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School District of Holmen

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SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HOLMEN

Retiree Recognition

Retiree Years of Service Honnie Ammann 19 Mary Belz 29.5 Anita Bennett 23 Carrie Bergum 35 Steve Blank 34 Jeanne Candell 19 Laurie Gappa 32 Deborah Giesler 33 Nancy Gillmore 13 Wendy Grace 14 Dana Gullicksrud 13 Roger King 36.5 Karen Kuhlmann 35 Mary Lang 20 Retiree Years of Service JoAnne Larson 26.5 Peter Marco 13 Steve Marson 28 Richard Pedretti 25 Karen Rooney 37 Sherry Saccoia 14.5 Chris Sepich 30 Pam Siegert 31 Debra Sinclair 25 Peggy Smith 25 June Strand 13 Don Taylor 15

• Dr. Patrice Gilbertson-Tronstad 31

Marilyn Webster 17

2019-2020 Honorees

HONNIE AMMANN

19 Years of Service

In her 19 years with the School District of Holmen, Honnie has served students as an educational assistant at Viking and Prairie View, and even one month at Evergreen Elementary. Outside of school, Honnie sings in her church’s choir and most recently has kept busy making masks to donate. Honnie’s favorite memories of her time in Holmen schools include all the hugs and smiles. Honnie and her husband have been married for 47 years! The two have three sons and two daughters, each of whom graduated from Holmen High School. In addition, Honnie has two granddaughters and two grandsons. In retirement, Honnie will continue sewing, doing craft shows, going to garage sales, traveling, and visiting her grandchildren. She adds, “There’s not enough time in the day now that I am retired!”

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MARY BELZ

30.5 Years of Service For more than thirty years, Mary Belz has helped fuel students’ learning in Evergreen Elementary as a cook. Over the years, that is nearly two million meals that Mary has served! Mary’s fondest memories from her time in the School District of Holmen include getting to know all the kids she served at lunch. Mary and her husband Leo will be married for 40 years in

• June. The couple has two sons, both of whom are Holmen
• graduates. Her son Tim is married and has a two year old

daughter named Reagan. Sam remains single. In retirement, Mary plans to travel and spend more time with her granddaughter.

Click here to view a message from the Nutrition Services staff. Click here for a video from Evergreen Principal Rachel Fawver.

ANITA BENNETT

23 Years of Service

Anita has filled many roles in her 23 years with the School District of

• Holmen. Her most recent role is as the LMC educational assistant at

Holmen Middle School. Prior to that, she served at the middle school as a 2-hour lunch EA, in the satellite office, and study hall/power hour. In addition, Anita has been an EA-Special Ed at Viking, as well as serving as an EA at the HHS library and at elementary summer school. Outside of the classroom, Anita has assisted with powerlifting, FCCLA, show choir and drama. When asked her fondest memory of her time in the School District of Holmen, Anita recalled that it was working with Ms. Jackie in the pre-K summer school program and singing with the students during circle time. Anita and her husband Steve have been married for 37 years. The two have three children, Chris, Brandi, and Tom, along with seven

• grandchildren. Chris and Tom live in Wisconsin while Brandi resides

in Oregon. Anita’s retirement plans include sewing from home for her business, “What Knot Sewing,” by altering formal wear. She also plans to travel and visit family.

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CARRIE BERGUM

35 Years of Service

It’s hard to find someone that embodies the Holmen school spirit more than

• Carrie. You can always find her at HHS events, snapping pictures or

cheering on the Vikings. During the school day, Carrie taught Spanish for 34

• years. For her first year at HHS, she taught both English and Spanish. In

addition, Carrie has served students as a cheerleading coach, weight room supervisor, National Honor Society advisor, and Diverse Culture Alliance advisor. Carrie stated that there are countless fond memories of her time at HHS. She stated, “The best one is still graduation each year knowing that lots of students going across that stage have been influenced by me and my teaching.” Carrie has two brothers. John is a teacher at G-E-T and is married to Karen. They have two daughters, Elizabeth and Courtney, both Holmen alumni. Carrie’s brother Bob and his wife live in Arcadia. They have a son, Dane, and a daughter, Alexis. All graduates of Arcadia High School. Carrie also has two dogs, Angel and Mia. Carrie will continue her photography in retirement, as well as her involvement with social justice groups and working with the White Privilege Symposium. Also, she has a list of places she would like to travel when she isn’t subbing at the high school. She added, “someone has to keep an eye on Mr. Sackett.”

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STEVE BLANK

34 Years of Service

Steve has taught at Holmen Middle School for 34 years with 32 of those years teaching 6th grade. Steve has been involved in the HHS basketball program for as many years as he has been teaching in Holmen. He served 10 years as an assistant coach to Gary Johnson before becoming the Head Coach for the Vikings, a role he filled for 24 years. Steve assisted the HHS football program as an offensive coordinator from 2002- 2008 and worked with the HMS football program for many years, as well. Steve’s fondest memories are “the awesome students I have taught and coached, and the many friendships I have made with the staff, along with parents of the students and athletes.” Steve’s wife, Penny, is an art teacher at Mauston High School. His oldest daughter Mandy lives in Santa Rosa, Florida with her husband Justin and their children Eli, Eloise, and Isaiah. His son Marques lives in Chanhassen, Minnesota with his wife Maggie and children, Grey and

• Sloane. Steve and Penny’s youngest daughter, Kelly, lives in La Crosse

and is an HR representative in Winona. Steve does not yet have any plans for retirement.

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JEANNE CANDELL

19 Years of Service

Jeanne has served the School District of Holmen as both an Educational Assistant – Special Education and a van driver. In addition, she has chaperoned numerous school dances. When asked her fondest memory, Jeanne told of the bond she has built with

• students. She recalled a student once put a large empty box on her desk. He

was upset with his teacher/case worker and planned to move out, but he wasn’t leaving Jeanne behind. When the same student finished middle school, he put another box on her desk so that Jeanne could move with him to high school. While the student was not happy with the fact Jeanne could not move with him, it shows the attachment Jeanne has with students. Jeanne stated, “The students in special education amazed me and also made me happy to be with and watch them learn and grow.” Jeanne lives with Gary and her labs, Deuce and Jett. She is originally from Eau Claire and comes from a family of 7 sons and 2 daughters. Jeanne commented that when her family gathers, there are 72 immediate family members present! Jeanne stated she is a homebody so many of her retirement plans include staying home, working on her yard, and completing projects around the house. However, she will take time to visit her family in Eau Claire, spend time outside, and go out on the river with Gary, Deuce, and Jett.

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LAURIE GAPPA

32 Years of Service

Laurie Gappa served the School District of Holmen as a custodian for 32

• years. While she has held positions at the high school, middle school,

Prairie View, and most recently at Sand Lake, she has worked in all District buildings. Laurie has many fond memories of her time in the District, especially of bumping into former School District of Holmen students after they have

• graduated. Laurie stated she has had many great experiences with staff

and students alike. In retirement, Laurie spends time “catching up on projects around the house, being Grammy, hunting, fishing and camping.” Her family includes her husband of 40 years, Ben, who is a District staff member, son Philip, daughter Melissa, and son-in-law Will. In addition, she has two grandsons, Oliver and Trenton.

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DEBORAH GIESLER

33 Years of Service

Debbie began in the District as an EA with health duties at Evergreen. Debbie went on to several roles at Evergreen for 23 years before becoming the year-round administrative assistant at the TMT. She held that role for nine years before transferring to Prairie View. Debbie retired in September, 2019. “My fondest memories are all the students and staff I was priveleged to work with over the years. When people asked me where I worked, there never was a time that I wasn't proud to say I worked for the School District of

• Holmen. My last day of work at Prairie View the staff made my car into a

white horse because I told them I just wanted to ride off into the sunset. These are the kind of people I was fortunate to work with for 33 years.” Debbie and Les, her husband of 47 years, have 2 daughters, 2 grandchildren, a grand dog and their dog, Pebbles. Lisa, her oldest daughter, lives in Holmen with her husband and their son Mason, who will be a junior at Holmen High School. Debbie’s youngest daughter, Krissy, lives in Ramsey with her partner and her dog Kona. Her oldest granddaughter, Cassie, is in her third year at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. Debbie and Les moved to Ramsey, MN in October of 2019 to a 55+ community apartment complex and planned to “escape the Minnesota winter,” but the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans. Debbie is now a Pharmacy Technician at a local pharmacy.

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NANCY GILLMORE

13 Years of Service

Nancy has served as an Academic Interventionist at Evergreen Elementary and also as a 4-K teacher. Nancy recalls, “I fondly remember all the ways we have come together to support our schools, students, families, and community

• members. I cherish the support of members of our school board and

staff who recognize the importance of meaningful connections and the work we do in making a positive difference.” Nancy and her husband live in Holmen. The two have two adult sons, both of which are Holmen alumni. In retirement, Nancy will take time to enjoy family and friends, travel, take part in outdoor activities, and volunteer. In addition, she states she will, “relish what is next to come!”

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WENDY GRACE

14 Years of Service

In her 14 years in the School District of Holmen, Wendy has served students as a Title I Reading and Math Teacher at Viking Elementary, a second grade teacher at Viking Elementary, and most recently as a third grade teacher at Sand Lake Elementary. After the school day, Wendy has assisted with Family Literacy Night and Family Math Night. When asked her fondest memory of her time in the District, Wendy stated, “I loved attending the NCTM conferences in Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as the PLC Institute in Lincolnshire. The relationships formed during those events, as well as with my colleagues, students, and their families has been the best part of my career.” Wendy and Steve, her husband of 40 years, have two children. Their daughter Erin lives in Austin, TX with her husband Gabe and children Parker and Alexis. Their son, Ryan, lives in La Crosse. Steve will be joining Wendy in retirement in October. The two then plan to return to their lake home in Michigan, which is near both of their

• families. In Michigan, Wendy and Steve are looking forward to spending

more time with their mothers, siblings, and many cousins. “Our hope is to spend the winters in Texas to be more of a presence in our grandchildren's lives.” When they aren’t in Texas or Michigan, Wendy and Steven plan to visit as many national parks as possible.

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DANA GULLICKSRUD

13 Years of Service

Dana has helped the students of the School District of Holmen for thirteen years as a Speech Pathologist. She spent much of her time at Evergreen, but also traveled part time to Oak Grove for a year and Viking for a year. “I think my fondest memories working in Holmen were our Early Release monthly field trips, where our special education team took our students who didn't go out into the community often, to the movies, the grocery store, a play center, the mall, a sit- down restaurant, the fire station, the library, the apple orchard, the pumpkin patch, and more. My favorite memory was taking the children on the Amtrak train this past December, on a "Polar Express" ride from La Crosse to Tomah. The joy, fun, and enthusiasm the kids had in the community will always stay with me.” Dana has been married to her husband Barry for 30 years and has lived in Onalaska for 32 years. The two have three children, all of whom live in La Crosse. Aubri is a special education teacher and married to Zech. The two are parents to Dana’s first grandchild, Dax. Danica is a communication specialist at Gundersen Clinic and Keaton is a rehabilitation specialist at Aptiv. Dana has a large extended family that she says she is blessed to be able to see often. Dana’s retirement plans include working part time in Speech Language Pathology and taking care of her grandson part time. Dana adds, “I have plans to travel, hike, kayak, volunteer, and spend time with family. I hope to take photography classes, and I really want to make my own wooden kayak.”

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ROGER KING

36.5 Years of Service

For more than 36 years, Roger has taught agriscience at Holmen High School. He was pivotal in the construction of the new HHS greenhouse. Roger has also been the Holmen FFA advisor for 36 years. After school, Roger has coached high school football for 32 years, as well as middle school basketball and wrestling. For many years, Roger has volunteered his farm for lessons and space for the District’s Farm2School program. Roger’s fondest memory was “receiving the WI High School Teacher of the Year award from our current Governor wearing shorts and a sweaty t-shirt during the special assembly as I was helping with the Freshman Pride Day. I also have many fond memories of the ripple effect. I have touched the life of many and that influence has rubbed off to many others. I have been in contact with many students, staff and community members that have been a part of the ripple effect. I always remember that though my classroom doors pass all careers.” Roger’s wife, Diane, works for the District as the print shop assistant. The two have four sons. Ryan and his wife Megan live in Washington, D.C. with their children Nora and Xavier. Trey lives in Augusta, WI with his wife Ashley and their children Peter and Felicity. Nathan is married to Clare and lives in Cashton with their children Simon and Benno. Drew lives in Madison and works at the University of Wisconsin. In retirement, Roger plans to help new agriculture teachers throughout the country and enjoy the outdoors. Roger says, “I am sure I will show up somewhere.”

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KAREN KUHLMANN

35 Years of Service

Karen has been a PE/health educator in the School District of Holmen at HHS, Evergreen, Oak Grove, and Viking, but spent most of her career at HHS. Karen eventually transitioned out of PE and taught health where she focused on 9th grade and advanced health. Karen has been involved in many co-curriculars in her time at HHS. She coached volleyball at the freshman and JV levels for about ten years, beginning when she started teaching and taking off one year to start the girls tennis program. Karen has also served as the National Honor Society advisor and lead senior advisor for the senior banquet and graduation. In addition, Karen was a CPR instructor for District staff members. Karen is perhaps most known for serving as the head gymnastics coach at HHS for 33 years. As the head coach, she has led the Vikings to two state championships and earned National Coach of the Year honors. Karen’s fondest memories include time spent inside Gym C with gymnasts, convincing freshmen there is a pool on the 2nd floor of HHS, sleepovers in the gym, road trips to meets all over WI, playing hangman on the frosted windows of the bus, youth gymnastics clinics, state send offs at all the schools, having the team’s “special room” at the McLellan, building gingerbread houses, learning the cup song, team dinners, Camp Sunshine, and the long-lasting relationships and friendships that she has formed with her gymnastics family. Karen has four children. Josh and his wife Alyssa live in San Antonio, TX where Josh is an elementary school principal. Abbigail is married to Greg. The two live in Rochester, MN where Abbi is a daycare provider and expecting their first child, a boy, in June. Gabrielle lives in Madison with her significant other, Cody. She is a research assistant in the biochemistry department at UW-Madison. Callie and her significant other, Glen, live in Bangor. Callie attends Viterbo and works part time as a CNA. Karen’s plan for retirement is “to work part time, camp, visit my kids, help with my grandson, and drink good coffee with friends and family.” Click here to view a message recognizing the retiree.

MARY LANG

20 Years of Service

Mary has served as a substitute and special education EA at Viking and Prairie View. Before her time in the School District of Holmen, she was an EA in another school district for 10 years. At Holmen, Mary went above and beyond by volunteering to take a student to vision therapy for part of the school year and summer. This assisted the student with reading and tracking with their eyes. Mary’s fondest memories revolve around the growth and progress of

• students. She stated, “Teaching students basic vocabulary and

having them grow from not reading to reading paragraphs and

• pages. Other fond memories include stretching student abilities to

socialize on playgrounds, classrooms, related arts, and in general conversations and situations.” Mary has been married to her husband Steve for 35 years. They have adult twins, Benjamin and Sarah. In their free time, Mary and her family enjoy reading, watching movies, and being “foodies,” which Mary defined as growing, creating, and eating food. In retirement, Mary enjoys reading, gardening, long walks, and connecting with family and friends. She said she enjoys family time together whenever possible and plans to travel.

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JOANNE LARSON

26.5 Years of Service

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JoAnne has served as a Special Education – EA since 1994. She has assisted the students at Oak Grove, Holmen Middle School, Viking, and most recently Prairie View. JoAnne has many fond memories of her time in the School District of

• Holmen. She avidly participated in dress up days at school.

JoAnne has two children with her late husband, Rickey. Their daughter Sarah lives in Racine with her husband, John. JoAnne’s son Nick lives in Holmen and has a daughter named Macy. Lucy is JoAnne’s faithful chocolate lab. In retirement, JoAnne plans to visit her cabin in Birchwood and tend to her flower garden. JoAnne adds, “Life is good!”

PETER MARCO

13 Years of Service

Pete served as the head custodian at Holmen High School for 8 years. He then helped to keep the District running by spending 5 years in the Maintenance Department. Buildings and Grounds Supervisor John Daily adds that Pete is especially appreciated for his experience in HVAC work. Pete was an important member of the maintenance staff. Pete’s fond memories of working in the District were about the variety of the work and people he worked with. Pete has been married to his wife, Mary, for 39 years! Mary retired the same time as Pete. Their retirement goals are to enjoy life and their time together.

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STEVE MARSON

28 Years of Service

Steve has spent time in every building of the School District of Holmen, ensuring its upkeep. He began driving a school bus for the District in 1991, but later transitioned to the Maintenance Department. Steve also helped out at numerous sporting events and other activities. Steve’s fondest memories of working in the School District of Holmen involve the people he’s worked with, working on all the sports fields, and trying to keep the irrigation working. Steve recalls, “In the spring and fall, there was always a ball field or two or five to get ready. It kept me busy!” Steve and his wife, Nona, have been married for almost 45 years! The couple has two sons, Ryan and Kevin. Ryan has been in the Navy for 19 years and is married to Mina. Ryan has two sons and three

• stepchildren. He’s currently stationed in Connecticut where he is a

radio operator on submarines. Steve and Nona’s son, Kevin, lives in Holmen with his wife Meghan. The two have four children, all of whom attend Holmen schools. Steve and Nona enjoy spending time with all of their family. In retirement, Steve plans to relax by camping, fishing, and hunting.

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RICHARD PEDRETTI

25 Years of Service

Rich logged thousands of miles driving school bus for the students of the School District of Holmen. Rich also saw the students he transported when volunteering in their schools to serve lunch during special meals and read in their classrooms. Rich’s fondest memories of his time in the District include seeing all the students throughout his years of driving and meeting a lot of their

• parents. In addition, his fond memories include, “working with great

people at the TMT building.” Rich and his wife Bette, have two children. Their daughter Jessica is mother to Rich’s granddaughter, Aya. Rich’s son, Alex, is married to

• Christy. The couple has a son named Miles and a second child due in

September. In retirement, Rich plans to relax and enjoy life while watching his grandkids grow up.

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KAREN ROONEY

37 Years of Service

Karen has spent her 37 years with the School District of Holmen as a Language Arts teacher at Holmen High School. Her service to the students of Holmen outside of the classroom are too numerous to list, but some of her contributions include serving student council advisor, Language Arts Department Head/Guiding Coalition, Curriculum Council Director, and HHS Drama and Musical Director. Karen’s most memorable events include, “plays, musicals, sporting events, trips to the Barn with girls and boys state basketball, Secret Santa gift exchanges, parties of all kinds: class, retirement, holidays, etc., special events in the classroom; character parades, poetry writing and reading, skits, activities my own children were involved in: musicals, show choir, drama, sports. Trips with students to New York City, Lanesboro, Guthrie Theater, Spring Green American Player’s Theatre, and bus trips with faculty to sporting events. Having former students become part of the HHS staff brings very fond memories of Holmen High School.” Karen and her husband, Gary, have three children, all of which are HHS alumni. Elise taught internationally for 7 years and is now teaching in Minneapolis and is expecting her first child. Kimberly is in the French Doctoral program at UW-Madison, where she teaches. Gregory is a manufacturing engineer at Rawlings Sporting Goods in Caledonia, MN. My mother and father have had the most influence on me as an educator. My father was a superintendent for the School District of Holmen from 1975-1990. Karen has ranked her retirement plans as follows #1 Become a grandma in August, #2 Serve the church and community, #3 Visit family all around the world, #4 Travel, and #5 Read!

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SHERRY SACCOIA

14.5 Years of Service

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Sherry spent 14.5 years building relationships with students as a Special Education – EA in the School District of Holmen. Sherry is known for being knowledgeable, dedicated, and overall wonderful with students and staff. Outside of the classroom, Sherry spent a season serving as the assistant advisor to the Ski Club. Sherry began her retirement after the 2018-2019 school year and has been missed by the Holmen Middle School staff and students.

CHRIS SEPICH

30 Years of Service

Chris started at Holmen High School 30 years ago as a special education teacher and later became a transition coordinator. He later shifted to teach social studies full time. Outside of the classroom, Chris has been involved in football, track, baseball, wrestling, powerlifting, weight room supervisor, Letterman’s Club, cheerleading advisor, Count On Me advisor, non-violent certification training, computer technology committee, Holmen Athletic Booster Club (was awarded a lifetime membership), Wisconsin High School Powerlifting Association (served on the board of directors), student on the board advisor/organizer, and even a cameo role in the spring play. Chris recalls his fondest memories include the people he has worked with, “watching the students grow into community members and their willingness to invite me in their world,” and the support of the Holmen Community for various projects. An example of a project was Chris’s work with the Holmen American Legion and VFW to bring the Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall to HHS. Chris has been married to his wife, Karen, since 1983. Karen is an administrator at Bethany St. Joe’s. The couple has two adopted children. Abbey lives in the Twin Cities and works at the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Anna is their youngest and lives in

• Onalaska. Chris and Karen live in Trempealeau with their numerous dogs.

Chris only has one definite plan for retirement, right now, and that is to drive to Alaska and the Artic Ocean on a 4+ week trip this August/September. After that, potential plans include delivering firetrucks, cement trucks, RV’s, school buses and other vehicles in order to see the country. Another option is to work with General John Borling to help promote SOS American to assist our military.

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PAM SIEGERT

31 Years of Service

Pam has been involved with special education at HHS for 31 years. She started in 1988 as a substitute teacher and later became the first EBD teacher at HHS. Over time, she moved from EBD to multi-categorical. Pam has also served as an assistant coach on the boys track team, coaching high jump and triple jump. She recalls that a triple jumper she coached still holds the school record. Pam also was the cheerleading advisor for football, basketball, and wrestling. Pam’s fondest memories include, “being able to create the TRI-umph card company with Rhonda Rayburn and all that we accomplished.” She adds that, “because of the great leadership from Bernie Ferry I was given the autonomy to bring a great reading program-READ 180 to the HS. I experienced great success and was able to see incredible gains in students' reading levels for many years.” Pam and her husband, Jim, have two children and three grandchildren. Their son Dr. Jacob Siegert is a dentist and married to Kathryn. The couple’s children are James, Henry, and Vivian. Pam and Jim’s daughter Olivia (Livie) is 24 years

• ld.

In retirement, Pam would like to spend time as a tutor and substitute teacher, as well as spending more time with her grandchildren. She concludes, “basically, enjoy not having IEP’s to do.”

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DEBRA SINCLAIR

25 Years of Service

Debra has been a Title I reading or reading resource teacher for the last 25 years. She has served the students at Oak Grove, Viking, Evergreen, Prairie View, and most recently, Sand Lake. Deb has been involved in several building committees and parent-teacher groups

• ver the years including the language arts committee, the second

grade assessment committee, the family literacy committee, and the Giving Tree. Deb recalls, “I have truly loved working with all my kiddos and their

• families. I have also been proud, blessed, and honored to work with

some wonderful, passionate, and committed friends. I have worked with a group of dedicated individuals called teachers!” Deb has a brother, two sisters, one niece, and seven nephews. Deb adds that her niece and nephews have, “given my mom and I two great nephews and two great nieces.” Deb stated that she does not have any set plans for the next great adventure of retirement.

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PEGGY SMITH

25 Years of Service

Peggy spent 17 years at the high school and 8 years at the middle school as a Educational Assistant – Special Education. She is also a job coach for special education students. When asked her favorite memory of her time in the District, Peggy recalled an incident when she was working with special education students in Karen Kuhlmann’s health class. (She adds that Karen made learning so much fun and her classes were amazing.) In this particular class, someone somehow added a short clip to the educational video being shown that was quite embarrassing. Peggy says, “To this day, I don't think Karen has ever found out who did it, but boy were our faces red!!! To this day, Karen and I have laughed about this.” Peggy has been married to her husband, Dan, for 38 years. The two have 2 biological sons and 1 adopted son. Aaron and his wife, Carissa Pagel-Smith, reside in Holmen with their three sons, Avery, Ayden, and Clayton. Brian is married to Nicole Kielb-Smith. The two have 2 children: Maddox and Anne-Marie, our step

• granddaughter. They live in Seabrook Texas. Hunter is Peggy and Dan’s adopted son.

He is a sophomore at Holmen High School. Peggy adds, “We were fostering Hunter when we decided 5 years ago to adopt Hunter. He is now 16 years old. He is a special needs guy and has been a great addition to our family.” “I am planning to be a stay at home mom to our son, Hunter, with all his needs. I also plan to enjoy our grandchildren! I am planning to make some trips to Texas to see our son and family. I have a bucket list a mile long of things I plan to cross off a bit at a time! :)”

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JUNE STRAND

13 Years of Service

June has filled many roles and worked in every school in the District over the past 13 years. She subbed at every building, including a full school year at Viking where she was a library aide working with Becky Harris. June has served as an EA and EA-special education since then. Nearly three years ago, June moved to HMS. June also helped Mrs. Robinson make the costumes for music programs. Of her fondest memories from the School District of Holmen, June recalls that she has always enjoyed the kids. “I always let them know that they can talk to

• me. I have really enjoyed my last years at HMS. The staff and kids are great

to work with.” June has been married to her husband for 30 years. She commented, “that time sure went by fast.” The two have three children (Jennifer, Brandon, and Ryan) and grandchildren Benjamin and Charlotte. Her oldest son is getting married this October. In retirement, June hopes to spend time with her grandchildren in Madison along with her sisters and their families. She adds that while the activities she can do are limited due to battling polio as a child, she will still complete projects around the house, sew and make costumes. “Now, I can sit down and enjoy my life. I will sure miss the kids that I have known through the years.”

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DON TAYLOR

15 Years of Service

Don has literally driven thousands of miles to transport the students

• f the School District of Holmen. He has safely spent time behind

the wheel of both District vans and buses in all types of Wisconsin weather. Don’s love for the students is apparent. When asked his fondest memory during his time in Holmen, he said it was picking up students on the first day of school. Don and his wife, Bobbie, a retired teacher, have sons and two

• grandchildren. In retirement, Don enjoys reading, Wisconsin

Badgers football, and time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

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• DR. PATRICE

GILBERTSON- TRONSTAD

31 Years of Service

I started in the School District of Holmen in 1989 as a traveling guidance counselor for Evergreen, Oak Grove, and Viking elementary. After securing grant funding for a second elementary counselor in 1990, I continued as the Evergreen elementary counselor. After completing my specialist degree in administration in 1999 I became the principal at Evergreen. In 2010 I was transferred to the new Prairie View elementary where I have remained until my retirement. As a guidance counselor I wrote many different grants and secured over a million dollars of grant funding and services/resources for the students and families in the School District of Holmen. Other committee and activities I have been involved with over the years were: Family Reading Committee, La Crosse County Family Literacy Committee, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting S.T.E.P., 7 Habits of Highly Effective People trainer, and Power of Positive Parenting P.O.P. When I think about my fondest memory during my time in the District, I draw a blank as to what

• ne thing stands out above all the rest. Every day was amazing in it's own way. No two days were

alike and I never experienced a dull day. I love my job and because of that, it never really felt like it was a job or work. I have felt blessed to have worked with so many amazing wonderful and talented professionals and I believe that is why I never had a desire to jump the fence for greener pastures as I recognized in Holmen early on we had something special going on; we were growing

• ur own green. Continuously improving what needed to be improved and nurturing what mattered

most. I married my high school sweetheart, Steven Tronstad, in 1982. Steven retired from Centruylink as a telephonic engineer in 2017. Steve enjoys hunting and fishing. We have one child Whitlee Marie Tronstad who is a middle school special education teacher in Hudson, Wisconsin. Whitlee completed a double master degree in administration and pupil services in 2019. In my retirement, I hope to spend more time with family and friends boating and having cookouts. My husband and I look forward to spending more time and assisting our elderly parents. We recently purchased a fixer upper lake house in northern Wisconsin and I would enjoy completing some of the much needed renovations. I look forward to escaping the cold Wisconsin winters for that "One Happy Island“ Aruba. Click here to view a message recognizing the retiree.

MARILYN WEBSTER

17 Years of Service

For the last 17 years, Marilyn has been an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in the School District of Holmen. She has worked at the Oak Grove Family Learning Center (FLC), Viking, and Prairie View. Marilyn’s fondest memories are of teaching at the FLC. She recalled, “I loved working there!! It was the perfect building to our youngest students with only one hallway, walls of windows in every classrooms, a huge fenced in playground, a paved playground area for bicycles and wagons, our own gym, kitchen, and laundry, generous storage and conference spaces. Everything children needed was all on one level and just right there. It was great for family gatherings and events. A farm for field trips was in walking distance down the road. FLC had it all! I still miss the ideal teaching space and am so glad I had the privilege of teaching there. Marilyn and her husband Mark have two grown children. Michael and his wife Lauren have a one year old son named Gus and live in Illinois. Kate lives in Madison with her husband Matthew. Marilyn’s retirement plans include spending more time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, sewing, reading, volunteering, holding babies, sailing and walking.

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Congratulations to all the 2019-20 retirees! Best wishes in your retirement and thank you for your service to the School District of Holmen!