Prescott Hall of Fame

Roy Finley enters the Hall of Fame as a fierce supporter and promoter of Prescott. Having served in France during World War II, Roy believed in supporting his community, which he continued to do throughout his life. He served two terms as Prescott’s mayor and volunteered on the Prescott Fire Department, where he served as chief. In addition, he was elected to the Prescott Planning Commission, Prescott School Board, Mississippi River Commission, and Prescott City Council at age 26. As if that were not enough, Roy was an active member of the Prescott Library Board, Prescott Cemetery Board, Cooperative Educational Service Agency Board of Control, Northwestern Lodge #105 for 75 years, and the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club for 60 years. Because of his incredible devotion to the city, Roy was the Grand Marshall in the 1984 Prescott Daze Parade. During his long tenure as a member of the Mississippi River Commission, Roy worked to foster the development of Wisconsin’s Great River Road. This was a lifelong passion—to put a focus on the beauty of this part of Wisconsin and to boost the importance of the grandest of all rivers in the United States. He wanted people from all over to appreciate the natural treasures we enjoy at the confluence of the rivers. The street that enters the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center is named Roy Finley Avenue in his honor. Roy’s passion and drive for the betterment of Prescott will be felt for years to come.  
 

Char Magee enters the Hall of Fame as a passionate volunteer, leader, and advocate who dedicated countless hours to projects and organizations that shaped Prescott into an even better place to live. The driving force behind Char’s decades of involvement is her belief that a healthy community is a strong community. She holds a strong conviction that everyone has a responsibility to improve their community, and she backed that up with showing up, putting in the effort, and encouraging others to do the same. Char was the driving force behind the Prescott Daze celebration for over 15 years, and she co-coordinated the Secret Santa program to support families in need for over 20 years. She held leadership positions on the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and Friends of Freedom Park boards. Char has twice been named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and has been a champion of the schools, the fire department, and local sports teams. Not only has she selflessly given her time, but she also inspired others to get involved. . .not by strong-arming but with her persistence and obvious enthusiasm. “Don’t wait,” she tells them, “it pays back double what you put in.” Many local volunteers got started because Char led them there! She has had an incredibly positive impact on Prescott, from physical improvements to strengthening community ties. Char is a pillar of Prescott whose influence has been, and will continue to be, felt by residents, businesses, and organizations. 

Nick Schommer enters the Hall of Fame based on his unprecedented athletic accomplishments. Schommer was the first Prescott High School student-athlete to receive a full Division 1 scholarship, where he was a standout player for the North Dakota State Bison Football Team. As a four-year starter and two-time team captain, Schommer racked up 13 career interceptions— which tied for third all-time in Bison history—before becoming a three-time All-Conference and All-American player for the Bison program. After a phenomenal college career, Schommer became the first Prescott Cardinal to be drafted into the National Football League when he was drafted in the 7th round by the Tennessee Titans of the 2009 NFL Draft. During his days at Prescott High School, Schommer excelled in both football and baseball. In football, he was a two-time team captain, two-time All Conference player, two-time team most valuable player, and an eventual All-State defensive back. In baseball, Schommer was a two-time All-Conference player before becoming All-State catcher. In his final game in a Cardinal uniform, Schommer represented the Cards by playing in the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association All Star Classic. Nick offers this advice for future Cardinals: “There’s no greater metaphor for life than sports itself. Sports will teach you how to overcome adversity, will push you both physically and mentally, and most importantly, will teach you how to work towards a common goal no matter your background. The lessons you learn through sports will long outlive any trophy or accolade you win.”

An educator for over three decades, Hoffmann was selected based on his exemplary service to the community of Prescott. Nominated by past Prescott Mayor and long time resident Michael Hunter, Hoffmann was lauded for countless hours of volunteer time donated to several local organizations. Hoffmann was instrumental in forming girls’ athletics at PHS, starting the hunters’ and boaters’ education courses in Prescott and starting the varsity wrestling and boys’ volleyball teams. Hoffmann’s service was identified by the committee as “exemplary,” “phenomenal,” and “serves as an example for others to follow.”

Eggers will enter the Hall of Fame based on her outstanding levels of achievement.  A high honors students in high school, Eggers also participated in a myriad of activities including Odyssey of the Mind/Destination Imagination, theater, band and choir. After high school, Dr. Eggers eventually earned her PhD in African Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Over the course of Eggers’ academic career, she has amassed many peer-reviewed research papers and has earned education grants allowing her to conduct research in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  

Dallas Eggers, who retired from teaching in Prescott in 2017, graduated from Prescott in 1970.  A Milken National Teaching Award winner, Eggers taught for almost three decades and has been involved in several local civic organizations where he has provided countless hours of service.  Recognized by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association as the State Volunteer of the Year in 2012, Eggers also received the CAB Company Friend of Baseball Award for his commitment and dedication to baseball in the community of Prescott.  A member of both the Prescott Historical Society and Prescott Cable Commission, Eggers also served on the Freedom Park Board and Prescott Community Recreation Board.  Retired Roger Hulne, who nominated Eggers for the award, called said “Mr. Eggers serves as a model for anyone who wants to know the definition of the word service.

United States Air Force Captain Brady Behrendt will also be inducted on Saturday, September 30th at Prescott High School.  A 2005 Prescott High School alumnus, Behrendt graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2009 and currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  While in high school Behrendt was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and was a Badger Boys State Representative.  An all conference wrestler, Behrendt also was multiple medal winner in Forensics.  Behrendt was also named a Middle Border Conference Scholar Athlete.  Nominated by United States Senator Russ Feingold and Congressmen Ron Kind, Behrendt was accepted at both West Point and the Air Force Academy.  Behrendt graduated with honors from the Air Force Academy and has received several commendations for military service and excellence. Behrendt has been engaged in several volunteer organizations while serving the military including Habitat for Humanity, The Sierra Club, Home Veterans Stand Down, Young Men’s Fellowship Leader and Religious Education Instructor, Air Force Squadron Booster Club, and several other volunteer organizations. 

Mary Cotter Beeler enters the Hall of Fame known as “Prescott’s Historian.”  She began working at the Prescott Journal in 1945 at age 14, operating the linotype throughout high school.  Mary married Gael Beeler in 1950, and together they raised seven children. From 1976 to 1987, Mary served as the Prescott Journal’s only reporter, covering every school board, city, and county meeting, as well as writing feature stories about Prescott citizens and history. Her motto: “Report the facts so people can make an informed decision.”  Mary was the first editor of the Missicroixan school yearbook. At age 19, she authored and published Prescott Past and Present (1949).  In 1996, Mary and Dorothy Ahlgren co-authored A History of Prescott, a six-year volunteer effort resulting in 600 pages that won a State Historical Society Book Award of Merit. Their second history, Pioneer Log Houses of Pierce County, is currently in preparation for publishing. Mary’s life-long community service included Girl Scout co-leader, Prescott Library Board, Pierce County Historical Society, St. Joseph’s Altar and Rosary Society, and Prescott Election Board. Mary created public information pamphlets for Prescott’s walking tour, historical marker information for Mercord Mill Park and Freedom Park, and helped write the Pierce County Historical Association newsletters. After her husband died of ALS, she co-founded Northwest Wisconsin ALS Support Group, and for 16 years, wrote a monthly newsletter connecting 300 people.  Since 1936, Mary has witnessed Prescott’s growth from 800 residents to over 4000, and she describes Prescott as “a wonderful community.”
 

Kay Harris enters the Hall of Fame as one of Prescott’s most dedicated and respected educators. Kay graduated from Hastings High School in 1945.  She began her post secondary education at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota and then finished her degree at St. Cloud State in 1950.  After teaching for over a decade in South St. Paul and Hastings, Kay began her teaching career at Prescott in 1968 where she taught Language Arts and United States History for 30 years at the Prescott Middle School.  During her teaching career,  Kay was recognized as a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year and Community Volunteer of the Year. Kay retired from teaching in 1998.  Kay was a long time Student Council Advisor serving as a mentor to hundreds of students.  Kay’s passion for volunteerism and community service inspired her students to embrace opportunities like “Caring Kids” -  an outreach program connecting community youth with the elderly of Prescott.  Additionally, Kay helped guide city parks and recreation projects including the building of basketball courts and the construction of Prescott’s first hockey rink.  Kay also was an active member of The Pierce County Historical Society, The Prescott Library Board, Prescott Community Education, and The Prescott Community Book Club. Kay gave freely of her time to her school, city, and church community.  
 

Nick Johnson enters the Hall of Fame as one of the most decorated athletes in Prescott High School History.  An All Conference selection in football, basketball, and baseball, Johnson played in both the Wisconsin Basketball and Baseball Coaches Association All Star games. Johnson helped lead the Cardinal baseball team to a State Runner Up finish in 1999 and was named 1st Team All State.  Johnson went on to play baseball and basketball at Ripon College.  As a Redhawk baseball player Johnson was a four-time 1st Team All Conference selection, named Midwest Conference Player of the Year three times, and in 2003 was named both Conference Player and Pitcher of the Year. Johnson led Ripon to two conference championships, three NCAA post-season appearances, and was a two-time NCAA All American.  He holds Ripon career records for runs scored, home runs, runs batted in, total bases and walks.  During the 2003 season, Johnson led the nation in hitting with a batting average .545, and set Redhawk single season records for hits, runs batted in, total bases, and slugging percentage. As a basketball player, Johnson was a part of two conference championship teams and helped Ripon make two NCAA tournament appearances.  Upon graduating from Ripon in 2003, Johnson went on to play professional baseball for four years in the Frontier League and was named a two time All Star.  Johnson was inducted into the Ripon College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
 

Dorothy Eaton Ahlgren enters the Hall of Fame as one of Prescott’s most dedicated volunteers.  Dorothy graduated from Prescott High School in 1946.  Upon graduation she attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree, with a Minor in Mathematics. Dorothy married Gordon Ahlgren in 1950 and they ran the family farm and raised six children.  Dorothy returned to the University of River Falls and earned a Library of Science Minor in 1968 and the following year became the Head Librarian of the Hastings, Minnesota Public Library. Dorothy was a prominent figure in the Prescott community and was involved in many organizations including the Prescott United Church of Christ Congregational Church, Pierce County Historical Society, and served as President of the Prescott Chapter.  Dorothy was instrumental in the establishment of Prescott’s Welcome and Heritage Center and served on the board of the Great River Road Interpretive Center. Additionally, Dorothy aided in the rebirth of the Prescott Area Garden Club, established a flower garden at the entrance to Pine Glen Cemetery, and was instrumental in the downtown hanging basket and planter beautification projects.   In 1996, Dorothy and Mary Cotter Beeler co-authored A History of Prescott, a six-year volunteer effort that won the Wisconsin Historical Society Book Award of Merit. Pioneer Log Houses of Pierce County, their second history, is currently (2016) in preparation for publication. 
 

Bernie Lepley enters the Hall of Fame as an educator who served the Prescott community from 1964-1988. He moved his family from Bruce, WI to Prescott to teach science and coach at Prescott Senior HIgh School in 1964.  A year later, he became the Prescott Senior High Principal.  In 1967, he became the Prescott Superintendent of Schools, a position he held for 21 years before retiring in 1988.  It was during his first few years as superintendent that he pushed for community support in building a new high school. He helped oversee the design, construction, unveiling, and utilization of this building that was completed in 1970.  Feats which he spoke of with pride. Bernie was also an avid supporter of athletics throughout his career.  He was elected to serve as a member of the WIAA Board of Control from the late 1970’s through the mid 1980’s, and served as the President of the WIAA Board of Control for three years.  While living in Prescott for 30 years, Bernie was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, the American Legion, the VFW, the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners Club.

Bernie Lepley was known as a tough, respected, straightforward administrator who got things done.  He was “one of those people who made a difference in our community.  He touched many lives and created fond memories for those he left behind.”

Dr. Howard “Doc” Laney enters the Hall of Fame as Prescott’s longest standing Doctor. He graduated UW-Madison Medical School in 1935.  He interned in Portland and was camp doctor at a CCC Camp in Idaho, then came to Prescott in 1938 as a short-term replacement.  He fell in love with the community, practicing medicine for 47 years until his retirement in 1985 at the age of 78.  Doc and wife Katie May had seven children who attended Prescott schools.  His on-call vacations were at his Prescott cabin.  He was an avid walleye fisherman. The Laneys and friends surfboarded behind his 25-horse Johnson and were among the first to water ski the St. Croix.   Doc was on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Midnight house calls in snowstorms were frequent. He would drive to getting stuck, but would continue his call by family-farmer horse team or tractor. His car was the city ambulance.  He was a major supporter of Prescott Schools and was a very vocal Cardinals, Packers, Badgers, Braves, and Brewers sports fan.    He administered free vaccinations and athletic physicals and served as the Cardinal team physician.  An early advocate of medicare, Doc never billed anyone who he believed could not afford to pay him.  Barter was fine. Some paid him with family-farmer capons, beef and pork and fresh vegetables. A good-humored Chestertonian, Doc believed in the goodness of the Common Man and Woman. He was the servant of small-town solidarity and The Common Good.  “There are still lots of good people in the world,” he reminded us.
 

Mike Ptacek enters the Hall of Fame as one of Prescott’s most recognizable community advocates.  Mike graduated from Prescott High School in 1965 where he played football and served on the student council and yearbook staff.  After graduation Mike served honorably in the United States Army for four years.  Upon his return to Prescott he became involved in the family grocery and meat market business in downtown Prescott.  Mike bought into the business in 1973 and co ran the store until 1979 when he purchased the business from his parents.  In 1989 Mike moved the business to a new location expanding its size and renaming it Ptacek’s IGA. Mike has served on the Prescott Ambulance and Fire Departments for over 35 years.  He has served on the Prescott Daze Committee and was recognized as a Grand Marshall for the Prescott Daze Parade.  When it comes to the needs of our community Mike Ptacek’s generosity is unparalleled. He has supported numerous community and civic organizations through countless volunteer hours and generous monetary support.  Ptacek’s IGA has been the place of employment for hundreds of students over the years that have benefited from Mike’s friendliness and kindness. 
Mike Ptacek’s words to live by. 

1. Show up
2. Put one foot in front of the other
3. Do your best and what is right
4. Understand that until you live it, you cannot understand it.