Jane Riechers was 83 when she died at the Brookings Hospital.  She and her husband lived in Marshfield, WI from 1979 to 1983, when they moved to Volga, SD.  She started an Altrusa Club while living in Marshfield.

Oshkosh, WI
Barbara Langkau, died March 24, 2008

She was District Governor 2004-2006 and a 23 year member of Altrusa.  Barb was president of the Oshkosh club from 92-93.

Wausau, WI
Virginia “Linda” Gawlikowski Schoen
June 6, 1931 to October 4, 2007

Linda was a member for the first time from 1987 to 1989 and then was a member again from 1994 to the time of her death.  At one time she was recording secretary.  She also served on the Membership committee for many years.

Her classification was TRAVEL AGENT but she was much more than that. She owned Viking Travel Agency and always had many stories to tell about her trips and adventures.  She also started the Schoen’s books and gift store on Thomas Street.  She saw a need for people to have a place to recycle and pick up already read books.  I guess you could call this a literacy program of sorts.

One of the last times I saw Linda was last year at the Doll Show.  She was going through chemo, but still made the effort to come and work.

We always knew what table Linda was sitting at for meetings because everyone was always laughing at her stories.

She was also very involved in the Westside Business Association.  Linda was also a very active member of St. Therese.

At her memorial service we heard from many of her family members who talked about the card games and travels and their annual kraut fest each fall.

I know a lot of our newer members didn’t have an opportunity to know Linda so any who did are invited to share their memories.

Wausau, WI
Jane Kollock Sternberg April 10, 1910 to June 13, 2007

Jane was a charter member of Altrusa International of Wausau.

When the organizational meeting was held November 27, 1939, Jane was elected and served as the first president of our club from 1939 – 1940.  She also served as District Seven Liaison for Astra Clubs from 1980 – 1982.

Jane was a sponsor for one of our emeritus members,  Irene Schlueter – 1963, and two of our current members, Pat Bloomquist – 1973 and Marion Mirek – 1992.

In reading her obituary there are other things that she helped Altrusa get involved with:

1.    Our Club instigated the organization of The “Wausau Historical Society” and were all charter members.  This later became the Marathon County Historical Society and Jane served as a vice president. 

2.    The Little Red School House has had help from our club to maintain it. 

3.    Jane served as secretary-treasurer of the River’s Edge committee.  In 1976 our club made their first contribution the River Walk.

4.    Jane was the instigator for our Doll show which is 28 years old this year.