, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Watertown Regional Medical Center. Ronald was born on June 21, 1946, in Watertown, son of Keith and Viola (Krueger) Vaught. He was a 1964 graduate of Watertown High School. He worked at Watertown Table Slide and Reiss Industries in Watertown. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Watertown, where he had been the head usher. Ronald was a former member of the Watertown Country Club and was the club champion in 1983. He loved to bowl and was an avid hunter. Memorials to First Baptist Church would be appreciated. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors include one cousin, Emily Krueger of Watertown, and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and an aunt. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown with the Rev. Allan Kranz officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place on Friday at 9 a.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Watertown. The Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown is in charge of the arrangements.

Watertown Country Club, Sunday, September 27, 2009. L to R: Phil Groehler, Rocky Bohlman, Pat Groehler, Bruce Frey, Phil Buss, and Leigh Larson.

10W x 8H x 180DPI

16W x 9H x 300 DPI

6W x 4H x 300 DPI

Watertown Country Club, Saturday, September 20, 2008. L to R: Pat Groehler, Rocky Bohlman, Bruce Frey, Lyle Kuckkan and Mike Groehler.

6W x 4H x 300 DPI, from #4 Fairway

6W x 4H x 300 DPI, from #3 Fairway

6W x 4H x 300 DPI, from # 7 Fairway

The historic floods of June 2008 at the Watertown Country Club, Watertown, WI.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, Saturday, June 26, 1954, Centennial Edition

Watertown Country Club Was Organized in 1922

The Watertown Country Club, now one of the finest small city golf and social clubs in the state, was officially organized as a golf club on June 5, 1922, by five men interested in advancing the sport in this area. The five who got the organization started were G. H. Lehrkind, G. C. Lewis, B. E. Kelley, H. C. Whitmore and W. H. Woodard. The first meeting of the new organization was held on June 23 and 82 charter members appeared for the initial session. The first officers of the club were W. H. Woodard, president, B. E. Kelley, vice president, A. N. Thauer, secretary, and Fred SiegeIr, treasurer. The first board of directors included W. H. Woodard, B. E. Kelley, E. H. Hoerman, G. H. Lehrkind, C. C. Wertheimer, H. P. Bowen and A. N. Thauer. Several charter members are still active in the club. They are John Salick, Wallace Thauer, O. E. Hoffman, F. W. Pfeifer, L. M. Bickett and George Richards.

Interest Grows

Interest in the golf club grew rapidly and about 55 acres of land was purchased from Gustavus Austin for the site of the golf course. Later seven acres of land near the old quarry were added to the holdings of the club. A clubhouse was constructed on the property and the old buildings served as headquarters for city golfers for 30 years. Finally, the growth of the club forced it to build more extensive quarters and in 1949 the beautiful new clubhouse was authorized. The structure was completed in 1950 in time for the start of golfing. A new machine shed to house the mechanical equipment and other materials was also constructed and an old barn and silo on the property razed. Over the years the face of the course had been modified with the shifting of greens and tees but the general layout has remained pretty much the same down through the club's history. The winding creek and the many trees have given the course the reputation of being one of the sportiest nine-hole layouts in the state. The well-manicured fairways and greens have added to the reputation of the course. Though the club has had a lot of good golfers, three players stand out as tops. They are Dr. N. T. Sunby, Harvey Riedeman and Budd Riffle. Riedeman posted a 64 for 18 holes in 1939 to beat Walter Hagen's mark of 66 by two strokes. Riffle shot a 30 in 1940. Par for the course is 34.

Fendts on Job

The Fendt family has had a “corner” on the custodian's job for 20 years. Gene Fendt served the club for 14 years and now Gary Fendt has been with the club for six seasons. Construction of the new club­house has provided more space for members and new activities and the total membership now is 209. There are 100 regular members, 35 associates, 42 social, 14 ladies special, 14 student and four non­resident. A broad activities space in the clubhouse has been the scene of many dinner dances and other social functions recently. A well-planned program of special events, both golfing and social, is creating a continuing interest in the club.

The Watertown Country Club Golf celebrated it's Diamond Anniversary on April 12, 1997. Click on the above image for a PDF document which describes notable events in the club's first seventy five years.

 The Watertown Country club was organized when eighty-two people signed its articles at the first meeting June 3, 1922. The president was William H. Woodard, a local attorney. Over fifty acres of farmland north of the city were purchased from Gustavus Austin. The property included a house, barn, and shed. Electricity, a telephone and furnishings were installed in the farmhouse, which became the clubhouse. The barn housed the course maintenance equipment. The entire farmland was plowed and earth moved to create the course.

           

Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI in 1859, 1873, 1890 and 1910

       

Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI in 1929, 1971 and 1978

Buel A. Austin was born December 31, 1818, in Torrington, Litchfield Co., CT, and died July 22, 1855, in Emmett Twp., Dodge Co., WI, at age 36 years, 7 months, 23 days. Buried in Emmet Cemetery, Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Austin Buel was admitted as a Freeman in Torrington, CT, in 1839, and was living in Waldo Lyon, Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory, in 1844.

Lucinda S. "Lucena" Mead was born September, 1827, in New York, and died January 20, 1903, at her home, 423 North Church Street, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, at age 75. Buried in Emmet Cemetery, Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI. She is the daughter of Israel T. Meade (about 1794 - January 11, 1868) of Vermont, and Salome B. Goodrich (June 7, 1796 - May 3, 1865) of New Britain, Hartford Co., CT.

Buel A. Austin and Lucinda S. "Lucena" Mead were married December 8, 1845, in Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory.

Buel A. Austin and Lucinda S. "Lucena" (Mead) Austin had two children:

1. Charles Austin: Born October 21, 1846, in Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory; Died 1936 in Price Co., WI (about age 90). Buried in Hillside Cemetery, Omega, Price Co., WI. Married August 25, 1876, in Wisconsin, to Selma J. Revo: Born July 4, 1852, in Prussia, Germany; Died January 22, 1935, in Omega, Price Co., WI (age 82). Buried in Hillside Cemetery, Omega, Price Co., WI. She immigrated in 1860.
2. Gustavus D. "Gust" Austin: Born August 8, 1852, in Emmett Twp., Dodge Co., WI; Died March 8, 1925, in Emmett Twp., Dodge Co., WI (age 72). Buried in Emmet Cemetery, Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Never married.

History of Mower County Minnesota 1884 - Clayton Township

Charles Austin was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, October 21st, 1846. His parents were Buel and Lucena (Mead) Austin, both natives of the East. His father was at one time a manufacturer of buttons in Connecticut. Charles received a common school education, and remained at home until he was twenty-eight years old. He owned with his brother 108 acres of land in Wisconsin. He sold out his interest and moved to Taylor county, Wisconsin where he took a homestead of eighty acres and bought eighty acres, and worked it for six years, when he sold and moved to Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, and remained a few years, and then moved to Clayton township, Mower Co., MN, and purchased the northeast quarter of section 1. He was married August 25th, 1876, to Selma Revo, a native of Germany. They had one child, Arthur Austin, aged six years. Mr. Austin is a Republican, and is a prominent man in Clayton Township.

Buel A. Austin was the original owner of the lands upon which the original nine-hole course was built. Shown below is more information about this original owner.

On December 8, 1845, Buel Austin married Lucinda S. Mead in Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory.

The 1846 Wisconsin Territorial Census shows Buel Austin is living in Emmett Twp., Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory.

Listed below are the lands purchased by Buel Austin from the U.S. Government.

Name	Land Office	Total Acres	Issue Date
BUEL AUSTIN	GREEN BAY Dodge Co.	45.58	May 1, 1848
BUEL AUSTIN	GREEN BAY Dodge Co.	40	March 01, 1850
BUEL AUSTIN	MILWAUKEE Dodge Co.	40	September 1, 1844
BUEL A AUSTIN	MILWAUKEE Dodge Co.	80	September 1, 1844

Link to Buel Austin Land Patent 1.

Link to Buel Austin Land Patent 2.

Link to Buel Austin Land Patent 3.

Link to Buel Austin Land Patent 4.

Evening Courier, Milwaukee, WI, May 8, 1847;

also in Watertown Chronicle, Watertown, WI November 10, 1847;

also in Wisconsin Democrat, Green Bay, WI November 6, 1847

Military Appointments by the Governor, April 13, 1847

Dodge County, Comp. No. 8: Matthew Norton, Capt.; Buel Austin, 1st lieut.; Derastus K. Cady, 2d lieut.

The Watertown Chronicle, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Wednesday, February 22, 1854

Ho for California.

The road to California is not likely to become overgrown by grass and weeds very soon, if we may judge by the continued arrival from, and the number leaving town almost daily for that "land of gold" and human depravity. The following gentlemen have left this place for California during the past week or ten days: James Killian, Stephen Pentony, John Helm, Martin Fehally, Lawrence Wallace and a Son, of this place, and a son of Charles Murray of Emmet. The following left to-day: Edward Ryan, Buel Austin, Michael Morrissey, Patrick Smith, Thomas Lynch, P. White and John Corbett, all from this city for California direct. We wish they may all realize a handsome pile, and return in health to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Emmet Cemetery, N1563 State Highways 16/26, Emmet Twp., Dodge Co., WI.

Cemetery was established in 1874. The cemetery site was officially plotted in 1853. Land was donated by the Roswell Crandall family in 1855. It is currently cared for by the Emmet Townliners 4H Club.

Austin, Buel: born December 31, 1818; died July 22, 1855 (age 36 years, 7 months, 23 days)

Austin, Lusenda: born 1827; died 1903

Austin, Gust: born 1852; died 1925

The Watertown News, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Saturday, January 24, 1903, June 6, 1939

Deaths.

AUSTIN - Mrs. Lucinda Austin died Monday night at her home, 423 North Church street, aged 76 years. She was born in New York  and was a resident of this locality since 1842, having lived for many years just north of the city limits. She is survived by two sons, Gustavus of this city, and Charles, of North Crandon, Wis. The funeral took place from the home Wednesday afternoon, with interment in the Emmet cemetery on the North road.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison WI, Tuesday, June 6, 1939

Watertown Pro Sets Court Record

WATERTOWN, WIS. - Freddie Adams, Oconomowoc, new professional at the Watertown Country Club, Monday posted a course record. He toured the nine-hole Watertown course in 30-32 for 62, six under par. Until recently he had been one of Oconomowoc's best amateur golfers.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown WI, February 23, 1948

New Club House At Golf Course One Step Nearer

New Locker Room For Present House Is Also Approved

Action was taken at Sunday afternoon's adjourned meeting of the Watertown Country club to bring a new club house one step closer to realization. The membership voted to increase the annual dues $10, with the stipulation that the increase be segregated and used for the building of a new club house. Membership dues, including taxes, are $42.00. The dues for the current year will be $52.00. The increase applies to both regular and associate memberships. Other memberships will be increased 25 percent, which is the approximate increase for the regular and associate memberships. The increase in dues is one of a number of suggestions which a special committee, appointed a month ago, made to the meeting. The meeting also acted favorably upon other suggestions of the committee. It was agreed that the erection of a new club house, at the present time, is out of the question, due to high building costs. In view of this, the membership  agreed to the suggestion of the special committee that some structure should be purchased, either metal or wood, which could be used temporarily as a men's locker and dressing room, with the understanding that such structure could be used later as a tool shed or garage. It was also suggested by the committee that a minimum amount be expended to make repairs to the present clubhouse, and it was also suggested that the phone be moved to another location. Both suggestions were adopted. Members of the special committee are Fred Kaercher, A. E. Bentzin, E. W. Terwedow, Dr. E. W. Bowen, W. A. Schumann and Gilbert Kressin. At a recent meeting of the board of directors, Wiliam Borchardt was re-elected club president; Attorney Richard Thauer was retained as vice president; and G. W. Ponath was re-elected secretary-treasurer. All are members of the board. Other members of the board, and their committees they will head, are: Ray Kern, sports and pastime; Louis Silagy, house chairman; Don Mitchell, greens and E. T. Hornickle, grievance.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown WI, Wednesday, October 26, 1949

Work Begins on New Club House at Golf Course

The Watertown Country Club's new club house project is underway. Sod from the area required for the club house has been removed, and this week a power shovel aided in the removal of the cement silo which stood west of the barn. The building will be located west of the parking area and west of the barn (at left in top picture.) The present club house is shown at the right. The club house will be 120 feet long and 30 feet wide, with a 24 by 30 utility room and kitchen to the east, or rear of the building. The location of the club house is indicated in the above picture. Members of the building committee and board of directors outline the building. The two men at the right (looking at the picture) indicate the south end of the building, and the two standing at the extreme left mark the north boundary. In the other picture, members of the committee and the board of directors pose near the power shovel. The president of the board, Mike Bentzin, on a dare, climbed into the cab, and incidentally almost raised havoc when he touched one of the levers, causing the shovel to groan into action. The others scattered momentarily. After faithful promises from Mike that he'd leave the power shovel operations to the operator, they returned for the picture. Those in the group are, reading from left to right: Ray Kern, John Salick, Harold Schumann, Charles Johannsen, Attorney Richard Thauer, Attorney George Niemann and Paul Fischer. Louis Silagy, Ed. Raue, Harold Dragoo, Lee Hefty and C. Taggatz were not present when the picture was taken. At a meeting of the membership, held at the club house on September 21, the club house was approved. The cost is not to exceed $25,000, with the mortgage not to be greater than $10,000. The building will provide five showers for the men and two for the women, toilet facilities, a bar and grill room, and a lounge room. It will be constructed of Waylite colored block. Construction will continue through the fall and winter, with the club house expected to be ready by the opening of the golf season next spring.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison WI, Thursday, July 23, 1953

ROUNDY SAYS . . .

The Watertown Country Club, is the nicest nine-hole course I ever played on in my life. I think the Rock river flows right through there they got some of the most beautiful water holes I have ever saw. They got nice fairways and beautiful greens. You should play that folks and if you ever seen a better nine hole course notify me.

Architect's Gallery, Featuring ASGCA Members and their work

E. Lawrence Packard

Biographical Sketch

Edward A. Lawrence Packard has sixty years of practical experience in landscape architecture, site planning and golf course architecture which has resulted in broad working knowledge of the economical planning of land areas for human use.

Following graduation in 1935 from the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Mr. Packard was employed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Resettlement Administration on Recreation Development Projects. He moved into the National Park Service in 1936 on land selection for new park developments on Mt. Desert Island, Bar Harbor, Maine.

For two years Mr. Packard gained valuable experience as designer, engineer and supervisor for a landscape contractor in the Boston metropolitan area. Following this he worked for a year in the same capacity for the E. A. McIlhennny Landscape Co., makers of Tobasco sauce, with office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Houston, Texas.

In 1939 Mr. Packard went with the U.S. War Department, Corps of Engineers and was stationed at Westover Field in western Massachusetts. For four years he had complete charge of all phases of the landscape work for this $15,000,000 project. During this time Mr. Packard developed a complete Master Plan and camouflage plan for the entire air base installation. A major part of work was seeding 1,500 acres of grass.

In 1943, after the war, Mr. Packard came to the Chicago Park District as designer and engineer for a multi-million dollar park expansion program. Here, Mr. Packard worked on site selection and development for new parks and also on the design aspects of Northerly Island Airstrip and O'Hare International Airport.

After 1944, Mr. Packard worked for eight years as chief supervisor and designer for Chicago golf course architect Robert Bruce Harris. Here Mr. Packard handled several jobs in various capacities running over the quarter million dollar mark, including the site planning for Maine Township High School in Des Plaines and Park Ridge, Illinois, the Maryknoll College site development in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the Janesville, Wisconsin High School site planning and the University of Iowa golf course, plus numerous golf courses.

During the fifty years from the 1950s through the 1990s, Mr. Packard became:

President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects
President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects Foundation
Chapter President of the American Society of Landscape Architects
President of the Rotary Club of LaGrange, Illinois
President of Plymouth Place, a LaGrange, Illinois retirement home
Landscape Architect for Plus, Inc., a LaGrange beautification project for Burlington Railroad

In fifty years, Packard has handled more than 250 golf projects ranging from the redesign of a few holes to the design of four courses for Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Two of Innisbrook's courses have been in Golf Digest's 100 best in the country, as well as the best in Florida, since 1975.

The firm adheres to long-established design principles and safety considerations in developing a course, either with or without housing. Only a few water hazards are used. Good plans and specifications are a must. Feature articles on Packard courses have appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, PGA Magazine, Golfweek, Desert Golf, Wisconsin PGA, Chicago Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times. The firm's Chicago office has been managed by Packard's son, Roger, since 1986. Packard courses are designed so that both men and women will have very pleasant golfing. Easy pars but difficult birdies!

Since his retirement in 1990, Mr. Packard has been the designated golf course architect for the International Executive Service Corps of Stamford, Connecticut. For them he designed four courses in Guatemala and five courses in Egypt. He had previously designed two courses in South Korea and two courses in Venezuela.

Mr. Packard has just had his biography published by Airlie Hall Press entitled "Double Doglegs and Other Hazards", which gives his history and list of works. Spring Meadows Country Club in Linden, Michigan invited Mr. Packard for a book signing in June of 2003. He designed this course forty-five years ago. In November 2002, the Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida hosted a book signing in celebration of his ninetieth birthday!

Mr. Packard takes great pride and pleasure in the courses he designed and hopes those who play his and other courses everywhere ............... "ENJOY THE GAME".

Double Doglegs and Other Hazards

The Life and Work of Larry Packard
By Mickey Rathbun
Airlie Hall Press, 2002

This homespun hardcover biography struggles to do justice to its subject, an earthy, imaginative and prolific course architect, a past ASGCA president who gave us the par 5 double dogleg and the early semblance of real estate-driven golf. A pleasant-enough resort complex, perhaps his best work, the four courses at Innisbrook, north of Tampa, once hosted the PGA and LPGA Tours mixer, likely the most entertaining and beloved silly season event. The two better courses are terrific.

"He designed courses that are fun to play and challenging," recalled Mike Souchak, Innisbrook's first resident pro. "So many of the courses built today are really not fun to play. Even though Larry was not a serious golfer, he was a good course architect. He had engineering know-how, the ability to see factors like drainage, wind, and sun come into play. But the most important thing Packard had was imagination. All successful professional golfers have imagination. They imagine the flight of the ball before they hit it, its trajectory, where they want it to go. Packard could visualize all that."

They certainly don't make course architects this way anymore. Packard had no upbringing in golf at all as a player when he began designing courses in the 50's; his first set of clubs came from Sears. But he had a practical and academic grounding in landscape architecture, followed by a fruitful apprenticeship with Robert Bruce Harris, and 20 years working a variety of jobs, from cataloging trees to landscaping airfields at O'Hare. The experiences provided him with a liberal grounding, along with an appreciation for informality in nature and an eye on containing costs.

"I learned the hard way," he said. "I talked to all the old golf course superintendents and found out what the players wanted. I always asked them what they would have done differently if they had designed the course. All of this just sneaks into your subconscious and into your planning process."

Yes, listening, seeking and taking input would certainly qualify him as not only imaginative but innovative, then or now.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, September 12, 1923

EXPERT GOLFERS ENTHUSIASTIC IN PRAISING COURSE

Permanent Course of Local Country Club Attracts Golfers for Sunday Recreation - New Score Cards Out.

Tom McLaughlin, former Milwaukee champion and representative of Milwaukee in a recent national tournament, and other leading golfers of the state are enthusiastic in their praise of the Watertown Country club's golf course. Silver Creek winding its way through the grounds furnishes a natural hazard that is hard to surpass, they assert, and makes the local course one of the sportiest in the state. Many golfers from other cities, realizing the excellent playing qualities of the Watertown links, journey to this city on Sundays and holidays and participate in the grand old game on the Silver Creek course. New score cards have made their appearance and are now being used. Each hole is named on the new card as follows: Number 1, "Let's Go," 601 yards, par 6, bogie 6; number 2, "Westward Ho," 387 yards, par 4, bogie 5; number 3, "N. Western," 416 yards, par 5, bogie 5; number 4, "Hell Hole," 335 yards, par 4, bogie 4; number 5, "The Jinks," 197 yards, par 3, bogie 4; number 6, "Cinch 3," 166 yards, par 3, bogie 3; number 7, "The Creek," 362 yards, par 4, bogie 5; number 8, "Straight Work," 414 yards, par 4, bogie 5; number 9, "The Alley," 144 yards, par 3, bogie 3. The course is 3,052 yards in length and has a par of 36 and a bogie of 40.

A 1923 ad for golf clubs in the Watertown Daily Times. Click on the ad for a PDF image.

   

A typical score card from the late 9-hole era, courtesy of Richard "R" Miller, who found it in the bottom of an old golf bag owned by Harriet Blakely Kiefer, wife of L. J. (Barney) Kiefer. Barney died in an auto accident in September 1961. The golf bag was in the home that was sold to the Millers. Please note Janskey Printing Company had 35 years of service, Keck's was in their 103rd year, and D & F Kusel Co. had over 100 years of service. Since Keck Furniture has the slogan "Complete Home Furnishings Since 1853", the year of this scorecard is 1956.

    Leigh Larson's Certificate of Membership in the Watertown Country Club, issued May 13, 1995.

    Welcome to the "I Hate R. Miller Club." It gets larger every year!

Some WCC Winter Tour player scoring statistics, from the late 1990s, compiled by Glenn Egnarski.

Extreme conditions were never a deterrent for the WCC Winter Tour players.

1989-1990 Winter Tour.

Left to right: Jay Brennan, Glenn Egnarski, Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, and Dick Conley.

January, 1993.

   

A picture taken at the Firehouse Lanes after playing golf on the Winter Tour. Shown, from left to right: Dick Conley, Steve Raue, Bruce Frey, Jeff Stangler, Brian Lee, Dick Miller, Jay Brennan, and Jim Klein. Bruce appears to be holding a golf trophy.

January, 1993. Photos by Jody Brennan.

   

Leigh Larson holding the Hole-In-One trophy presented to him by Jay Brennan at the Firehouse Lanes in January, 1993. Winter Tour Players, left to right, Bruce Frey, "R" Miller, Leigh Larson, Jay Brennan, Mark Sellnow and Glenn Egnarski. Leigh got his hole-in-one on Saturday, December 5, 1992, on Hole No. 9 at the Watertown Country Club, using an eight iron club. Those who were playing along that day and were witnesses were: Bruce Frey, R. Miller, Jay Brennan, Glenn Egnarski and Mark Sellnow. The ball landed in the cup on the fly and remained at the bottom of the cup, with about eight inches of snow covering the ground. The photographer was Jody Brennan.

1993-1994 Winter Tour

Left to right: Dick Conley, Bruce Frey, Glenn Egnarski, Jay Brennan, Dick Miller, Mark Sellnow, Bob Brennan, Leigh Larson, and Harry McMahon.

1993-1994 Winter Tour WDT Photo

Left to right: Tom Reynolds, Glenn Egnarski, Bruce Frey, Dick Conley, Leigh Larson, Mark Sellnow, Jay Brennan, Paul Flack, Jim Klein, and Dan Egnarski.

 1994-1995 Winter Tour

Left to right: Leigh Larson, Dick Miller, Mark Sellnow, Jay Brennan, Glenn Egnarski, Jim Klein, Jeff Kluever, Dick Conley, and Bruce Frey.

 1995-1996 Winter Tour

Left to right: Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, Glenn Egnarski, Dan Egnarski, Mark Sellnow, Dick Conley, Dick Miller, and Harry McMahon.

 1996-1997 Winter Tour

Left to right: Nancy Schultz, Leigh Larson, Doug Hills, Bruce Frey, Mark Sellnow, Glenn Egnarski, Dick Conley, and Jay Brennan.

 1997-1998 Winter Tour

Left to right: Dick Miller, Bruce Frey, Dick Conley, Leigh Larson, Jay Brennan, Steve Raue, Mark Sellnow, Jim Klein, Glenn Egnarski, Doug Hills, Roger Prickette, and Jim Mauel.

 1998-1999 Winter Tour

Left to right: Brian Lee, Dick Conley, Scott Johnson, Jay Brennan, Jim Klein, Dick Miller, Glenn Egnarski, Bruce Frey, Jeff Stangler, Leigh Larson, Nancy Schultz, Roger Prickette, and Steve Raue.

 1999-2000 Winter Tour

Left to right:  Jim Klein, Bruce Frey, Dick Miller, Glenn Egnarski, Jay Brennan, Brian Lee, Mike Walsh, Leigh Larson, Roger Prickette, Nancy Schultz, and Steve Raue.

2000-2001 Winter Tour

Left to right: Dick Miller, Jim Klein, Jay Brennan, Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, Nancy Schultz, Jim Mauel, and Glenn Egnarski.

2000-2001 Winter Tour, December 2000, Janet Walsh Picture

Left to right: Bruce Frey, Mike Walsh, Jeff Stangler, Brian Lee, Jay Brennan, Jim Klein, and Leigh Larson.

2001-2002 Winter Tour

Left to right: Bruce Frey, Jim Mauel, Dick Miller, Glenn Egnarski, Brian Lee, Jay Brennan, Leigh Larson, Dick Conley, and Steve Raue.

Jay Brennan took numerous pictures at the Firehouse Lanes after golfing, of those who played on the WCC Winter Tour on Saturday December 28, 2002. Please note that the picture of Mike Kressin shows a wall calendar which provides the date. Jay then created a personalized CD for some of the winter tour players, such as the one shown below for Leigh Larson.

Jay Brennan's Winter Tour CD.

Jay Brennan.

Dick Conley.

 Mike Kressin.

 Bruce Frey.

Brian Lee.

Glenn Egnarski.

Roger Prickette.

Leigh Larson.

Nancy Schultz.

Nancy Schultz and Leigh Larson.

Randy Kuckkan.

Gloria Kuckkan.

Gloria and Randy Kuckkan.

Jeff Stangler.

Dick Miller.

Steve Raue.

Possibly January 1, 2003.

    Nancy, Laura, and Julie at Firehouse Lanes.

    Nancy, Jay, and Laura at Firehouse Lanes.

    Jay and Nancy at Firehouse Lanes.

Dick Conley.

Steve Raue.

Roger Prickette.

Brian Lee.

 Bruce Frey.

2002-2003 Winter Tour.

Left to right: Bruce Frey, Dick Conley, Glenn Egnarski, Dick Miller, Steve Raue, and Brian Lee.

2003-2004 Winter Tour, December, 2003.

Left to right: Dick Conley, Jay Brennan, Dick Miller, Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, Brian Lee, and Steve Raue.

2003-2004 Winter Tour. Janet Walsh Picture.

Left to right: Mike Walsh, Dick Miller, Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, Jay Brennan, Brian Lee, Steve Raue, and Glenn Egnarski.

2005-2006 Winter Tour.

Left to right: Roger Prickette, Bruce Frey, Glenn Egnarski, Brian Lee, Dick Miller, Steve Raue, and Jay Brennan.

2005-2006 Winter Tour, November 28, 2005

Left to right: Jay Brennan, Bruce Frey, Steve Raue, Dick Miller, and Leigh Larson.

2006-2007 Winter Tour, February, 2007.

Left to right: Dick Miller, Glenn Egnarski, Bruce Frey, Leigh Larson, Brian Lee, and Dick Conley.

2007-2008 Winter Tour, December, 2007.

Left to right: Dick Conley, Brian Lee, Bruce Frey, Leigh Larson, Glenn Egnarski, and Steve Raue.

2007-2008 Winter Tour.

Leigh, December 22, 2007

2008-2009 Winter Tour.

Left to right: Glenn Egnarski, Dick Conley, Leigh Larson, Bruce Frey, Brian Lee, and Roger Prickette.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, Saturday, September 15, 2007

By Adam Burdsall, Daily Times Staff

From a 13-year-old kid caddying for members, to a 78-year-old retiree still hitting the course three or four times a week, Jim Wade has seen a lot in his days around Watertown Country Club. The club, however, has seen few like Jim Wade. In fact, the city of Watertown has seen few athletes with the resume Wade can boast, if he chose to do so. 

“My claim to fame is not that I was such a great player, but that I had longevity,” Wade said modestly. “Of course, I understand you have to be pretty good to win 18 times.” As for dominance in his sport, 18 Watertown Country Club champi­onships speaks for itself and that does not include Wade's three Senior Club championships. Perhaps as impressive as Wade's 18 championships is a nugget found hidden within his eight runner-up finishes. Specifically, the first came in 1948 and the last in 1991, a span of 43 years and six decades, a startling run of dominance. After taking second place in 1948, Wade was out of the top three for four years before winning his first club championship in 1953 over Jim Bloor. Once he broke through, Wade did not let anyone else take his crown, winning the next five titles with victories over Bob Miller, Paul Hibbard (twice) and (the late) John Weaver (twice). Roger Simdon finally ended Wade's winning streak at six in 1959. “(Simdon) was one of the great golfers we ever had,” Wade said. “He was one of the great natural players you will ever see. He was a little left-hander who probably didn't weigh over 140 pounds, a carpenter by trade, strong in the wrists and hands. He just ripped the ball.”

After missing a couple years after his National Guard unit was called up, Wade resurfaced in the title match against Simdon in 1964 but was defeated again and relegated to second. Wade won his seventh title in 1968, again beating Weaver, took third in 1969 and then went on another run. With Weaver again the victim, Wade won the 1970 and 1971 titles to open a decade of dominance. Wade defeated Augie Hafenstein in 1972 and 1974, Earl Maas in 1973, Tom Theder in 1975, Don  Cheeseman in 1977 and Don Sellnow in 1978 for eight of the 10 titles in the 1970s. Wade then beat Ron DeMuth in 1980 and Tim Mallow in 1981 to make it 10-of-12. After fin­ishing second in 1983, 1984 and 1985, Wade won his final title in 1986, beating Randy DeMuth. After three years out of the top three, Wade took second in 1990 and 1991 to wrap up an unbelievably suc­cessful career. Over 43 years, Wade was first, second or third 27 times.

Asked about his memories of the 18 titles, Wade did not once mention him­self or his own game. Rather he used the 18 titles as a chance to reminisce on the real reason he played the game, the people he competed with, came to know as friends and, more often than not, beat. “There were a lot of great shots made by me and against me,” Wade said, “Each one is important to me because of the guys that I played against. All good players, all great memories.” Wade did single out his 1980 championship as the most special. “I beat Ron Demuth and he was one of the best players in the state,” Wade said. “He came to us from Milwaukee and was a great player. He beat me a number of times after 1980 when I was runner-up. We had good battles, really good matches. He and Roger Simdon were the two best players I ever played against."

Wade, who now carries a 13 handicap, has five career holes-in-one, four at Watertown Country Club. The first came in 1968 and the latest in 1996. Wade's best round at WCC was a 5 ­under 65, but he does have a round of 9-under 61 to his credit at Lake Wisconsin Golf Club. Wade, now retired, still tries to play the course he loves three or four times a week. While much has changed over time, Watertown Country Club holds a place in Wade's heart, almost, like a member of his family.

“I was hired as a caddie when I was 13,” Wade said. “It was illegal at the time, but I was within a week or so of being legal age. It was a wonderful place to grow up. The people, the members were just terrific. They let us use their clubs, had picnics for us and were just wonderful to us. It was a great place to be.”

“A guy named Paul Fischer got me into the game. I used to do his lawn for him and one day he said I should come out and be a caddy. I had never played before then and have never had a lesson in my life. During the day at the club, there generally wasn't a lot of activity. The course gave us the privilege to play nine holes every day we were out there caddying, so that is how I got my start.”

A 1947 graduate of Watertown High School, Wade never had the opportunity to play high school golf as it was added to the array of sports in 1948. “The first club that I owned, a mem­ber gave to me. It was an old hickory-shafted 9-iron and it was bowed,” Wade said. “I could make that thing talk. I could use it like a wedge or close it up and hit it 150 yards … which for a 9-iron is pretty good. The first set of clubs I bought were Louisville Sluggers. I think they cost me about $30 back in 1948.”

Wade has left his mark on Watertown Country Club in more ways than on the course. Wade helped to build the back nine which was completed in 1961. He along with Al Maas helped run crews of club members that would come to the course each night and help build and plant the greens. “It rained just about every day and it was soggy and wet,” Wade said. “Those people, they came out just as faithfully, and it was hard work. We had to shovel all the dirt and handle this big screen and rake by hand. My crew did five of the greens and Al's did four, but he had bigger greens. Every time now when I miss a putt or there is a roll that I didn't read, I blame myself.”

In addition, Wade served as club president in 1971 and was the first inductee into the Watertown Country Club Hall of Fame in 1990. Wade did not pick an individual success as his career highlight, rather a team event with Ron DeMuth and Roger Simdon as his favorite moment. “We won a big pro-am down in Jefferson at Meadow Springs in the late '60s,” Wade said. “We were playing all the best pros and amateurs in the state … these guys were state champions and PGA champions and we won it without a pro. Roger Simdon, Ron DeMuth and I won it when Ron chipped in for an eagle on the first extra hole. I had six birdies and an eagle, which was pretty good scoring for me.”

Wade has seen his share of change at the club, but is worried that rising expenses will chase people away from the sport he loves. “Of late, the club is struggling finan­cially,” Wade said. “In the early years, the members were all businessmen and the board of directors was made up of people who were in business in Watertown. Almost every one of them was conservative in their approach to doing things. They got things done, but they didn't go overboard as far as going in debt. When they decided they needed a piece of equipment, when they had the money to do it, they would buy the piece of equipment. Nowadays, that is not the case. “In Watertown what (rising costs) are doing is hurting the blue collar guy I was starting out,” Wade said. “You first have to pay an initiation fee of 4,000-5,000 bucks and then after that if you are going to have all the amenities like a cart and so on, it will cost $3,500 a year. The average guy with a family, a young fella who could be playing and should be playing, can't afford that. So they go to Windwood and other places to play and they are good courses, but Watertown Country Club to me is still the ultimate course around.” That is why as long as he can, Wade will be slapping it around the WCC lay­out.

“Golf is a wonderful game,” Wade said. “It is a game you can play your whole lifetime. Some people are really good, some people are not, but it is a game you can enjoy no matter how you play. The only drawback today is that it is expensive and it takes big blocks of time. “My first love is still to be a member of the club and will be as long as we can afford to do it and as long as we are able to compete and play. I am not interested anymore in winning anything. I just enjoy playing the game.”

12/18/2007

Leigh,

Thanks for posting that interview with Jim Wade. He said some nice things about my dad that I would not have seen if you hadn't taken the time to post it.

I caddied for my dad in the Jefferson Calcutta that he talked about. Dad didn't play very well that day, and I cost him a two stroke penalty on the first and only playoff hole when I disturbed the sand in a green-side trap before he played his shot. The subsequent sand shot after the penalty lipped the cup for eagle. Fortunately, Ron DeMuth canned his chip for eagle to win the playoff. There was dead silence after the last member of the opposing team from Madison missed their eagle putt and we won. Then, there was a very subdued "Hurray for Watertown" from the one and only Clark Derleth, and the crowd erupted. I remember it like it happened yesterday.

Hope to play golf with you guys next May.

Thanks again,

Bruce

Family & Friends, Winter 2011, Times Publishing Company, Watertown, WI, By Adam Burdsall, Family & Friends staff

Swinging in the snow

Local residents golf during winter months

Brian Lee waits for a playing partner to hit on the first fairway during a recent round of winter golf at Watertown Country Club.

Fore! And Sometimes that's the temperature

Against a picturesque winter backdrop, Watertown Country Club Winter Tour member Roger Prickette hits his approach shot to the third green at a recent winter round. The winter tour enters its 48th year at the club.

The sun was shining and the breeze was light ... a perfect day for golf.

Perfect, that is, aside from a forecast calling for highs In the mid-teens and 4 inches of snow blanketing the fairways.

That was of no concern to the members of the Watertown Country Club Winter Golf Tour on this day. The group convened at 9 a.m., kicking off another season of summer fun cast over a winter landscape.

"I think all of us look forward to it; 17-year winter tour golfer Roger Prickette said. You get so many different conditions. Sometimes you get a freezing rain, you hit it low and it can go 250, 300 yards scooting across the top of the snow and you can putt from 50 yards out. Then other times the snow is really soft and you have to hit it right to the hole and can hardly putt at all. We have a good time. We wouldn't do it if it wasn't a good time."

The winter tour began in 1962 and has been a staple in the winter months ever since.

"There were four people originally," Bruce Frey, who enters his 47th year on tour, said. "I was the fifth person in, started playing the second year. Roger Simdon, Doug Hills, Earl Maas and Dave "Whitey" Molzner started it in 1962. Doc Grosnick and I joined the second year."

The obvious question is why?

"We had twice as much fun playing in the winter as we ever did in the summer," Frey said. "You get all kinds of things. Dick Conley fell in the creek ... to me, that is fun."

"Why do people go ice fishing?" 22-year veteran and winter tour "commissioner Glenn Egnarski said. "We are out there moving around. It is not as horrendous as people may think. Playing keeps us swinging all winter long and it is a blast. I fell in love with it right away. As soon as I heard there were people that did this, I said, 'I'm in, I'm doing this.'"

Prickette was not as easily convinced.

"I thought it was kind of crazy," Prickette said. "How are you going to find your ball? I have tramped through snow in the past and that is not too fun to do either. But, when I got out there and gave it a shot, it was pretty fun."

Over the years many have played, few as dedicated as Brian Lee. Lee enters his 18th year playing the winter tour and made it out for the season opener this year just 25 days after prostate surgery.

"I told my wife I was just going to walk and not play," Lee confessed while looking for his tee shot down the middle of the first fairway. 'I feel pretty good, so I am sure it is fine."

Even if it wasn't fine, it would have been hard to keep Lee away.

"I look forward to it every year," Lee said. "This year especially after some of the things I have gone through. It is nice to get back out there and carry on with life. I just love playing."

"I love the combination of camaraderie with the guys. I also believe the winter golf helps my summer game. Swinging in the snow forces you to maintain balance and rhythm. You can get some benefit out of playing in the winter, but for me it is more about the camaraderie."

A foursome of golfers await their turn to play at Watertown Country Club. Fluffy snow made for a tough day locating balls in the first fairway.

The rules are similar to summer golf, but with several modifications specific to winter play.

Instead of a wooden tee, golfers use a piece of sponge to tee the ball up to start a hole. Once a ball is located in the snow, it can be brought to the surface and teed up with any natural substance, most often a pile of snow, before taking the next shot. There is no penalty for a lost ball, just a free drop in the area the ball was believed to land.

"It is a lot tougher hitting the ball," Prickette said. "When you do hit it decently, you feel pretty good about it. You do not get a level lie very often. You need to hit the ball cleanly and make contact with the ball first. In that sense, it is a lot like hitting out of a bunker."

Once on the green, a hole is cut around the flagstick about the size of a coffee can. A putt must go in the hole to count as in. If at any time (tee shot, approach shot, chip, etc.) the ball hits the ground and then the flag, the ball is considered in the hole. In addition, any shot finishing within a 9-iron from the hole is an automatic one-putt.

Out of bounds rules are the same for summer and winter golf, with the exception of water hazards. A player is welcome to venture out on the creek if they would like, occasionally with chilly consequences.

"If you are willing to walk on the ice, just as if you are willing to go in the water in the summer, you can play it," Prickette said. "We have had people try it. Early in the season, you start stepping on the ice and it cracks under feet, you kind of decide to take a drop and a penalty stroke. It isn't like you are going to get real wet, but even just getting wet up to your knees in that kind of weather isn't much fun."

The biggest challenge is finding a ball on a day with soft snow. The effort is about 75 percent skill and 25 percent luck. Despite using orange balls, in most instances the ball finishes beneath the snow. Players do not look for a ball, rather a hole in the snow to indicate where the ball entered. With scattered tracks from deer, rabbits, turkeys and other wildlife, this can be a tricky proposition.

"We play 18 holes quite often," Prickette said. "We have been pretty much nine holes lately. You notice all the tracks out there and that makes it tough to figure out where the balls are and it's hard to putt. We try to switch up and play the front nine one week and the back the next. That lets the other nine build up snow cover again. Every once in a while you get a 40-degree day and it is easy walking and we play 18."

Roger Prickette (left) celebrates a made putt as Brian Lee prepares to roll his ball on the first hole at Watertown Country Club.

More so than temperature, it is wind that has the biggest effect on a round of winter golf.

"Wind and fresh snow make for a bad day," Egnarski said. "The holes blow shut before you can get to the ball. Those days we have to play short holes, par-3s. You are not going to find a ball in the snow unless you can find the hole it went into. When you have blowing, drifting snow, those are the worst conditions."

"It is bad when it is a gale force wind," Prickette said. "The cold weather is no big deal. Just put your gloves back on and dress adequately for cold weather. The wind is the problem."

As often as fluffy snow can hinder a round, winter conditions can also aid in a round. If the snow melts down, the frozen ground can rival the driest fairway of the summer for roll. If you get a layer of ice on top the snow, finding a way to hit the ball short enough can be the biggest challenge.

"Changing conditions every week are probably the most interesting thing," Egnarski said. "I remember times where we were putting from 100 yards because it was glare ice. You couldn't hit a high shot because it would keep bouncing. The next week you couldn't putt from 2 feet because it is so soft. It actually takes years to learn how to play all the conditions."

As much as it pains his fellow competitors, Lee is recognized as the top winter player on the tour right now.

"He really has developed a sense of being able to hit the ball the right distance," Prickette said. "It is always tough for us to hit the ball the proper distance with partial swings. You can't really let it hit the green and roll up to the hole like we do in the summer. Brian is great at controlling his distance."

"In my mind, I am the best player," Egnarski said. "But if you look at the scores, my buddy Brian Lee is the most consistent, without a doubt. But, he is one of the better summer players too."

Instead of a traditional wooden tee, members of the Watertown Country Club Winter Tour tee up their balls on a piece of sponge before beginning a hole.

A round consists of anywhere from three to 18 holes, dependent on weather.

"One year we wanted to keep the string going," Frey said. "We teed off and it was drifting snow and blowing like (crazy). We never found a single ball. By the time we got down there they were all drifted over. But, we kept the string going and were off to the clubhouse to play cribbage the rest of the day."

"If the weather is 20 below wind chill, we play two holes and get out of there," Lee said. "You can't fault people for thinking (we are crazy), but it is a tradition. There are times we get some of those days where it is 30 degrees with no wind and it is kind of fun to walk out there. It is the blizzard days where sometimes even I wonder, 'What are we doing?' Those are the days you play fewer holes and shorter holes ... we are not totally stupid."

From the outside looking in, a group of guys playing golf in the middle of the winter smells fishy. The mere thought of such an activity reeks of an excuse to escape the house with the boys and partake in some liquid warmth.

Half of that is true, but the tour is more about golf and camaraderie and less about debauchery.

"We all enjoy golf and all enjoy each other's company," Egnarski said. "We keep scores from week to week. I used to keep season stats but kind of gave up on that. You never know who will play on a certain week, so we just play that week and move on."

"We do have competition," Lee said. "We set up teams each week and there are winners and losers. That is the allure of it to me. That and crazy things seem to happen. I know two for sure have gone into the creek. Dick Conley once got stuck in a snow bank, but we got him out. We have had a hole-in-one by Leigh Larson that actually went into the hole on No. 9."

At the end of a wandering trail of footprints, Al Schumacher hits an approach shot to the first green during a round of winter golf at Watertown Country Club.

After the first hole, the players are split into teams and scores are kept through the round. At the end of the day, the group retires to the winter tour's unofficial headquarters at Firehouse Lanes. The losing team ponies up the bulk of a modest bar bill as the players reflect on the day's round and life's adventures in a warmer setting.

"Don't make us sound like drunks," Prickette said. "We don't spend a lot of time at the bar. It is fun to go down and have some hot food and a cold drink, but we do not spend all day there."

The Firehouse has embraced the tradition. The bar stores personalized mugs and special pitchers for the winter tour members. In addition, pictures hang on the walls to commemorate past seasons and a current calendar hangs with this year's edition of the tour pros.

"We are kind of like minor celebrities," Lee said.

Despite the fame and fortune, Lee does not expect to see the tour's attendance swell above the current level ranging from four to 12 on a given week.

"I have chatted up a bunch of the other members and they think we are crazy," Lee said. "Once in a while someone will show up at the Firehouse. They won't play, but they can show up down there. That is more their style."

Members of the Watertown Country Club Winter Tour gathered recently to open the 2010 - 2011 season. Golfers included (from left) Al Schumacher, Vern Lindquist, Ken Knaak, Brian Lee, Mike Upthegrove, Bruce Frey, Roger Prickette and Adam Benik.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, April 22, 2006

GOLF COURSE MEMORIES

Our old friend Joe Pinkie stopped into our office earlier this week to visit for a while. We haven't see Joe all that much in recent months and that's primarily because he is no longer fond of the cold weather we deal with in the winter months. But, with temperatures creeping up into the 70s and some sunshine warming everything Joe thought it was time to pay us a visit. It was really enjoyable talking with him. Joe said, “Spring is a very special time of the year and my walks to downtown are filled with delightful things to see. We have tulips and many other early spring flowers blooming over the place, the trees are getting buds, and best of all, the grass is a vibrant green.” We couldn't agree with Joe more. Then, he said one of his old friends called and asked if he'd like to take a ride around town to see how spring was breaking out all over. Joe agreed and the next thing you know he was talking about how lush and beautiful the fairways are at the two golf courses in Watertown. Joe said, “I never was a big golfer but did play a few holes back when Watertown Country Club only had nine holes. And, I've enjoyed watching the development over at Windwood although I never played there. Still, the most fun I had was over at Ed Raue's house when we had some informal matches, complete with some cold beer. Now, that was fun.”  Well, that little conversation turned into a pretty lengthy one and brought back some memories for us as well. While we never played on Ed's private course we remember it well. Now, if you're memory doesn't go back as far as the late 1960s or possibly 1970, you are not likely to remember the course we're talking about. Yes, Joe is right - sort of! Ed Raue had a unique golf course on his property on the east side of town and it was highly visible from Highway 16. As usual, the conversation ended rather abruptly when Joe said he was late for a meeting with a couple of old friends and a mug or two of the golden brew. Well, that conversation got us thinking about Ed Raue's golf course and we ended up taking a ride out to the site at N3082 East Gate Drive. This is the house on the hill between East Gate Drive and Highway 16 where it splits into the bypass a few hundred feet to the west. There's a short north-south road connecting the highway with East Gate Drive that forms the west boundary of the property. As we looked at the property, you can tell where at least one of the greens was located but today it's pretty hard because over the years the grass was allowed to grow and now it looks more like a meadow. Years ago the course was located on the east side of the house and buildings and was quite visible for people traveling west on Highway 16. We needed to know a little more so we called Jim Raue, Ed's son, who is now living in Winter Park, Fla. Jim remembered the course well. He told us, “Yes, that was quite a place! Back in about 1957 the state was in the process of constructing the Highway 16 bypass and the new Highway 16 and that split the parcel of property, with some on the south side of the new road and some on the north side.” “The owner of the property had died and dad, seeing the potential, made a deal with the family to first lease and then later buy the property,” he added. Ed all along saw the potential for a mini golf course there which could be the focal point of social and business entertaining. So, he had two PGA regulation greens developed and then installed nine tees which were scattered down at the lower or eastern level of the property. Harold Hell, a well-known Watertown resident was hired to keep the course well manicured. Many of our longtime readers will remember Harold as a full-time fireman but given his schedule there was time to handle some of the course maintenance. So, there's just enough information to whet your appetite and we've run out of space. We'll continue with this story next week when we bring along some memories from Jim as well as a little more information. Stay tuned.

TLS

Donald Carl Sellnow died April 9, 1999, in Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, at age 71. Buried in Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Watertown, Dodge Co., WI.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, Thursday, July 6, 2006

OBITUARY

       

John J. Brennan

John J. "Jay" Brennan, 70, of Watertown, died Tuesday, July 4, 2006, at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Madison following a brief illness. Jay was born on July 11, 1935, in Binghamton, N.Y., son of John and Dorothy (Garvey) Brennan. He married Mary Jo "Jody" Ruskin on Aug. 2, 1982, in Watertown. He was vice president of Kohl's Food Service Division, then vice president of sales and marketing for Beckman Produce Inc. and finished his food sales career as sales manager institutional food services with Aunt Nellie's of Clyman. Upon retirement he formed his company Foregolf and became an independent sales representative for numerous golf equipment and clothing suppliers. Jay served on the board of directors for the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Wauwatosa Credit Union. He served six years on the board of directors for the Watertown Country Club, including four years as president. He was a member of Pitterle-Beaudoin American Legion Post 189. He served in the United States Army in Korea. Jay was an avid golfer. He and his first wife, Karleen, of Onarga, III., raised 23 foster children. Jay is survived by his wife, Jody Brennan of Watertown; three daughters, Kelly Brennan of Braidwood, Ill., Deborah (Mark) Peterson of Pawleys Island, N.C., and Sheanne (Rich) Balsitis of New Lenox, III.; eight grandchildren, Karli McArthur, John Leitner, Becka and Michael Peterson, Nathan Brennan and Kendall, Jillian and Madison Balsitis; a great-granddaughter, Ally Garcia; two brothers, Robert Brennan of Oshkosh and James (Bev) Brennan of Fairbanks, Alaska; a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may gather for a traditional Irish wake at the Watertown Country Club on Sunday after 4 p.m. A private family memorial service will be held. Memorials may be given in his memory to the American Lung Association or the charity of one's choice. The Pederson Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, December 10, 2005

John T. Weaver

Of Menomonee Falls, Dec. 8, 2005, age 73 years. Beloved husband of Alice for 44 years. Loving father of Wendy (Andy) Mohrfeld and Allison Weaver. Special Gramps to Alyssa, Hailey and Claire. Brother of the late Ralph, Jim and Robert Weaver and Jane Stephenson. Survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Weaver and brother-in-law, Don Stephenson. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Sun., Dec. 11 at 3PM at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, N84 W16707 Menomonee Ave., Menomonee Falls. Visitation Sunday 1PM until time of Service at the church. Friends will be encouraged to share memories or thoughts during the Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ruth Hospice or Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church would be appreciated. John taught social studies in Menomonee Falls for 32 years, and was a highly regarded varsity golf coach. He was a member of the Watertown Country Club for over 50 years and inducted into the Club's hall of fame. John was a proud veteran of the Korean War, having served in the USAF. He was a member of the member of the Menomonee Falls Optimist Club, VFW, and American Legion. John also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, senior golf, tutoring and the R.O.M.E.O.'s and his grandchildren's activities. John touched many lives in his quiet way and will be greatly missed. SCHMIDT & BARTELT A.A. Schmidt & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Menomonee Falls 262-251-3630

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Edward Dobbratz

Edward J. Dobbratz, 84, of Watertown, passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 19, 2008, at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau. He was born on Aug. 9, 1924, in Watertown, son of Gerhard and Lily (Loeffler) Dobbratz. Ed was a 1942 graduate of Watertown Senior High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., and the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Ed was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of captain. On June 4, 1947, he married the former Janet Forbes Ellington in Milwaukee. Ed was an avid sports fan and had been quarterback for the Watertown High School football team. He was a National Junior Speed Skating Champion. Ed and his brothers, Herman and Fred, won numerous speed skating awards. Ed loved golf, tennis and boating. He owned and operated the Watertown Table Slide until 1985. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Watertown. Ed was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and a former director of the M&I Bank in Watertown. He was also a member of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666 and Watertown American Legion Post No. 189. Ed is survived by his wife, Janet of Watertown; one daughter, Lisa Dobbratz; a sister, Marie Kleinsteiber of Chelsea, Mich.; two brothers, Fred (Ruth) Dobbratz of Madison and Ray (Marie) Dobbratz of Watertown; and a sister-in-law, Ginny Dobbratz of Watertown. He is further survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and also a brother, Herman on March 6, 1986. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown with the Rev. Deborah Howland of First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post No. 189 will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends may call at the Hafemeister Funeral Home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Alzheimer's Foundation, Salvation Army or the charity of one's choice. Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown

July 13, 2010

Ronald L. Vaught

Ronald L. Vaught, 64, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Watertown Regional Medical Center. Ronald was born on June 21, 1946, in Watertown, son of Keith and Viola (Krueger) Vaught. He was a 1964 graduate of Watertown High School. He worked at Watertown Table Slide and Reiss Industries in Watertown. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Watertown, where he had been the head usher. Ronald was a former member of the Watertown Country Club and was the club champion in 1983. He loved to bowl and was an avid hunter. Memorials to First Baptist Church would be appreciated. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors include one cousin, Emily Krueger of Watertown, and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and an aunt. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown with the Rev. Allan Kranz officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place on Friday at 9 a.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Watertown. The Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown is in charge of the arrangements.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, April 15, 2010

Charles A. Hertel

Charles “Chuck” A. Hertel, 86, of Watertown, passed away Wednesday morning, April 14, 2010, at Golden LivingCenter in Watertown. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Brian Wilk officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Watertown. Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects at the church on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Memorials may be directed to St. Henry Catholic Church, St. Bernard's Catholic Church or the charity of one's choice. Charles A. Hertel was born in Batesville, Ind., on July 7, 1923, son of Lester and Stella (Meister) Hertel. He was a graduate of Wabash College and Annapolis Naval Academy and was trained as a pilot through the United States Navy. Chuck married Eleanor Taranto on May 4, 1974, at their home in Watertown. He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church. In his later years, Chuck enjoyed volunteering at UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor “Ellie” of Watertown; a daughter, Dawn Zillmer of Watertown; his natural children, Stella (Peter) Kovicich of Milwaukee and Patricia (Richard) Atwood of Madison; three grandsons, David (Dana) Neitzel, Tony Zillmer and Timmy Zillmer; his sisters, Pauline Bower, Helen Franzese and Barbara (Ron) May; a brother, Bill (Joy) Hertel; a sister-in-law, Alice Hertel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Victoria Neitzel; a son, David Higgins; a sister, Margie Oswald; and a brother, Dick Hertel. Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Friday, November 18, 2016

OBITUARY

Dr. David Thomas Quanbeck, a beloved child of God, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, with the supermoon of 2016 shining overhead. He was 80 years old. David was the youngest son of Thor and Hilda (Ostlie) Quanbeck. He is survived by his wife, Anita Quanbeck of Watertown; his brother, Alton Quanbeck of Middleburg, Virginia, and sister Dorothy Johnson of North Branch, Minnesota; four sons, Cameron (San Mateo, California), Eric (Watertown), Chris (Santa Clara, California) and Andrew (Madison); daughters-in-law Laura (Holl) Quanbeck (San Mateo) and Jamie (Graham) Quanbeck (Madison); five grandchildren, Emma, Luke and Hanna Quanbeck (San Mateo) and Graham and Alexandra Quanbeck (Madison); and his golden retriever, Barney of Watertown. David was born on Oct. 26, 1936, in Fargo, North Dakota. As a child, he showed an early interest in biology and anatomy. David pursued these interests through his undergraduate studies at Waldorf and Augustana, where his father, the Rev. Thor Quanbeck, was a professor of psychology. David went on to earn an MD from the University of Chicago, an experience that he reported to be particularly grueling (he was not a man prone to exaggeration or self-pity). He served his nation as a doctor at Glasgow Air Force Base in Glasgow, Montana, between 1963 and 1965. He completed his medical residency at the University of Wisconsin in 1971 with a specialty in urology. During his residency, David was introduced to his future wife by a mutual friend who knew that they both loved opera. Anita was teaching nursing at the University of Wisconsin at that time. Opera brought them together and bound them together for the rest of their lives. They were married in 1969 and went on to raise their four boys in Watertown. David served the community of Watertown as a physician until his retirement in 1998, passing the torch to Dr. Ron Sokovich. As a physician, he alleviated suffering for thousands of his patients and saved many lives. He led a life of tireless devotion to his work. He was nearly always on call and responded to medical emergencies day and night. In 1974, he traveled to Madagascar to teach a desperately needed medical procedure to his cousin Stan Quanbeck and his wife Kathie, who ran a missionary hospital serving the native Malagasay people. In his retirement, he spent his time raising shiitake mushrooms, volunteering his medical expertise as a physician at the Watertown Area Cares Clinic and helping feed members of the community through Immanuel Lutheran Church’s food pantry.

David was beloved by his family and many close friends. All who were close to him respected him for his undying commitment to his fellow human beings. This commitment started with those closest to him — his family — before radiating outward to the community he lived in, and extending across the entire world. David loved God, his family and friends, his dog Barney, his country and the ideas it stands for, golf (Watertown Country Club champion, 1976), football (he earned the nickname “No-neck Quanbeck” for his buff physique as a player, was a Badger season ticket holder since 1970 and a die-hard Packers fan), classical music, fine food and drink, and literature. His immense intellect was fueled by an insatiable love of reading that persisted until his final days on Earth. David’s gentle, generous and loving spirit will live on in the memories of the countless people whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday, Dec. 4, with the Rev. Todd Iverson presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Watertown Area Cares Clinic (watertownareacaresclinic.org) or the Immanuel Lutheran Church food pantry (www.watertownimmanuel.org). Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. (so as not to interfere with the Packers’ game, which David will be busy watching with God until about 3:15 p.m.), with the memorial service beginning at 5 p.m.

Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pn-fh.com. Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home, 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, Friday, June 30, 2017

OBITUARY

Richard B. Conley, 86, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 29, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at noon at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Fathers Bob Sears, S.J. and Patrick Wendler officiating. Private family burial will be at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Watertown on Thursday. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Richard (aka “Dick” and “RBC”) was born in Galena, Illinois, on March 6, 1931, the third of four children. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to De Pere. He attended Abbott Pennings High School, where he excelled in the literary arts, tennis and golf. His success in golf earned him a place on the golf team at the University of Notre Dame, which he attended for a year prior to enrolling as a seminarian at St. Norbert College. Seminary studies included a year in Rome, which sparked an interest in travel.

Richard left the seminary to take a trip around the world with his good friend Pat Ariens, setting sail for the Olympics in Australia in 1957. Upon returning home two years later, he met the love of his life, Olive Rose Holzer, who had just returned from a trip to Europe and Turkey. Richard courted Olive in Green Bay while teaching at Premontre High School and beginning work on his master’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin, where he studied under Helen C. White. He also continued his interest in golf and became the northeastern Wisconsin golf champion and the club champion of Oneida Country Club. Richard and Olive married on June 12, 1961, and the two found teaching roles in Watertown. On Palm Sunday, 1964, their country home was completely demolished by a tornado. The young couple was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the Watertown community and decided to make Watertown their permanent home. Richard taught in the Watertown High School English department from 1961-1993, and was named educator of the year in 1963. His interest in media and persuasion contributed to his role on the committee that introduced cable television communications to Watertown. He also served as a coach of the WHS golf team and enjoyed golfing at the Watertown Country Club, where he participated in the Winter Golf Tour well into his 70s.

Richard was part of St. Bernard’s Cecilian Choir, which he led for a number of years. His musical interests were also expressed in a barbershop quartet, in which he was accompanied by Royce Rowedder, John Block and Dave Nielsen. In retirement, Richard and Olive focused time on family, friends and Green Bay Packer games. His annual NCAA college football bowl pick competition drew participants from across the country, and he relished any opportunity to win or lose a game of cribbage. Richard went home to his heavenly Father on Thursday, joining his father and mother, Harry and Julia Conley; brother, Fr. Kieran Conley, O.S.B.; sister, Terry Byrne; five in-laws, Urban Schumacher, Bud Byrne, Jack and Judy Holzer and Mary Pat (Holzer) Wach; and four nephews, Mike, Dick, Tom and John Byrne. Richard is survived by his wife, Olive Rose of Watertown; four children, Kevin (Kay) Conley of Watertown, Mary (Dale) Eggert of Libertyville, Illinois, Kiara (Jay) Mack of Delafield and Bridget (John) Zakowski of Green Bay; sister, Judy Schumacher of Green Bay; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth Mack, Colleen Conley, Meghan Conley, Catherine Zakowski, John Mack, Mary Zakowski, Kara Conley, Kieran Conley, John Zakowski and Tommy Zakowski.

Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com. Hafemeister Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family. Memorials may be made to EWTN, Judicial Watch, Wisconsin Right to Life or St. Norbert College.  Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 611 E. Main St., Watertown

The Maple Lake Messenger, Maple Lake, Wright Co., MN, April 26, 2017

New golf coach brings experience, knowledge to Maple Lake's game

Patrick Groehler comes to the Maple Lake High School golf program with years of experience teaching golf. He was the golf instructor for the Buffalo Heights Junior Program; head golf professional at Tumblebrook C.C. in Pewaukee, WI; golf instructor at Pierre Marque Golf Course in Acapulco, MX; director of golf at Silver Spring in Monticello; golf instructor and owner of the Monticello Driving Range. He has a home on Maple Lake and jumped at the opportunity to coach at his local high school.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Earl R. Maas, 96, a Watertown business and industrial leader for decades, died on Tuesday.

A memorial service for Maas is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home with the Rev. Barbara Berg presiding. Visitation will be for an hour prior to the service. Throughout his long career Maas was affiliated with the family business, Maas Bros. Construction. The firm was started in 1922 by his father, Albert W. Maas Sr., and continues in the family today. For many years he served as president of the company, leading the firm as it continued to grow. Today the firm is one of the largest in the area. During Maas' years of leadership, many local and area construction projects were completed by the firm. They included Watertown Memorial Hospital, Riverside Middle School, Webster, Douglas and Lincoln elementary schools, St. Henry School, much of the Marquardt Village campus, the Jefferson County Courthouse addition and many others. In addition to his work at the construction firm, Maas was deeply involved with various community efforts. He was a longtime member of the Watertown Elks Lodge, serving as exalted ruler from 1957-59; was a 70-year member of Pitterle-Beaudoin Post No. 189 American Legion; and had served as a member of the board of directors of Merchants National Bank, now known as Chase Bank. Maas was also instrumental in the successful effort to expand Watertown Country Club from nine to 18 holes, and served as club president and in other capacities for many years. He was a 1938 graduate of Watertown High School and subsequently graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in civil engineering before serving in the U.S. Navy as an officer with the Seabees, a Navy construction division. Among his survivors are his wife of 74 years, Grace, and three sons, Tom, John and Robert, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Earl R. Maas

July 23, 1920 - April 17, 2018

Earl R. Maas passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. He was born July 23, 1920, in Mauston, the eldest of four children to Albert W. Maas Sr. and Jennie (Caldwell) Maas. Earl grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1938 and UW-Madison with a degree in civil engineering. On Feb. 12, 1944, he was married to Grace Cushman in Watertown and they recently celebrated their 74th anniversary. Shortly after college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a naval officer on active duty for two years during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands as a member of the "Seabees" (Construction Battalion). After the war he went to work for Maas Brothers Construction Co., a company founded by his father in 1922. He served for many years as president and the firm grew and prospered under his energetic and capable management. Many of the buildings in this city and the surrounding communities were built under his leadership: schools, factories, and city and county buildings including Watertown Hospital, Riverside Middle School, Webster, Douglas and Lincoln schools, St. Henry School, much of the Marquardt campus, the Jefferson County Courthouse and many more. Earl was an avid golfer and sports fan, and also a proud Badger backer. He devoted many hours to the development of the second nine holes at the Watertown Country Club and actually shot his age or better from age 74 to 90. He served as president of that club and was active on many committees there over the years. He was a longtime member of the Watertown Elks Club, serving as exalted ruler from 1957-1959. He was a 70-year member of the American Legion. He also had been a board member of the Merchants National Bank which later became the Marine Bank, and then Chase Bank in Watertown. Earl was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Al Maas Jr., Edith Maas Nevermann and Ruth Ann Maas Kaercher. He leaves behind his wife of 74 years, Grace Cushman Maas, and three sons, Thomas (Kathy) of Duluth, Minnesota, John (Chris) of Watertown and Robert (Paula) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. There are six grandchildren: Collin (Gail) Maas of Fort Atkinson, Leslie Maas (Rafael) Cortes of Dorado, Puerto Rico, Jason (Amy) Maas of Madison, Johnny (Carolina) Maas of San Francisco, California, Anthony Maas of Madison and Jeremy Maas of Anchorage, Alaska, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was a role model and positive influence on them all. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caregivers at Marquardt Assisted Living and Marquardt Hospice for the loving attention given to our dad. Memorials may be directed to Marquardt Hospice, Marquardt Assisted Living or to the Earl and Al Maas Scholarship Fund. A memorial service to honor the life of Earl will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home in Watertown with the Rev. Barbara Berg presiding. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit pn-fh.com. Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home, 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Tuesday May 7, 2019

Patrick Clarence Groehler 

       

MAPLE LAKE, Minn. - Patrick Clarence Groehler, 71, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Patrick was born April 21, 1947, in Watertown, Wisconsin, the second of four children of the late Benjamin and Albina Groehler. He was an accomplished golfer who started at a young age by making his first club out of a bamboo pole and his passion for the sport continued until his final days. He attended Watertown High School, graduating in 1967 and lettering in four sports. Patrick attended the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Russian history, and played on the university golf team. He served six years in the Army Reserve, advancing to an E6. After college Patrick continued on with his love for golf and became the head golf pro at Tumblebrook Country Club in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.  Patrick had a lengthy career in publishing and held positions at Optima Publishing Group in NYC and then spending 25 years in various roles at Portal Publications. In 2000, Patrick and his wife Sharon moved from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, to Maple Lake and became the owners of the Monticello Driving Range & Par 3 Golf Course. There, he started his business Precision Golf, consisting of golf lessons, demonstrations, events and repairs. Patrick later became the head golf coach at Maple Lake High School where he inspired his students to become not only good golfers but good people. Patrick was an incredible and loving husband and father, a wonderful and generous friend, a caring uncle. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his five children: Leslie, Phillip, Wes, Carrie (Karl) and Craig; four grandchildren: Miles, Evelyn, Kinsley and Justin; his siblings: Judy, Michael and Peter (Sue); and many nephews and nieces. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at St. Henry Catholic Church, 412 N. Fourth St., Watertown, WI 53094, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held immediately following the service at the Watertown Country Club, 1340 N. Water St., Watertown, WI 53098, to share memories and remember Patrick. Lunch will be served. All are welcome to attend.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Delos 'Del' E. Hinze

13 Jun 1926, Ashippun, Dodge County, Wisconsin, USA

21 Jul 2019, Oconomowoc, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, USA

Delos "Del" E. Hinze, age 93, of Watertown, Wisconsin, was called home by his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Azura Memory Care in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where he had resided for the last three years. Del battled Alzheimer's for the last eight years of his life. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27 at noon at St. John's Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin with the Rev. Rodney Warnecke of St. John's Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation is at St. John's from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery, Watertown, following the service. Memorials, if desired, may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church. Delos was born June 13, 1926, in Ashippun, Wisconsin, son of Edwin and Adelaide (nee Schellin), Hinze. He married Bernice E. Stillmacher on Feb. 13, 1966, at St. Marks Church in Watertown, Wisconsin. Del moved to Watertown as a young child and attended St. John's Lutheran Grade School. He would then go on to attend Watertown High School where he graduated in 1944. In 1951, Del enlisted in the Army National Guard of Wisconsin. He had an entrepreneurial spirit. Some of his first jobs included a cheese and milk hauling route for DairyLane Milk. Del would later own and operate National Transit Cartage Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his brother Allen. Subsequent to this, Del and his brother Allen owned and operated Red Eagle Oil & Truck Stop on I-94 in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin until his retirement in 1985. Del, along with his brother Allen, built the Pine Cone Restaurant. During this time, Del and Allen would also operate A&D Oil, a private oil and gas exploration entity and developed Country Club Estates originally on their parent's farm. Above all, Del, was a devoted Christian. He was an elder and was a lifelong member at St. John's Lutheran Church. He was an avid bowler, an avid Packer fan, and passionate about the game of golf. Delos was a lifetime member of the Watertown Country Club where he caddied as a young boy and was elected WCC president in 1963. He got a hole in one on No. 6 and won the WCC golf championship in 1965. Del especially loved traveling and excursions with his family; especially trips to Siesta Key, Florida, in the winter, and golf getaways with friends. Del loved spending quality time with his family. Surviving are his wife Bernice (nee Stillmacher); a son, Greg (Sarah) Hinze; a daughter, Kristi (Chris) Giese, all of Watertown; two grandchildren, Keyera Giese of Wisconsin Lutheran College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Caitlin Giese of Watertown. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin in 1976 and Adelaide in 1986; and brother and sister-in-law, Allen (Jeanette) Hinze. The family extends much appreciation for the exceptional care and love given to Del and his family the last three years by Azura Memory Care and Home Town Hospice. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 611 E. Main St. Watertown.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, November 16, 2020

Louis "Louie" E. Kuckkan

Louis “Louie” E. Kuckkan, 90, of Watertown passed away on November 12, 2020 at Watertown Regional Medical Center. Louie was born on October 24, 1930 in Watertown, the son of Edward and Cora (Schuett) Kuckkan. He married the love of his life Ora Schwefel on May 21, 1955 at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the couple enjoyed 65 wonderful years together. Louie graduated grade school from St. Mark’s Lutheran School and was a 1949 graduate of Watertown High School. He worked as a tool and die maker at Brandt Automatic Cashier Inc. for 43 years. Louie was truly a man of faith; he was a long time member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, serving on the Board of Elders. Louis was an avid golfer and bowler and even had the opportunity to bowl three 300 games and was able to get four holes in ones on the golf course. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Louie is survived by his wife Ora and In-laws Kaye Kuckkan, Ruth Dobbratz, Ruben (Marji) Schwefel, Wilmar Schwefel, Marie Dobbratz, and John Schwefel. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Harold (Rosemary), Edward (Lorraine), Orville (Leona), and George. Brother-in-law Roy Schwefel and sister-in-law Myrtle Hrobsky. A funeral Service for Louie will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November, 18, 2020 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown with Rev. Karl Walther presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials in Louie’s memory to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, WI, April, 2021

Wayne Kressin

Wayne Kressin was mentioned in the newspaper story about the death of Walter Mondale in 2021. This is a picture of Wayne and Joan Kressin from 2019 that was used in connection with the Mondale story.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Monday, May 16, 2022

Wayne F. Kressin

September 22, 1928 - May 13, 2022

   

Wayne F. Kressin, 93, of Watertown was born to eternal life on Friday, May 13, 2022. He was born September 22, 1928 in Watertown. The son of William and Cecile (Kaminski) Kressin. He attended St. Bernard's grade school and graduated from high school in 1947. He attended Marquette University graduating from engineering school in 1951. He served in the US army from 1951-1953. He worked for 37 years at Kusel Equipment. He was an avid sports observer and participant; he especially loved the Chicago Cubs. He was inducted in the Bowling Hall of Fame and was a member at the Watertown Country Club for 66 years. On May 19, 1956 he married Joan Ruth Witt; they had eight children: Bob of Chicago, IL, Mike (Kathy) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ann of Valencia, CA, David (Mike) of Forest Grove, OR, John (Vicky), Paul (Lisa) of Saint Charles, MO, and Michele (Bob) Proano of Reno, NV. Grandchildren Shawn (Heather), Corissa (Austin), and great-grandchildren Adeyn and Colton. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Bill, grandson Cody, son-in-law David Sendek, and siblings: Gib, Pat, Clem and Bill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 20, 2022 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Mapleton with Fr. Michael Strachota presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Watertown. Memorials in Wayne’s honor to the Watertown Country Club Capital Improvement Fund would be appreciated. Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence please visit www.pn-fh.com.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Monday, August 7, 2023

Ralph E. Grady

April 21, 1933 - August 4, 2023

Watertown, WI - Ralph E. Grady, 90, of Watertown, passed away Friday, August 4, 2023, at Park Ridge in Watertown. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Nicholas Quinnett officiating. Family and friends may visit at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com. Ralph Edward Grady was born April 21, 1933, son of the late Alfred and Esther (nee Kuerschner) Grady. Ralph graduated from Watertown High School in 1951. After high school, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea. On August 3, 1957, Ralph married the former Lois J. Frey at St. John's Lutheran Church. Ralph owned R&R TV Service Inc. from 1971 until 1998 and then worked installing antennas. He was a member of Watertown Country Club and Windwood Country Club. Ralph was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and American Legion Post #189. Most of all, Ralph loved spending time with family. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Lois; 4 children, Brian Grady, Denise (Jay) Riederer, Richard (Patti) Grady, and Todd (Tammy) Grady; 3 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.

Watertown Daily Times, Watertown, Jefferson Co., WI, Monday, February 5, 2024

Bruce L. Frey

April 21, 1933 - February 2, 2024

Watertown, WI - Bruce L. Frey, 90, of Watertown, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Riverview Assisted Living in Watertown. Bruce L. Frey was born on April 21, 1933 to Leon and Frances (nee Dougan) Frey in Lowell, WI. He was a graduate of Watertown High School. Bruce was a member of Watertown Country Club and loved to golf. He is survived by two sisters: Lois Grady of Watertown; Elaine (Gordon) Mamayek of Oconomowoc; brother-in-law, Dennis Krause; nephews: Brett Krause, Brian Grady, Richard Grady, Todd Grady; nieces: Denise Riederer, Sue Ann Krause, Renee Juhl; as well as other relatives and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Donald (Donna) Frey, Lynn Frey; sister, Carol Krause; brother-in-law, Ralph Grady. Per his wishes no service will be held. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

The Journal Times, Racine, Racine Co., WI, Sunday, April 11, 2021

Tanya Theola Lehmann

July 10, 1937 - April 7, 2021

   

The above picture has been animated as an MP4 file.

OCONOMOWOC, FORMERLY OF RACINE — Tanya T. Lehmann (nee: Thompson) passed away comfortably on April 7, 2021 in Oconomowoc. Tanya was born on July 10, 1937 on a farm in Luverne, MN to Sivert and Lena (nee: Snartemo) Thompson. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1955. After two years at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD Tanya, and a girlfriend ventured to Racine, WI in 1957 to work at S.C. Johnson & Sons. There she met the love of her life, Gary O. Lehmann. They were united in marriage on January 23, 1960. Tanya enjoyed bowling, playing Bridge, and learned to play golf at the Kenosha Country Club. Tanya and her Bridge friends met for over 50 years. Tanya and Gary moved to Oconomowoc in 1992. She loved farming, antiques, boating, living on the lake, and wintering in Austin, TX. Tanya's best trait was she had a special gift in making others feel better about themselves. Tanya will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 61 years, Gary; sons: Steven (Lisa), Kenneth (Diane), and Paul (Dawn); grandchildren: Tyler, Alyssa, Victoria, Maxwell, Benjamin, Clare, and Erik; brother, Dr. Stanley Thompson of Coon Rapids, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Torleif (Arlene) Thompson on November 25, 2013. A Celebration of Tanya's life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, April 15, 2021 with a visitation starting at 1:00 P.M. A ceremony will begin at 2:00 P.M. with a service of committal following at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com. A sincere thank you to the staff at Azura Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice in Oconomowoc for their excellent and compassionate care of Tanya and her family. Wilson Funeral Home, 1212 Lathrop Avenue, Racine, WI 53405. 262-634-3361.