June Stefferud Potter was chosen as a Distinguished Alumni for her remarkable contributions to her community and her unwavering dedication to the cranberry industry, a vital part of Tomah’s identity. Through her efforts, she has not only enriched the lives of those around her but has also played a role in advancing and promoting this essential local industry. Her commitment to growth and community development exemplifies the spirit of leadership and service that inspires others.

During her time at Tomah High School, June was an active participant in various clubs and committees, including Student Council, FHA, Yearbook, School Paper, Prom Committee, Glee Club, Class Secretary, Drama Club, and Band, displaying her leadership and organizational skills from an early age. Her involvement laid the groundwork for a lifetime of engagement, as she not only contributed to existing organizations but also founded new ones in her community.

After graduating Tomah High School in 1956, June earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College, a postgrad diploma from the New York School of Design in 1964 and a master’s degree in 1977 from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

June started her career as a teacher, spending four years teaching at her alma mater, twelve years at Black River Falls High School, then returning to the Tomah School District as a substitute teacher for eight years in the early 2000’s. Between her years spent in the classroom, June enjoyed an extensive career as a freelance interior designer for thirty years, while simultaneously serving as the Secretary of James Potter Cranberry Marsh, Inc. since 1968.

In 1961, June married her high school sweetheart Jim Potter, a fifth-generation cranberry grower. They went on to have two children who continue to work in the cranberry industry. June is proud to boast that the grandchildren who have made cranberries a career, are 6^th and 7^th generation cranberry growers, the oldest in Wisconsin. “Our parents, Chris and Ethel, taught my three brothers and I Faith, Family, Friends, Work Ethic and Kindness to All…. I carried those traits on to cranberry life.”

That sentiment could not ring truer for June. Not only did she participate in dozens of organizations, from volunteer to secretary to committee chair, June along with a group of volunteers started Warren’s Cranberry Festival (Cranfest) in 1973, with a mission to promote the common good of the community of Warrens, raising funds to be used for civic betterments and social improvements, which has grown from a small community festival to an international event with over 145,000 visitors each year bringing in an economic boost of roughly $14.3 million in revenue to the community of Warrens, and the surrounding Monroe County.

Aside from her many community accomplishments, June published three books on her family’s history, received numerous awards and recognitions including Communicator of the Year from WI Agri-View, Tomah History Month Honoree, WI State Cranberry Growers Association’s Service to Industry Award and their President’s Award, and was featured in the book Who’s Who of American Women. June's passion for service and her ability to inspire others have been key to her lasting impact on those around her, making her a true pillar of Tomah.

Donna (Blado) Ulteig attended Tomah High School from 1957 to 1961. She was Co-Valedictorian, Editor of the newspaper, and participated in Student Senate. After graduation, she attended Valparaiso University, double majoring in Social Work and English, and minoring in Psychology. In 1970, she graduated with a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her career, she spent another 15 years receiving professional training in Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy and earning her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credentials, her DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work) credentials, which is the highest level of credentialing available, and her ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Worker) credentials, the most widely recognized and respected social work credentials. 

Throughout her 55-year career she worked as an inpatient Clinical Social Worker, was a Preceptor/Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin School of Social Work training graduate students, and in 1985 began working in private practice providing psychotherapy to thousands of clients. She has held many leadership, consulting, and advisory positions, served as both President and Board of Directors with multiple national health care organizations, and completed numerous professional publications. She was awarded both Social Worker of the Year and the NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Unsung Heroine Award in 1999 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2014. 

Her penchant for service extends past her professional career. In 1965, she marched from Selma to Montgomery, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was selected for the Peace Corps before injuries from a car accident kept her stateside and served in various leadership roles in her church and local ministries.  From 1996-2017 she belonged to the Friends of Chernobyl Centers US (FOCCUS), helping train mental health professionals. 

In her personal life, Donna married Rod Ulteig in 1967 until she was widowed in 2017. She currently lives with her partner Hal Wissink in a 1933 Sears and Roebuck planned English Cottage house where she was selected by Olbrich Gardens of Madison for their 2018 Home Garden Tour. Aside from gardening, Donna enjoys being part of a Book Club, a Gourmet Club, and traveling the world, having visited 46 countries in her almost twenty trips to Europe. 

Gary was an active THS student participating in football, basketball, and baseball all four years of his high school career. He was selected as an All-Conference quarterback in 1958. He also worked as a THS Office Assistant. Gary was drafted into the WI Army National Guard which interrupted his college experience but resulted in the military being his career path for over 40 years. Gary received numerous awards from his service to our nation including the Milwaukee Journal Military Achievement Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Award Medal with two oak leaf clusters, WI National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Development Ribbon, and Write Medal.

Gary has served the Tomah community in many ways, serving as the City of Tomah Youth Football and basketball coach. He was a founder of the Arrows & Braves baseball program in Tomah and volunteered as a middle school football and basketball coach. Gary has also served on his Church Council and taught Sunday School. Perhaps Gary’s greatest service to our community has been his dedication and commitment to the Tomah Area School District as a board member. Gary was elected to this position in 1982 and was re-elected for forty years. He attributes his success and life-long happiness to his loving wife, Mary Ann. He has been the #1 supporter of our school district believing the best of our students, parents, teachers, support staff, and administration. His legacy is this incredible impact he has made on the lives of our community’s kids who have become productive members of society because of his efforts in providing a quality education in the TASD. Gary has served by example. His empathy, compassion, and kindness have been bestowed on many in our community. He is a wonderful man, supportive husband, loving father, and grandfather, a positive role model, and a mentor.

Robert is recognized as a Distinguished Tomah Alumni for an extraordinary life and career filled with dedication to excellence, community service, and making a positive difference in the many lives of those he touched.

Robert was born in Sparta, raised in Tomah, and attended Tomah High School.  His father was a general practitioner and surgeon, his mother a registered nurse.  With their influence he was drawn to service to others.

As a member of the Class of 1966, Robert played basketball, ran track, a member of Interact Club, Vice President of his class and President of Student Council.  His summers were spent at the Tomah pool as a certified lifeguard instructor and coach of a swim team he organized.

After high school, Robert attended Ripon College, graduating in 1970.  While at Ripon he was a member of the football team as a defensive back and kicker and a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.  His summers were spent working at a La Crosse bank, a server/dishwasher at an ice cream shop in Madison and in his free time, he became a licensed pilot.

After graduating from Ripon, Robert was accepted at Marquette University Law School where he graduated in 1973.  When not studying or watching Marquette basketball, he worked at the Milwaukee Public Defender’s Office internship program.  He is licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin and the U.S. Western and Eastern Federal Courts.

His professional career started in June 1973 in Tomah by design as a general practitioner.  In addition, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney for 5 years, and Tomah City Attorney for 21 years.  During his 47-year career, he was honored to be selected as a member of District V Committee of the Office of Lawyer Regulation where he served for 8 years and as Chairman of the Board, Family Law Section, State Bar.  As Chair, Robert advocated changes to the family code with appearances before State Legislative Committees and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  He was a frequent presenter to fellow Bar members at legal seminars and chaired the Annual Family Law Bench-Bar Program.  He was a speaker at the City Attorney’s Municipal Convention. Finally, for 4 years, Robert was guest instructor at the University of Wisconsin Law School Lawyer Skills Class.  This is a week-long program teaching 2nd and 3rd year law students on the practical and legal approach to representing family law clients.

As a member of the Tomah community, Robert was a member and Chair of the Board of Directors of Tomah Memorial Hospital, Board member of the Hospital Foundation, organized and promoted the primary Foundation golf fundraiser and chaired a fundraising effort for a hospital addition.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bank and served as a member and President of the Tomah Quarterback Club (forerunner to the Tomah Sports Booster Club).  He coached boys’ basketball for 5 years as junior varsity and varsity assistant and was part of the 1994 team that reached the State tournament.

Robert and his wife, Barbara, reside in Tomah.  They have two daughters, Jennifer, and Amanda, and four grandchildren, Madeline, Noelle, Harper, and Hayden.

Robert J. Mubarak: Distinguished Alumni Video

Dr. Robert Gutsche, Jr. is a leading scholar in the field of Journalism Studies where he applies critical/cultural theory to investigate issues of power in journalism. He is currently Associate Professor in Critical Digital Media Practice at Lancaster University in the U.K.

After working simultaneously on the Tomah Senior High School newspaper and at the Tomah Journal, Tomah Monitor-Herald, and La Crosse Tribune during high school (oft-turning to his parents for proofreading at the kitchen counter), Dr. Gutsche went on to report for outlets in Wisconsin and across the country, such as The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times. Dr. Gutsche helped launch and create non-profit news centers designed to train college students journalism, including at the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism at the UW-Madison and The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism at the University of Iowa, which he co-founded. Dr. Gutsche is a graduate of UW-Richland (now UW-Platteville at Richland), the UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Concordia University Wisconsin, and the University of Iowa where he received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications in 2012.

Dr. Gutsche has led digital innovation in multimedia journalism through teaching focused largely on VR and other immersive storytelling about climate change and race while Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism + Media at Florida International University in Miami, as Research Scholar at University of Missouri’s Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, and as Digital Journalism Research Fellow at Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway. Dr. Gutsche has been named a Disruptive Educator at the CUNY’s Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism and has received awards from international organizations for his teaching that focuses on social justice, race, environmental justice, and depth reporting. Dr. Gutsche has authored dozens of scholarly articles and several books, including a) Media Control: News as an Institution of Power and Social Control, b) Geographies of Journalism: The Imaginative Power of Place in Making Digital News, c) The Trump Presidency, Journalism, and Democracy, d) Journalism Research in Practice: Perspectives on Change, Challenges, and Solutions, e) Reimagining Journalism and Social Order in a Fragmented Media World, and f) The Future of the Presidency, Journalism and Democracy: After Trump.

Dr. Gutsche frequents popular press as an expert, speaking to cultural/critical interpretations of violence, media behavior, and racism through hundreds of interviews for CNN, France 24, The Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, CNBC, and the ABC Australia. Dr. Gutsche attributes much of his being and ways of thinking to the education he received in the Tomah Area School District; he can recite most of his teachers’ names and lessons learned from each of them beginning in Kindergarten at Warrens Elementary School to his high school graduation. His civic engagement, scholarship, and care for students comes from the Tomah Area educators with whom he had contact, received life lessons, and even unsolicited advice and support. He tries to repay them through his work today and as a husband and father.

Robert Gutsche, Jr: Distinguished Alumni Video

Thomas Earle graduated from Tomah High School in 1928. He was a star athlete and served as president of his class. After completing undergraduate work at Long Beach, California Junior College, Tom earned a graduate degree and his C.P.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1941, Tom joined the Walker Mufflers company in Racine as Director of Budgets. He spent most of his life in Racine. He retired in 1968 to Milwaukee, a year after the death of his first wife. At his retirement, Tom was serving as Vice President and Treasurer for Walker Mufflers. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Day, in July of 1976. He maintained an office in Madison where he continued to stay busy with business ventures and involvement in the stock market. In 1984, Tom gifted shares of stock in Briggs and Stratton to the Tomah Area School District and a local organization that provides support to individuals with disabilities because he himself had dealt with a speech impairment. In 1986, Thomas Earle passed away. With no known heirs, Tom arranged with an out-of-state firm to establish the Thomas B. Earle Charitable Foundation Trust which was to benefit people living in the Tomah community and its immediate surrounding area by improving the quality of the lifestyle of the handicapped and needy, both young and old. Since it began in 1986, the Thomas B. Earle Charitable Foundation Trust has contributed over $1.5 million to our community.

Bruce was born and raised in Tomah. He graduated from Carroll University double majoring in math and chemistry. He then received a PhD in organic chemistry at The Ohio State University. He continued his education at Stanford University’s Business School.

Dr. Otto’s entire career was at the Amoco Corporation in the Chicago area. He began as a research chemist, working on the development of gasoline additives, receiving two patents. He also held several managerial positions including Manager, General Manager and Vice President. He served on the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois as Vice President and President. Bruce also was Chairman of the Council for Solid Waste Solutions. Additionally, he chaired Amoco’s United Way campaign for several years.

Bruce valued hard work, education, family, volunteerism and giving back. He served on Carroll University’s Board of Trustees for 8 years and was instrumental in the growth of the college and increasing alumni support. He and his wife, Evie, established several endowed science scholarships there. He served on the Chemistry Board at The Ohio State University. Bruce was a Leadership member of the Boys Scouts of America and volunteered for many years for Habitat for Humanity and his church’s thrift shop.

After retiring, Bruce spent winters in Florida and summers in Wisconsin. He played tennis and golf weekly, scoring 2 holes in one. He loved to fish. He tied his own flies and made his own fishing rods, returning to Tomah with his family every May for the opening day of trout season. Bruce passed away in 2016.

Frank Oscar King was born to John J. and Carrie Harris King on April 9, 1883. At four weeks old his family moved to Tomah. His father and uncle ran a general store across the street from the First Bank of Tomah, where his mother worked. As a boy, King spent most of his spare time sketching. However, the pictures he drew scored him no points on the part of his grade schoolteacher, Miss Miller, after whom, Miller Elementary School was named. He practiced by drawing pictures of students which he entered into the county fair and won prizes. By the time he graduated from Tomah High School in 1901, King had earned a reputation for drawing.

At 19, King began his career as an artist-cartoonist for a Minnesota newspaper, but he was drawn to Chicago. He attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, earning a scholarship for his second year. He was so talented, the Academy used one of his drawings for its catalog cover. He worked at the "Chicago American" newspaper on Saturdays, drawing ads for patent medicines. After leaving art school, King went to work for the "Chicago Examiner" newspaper doing sketches, diagrams, layouts, courtroom scenes, portraits of theatrical personalities and city officials, along with disasters such as fires.

King then began a Sunday graphic feature called "The Rectangle", with a comment on current affairs, news highlights, seasonal subjects and popular fads. In one corner he started a panel called "Gasoline Alley", depicting the weekly meetings of a few auto enthusiasts in an alley behind their apartments. This caught the public fancy and grew into a half-page. By 1919 it had grown to a color full page on Sundays and a daily black and white strip.

Gasoline Alley was so wildly popular it was carried in newspapers from coast to coast. Frank King received royalties every time any of his Gasoline Alley characters were used. There were books, dolls, toys, a movie made, and a television show in the early 1950's. In 1958, Gasoline Alley was named Best Strip-of-the-Year and in 1959, King was named Cartoonist-of-the-Year by the Nation Cartoonist Society. In 1967, King retired to Florida a millionaire.

In the spring of 1969, the Tomah City Council voted to adopt the name "Gasoline Alley" for both Superior and Clifton Street without officially changing the name of the routes. They also added "Frank King's Gasoline Alley" signs be attached to the street poles above street signs, indicating that this is the boyhood home of King. King passed away on June 24, 1969. His boy was laid to rest beside his wife in Tomah's Oak Grove Cemetery. 

An Annual Gasoline Alley Day was held in Gillett Park from 1994 to 2007. On October 14, 1995, the U.S. Post Office issued a stamp honoring Gasoline Alley. The cartoon "Gasoline Alley" is still enjoyed today. It is being written by its fourth cartoonist on the east coast.

Frank King: Distinguished Alumni Video

Brigadier General Tammy J. Maas graduated from Tomah Senior High School in 1975. She attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and University of Wisconsin–River Falls before moving to Wyoming for a summer job in Grand Teton National Park. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 1985 at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY.

General Maas began her military career in 1979 when she joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard. She attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Initial Entry Training as a computer operator at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. BG Maas moved to Wyoming in 1982 and joined the 197th Engineer Detachment at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. After completing 10 years of service and reaching the rank of staff sergeant, she attended the state Officer Candidate School program in 1989 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

BG Maas held a number of command positions in the Wyoming Army National Guard including 197th Engineer Detachment; 960th Maintenance Company; Detachment 2, Headquarters Area Command Training Site; and 1st Battalion (Field Artillery), 213th Regiment Regional Training Institute. She also served as Garrison Commander at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, the Wyoming Army National Guard Chief of Staff, and the Construction and Facilities Management Officer.

General Maas concluded her military career in May 2018, after serving 2 years as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Wyoming Army National Guard. As the commander, with headquarters in Cheyenne, she was responsible for the readiness, training, leadership and strategic planning of more than 1,500 Soldiers in support of state and federal missions. Units of the Wyoming Army National Guard included field artillery, engineering, maintenance, aviation, command and control, signal, medical, logistics, a training school, and an Army band. Major commands included the 115th Fires Brigade, 94th Troop Command, Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, 213th Regiment-Regional Training Institute, and the Wyoming Joint Force Headquarters.

General Maas says, “I have had the great honor and privilege to serve alongside some the finest Soldiers in the world. I am constantly amazed at the selfless service and sacrifices these fine Soldiers make, all in the name of patriotism, service, and protecting our freedoms. These are the men and women who made my job worthwhile.”

Tammy Maas: Distinguished Alumni Video

Mose was born and raised in Tomah, graduating from Tomah High School. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Corporal First Class. Mose started the hockey program in the late 1950’s. Many of his first players were street kids. He tested these kids with his words, “You think you are so tough, put on a pair of these hockey skates.” This challenge gave many of Tomah's kids something to do. Mose bought skates for a lot of boys and used rolled up newspapers for shin guards. Eventually, Tomah businesses began donating uniforms and equipment. The first hockey games started out on the lagoon ice of Lake Tomah. The current hockey rink at the fairgrounds in Tomah was dedicated to Mose.

Mose loved working with kids. Mose’s players wanted nothing more than to win for their coach. Mose was known for treating all his players with fairness and respect. He was an exceptional mentor and coach. Many of his former players still live in Tomah and their love of hockey was inspired by Mose.

Mose lives on in their children and grandchildren. Mose took great pride in his former players becoming good citizens. From business owners to doctors, teachers, and state patrol officers, these former hockey players credited Mose with the development of their character.

In addition to the Tomah hockey rink being dedicated to Mose, a marble monument in his honor stands at the Hiawatha Golf Course and he also received the Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award. Mose Lamb is remembered for his significant contribution to the youth of Tomah — helping them to become good citizens.

Jim was a man of many interests, endless curiosity and remarkable respect in the community. Jim gave time and significant philanthropic financial contributions to many community organizations, including NorthBay Healthcare, Vacaville Museum, the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre and as a benefactor for the Solano Community Symphony, among other music venues.

At the time of his death (2013), Jim was Chairman of the Board of the local NorthBay Healthcare Foundation. In his many years on that board, he also served as Vice-Chair, Secretary and as an active member.

Another distinguished leadership position Jim held was as President, Vice President, Secretary, and generous Life Member of the Vacaville Museum. He served on that board for seven years and was instrumental in helping research, preserve and exhibit the diverse history and stories of the area.

Jim began his 33+ year aviation career in the United States Air Force, graduating from Officer Training School and Pilot training. Jim served 20+ Air Force years (active duty and reserves). He began in Vietnam and continued through Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Jim was an accomplished Aircraft Commander and received numerous medals, awards and commendations. His superb airmanship skills earned him the Air Medal for saving a disabled C-5 Galaxy aircraft and crew from certain doom during an engine explosion and on-board fire. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1991.

As an airline Captain and civilian pilot, Jim piloted for United Parcel Service, domestically and internationally. He retired just 2 weeks before 9/11/2001, after 20 years of exemplary service.

Growing up, Jim’s early years, he attended St. Paul’s Elementary School in Tomah and graduated from Tomah High School. While in high school, he was on the golf team each year and lettered. He was an honor student and ranked 4th in his graduating class.

Subsequently, Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1969, taking 5 years to earn his Bachelor’s degree because he needed to work full time while pursuing his studies, infinitely enjoying the world travel and explored countless countries, always appreciating the history, culture, people and cuisine of each. He also savored nature, mountain peaks and backpacking in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains each summer. At home, Jim planted and tended 1,400 trees on his property and delighted in their beauty and fruit bounty.

Posthumously, Jim was generously recognized by several organizations. In particular, NorthBay Healthcare presented his wife with the organization’s first “Spirit of Philanthropy” award in 2015. More recently, NorthBay Healthcare generously named their new Conference Center in Jim’s memory and outstanding community legacy.