Eugene Clifford
Juneau High Class of 1904
Distinguished Leader and Advocate for Juneau
Inducted 2024
Eugene Clifford, a distinguished alumnus of Juneau High School, is regarded as a notable political figure among those the school has ever produced. After beginning his legal career in 1911, he served his community with tireless dedication until his passing at age 55. His legacy includes two terms as a Wisconsin State Senator, Mayor of Juneau, City Attorney, School Board member, and Dodge County Supervisor Board member. Clifford's leadership extended beyond his city, as he traveled to Washington, D.C., to successfully advocate for funding for Juneau High School. His profound impact on both local and state politics serves as an inspiration for future generations.
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Daniel Klossner
Juneau High Class of 1966
Decorated Veteran and Dedicated Public Servant
Inducted 2024
Daniel Klossner exemplifies a life of service, both to his country and community. As an army medic in the Vietnam War, he earned the Purple Heart after surviving two gunshot wounds to the skull while heroically attempting to save a comrade. Upon returning home, Klossner became a pillar of the Juneau community. He opened a law office and served in various legal capacities, including City Attorney, Assistant Family Court Commissioner, Criminal Court Commissioner, and Dodge County Circuit Court Judge for 24 years. His contributions extended beyond the legal field, serving as Johnson Creek Village President, President of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, Commander of the Juneau American Legion Post 15, and a member of several community organizations. He also coached Dodgeland’s first mock trial team and was a hunter safety instructor. Klossner’s unwavering commitment to his community and profession leaves an enduring legacy.
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Frederick “Fritz” Pingel
Juneau High Class of 1966
Courageous Air Force Veteran and Distinguished Pilot
Inducted 2024
Frederick “Fritz” Pingel served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after a remarkable career marked by bravery and dedication. Piloting dangerous missions in and out of North and South Vietnam, he was among a select few chosen to fly American diplomats during secret negotiations with the North Vietnamese. Pingel's service included historic flights during the "fall of Saigon," and his exceptional skill earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Oak Leaf Clusters. Following Vietnam, he was entrusted with classified missions reserved for the Air Force’s elite. After his military retirement, Pingel continued his service to the nation by training dispatchers for CSX Railroad, further showcasing his commitment to excellence and leadership.
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Elizabeth Brieman
Juneau High Class of 1942
A Trailblazer in Education
Inducted 2023
Mrs. Brieman, a true legend at Dodgeland, who dedicated her career to nurturing young minds, instilling the virtues of critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation. As an English teacher for an impressive 38 years (1962-2000), she left an indelible mark on countless high school students. Mrs. Brieman's remarkable ability to see the potential in every student and cultivate their skills for success in life made her an extraordinary educator. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she passionately coached debate and led the forensics team to over a decade of conference championships. Mrs. Brieman's legacy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and her profound impact on the students she guided towards a brighter future.
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Dennis Buege
Juneau High Class of 1963
A Visionary in Meat Science
Inducted 2023
Mr. Buege, affectionately known as the "Meat Science Guy," whose profound expertise in meat processing earned him national acclaim. A true luminary in his field, Mr. Buege played a pivotal role in advancing meat processing technologies, ultimately contributing to the establishment of state and national industry standards. His academic journey, culminating in a PhD from UW Madison, led him back to the university as a full professor.
Notably, Mr. Buege served as the President of the American Meat Science Association and was rightfully inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, a testament to his exceptional contributions. With 34 publications to his name, he shared his knowledge and passion by training plant managers across the United States and small processors in developing countries, promoting the safe production of meat products. On a local level, Mr. Buege generously volunteered his time with 4-H and FFA, further solidifying his commitment to the industry and the community. His legacy as a visionary in meat science continues to inspire and shape the future of the field. |
Dr. Sharon Haase
Juneau High Class of 1970
Champion of Health and Community
Inducted 2023
Dr. Haase’s lifelong dedication to the health and wellness of our community has left an indelible mark. For thirty-three years, she passionately practiced as an internal medicine specialist, establishing her own practice and becoming a pillar of healthcare in our region. As a UW Clinical Professor of Medicine, her commitment extended to medical student education, earning numerous prestigious awards for clinical excellence and teaching. Beyond her medical practice, she assumed pivotal roles as Chief-of-Staff for Beaver Dam Hospital, Director of the BDCH Cardiopulmonary Department, and Founder/Medical Director of the Dodge County "Heart-to-Heart" support group. Her influence reached further by serving on the BD Hospital Board of Directors and its Foundation Board. Dr. Haase's impact also resonates in the community, where she once led the Beaver Dam Kiwanis Club as its president, served on the Board of Directors of Horicon Bank, and founded and directs the E-Club for Kidz Organization. At the state and national level, her work on advocacy for physicians, medical education and patient care, led to her being elected the first female Governor of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Physicians; as well as an annual state award for “Advancement of Women’s Health” named in her honor. Dr. Haase achieved the rare distinction of “Mastership” in the National American College of Physicians; as well as a citation from the State of Wisconsin Legislature for excellence in medical care and education. |
Leslie Kuhn Thayer
Dodgeland Class of 2001
A Beacon of Excellence
Inducted 2023
Leslie's journey began on the volleyball courts, where she played Division I collegiate volleyball for UW-Green Bay and played professionally for C.V. Universitat de Valencia in Spain and Fortuna Odense Volley in Denmark, showcasing her talent and drive. Transitioning to academia, she pursued a law degree at University of Wisconsin Law School, where she displayed an unwavering commitment to justice. As a student attorney at the Wisconsin Innocence Project, Leslie championed the cause of the wrongfully accused. Her academic prowess shone as an Articles Editor on the Wisconsin Law Review, where her work garnered recognition and awards. Beyond the classroom, Leslie's heart for service also extended to her roles as a student advocate at the Unemployment Appeals Clinic, Legal Information Center Co-Director, Public Interest Law Foundation board member, and Pro Bono Society member. She has served two federal judicial clerkships and is currently Pro Bono Counsel at Sidley Austin in Chicago, where she leads the constitutional rights and civil liberties practice, a testament to her dedication to justice. Her service on the Board of Directors at Uptown People's Law Center reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting human rights, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. Leslie's leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to social justice continue to inspire and make a lasting impact.
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Kari Patey
Dodgeland Class of 1995
A Beacon of Excellence in Journalism
Inducted 2023
Kari’s career has been a testament to excellence in the field of journalism. Beginning as a news writer and producer at WCCO-TV and KSTP-TV in Minneapolis, Kari's journey led her to the epicenter of news at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, where she served at NBC's flagship station for an impressive 12 years, ultimately rising to the esteemed position of Assistant News Director. Returning to the Midwest, she took on the role of News Director at WCCO-TV, CBS in Minnesota, and was later promoted to vice president of producer development at CBS Stations. Kari's professional accomplishments include being a National Edward R. Murrow Award Winner, a National Emmy Award winner, and the recipient of numerous New York Regional Emmy Awards. Beyond her professional accolades, Kari has generously volunteered her time, support, and expertise to organizations such as NYCares, the American Red Cross, "People Serving People," and "ThreeSixty" in St. Paul. Her commitment to journalistic excellence and community service remains a source of inspiration for all. |
George Kohn
Reeseville High Class of 1961
Dedicated to Excellence
Inducted 2023
George led a distinguished life as a true embodiment of excellence in both military and civilian life. Commissioned as an Air Force second lieutenant and earning his pilot wings in 1969, he served in Vietnam as an F-4 pilot with the renowned 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, famously known as "The Gunfighters." He piloted the F-4E in the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, completing a remarkable 201 combat missions and earning an impressive 10 air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. His commitment to service didn't end with his active duty as a captain in 1975; he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until 1999, retiring as a colonel after 32 years of unwavering dedication. Beyond his military achievements, he transitioned to a successful career as a commercial pilot from 1975 to 2003 and authored a remarkable book titled Vector to Destiny, which earned "Top New Vietnam War History Book," honors and received several prestigious awards. His legacy is a testament to honor, valor, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. |
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