The Ellsworth Community School District will welcome the following people to inclusion in the newly formed Hall of Fame. These individuals represent a wide array of community supporters, pillars of the ECSD and distinguished alumni.

The Ellsworth Hall of Fame has been undertaken as a service project by EHS junior Maggie Pechacek and a team of 10 community members who have served on the selection committee. The public is invited to the ECSD Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction on March 22 at the Ellsworth High School Cafetorium, with a social hour from 5:45-6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program to honor the inductees.

Tickets may be purchased by following this link: https://gofan.co/event/3120471?schoolId=WI19699

Lonnie G. Feuerhelm, Alumni, Class of 1968 (1950-2018)

Lonnie Feuerhelm was born in May 1950 in Decorah, Iowa to Ronald and Bernadine Feuerhelm. He was one of 10 children; his family moved to Ellsworth and Lonnie attended Lindgren Elementary School, Ellsworth Junior High and graduated from Ellsworth High School in the class of 1968. In high school, Lonnie played football and basketball.

Feuerhelm graduated from UW-River Falls with a degree in accounting. In 1970, he married his wife Peg. He went to St. Paul to work at an accounting firm. In 1983, he took over the firm and began Feuerhelm Accounting Practice. He obtained his CPA and later opened offices in Ellsworth, Baldwin, and Lake Elmo, Minn.

Feuerhelm was active in his children’s lives, coaching Saturday ball and helping organize a kids bowling league at Hilltop Bowl. He was the proud dad to Matt, Kit, Shannon, Gabe and Josh.

Feuerhelm also served on various boards and committees, including the Pierce County Board and Trust, Pierce County Hunger Prevention Council, and Pierce Pepin Electric Co-op. He also belonged to several civic organizations including the Funsters, Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club, Ellsworth School District Foundation, EHS Football Booster Club, the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge and Kiwanis.

Feuerhelm raised money through a series of comedy shows which he performed at the El Paso Bar and Grill. He told jokes for over an hour and raised over $15,000 for breast cancer research. Over the years, many people had a laugh over one of his jokes.

Feuerhelm spent his free time with family and friends, enjoying golf and slow-pitch softball, traveling and bowling. He donated much of his time and money back to the people and businesses of the community. Some of these organizations include: Ellsworth Fire Department, Masonic Lodge, Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club, Ellsworth Country Club, Ellsworth School District Foundation and the food shelf.

A supportive, happy, smart man; a person who could give some solid business and life advice. But best of all, he was always willing to sit and talk, laugh, and tell a few jokes.

Julie Graber, Retired EHS Staff

Julie Graber was born in a small town in southern Wisconsin, the second of five siblings. After graduating from Mineral Point High School, she attended UW-River Falls and graduated in 1981. Jack Swanson, Kirby Symes and Elwin Roberts interviewed Graber three weeks before school started and hired her as an Ellsworth High School physical education teacher. She initially coached varsity basketball and softball. Her early coaching years included multiple sports at a time when the young women's part of the WIAA was relatively new.

Her achievements as varsity softball coach left a legacy as the program continues to attract strong athletes and winning coaches who benefitted from Graber’s early involvement. An incredibly talented athlete herself, she always modeled the traits we hoped to instill in our student athletes--health, fitness, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

She was the advisor for Strut-n-Fret, a club that helped to provide school spirit at all home sporting events and ran all activities for Homecoming. She soon found out that the students were a hard-working bunch that had a LOT of school spirit. She learned quickly that it isn’t the materials that are important in the classroom, it is the way you treat each child every day that makes the biggest difference. Graber was willing to try new methods and teach new activities that helped students be healthier throughout their lives. This included opening up activities that might not fit into conventional classroom thinking such as capture the flag or frisbee golf using both gyms and the senior hallway.

Graber also taught swimming lessons at the Klaas/Jonas Pool for many years, working with students who were at level four or five. But her favorite time came during the last hour of summer school where she got in and worked with level one because she loved getting in the water and working one on one with the students as they learned to float and get comfortable in the water.

During her tenure at EHS, she was also prom and Student Council advisor. But the thing that made her the most beloved was her role as senior advisor. “Grabe” could be found in the senior hallway checking on a student’s grade or just checking in with students. Her main goals as Senior Advisor were to help all students graduate, but also to treat students like they were her own children. She always made sure at the graduation ceremony to thank the students for the privilege of working with them.

Graber also became the Physical Education and Health Chairperson and received the Kohl Teacher Fellowship Award. Along with Mary Wild and Leona Johnson, she wrote an application for the Carol M. White Physical Education Grant. The school district was awarded $750,000 to use to help students improve their health and fitness levels. She was also part of the first team to bring Professional Learning Communities to the high school, and she pioneered a mentoring program that paired older students with younger students to welcome them to the high school and be successful.

In 2010 Julie received the Ellsworth School Foundation’s Teacher of the Year award. In 2019, Grabe retired to spend time with family and go camping. Many of her former students became beloved colleagues at EHS, including Judi Helmer, Alyssa Matzek, Nick Foley, Kris Deiss, Josh Erlandson, Andrew Borner, Barry Cain, Cory Brathall and Ann Huppert. As Matzek stated in her nomination letter, “Julie's ability to connect with ALL students was something that not many can do in the world of teaching. It didn't matter whether you were a standout athlete or a student who didn't really like school, she could make an impact on anyone. She supported all students, no matter if you were interested in the arts, forensics, sports, or had other passions. She listened, mentored and most importantly is an overall genuine, amazing person and her dedication to the Ellsworth school district is something that many will never forget.”

John ‘Jack’ Hines, Class of 1954, Alumni

Jack Hines’ business insight has been evident since 1958, when he began working with Farmers Mutual (now known as American Family Insurance), serving the community for 40 years. His integrity and dedication to his clients made a lasting impact, building trust and loyalty among families throughout the area. In addition, his work with Hines Auction Service for over 60 years has contributed significantly to the local economy, fostering connections and creating opportunities for residents.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hines has been a pillar of the community through his extensive involvement in numerous non-profit organizations: As an original member of the Funsters for over 50 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1958, and a contributor to the Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club for over 60 years, Eau Galle Rush River Sportsman Club, St. Francis Church for over 80 years and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 204. Hines has shown unwavering commitment to improving our community. His leadership in 4-H, where he initiated the food stand and livestock auction, exemplifies his dedication to youth and education.

Hines has also volunteered his time at the Pierce County Fair for more than 50 years, serving as a demo announcer, 4-H auctioneer and parade announcer. Hines initiated Friends of the Fair and served as president for a year. His contributions to the Chamber of Commerce, where he served for 60 years and was awarded Businessperson of the Year in 1988, reflect his major influence in the business community. He also earned the Outstanding Citizen award, further highlighting his commitment to Ellsworth.

Hines played a crucial role in organizing community celebrations, serving as co-chairman for the 100th and 125th anniversaries of Ellsworth, leading up to the Cheese Curd Festival, and chairing the 150th Anniversary celebration. He also initiated the Fourth of July celebration, which he continued for over 25 years.

His fundraising efforts have had a profound impact, including $75,000 for the East End Park project, part of the 150th Anniversary. His efforts led to the installation of brick planters, pathway lighting, and utility improvements—features that continue to enhance the space today.

Hines’ ability to bring people together for a cause is second to none; when he stops by for a visit, it’s not just a conversation, it’s an invitation to be part of something meaningful, and he often leaves with a donation for one of the many projects he's passionate about, such as the new Public Library Capital Campaign, Design Ellsworth charrette and the “Vote Yes” campaign for the new elementary school. As his late wife, Shirley, famously remarked, "What part of the word no, don’t you understand?" This perfectly captures Hines’ relentless spirit and commitment to his community.

Hines also served in the military for eight years: three active and five in the reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Dr. Eugene R. Jonas, M.D., Community Member (1930-2014)

Doc was born on Feb. 17, 1930 in Red Wing, the son of Reynold and Lucille (Kull) Jonas. After graduating from Red Wing High School he attended Lab and X-ray school in Minnesota. During the Korean Conflict he joined the army and spent two and a half years in Alaska. After his honorable discharge from the army he entered pre-med at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine during which he decided his area of expertise would be family practice.

“Doc” Jonas loved Ellsworth and its community members. His dedication began in 1961 when he opened his private practice, later joining forces with his esteemed colleague, Dr. Fred B. Klaas. Practicing family medicine until 1994, Dr. Jonas played a vital role in local healthcare while also taking on multiple leadership and volunteer positions. During his career he was proud to have delivered more than 1,500 babies and implanted over 100 pacemakers.

After retirement, he continued practicing medicine by working in emergency rooms and urgent care clinics around Wisconsin and Minnesota. In 1999, he had the honor of having the Klaas Jonas Pool named in his recognition. He served as Medical Director of the Ellsworth Area Ambulance for 44 years, Chief of Staff at River Falls Area Hospital, and Pierce County Coroner for over 20 years. His commitment extended to public health, acting as Director of the Pierce County Public Health Department for a decade and serving on the Wisconsin Board of Medical Examiners for Nursing Homes for nine years.

Beyond his formal roles, Doc Jonas was active in various community organizations. He was the President of the American Cancer Society Wisconsin Division for two years—later honored with an honorary life membership—and was involved in groups like the Hancock Lodge, the Zor Shriners (providing free medical care since 1975), the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club, and the American Legion after serving two years in the United States Army. His volunteer work also extended to the Ellsworth Fire Department, where he served for 27 years.

In addition to his professional and civic commitments, he pursued a range of hobbies including beekeeping, piloting, member of the National Ski Patrol, rockhounding, photography, scuba diving and snorkeling. Ultimately, he took the greatest pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Dr. Frederick B. Klaas, M.D., Community Member, (1915-1997)

Dr. Klaas grew up in a large Dutch family in a small southwestern Wisconsin town. After graduating from Loras College, he was able to attend Marquette Medical School because of the generosity of a priest who believed in him.

He arrived in Ellsworth via train in 1947 after serving as a WWII Army Captain in the Pacific Theater, where he established a hospital in Korea. Dr. Klaas was mentored by doctors from Red Wing Interstate Clinic. He began his medical practice in East End with an office over Nilssen’s Drug Store, then moved a few doors down where he held office hours, later moving to West End to form the Jonas-Klaas Medical Clinic with his respected friend, Dr. Eugene R. Jonas, until his retirement in 1988.

When not at the office, he could be found at local hospitals doing rounds, surgery, and delivering babies; at nursing homes; or making house calls after hours. Over the years, the local doctors worked together to serve their community. Dr. Aanes, Dr. Jonas, and Dr. Klaas organized polio immunization clinics in which they voluntarily vaccinated thousands of Pierce/St. Croix County residents during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Dr. Klaas and Dr. Jonas did many free athletic physicals for EHS students, as they didn’t want the cost of a physical to be a barrier for a young person from becoming a part of a team.

When Dr. Klaas wasn’t holding “Friday Night Office Hours,” he attended as many EHS athletic events as possible, and was frequently the emergency onsite physician at these events, responding to athletic injuries. He was elected Pierce County Coroner for decades.

Dr. Klaas was scouted by the Chicago White Sox but answered the call of medicine. He joined the Ellsworth Hubbers, where he was a pitcher and first baseman. He hit three home runs in one game, a statistic he was silently proud of. His teammates Dale Birkel, Stan Most, and Bob Young introduced him to a local gal, JuDea Birkel, whom he married in 1951, and they raised five children, all who graduated from Ellsworth High School. They believed in the value of a good education, working hard, and giving back to the community.

Dr. Klaas served on the village board for many years, was active with the Lions Club, American Legion, St. Francis of Assisi Church and School, and the Ellsworth Country Club. He took many post-graduate classes, attended symposiums and workshops, and constantly read journals to keep current with medicine. In 1974, Dr. Klaas earned the degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. When he was studying, so were his children!

Professionally, he was an active member of the Wisconsin Medical Association, Pierce/St. Croix County Medical Society, Pierce County Mental Health Council, and Nurses Scholarship Committee. He encouraged his entire family to get involved with the Pierce County Chapter of Wisconsin Heart Association. When time allowed, he enjoyed attending whatever event his children and grandchildren were involved in, traveling, golfing, woodworking, and tending to his yard. Dr. Klaas saw how children reaped the benefits of a community that cared for all of its residents, via schools, churches, clubs, parks, a library, and local businesses. When he and Dr. Jonas were approached about advocating for a new swimming pool, they proudly said yes. He would love to see children learn to swim. Dr. Klaas was extremely proud to live in Ellsworth, a small town he called home for 50 years.

Tasha Schuh, Class of 1999, Alumni

Tasha Schuh is an inspiration and provides hope for all who face life’s challenges. A lifelong resident of Ellsworth, a tragic accident her junior year paused her education, but did not stop her from graduating with her class on time, setting her up for a journey of high achievement.

On Nov. 11, 1997, at 16 years old, Schuh was rehearsing at Red Wing's Sheldon Theater for the EHS stage production of “The Wizard of Oz.” She took one step backward and fell through a trapdoor, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. She fought to survive, emerging from Mayo Clinic’s rehabilitation program as a C5 quadriplegic.

Today she has accomplished more than what she believes would have been possible as an able-bodied person. This accident changed her life, she asserts, for the better. She earned two bachelor’s degrees: one in Communication Studies with a minor in Music (Winona State University), and another in Theology (Maranatha College). Schuh worked tirelessly, learning how to drive, building her own home, being crowned Miss Wheelchair USA, and writing two books, “My Last Step Backward” and “My Next Step Forward.”

Schuh’s entrepreneurial skills helped her begin her inspirational speaking career in 2007, presenting to hundreds of thousands of audience members through organizations and conferences. Schuh met the love of her life, and business partner, Doug, and they married in 2013. They joined forces and further expanded her dreams of inspiring others who face adversity. After a close friend lost her son to suicide in 2014, Tasha and Doug changed their mission and began speaking to youth and educators as founders of The Power of PATH Program, which serves to educate middle and high school students about mental health and resilience. Since then, they have spoken to over 100,000 people, sharing her message of resilience, mental health, and overcoming life’s challenges.

Schuh has received numerous awards, including the National Rehabilitation Champion Award (2012), following her nomination by The Mayo Clinic. She has been recognized twice by the Wisconsin State Legislature for inspiring others, including our state’s Hometown Hero Award. She received the Young Distinguished Alumni Award from Winona State University (2014) and was awarded the Falconer Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities (2016).

Reaching over 2.5 million views to date, Schuh’s inspirational and educational Vlog is featured on TikTok, YouTube and at tashaschuh.com. As founder and developer of The Power of PATH Curriculum, Schuh continues to implement activities and strategies in the classroom to assist students in middle and high school with mental health and suicide awareness.

Tasha and Doug volunteer each year to speak to the seventh-grade students at Ellsworth Middle School, to give back to the community that helped her heal. They reside in Ellsworth, traveling wherever needed to continue their mission to help people build resilience and find purpose in life.

Kirby Symes, Retired EHS Staff, 1929-2014

Kirby Symes was born in 1929 in River Falls and graduated from River Falls High School in 1947. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin State College River Falls and started his coaching career in Prescott in 1951, teaching history and coaching football, basketball and track and led teams to conference championships each of the next three years. He went to Ellsworth in 1954 as a history teacher, head football and track coach. In 1957 wrestling was added to Ellsworth sports and Symes became the first head coach, always joking that he learned how to coach wrestling from a book.

Symes’ successful cross-country teams produced two third-place team finishes at state and in 1961 he became Ellsworth’s first Athletic Director with much time dedicated to implementing girls sports programs. In 1989 Symes led the charge for a crowned football field and implementation of a paved track, followed by his retirement from Ellsworth.

He then began working with the sports medicine program with River Falls High School Athletics in cooperation with UW-River Falls, resulting in athletic trainers being present at most high school contests. Symes continued to work as a track and field official for the WIAA and the NCAA at the state and national levels, where he was an official for over 60 years and a head field events official and rules interpreter at the state track meet for 33.

Symes and his longtime friend and fellow educator, Dick Fuller, will remain associated with the football and track facility named for them behind Ellsworth High School more than a decade ago. They were also partners in operating the Ellsworth Public Pool before the new Klaas-Jonas Community Pool was built.

Symes is a member of the Ellsworth Wrestling Hall of Fame, River Falls High School Hall of Fame, Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and now, the Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame.

Submitted by ECSD Hall of Fame Committee