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Paul D. CarlsonGraduated in 1953 from Siren High School , and in 1958 from the University of Wisconsin with BSEE degree.Participated in the design, test, and launch of the Mercury, Gemini, Skylab, and Shuttle manned space vehicles. Served his community in the U.S. Space Walk Hall of Fame Foundation.Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.Inducted in May 2001Robert G. LeeGraduated in 1949 from Osseo High School, in 1958 from Eau Claire with Bachelors of Science Degree, in 1961 from UW Madison with Administraion from UW Superior.From 1955-1958 served in the United States Air Force.Served his community as Village of Siren Trustee and Village President.Member of the American Legion, the Siren Lions Club, and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.Inducted in May 2001Arlene Ruth TobiasGraduated in 1951 from Siren High School, and in 1961 from University of Wisconsin-Superior with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education.In 1968 she became the first female editor of Wisconsin Education Journal and was also the first female to be a state executive for the National Education Association in the state of Florida.Served on the Siren School board as both a member and as Chair during Siren's school and auditorium construction.Spearheaded an adult daycare program for Burnett County.Active member in CUE (Communities United in Education) and also the Bethany Lutheran Church council and served as chair during its construction.Arlene was a passionate supporter of performing arts.Inducted in May 2001.This list of former Siren students killed in action is long enough. Our prayers as a community are that no future names need to be added. If the unfortunate deaths of more students come to pass while maintaining our freedom, their names will be respectfully added. -Lund-Brown Post 132, American Legion
World War I World War II Korean War Vietnam War Eddy G. Lund Howard M. Anderson Robert Johnson Paul D. Abbott Robert N. Brown Charles Nedvid Kenneth L. Carpenter Lawrence E. Hunter
Inducted in May 2002Carl S. NordinGraduated in 1932 from Siren High School.Thirty-nine and a half year career as Clerk and Postmaster Siren.Wrote the book We Were Next to Nothing at the age of eighty.Served his community as Scout Master, 4-H Leader, Sunday School Superintedent, Secretary of Community Club, Commander of American Legion for five terms, Commander of Legion Burnett County Council for three terms, on various positions of local Church Council and on Synot (State level) for over forty years.Member of National Association of Federal Employees, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Disabled American Veterans, American Defenders of Bataan-Conegidor, and American Legion.Inducted in May 2002Merle "Butch"HighstromGraduated in 1963 from Siren High School.Butch served his community as a founding member of the Siren Athletic Association, being instrumental in starting Saturday morning basketball, Siren Little League baseball, and flag football for the area youth and by volunteering on the "chain gang" crew at home football games for sixteen years.Member of the Siren Fire Department for thirty-four years (Assistant Chief for fourteen years, and as Fire Chief for four years), member of the Siren Lions Club for twenty years, and worked with the Boy Scouts for twenty years.Butch's motto in life was "It's all for the kids."Inducted in May 2003Deanna (Johnson) PlantGraduated in 1991 from Siren High School.Fall 1991-December 1995, attended UW LaCrosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Chemistry.Fall 1996-May 2000 attended University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison.In Madison was active in the American Medical Association and the Wisconsin State Medical Society. Also worked in clinics to provide medical care to people staying in homeless shelters.July 2000-June 2003 did residency training in family medicine at Columbia-St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee. Served as chief resident in her final year.September 2003 began career as family physician with Camden Physicians in Maple Grove, Minnesota.Inducted in May 2004Joshua Jay ImmeGraduated in 1996 from Siren High School.June 1996, entered the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Spring of 2000 was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and graduated form the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a minor in Math. Josh is the first student to graduate from the Air Force Academy.Fall of 2000, stationed at Malstrom Air Force Base and received the Air Force Achievement Medal for his work done in compiling information for a binder used for search and rescue missions.February 2001-April 2002 started pilot training at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station in Texas.May 2002-October 2002 became mission ready in C-130.Presently serves at a 1st Lieutenant at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska.Inducted in May 2004Michael "Murph" Murphy"His wisdom, and professionalism lives on in the hearts and minds of those who had the pleasure to be coached, or taught by him."-Travis, Teri, and Jason HinzeMike "Murph" Murphy, a native of Luck, Wisconsin, committed himself to the community of Siren for over 33 years as an educator, a mentor, and a gentleman. A graduate of Polk County Teachers College and the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Mike committed his life to kids, both in the classroom and on the playing field. In the words of Siren alums, Mike "unceasingly personified a principled approach to competition, emphasized personal integrity, and encouraged personal dedication to improvement". His positive attitude touched all who had the pleasure of working with him, and permeated not only our way of looking at sports, but also our way of dealing with life. Anybody who knows Mike will never forget the tap on the head, or the positive words of encouragement that truly exemplify the man we all know as "Murph".Inducted in May 2005Siren Lions Club"With much gratitude for all that they have done, and will continue to do.."-The Community of SirenSince its inception in 1969, the Siren Lions club has offered people the opportunity to give something back to the community of Siren. Involving members in community service projects including continuing school, and student centered projects, to the national goal of bringing sight to the world's blind, Siren Lions Club, and Lions Clubs International have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community.Today with more than 46,000 clubs in 193 countries and geographical areas, Lions International have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community.Programs continually change to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve."Inducted in May 2005Louis D'JockLouis D'Jock was born in Siren in 1931. He graduated in 1948 from Siren High School, and went to attend the National Gaurd. Louis was drafted and served our country in Korea. Upon his return in 1955, he married his wife Pat (Theroux). Together they rasied 8 children, all of whom attended Siren schools. Many of Louis' grandchildren have also attended Siren Schools.Louis purchased Louis D'Jock Timber Products from his father and is currently the third generation to run the family business. In addition to runnig a successful business Louis seved the community of Siren as a school board member for 21 years helping with two major building projects. He is a member of the VFW Post 1256, American Legion Post 132, and was electe as both a county, and village board representatives.Inducted in May 2006Molly EngstromMolly attended Siren Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools from 1998-1999. While a student in Siren, Molly began to develop her skills as a hockey player which eventually led her to Culver Academy (Graduating class of 2001) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a member of the UW-Women's Hockey Team. Molly's ultimate goal was met when she was named to the United States Womens Olympic Hockey Team, which received the bronze medal in the 2006 Olympic games in Torino, Italy.Molly's true gift, beyond athletics, is her willingness to take time for the young people, encouraging them to reach for their own dreams and in the words of her track coach, Mr. Richard Larson, Molly "instilled a sense of pride in being from Siren."Inducted in May 2007Rudy and Ruth MothesRudy and Ruth graduated from Siren High School in 1956 and 1958, respectively. Rudy served in the US Army from 1956-1958; the couple then married in 1959. They have lived in Siren since 1962, raising children Robb, Rana, and Reno here. Rudy and Ruth have given tirelessly to their community: They are active in their church—including as youth directors—Lions Club, Siren School Board, Fire Department (27 years, 11 as Chief), Siren Village Board, and, of course, in Ruth’s over-25-year span of news columns in the Inter-County Leader. The couple’s crowning achievement is the Siren Ball Park (est. 1992) and tennis/basketball courts (est. 2008). This jewel of the Siren community provides a great venue for ball playing and a summer gathering spot for friends and family—the perfect symbol for two who have poured their hearts into their town.Inducted in May 2009Wally NelsonWally Nelson’s life is a stroll through American history. A child of the depression, Wally attended Siren Schools, beginning in fourth grade. While in high school, he led the Siren football team to a conference championship in 1942. He left high school at 17 to enlist in the Navy, fighting in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during WWII. Returning home, Wally tried his hand at many professions, retiring as a US Postal Inspector in 1981. Wally is a treasure of his family, our community, and our country.Siren is eternally grateful for Wally’s courage and patriotism.Inducted in May 2010Vernon PetersonVernon was born near Webster in 1917. In 1918, he moved with his family to the family farm in Daniels Township. He attended the Mudhen Lake School, and Siren through the 11th graduating from Grantsburg because Siren did not have a 12th grade. After high school, Vernon attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison Agriculture Short Course.In addition to his role as a farmer, Vernon was active in local civic, and government entities including the Burnett County Historical Society and as the leading force in the Indianhead Rock and Mineral Society.Vernon is best known for his love of logging, and rock collecting. He was a regular visitor to the local schools, telling the history of the region through his many stories, and artifacts he had collected over his lifetime.Vernon retired from farming at the age of 87. The Peterson family continues to turn the soil of the family homestead today, with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren calling Siren home.Vernon was a role model for all ages of people, an ambassador for Siren. He represented all that was the best of his generation, a generation of risk takers, forward thinkers, and hard workers.Inducted in May 2011Eugene OlsenEugene was born in Grantsburg, in 1925 during the great depression. He joined the Navy during WWII serving aboard the carrier USS White Plains where he fought in a number of historic battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Gene was decorated for valor with the Bronze Star and was a member of the American Legion for 66 years. Gene returned to the Siren area in 1949 with his wife Patricia and family. He retired after 33 years with Northwestern Electric Company. While serving as Siren’s mayor, Gene was instrumental in bringing North States to Siren. Gene was a pilot, and accomplished artist. The mural above our main entry was created by Gene, welcoming us to our great school.Inducted in May 2012Stuart Owen Decorah1943-2003AN AMBASSADOR OF CULTURESPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIPSTEWARD OF EDUCATION AND TRADITIONAL VALUESStuart was a father, a husband, a grandfather, and a friend to all. He embraced life, holding his family and traditional values close to his heart. Stuart valued education, and was willing to share knowledge of his culture to all that would listen.The drum group name is BEAR CLAW SINGERS, Ron Mallory Head Singer, Stuart was an enrolled member of the Ho-chunk nation but lived with his wife Frances who is a member to the St. Croix Chippewa community. Stuart was also the keeper of the drum and where the drum was passed on to Ron Mallory his nephew before he died. Ron Mallory is also a member of the Ho-chunk nation. Their music also can be found at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.*Inducted in May 2013Mrs. Wanda FlaniganWanda was born on July 7, 1929 and grew up on a farm in Clam Falls. She attended the Rocky Ridge School, a one-room school house. By the time she had graduated from Frederic High School in 1947, she had lived through both the great depression and World War II. Wanda earned her teaching degree from UW-Superior in 1949, a Bachelor’s degree from UW-S in 1967 and a Master’s degree from UW-RF in 1976. Wanda was born to teach, including teaching in a one a one- room schoolhouse (West Sweden) to a 35 career as a teacher here in Siren.
Wanda was married to her husband Jim for 59 years and together they had four children, Colleen, Jim, Patricia, and Peggy. Wanda will forever be remembered for her passion for learning, and her ability to inspire others though teaching, and volunteering.
“If you volunteer, you gain more than you give”
Inducted in May, 2016
Mary YambrickMary grew up in St. Paul Minnesota, moving to Siren in 1976 with her husband Bill. Their marriage was blessed with 4 children, Alex, Paul, Joyel who was taken from us at the age of 10, and Whitney.
Mary dedicated her life to caring for, educating, and enriching the lives of children of all ages and diversity. Mary was a matriarch of pre-school education in Siren. Mary started Kinder Haus, taught at Bethany Pre-School for over 35 years, and was a founding member of Moms for Kids.
All that knew Mary will forever remember her kind words, warm smile, and unwavering faith. Her passion for the troubled, abused, and forgotten children was second to none.
“The best of Mary lives on in all who had the privilege to know and love her”
Inducted in May 2018
Dr. Norman JensenA child of the Great Depression, Dr. Jensen grew up in Siren an Eagle Scout and Dragon valedictorian in 1958; he went on to UW-Eau Claire, UW–Medical School, and Harvard Medicine residency. After two years as a US Navy doctor, he served 46 years as a teaching physician, Professor of Medicine at UW-Madison.
Dr. Jensen married Nancy Huser of Frederic; they have been blessed with two sons and six grandkids. He credits his Siren School teachers, pastor, Scout Master and the parents of many friends for helping him “avoid the deviant pathways of lightly supervised youth”. His philanthropic stewardship of our school and community touches each of us who call this home.
Inducted in May 2019
Bert "Fudd" Lund, Jr.Raised in Siren, Fudd graduated from Siren High School and has dedicated his life to his beloved hometown. He wears many hats, including educator, husband, parent, civil servant and dedicated firefighter. Few can ever rival Fudd's love for Siren's students, citizens and community.
Inducted May 2021
DuWayne Wiberg
Graduated in 1953 from Siren High School.
DuWayne was born and raised on Elbow Lake in Siren. He attended Polk County Teacher’s College and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a BS in Elementary Education in 1972. He remained in the area and devoted 29 years of his career to teaching at Siren Elementary School. Besides being an educator, he coached football for over a decade. \
His commitment to his community is apparent through his past and present involvement as an EMT, a council member for Bethany Lutheran Church, 26 years of service to the Siren Township, and was a charter member of the Siren/Webster Rotary Club. As a Rotary member, he organized the design and ensured the completion of the Veterans Memorial and spearheaded the collection of funds and construction of the Crooked Lake Bandshell.
In addition to his involvement with multiple clubs and organizations, DuWayne was critical in coordinating Project Recovery following the 2001 Siren Tornado. This project established financial and emotional support for affected community members. DuWayne’s dedication and compassion can be seen throughout the community.
Inducted in May 2023___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________