Assistant for Accounts Payable. She ….
Assistant for Accounts Payable. She has been married to her husband David for 44-1/2 years. David is the Medford Hope Hospice Chaplain. They have one son, Paul, who graduated from MASH in 2002. Paul married his wife Jenny in 2009. Paul and Jenny recently moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin and have given Nikki and David three precious grandchildren: Ava (11), Emily (8) and Everett (4). It’s hard for her to answer what she likes best about her job as she likes everything about it. She says it’s been a great experience working in accounts payable. She will miss her work family the most. The thing she likes the least is fixed assets and will not miss having to get up early. Her advice to colleagues is to enjoy every single day of your lives! Time passes so quickly and before you know it, you’re “retirement age.” Her retirement plans are to R.E.L.A.X. and after her husband retires in a year or so, they hope to travel all over the USA. She has been stretched and has grown in so many ways since first walking in the door as a substitute secretary. She will always cherish the memories she has of being an employee and all the staff she has interacted with over the years.
Mary Lou Czerniak has worked in the district for 34 years. She has worked at MAES, SES, MAMS and MASH. She retired as the Elementary Art teacher. The best part about her job was the kids of course! Their laughter, smiles and excitement when they learn something new. Mary Lou will miss their questions and the delightfully cute things that you only hear from young children. If she had to pick something that she likes least about her job it would be that she never seemed to have enough time to do everything that she wanted to with her students in art class. The school year is only so long and goes by so quickly. She will not miss having to do as much winter driving! Her advice for colleagues is you have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students, so do all you can to make the most of it! In her retirement she plans to enjoy the arts that she did not have time to do while working. She also looks forward to spending more time with family. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the Medford Schools with so many wonderful colleagues.”
Marsha Duellman has worked in the district for 31 years as an assistant/ special education assistant at SES. She has been married to Max for 50 years and he is retired. Justin and his family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a Chemical Engineer for Kimberly Clark and is a Continuous Improvement Leader. His wife Christine is a school nurse for the Little Rock School system. They have two children, Darrian (27) and Lily (16). Justin is also a grandfather to Jacoby Blu (5), Darrian’s son. Jarred and his family live in Eau Claire where he is a Clinical Social Worker/ Social Worker Supervisor for the Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire. Beth is a teacher for the Eau Claire School System. They have 3 children: Bobby (14), Sophie (11) and Ben (8). What she liked best about her job was that everyday is different. She will miss the students most, as well as the friends among the staff. What she will miss the least is winter recess. Marsha’s retirement plans are to golf, fish, more gardening and travel as well as a few casino trips. She would like to thank Steve and Mary Glenn Russ for their recommendation 31 years ago for her position at MAPSD.
Don Everhard has worked in the district for 28 years. He has worked at MAMS, MAES, and SES. His position when he retired was the Stetsonville Elementary Principal. He has been married to his wife, Gloria, for 35 years. Gloria is a Senior consultant for Integrity Doctors. They have four children. Penny (33) lives in Nashville and is a Senior Director of AandR at Roundhill Music. She is married to song writer and musician, Keith Gattis. Robert (31) works for Idex as a computer programmer, is engaged to Lindsay Maddox and lives in Eau Claire. Carolyn (27) works as a consultant for Integrity Management, is married to Logan Wright, and lives in Eau Claire. Dalton (23) is a college student at UW Eau Claire—Elementary Education Major. Grandchildren: Penny’s children: McKenzie (7), DeLaney (3), Carolyn’s children: Elise (1) and one on the way. The thing he likes best about his job is the thing he will miss most and that is the people. He loved seeing everyone each day, sharing stories, jokes or just checking in with one another. School is like one big family. The thing Don will miss the least is new initiatives that require a lot of work and then go to the wayside after a year or two. “I can think of the Olweus Bullying program, Teach Scape and collecting artifacts to name a few.” His advice for colleagues is to love what you do and do what you love. The greatest contribution you can make, is to make someone else’s life better. Don’t have a meeting when an email would do, don’t micromanage, worry about less and enjoy more and don’t dwell on problems or problem people. Sometimes you just gotta let go and move on. His retirement plans are to support his mom, be more involved in community activities and see his children more.
Scott Geisler has worked in the district for 34 years. He has worked at MAMS and MASH as a Tech Ed Teacher. His wife Mary has also been a teacher for 33 years. They have two daughters, Courtney Holbrook and Samantha Geisler. What he likes best about his job is working with the kids. What he will miss the most is seeing the kids each day and talking with different co-workers. What he will miss the least is the drive each day to and from school. His advice to colleagues is to make the most of your time at school! It goes fast! His retirement plans are to fish walleyes in May and ride motorcycle in September and October!
Jeanine Gelhaus worked in the district for 25 years, 3 years at SES and 22 years at MAMS and was a Science teacher at her time of retirement. She has been married to Pete for 16 years. Pete has worked at Gelhaus and Brost, owned his own auto repair shop and was an instructor at Lincoln Hills and NTC. They have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. Following retirement, Pete and Jeanine moved to Hilbert, WI and are now within “Sunday Dinner” driving distance for their sons but their daughters live out of state (Florida and Minnesota). She loves the content of SCIENCE and will miss seeing the excitement in her students’ faces when doing labs and activities. Her least favorite part was the hustle bustle EVERY morning as she ran out the door to make it to work on time. She won’t miss leaving work on dark December nights hoping that her remote start worked and her car was warm. Her advice to colleagues is this quote, “To stop growing is to wither on the vine.” She encourages everyone to stay curious! Jeanine and Pete relocated to their newly built home on Lake Winnebago and will enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, golfing, fishing and campfire time in the summer. They will winter in Florida, spending quality time with their grand-children who live there. She will continue teaching online science courses and consulting for the National Science Foundation and Department of Education in Washington DC.
Linda Gelhaus has worked in the district for 22 years. She worked at MASH as a Math Teacher and recently as Math Interventionist. She has been married to Chuck for 36 years. She has five children: Patrick, Connie, Gabe, Bryan and Grace.
James Giese has worked in the district for 43 years. He has worked at MASH as the Driver’s Education Instructor. He has been married to his wife, Lois for 41 years and she is a retired physical education teacher. Their daughter Katie has two children, Grayson and Madilyn and their son Brian has one child, Mav. What Jim likes best about his job is watching students develop their driving skills and he will miss driving. What he likes least about his job is paperwork and he will not miss masks. His advice to colleagues is to be your best and do your best. His retirement plans are to be THE OLD MAN AND the SEA on the Bay of Green Bay and to travel.
Kathy Kenyon has worked in education for 21 years. She has worked in food service at MAMS, MAES, SES and MASH. She has one daughter, Dakota who is married to Joel Krings. Dakota is the assistant manager for a recreational center. Joel is a personal trainer and owner of his own gym. What Kathy liked the best about her job was the kids. What she misses the most are the kids and her coworkers.
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(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
Marsha Duellman (center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
Scott Geisler (center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS Continued from page 17
Jina Lange has worked in the district for 33 years. She has worked at MAES and MASH and is currently an Interventional Specialist at MASH. She has been married to her husband Bob Lange for 25 years who is semi-retired. She has four children who all live in Medford - John Lange married to Amanda Lange, 4 grandchildren, Raylan, Avery, Hayden and Elliott; Nick Klemm married to Kaci Klemm, 3 grandchildren, Breckyn, Brynlee and Brielle; Justine Thicke married to Tyler Thicke, 1 grandchild, Francesca; Kolton Klemm married to Brandi Klemm, 1 grandchild, Sawyer. What she likes best about her job is seeing how some of my toughest students have now become productive members of society. She will miss her great assistant, Roxanne, and her wonderful colleagues. What she likes least about her job is the PAPERWORK and won’t miss SLOs, PPGs, PPUs, and any other acronym associated with education! Her advice to colleagues is that people don’t care what you know as much as they want to know that you care. Her retirement plans are to fall where the wind takes her.
Judy Mader worked in education for 26 years. She has worked for the district for 23 years. She has worked at SES, MAES and MAMS. Her position at retirement was at MAMS as a Reading Interventionist, specifically teaching the Wilson Reading program. Her husband Allen of 44 years was the MAMS Art Teacher for 33 years. They have two children, Sara and Aaron. Sara and her husband Travis have blessed them with three grandchildren who are: Camryn, Carson and Kendyl. Sara is a speech pathologist in the Chippewa Falls area and Aaron is a manufacturing engineer in Tomahawk. “I had the best job because I was rewarded with great students who appreciated the gift of finally being able to read. I loved each and every day I spent with them. They were eager to learn and I will miss getting to know each of them personally. The proud smiles on their faces when they could read was priceless.” She will not miss PLC, SLO, PPG, etc., and the yearly budget. Her advice to colleagues is to love every day at your job because time goes so fast. Her retirement plans are to go on some trips and enjoy lots of time with her family and friends. For now, she will be spending lots of time in her gardens, cooking healthy foods and reading some good books. Does it get any better? “I’ve enjoyed all my years in the MAPSD. Thank you for the leadership.”
Brenda Ann McNary has worked in the district for 24 years and has worked 29 years in education. She has worked at MAES, MAMS, MASH, and SES as a teacher and retired as a Para-Professional in Special Education. Brenda Ann lives with her furry children Special Ed (cat), Gabby (cat) and Maybell (dog). She liked working with the students best and will miss her MAES family the most. She didn’t like being treated differently by some staff when she changed from teacher to a para-professional. She won’t miss the lack of communication as a para-professional. Her advice is “Treasure what is before you: students and colleagues. Go the extra mile when needed. Appreciate everyone for their talents they offer.” She has no set plans for retirement other than to remain healthy and reduce the number of visits to Marshfield. She will spend times on her hobbies of crocheting and basket weaving.
Diane Nelson has worked in the district for 33 years as a 2nd grade teacher at MAES. She has been married to her husband Scott for 32 years and he is a CPA with Wipfli in Wausau. Her daughter Sara, 31, is a high school biology, anatomy and physiology, and advanced math teacher in Abbotsford. Her son Craig, 28, is a machinist at Abbyland. What she liked best about her job was her colleagues and working with the students. She is going to miss the hugs from students and her morning walks with colleagues. She won’t miss doing school work (lesson plans, correcting, etc.) at home and on the weekends. Her advice for colleagues is to be the best that you can, but make sure you make time for your own family as well. Her retirement plans are to spend as much time with her dad as possible and vacations any time of the year! She plans to hang out at their cabin at Lake Arbutus and hopes to travel. “I won’t be a total stranger. I’m planning to volunteer a bit to help some of my 2nd grade team. Quite a way to end 33 years of teaching!”
Rose Olson has worked in the district for 25 years. She has worked in food service at SES, MAES and MASH. She has four children. Nicole is an RN, finishing her clinicals to become a nurse practitioner. She is married to Tom and they live in AZ. They have three children: Adeline (15), Ella (10), and Castiel (5). Jacob is married to Ashley and they live in Eau Claire. He is a medical assistant in podiatry at Mayo Clinic. They have four children: Reagan (14), Isiah (12), Finley (5) and Nova (2). Steven is married to Stephani and they live in Medford. He is a courier for Medford Aspirus. They have two children: Hailey (14) and Otto (11). Britney is married to Wes and she is a stay at home mom who plans to attend nursing school. They have two children: Leo (3) and Arlo (2). They own a concrete business. What Rose liked best about her job was her passion to be a mom so she worked when the kids were in school and she was home when they were home. She loves to cook and interact with the kids. What she will miss least is the repetition. Her advice is don’t waste your life, live every day. Take advantage of it. Her retirement plans are living in Arizona, spending time with her kids and grandkids, explore and do things she has never done before.
Tammy Ott worked in the district for 24 years. She retired as a 3rd grade teacher from SES. She is married to Barry, a self employed farmer, for 32 years. They have 3 children Haley (30) an Occupational Therapist in Las Vegas, NV; Amy (27), a Chemist at Coteva in Indianapolis, IN and Mitch (25), a Mechanical Engineer in Waukesha, WI. The best part of being a teacher is seeing the growth of each student from fall to spring. She will miss the excitement of the morning greetings, which was a chance to listen to each student one on one (sometimes hearing too much information!). Her least favorite job part was winter driving from her home in Marshfield to Stetsonville. SLO’s, PPG’s, classroom budget ordering and paperwork in general will be missed the least. Her advice for colleagues is to try to “like” all your students even if they give you many reasons not to “like” them, which includes giving them a clean slate when they enter your classroom in the fall; to avoid feeling too overwhelmed at all the “new” and “improved” ways of reaching students, just focus on a few new things every year and get really good at those; and reach out to colleagues for advice, a place to vent and friendship. Her retirement plans include becoming more involved with volunteering in her community and church. She also hopes to travel much more often to see her children.
Charles Prihoda worked in the district for 16 years. He worked at MAES as a custodian, at MASH as a special education assistant and at MAES as a Special Education Teacher. Chuck is married to Julie, who is a Special Education Teacher at MAMS.
Michael Roiger worked in the district for 25 years. He worked as a MASH Custodian and retired in September 2020. Mike is already enjoying his retirement.
Keva Schult has worked in the district for 27 years as the MAMS Principal’s Secretary. She has been with Dale McNamar for 22 years and he works at Marathon Cheese. Her daughter Amber Czarnezki, married to Ryan, and they have two boys, Evan and Austin. Her son Cody Schult has two daughters, Kaylee and Kinley. Her son Lucas Schult and Elizabeth have three boys, Ashton, Colton and Parker and another baby boy due in October. Her retirement plans are to spend time at the lake, spend time with her children and grandchildren and other retired friends.
Julie Scott worked in the district for 19 years. She worked at MAES, MAMS and MASH as a special education assistant and retired from MAMS as a Wilson Reading Assistant. Julie is married to Sam and enjoying retirement.
Susan Smith has worked in the district for 21 1/2 years as an assistant/special education assistant. She worked at MAES and SES. She has been married to Lonnie for 18 years. He works in sales for
(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
(center) was congratulated by school board president Dave Fleegel (left) and district administrator Pat Sullivan (right).
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
BRIAN WILSON/THE STAR NEWS
Jina Lange
Kathy Kenyon
Judy Mader
Brenda Ann McNary
Diane Nelson
