Islander Jim Peterka loses battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease



Originally published — 2:30 p.m., February 6, 2007
Updated — 4:34 p.m., February 6, 2007

Friends will remember him as an amiable, soft-spoken man who dedicated the latter part of his life to an island community he came to love and serve.


Submitted photo

Jim Peterka as he will be remembered by friends and family. The prolific Marco Island volunteer, ex Air Force man and husband of Monica Peterka died Sunday after a three-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Colleagues will remember him as an Air Force Colonel and combat pilot who switched to the operational side of commercial aviation to hold more than half a dozen senior positions countrywide in a career that spanned more than 40 years.

And, his wife will remember him as a loving spouse who remained cheerful and upbeat right up until this past Sunday when he finally succumbed to a three-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

It had been a special weekend for Jim Peterka, said his wife Monica. Under hospice care at home for the previous two weeks, the twosome decided to enjoy a “snow” day together on Saturday evening because of the cold snap that had hit Marco Island.

“He suggested the snow day,” Monica Peterka said. “It’s what they do up north when it gets really cold. So, we watched movies, and had some wine and pizza. We watched Little Miss Sunshine, and The Devil Wears Prada.”

The next morning, she said, her husband lost the fight.

That fight, said Sandi Riedemann-Lazarus represented the ultimate in stoicism and bravery.

Riedemann-Lazarus, who is Executive Director of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, said Peterka had been a member of the inaugural Leadership Marco program in 2002.

“He was a great supporter of the Chamber, and all of our events,” Riedemann-Lazarus said. “Everybody knew about his illness, and that he always had a smile throughout.”

Former Chamber President Pat Neale agreed.

“He was always his old self, amazingly so,” Neale said. “He was at a Chamber After 5 gathering as recently as this January.”

Monica Peterka said she and Jim had been lifelong friends in Maryland, but had both raised their own families.

“I didn’t realize for all that time that I was in love with the guy,” she said.

Redemption came in 1997 when their paths crossed again, and they married in 1997, a year before moving to Marco Island.

In his final career move, Jim Peterka served as Senior Facilities Manager at Southwest Florida International Airport, and was directly responsible for all planning, programming, budgeting and management of the airport facilities program.

He retired in June, 2003, and was diagnosed with ALS four months later.

Monica Peterka said it was typical of her husband that before his death he stipulated samples of his DNA should be used for researching the dreaded disease.

“He said he just hoped it might help somebody else,” she said.

Jim Peterka, who is eligible for a burial with full military honors, was 66. A memorial service is planned for this Friday on Marco Island, with details to follow.

Cosovich, Hoover Institution adviser, dies


Jon C. Cosovich, who worked as a development officer at the university and later as a senior adviser to the director of the Hoover Institution, died Jan. 24 at his home in San Francisco. He was 71.


Cosovich had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2003.


Born June 19, 1935, in Astoria, Ore., Cosovich attended Stanford, graduating in 1957 with a degree in political science. He also met his classmate and future wife, Katharine "Timmie" Getchell, at the university. The couple married in 1960.


Cosovich began working at Stanford as a development officer in 1961. He left in 1983 to become vice president for development at the University of Michigan. From 1996 until recently, he served as senior adviser on development matters to the director of the Hoover Institution.


In addition to his wife, he is survived by brothers Peter Cosovich of San Francisco and Alan Cosovich of Seaside, Ore.; sons Charles Cosovich of Burlingame and Peter Cosovich of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter Sarah Cosovich of San Francisco; and four grandchildren.


In lieu of flowers, donations in Cosovich's memory may be made to Stanford University Memorial Gift-Jon Cosovich, 326 Galvez St., Stanford, CA 94305-6105, and to Forbes Norris ALS Research Center, 2324 Sacramento St., Suite 150, San Francisco, CA 94115.

Pack Hall of Famer loses battle with ALS
DAN HINXMAN
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL

Friends and family remembered John Ramatici for his strength, courage and unwavering spirit during his 16-month battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"I probably have to say the most remarkable part of the whole process was, here's a guy who was given a death sentence, and to the very, very end he was still able to smile," his brother, Paul, said Tuesday. "He was just happy. He never pitied himself, never once said, 'Why me?' He was truly amazing."

Ramatici, a former Kodak All-American linebacker at Nevada (1980-81), died Sunday at his home in Petaluma, Calif. He was 46.

"I think John was probably in a lot more pain than people thought," said longtime friend and Reno resident Bubba Melcher, who was a teammate and graduate assistant coach with Ramatici while at Nevada. "It's one of those things, you're so thankful it's over. On the other hand you're going to miss the guy for the rest of your life.

"If there is such a thing as making this process easy, John was able to do that."

Chris Ault was in his fifth year as head coach of the Pack when Ramatici joined the team.

Ramatici is the second former Pack player in recent months to die at a young age. Former lineman Deron Thorp died of a heart attack on Nov. 4. He was 34.

"My memories of John Ramatici are crystal clear of a wonderful person who was a great Wolf Pack football player and a tremendous human being," Ault said. "It's really tough. Last fall, Deron Thorp passed away. It certainly sparks vivid memories of the times when they were with you.

"All of our love and prayers go to John and his family. He'll be dearly missed and fondly remembered by the Wolf Pack."

Melcher, whose friendship with Ramatici was rekindled in recent years as both got into competitive cycling, said he made frequent trips to Petaluma in recent months to see Ramatici, and he always left in awe. The visits were inspiring, Melcher said. Having to leave was difficult.

"When he cries he has trouble breathing," Melcher said. "So you tell yourself, 'Don't cry.' Yeah, right."

Melcher said he asked a friend, John Bedell, to help him build a wheelchair ramp for Ramatici a couple weeks ago. Bedell is a contractor who lives in the Bay Area.

"We're building the ramp and John comes out with this big smile on his face," Melcher said. "He was just so appreciative."

Melcher said he called Bedell on Sunday to tell him of Ramatici's death, and Bedell told Melcher how Ramatici had changed his life.

"Here's this guy in a wheelchair. (Bedell) looks up and there's a smile on his face," Melcher said. "John (Bedell) said, 'I just don't know if I could smile. It just really changed my life.'

"That's the message that John Ramatici sent."

Ramatici, who is the Wolf Pack career leader in tackles over a two-year period (279), was in Reno in October for the hall of fame ceremonies. He was inducted on Oct. 21. A few weeks prior to that he went to a Michigan State football game in Lansing, Mich., as a guest of Spartan coach John L. Smith.

Smith, who was fired after the season, was Ramatici's position coach at Nevada, and the two remained close friends. Melcher said Ramatici's condition worsened soon after his induction.

"(The trip to) Michigan State and the Hall of Fame weekend, that was pretty much his last hurrah, if you will," Melcher said. "He spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family in Petaluma."

Paul Ramatici said John awoke Sunday in pain, and hospice nurses wanted to give him morphine.

"He said no," Paul said. "He wanted to watch the Super Bowl. So he watched the Super Bowl, and then about an hour later he passed."

John Ramatici and his wife, Michelle, started a Web site (jandmramatici.com) soon after he was diagnosed.

"For over a year, that's how he kept people abreast," Paul said. "It was straight up and from the heart. He didn't candy-coat it."

Ramatici, who was vice president and co-owner of Don Ramatici Insurance, is survived by his wife and their son, Natale, 10. Ramatici had three children from a previous marriage, Kylie Ramatici, Jake Ramatici and Brittany Freitas, all of Reno. He is also survived by his parents, Don and Jan Ramatici; sisters Donna Ramatici, Susan Powers and Joan Johnson; brother, Paul Ramatici; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory in Petaluma. A vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Petaluma. A funeral mass is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul.

The family has asked that memorials be made to the Hospice of Petaluma or the ALS Association, Greater Bay Area Chapter.
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'Wobble Club' man loses illness battle
08 February 2007
EDITORIAL - herts.advertiser@archant.co.uk


Harmen pictured in March 2005
BRAVE Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Harmen van Rijs, whose illness resulted in thousands of pounds being raised for research into the neurological disease, died on Sunday.

Harmen, aged 43, who had moved from Sandridge to a specially -adapted bungalow in Kimpton prior to his death in the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, was the inspiration behind The Wobbly Club.

It was set up with his wife Helen to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and events such as a quiz night, a horse show, a picnic-in-the-paddock and a sponsored walk by Helen's brother helped raise a total of £13,360.

The Wobbly Club got its name because Helen told friends that even before Harmen had been diagnosed with the illness, he had wobbly legs. The couple had married in 2001 and ever since Helen knew him, he had suffered from a bad knee.

Blue

But it took a local physiotherapist to recognise that the problem lay with his central nervous system and he was finally diagnosed with MND.

For some time after his diagnosis, Dutch-born Harmen continued to work as a global risk accountant in London, driving himself into the capital in a hand-controlled car.

The couple eventually moved to Kimpton where Helen gave up work to care for her husband. When his care became too much to cope with at home, he went into the hospice where he died on Sunday with Helen at his bedside.

Helen said this week: "The people there were truly amazing and allowed me just to be his wife rather than his carer. He died as I stroked his face and once at rest became the beautiful man I married."

Harmen's funeral is being held at Garson Crematorium at 1.20pm on Saturday and the family has asked mourners to wear blue and be dressed in something comfortable and casual. Donations in his memory can be made to the Hospice of St Francis via www.justgiving.com/harmen

Christopher Blaker, prominent New York layperson, dies of pneumonia

Friday, February 09, 2007

[Episcopal News Service] Christopher Den Blaker, an ardent layperson in the Episcopal Church, died February 3 at his residence in New York City, of complications due to pneumonia. He was 57.

His remains were cremated on February 6. A service of celebration and thanksgiving for his life will be held April 15, Blaker's birth date, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 240 E. 31st Street, New York City.

Blaker, who had battled Lou Gehrig's disease for more than 10 years, was an accomplished and multi-talented craftsman, sculptor, silversmith, painter and photographer. Two of his finest artistic pieces are a moving processional cross commissioned by historic All Hallows–By-The-Tower, in London, and a chalice presented by the delegation from the National Council of Churches of the United States to the China Christian Council in Shanghai, on their first visit to China in 1982.

In the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM) community, he is remembered as the designer and crafter of the EAM Cross, which features a distinctive lotus flower in the center of the cross, an adaptation of the symbol of the historic Nestorian Christianity in China, one of the earliest contextualizations of Christianity in Asia.

Blaker had a deep interest in helping and advancing the works of the EAM, especially the scholarship for seminarians, youth and young adult ministries.

"Chris saw his life as an instrument used by God in expressing and illuminating spiritual truths in the patterns and rhythms of life through his art," said the Rev. Dr. Winfred Vergara, director of Ethnic Congregational Development and missioner of Asian American Ministries for the Episcopal Church. "When asked of his life, talent or artistry he would refer to himself as a 'glove on the hand of God.'"

Blaker is survived by his sister, Dr. Laura Den Blaker, his brother, Peter Den Blaker, and companion the Rev. Dr. Winston Ching.

Attorney Duncan remembered for being trustworthy, respected
SEAN P. FLYNN, Staff Writer
Published February 10, 2007

Attorney Mike Duncan died Thursday as a result of Lou Gerhig's Disease.
Order photo reprints


Michael N. Duncan was always one of the most trustworthy and respected people that Charlie Jones ever knew.

"If Mike told you something, you didn't have to worry about it," Jones said. "It's like they say, 'his word is his bond,' and it was for Mike."

Duncan, a prominent Spartanburg lawyer, died Thursday night of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was 55.

Duncan graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1969, and attended The Citadel before transferring to Wofford College, where he graduated in 1973. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1976 and practiced law in Spartanburg for 29 years, most recently at the firm Duncan & Phillips.

Duncan also served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, a municipal judge in Chesnee and the city attorney for Wellford.

He is survived by his mother, Alliene Layton Duncan, his wife Helen Maria "Rie" Boniface Duncan, his brother Bill and four children --Virginia, Elizabeth, Mary and David.

The family will receive friends at his residence on Arbor Road on Sunday afternoon, and a funeral service will be held Monday at First Baptist.

At Spartanburg High, he was a football player and active in student government.

"He always kept such good care of himself, even into his diagnosis," said Terrell Ball, the associate director of admissions at Wofford, who graduated with Duncan from Spartanburg High and Wofford. In high school, "he was a top athlete, and he was very well known in school, very popular."

Duncan's great-great-grandfather came to Spartanburg when he was hired as the first professor at Wofford College. His grandfather donated the land that became Duncan Park.

Jones met Duncan in the 10th grade, and the two graduated from high school, college and law school together. They eventually practiced law together for many years.

Duncan was an accomplished athlete at Spartanburg High and remained active throughout his life. He was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative neurological disease, in June of 2005.

"You know somebody that long, see him almost every day, five or six days a week, it's hard to imagine that anything will happen to him," Jones said. "You're not going to imagine he won't be around."

Sean P. Flynn can be reached at 562-7426 or sean.flynn@shj.com.

John Bell sadly passed away today - 10 February 2007 - at his home near Sheffield, at the age of 32. He had lived with Motor Neurone Disease for almost six years.

By sharing his journey with others, John did so much to raise awareness of MND and support for the MND Association. He was also a loving husband to Charlotte, and a devoted father of two wonderful young boys - Samuel and Gabriel. Our thoughts are with them now.
http://www.johnsjourney.org/diary.php
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 3:39 pm Post subject: Johns Journey

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hi all,

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Johns journey sadly ended at 0130 this morning, He died at home surrounded by his family just as he wanted.

I cannot say how proud I am or was of John and his courageous fight against this dreadful illness and thankyou all for your support as we have battled our way through this nightmare.

John like many of you was one of lifes most admirable people and fought this illness to the bitter end with sheer detirmination and spirit and I am proud to have been a major part of his life, JOhn was one of lifes unspoken heros.

I wish all of you good luck in your own journeys and will assist wherever possible to strive and help us find a cure for this evil illness.

Charlotte x

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'John's journey' at an end for brave battler

John Bell


« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »
View GalleryBy Kate LahiveHealth Reporter
A YOUNG dad who battled for almost six years against Motor Neurone Disease has lost his brave fight for life.

John Bell, aged 32, from Killamarsh, near Sheffield, was diagnosed with the degenerative disease - which also affects Professor Stephen Hawking - at the unusually young age of just 27.
Although the news was devastating, he was determined to use his experiences to help others.
Motor Neurone Disease usually affects people over 40, causes progressive paralysis as the muscles stop working, and the average life expectancy is only between 18 months to five years from diagnosis.
But John - who had been signed to Sheffield Hallam FC as a semi-professional and had ambitions to play for Manchester United - agreed to talk publicly with his wife Charlotte about the disease which had turned their lives upside down.
Star readers took the couple to their hearts and raised thousands of pounds to enable John to fly to China for experimental stem cell treatment. It was hoped the treatment would slow or even reverse the condition. Sadly there was no dramatic improvement for the father-of-two.
The couple then decided to speak out to a wider audience by taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness of the disease that robs sufferers of their ability to move, speak or swallow - even though their intellect remains intact.
Posters showing John as a healthy young man and keen footballer, and then in a wheelchair as a result of his condition, featured in the Motor Neurone Disease Association's 'John's Journey' campaign.
John wrote movingly about his experiences on the internet, using specialised computer equipment when he could no longer speak.
The campaign helped double public awareness and resulted in £100,000 of additional donations for the charity.
Charlotte, 32, today paid tribute to her husband's courage and said: "John was one of life's most admirable people and fought his illness to the bitter end with sheer determination and spirit.
"He battled so bravely for six years, and found ways of carrying on without each thing that Motor Neurone Disease took from him. Above all, he turned the darkest moments into light ones with his constant humour, without which I doubt either of us could have carried on."
She added: "John was the most handsome man I ever met, he was brave and kind, and most of all he was my silent, unspoken hero. I am proud to have been a major part of his life."
The couple have two sons Samuel, aged five, and Gabriel, two.
Dr Kirstine Knox, chief executive of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, praised the couple's courage and said: "John's contribution to raising awareness, and of the need to cure this cruel disease, cannot be overstated."
Hundreds of people sent messages of support to the website including Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tory leader David Cameron MP, actor Jude Law, Lord Archer, Christine Hamilton and MND Association President Lembit Öpik MP.
His last online entry was on December 7 last year, when he was no longer well enough to be photographed for the website and told his readers: "I have been having a difficult few weeks."
But he added: "Aside from all this we cannot wait till Christmas. The kids are beside themselves with excitement. I cannot wait to see their faces on Christmas morning."
Log on to www.johnsjourney.org for more information.
Last Updated: 14 February 2007

An economics instructor who might have taught more students than any other teacher at K-State has died.

Roger Trenary, instructor of economics and director of undergraduate studies, died at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday in his home at the age of 60 after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in 2003.

A memorial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at All Faiths Chapel.

During his 29-year career at K-State, Trenary taught an estimated 24,000 students in an introductory economics course and many other classes. He won a number of teaching awards, including the Commerce Bank Teaching Award and the university-wide Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence in 1998. He also won the Stamey Award for outstanding teaching in the College of Arts and Sciences four times.

"It's a huge loss to the university," said Bob Shoop, professor of educational leadership and a close friend of Trenary's. "As a professor I believe there has never been an instructor who was more dedicated to the education of every student in his class."

Trenary leaves behind an endowment of more than $600,000, initiated and funded largely by former students for the Trenary Chair in Economics in his memory. Friends, family and colleagues, including President Jon Wefald, also gave to the fund.

Shoop said Trenary continued to teach for as long as he was physically able, until the end of last school year.

"He decided he wasn't going to have any heroic methods used," Shoop said. "He knew it was terminal. When it started getting bad, he refused any intravenous feeding or anything like that."

Trenary was born on Feb. 27, 1946 in Detroit, Mich., to Mary Lee Trenary and the late Glenn Trenary. He was preceded in death by his father, and sister, Carol Trenary. He is survived by his wife, Kate Philp; son, Ben, senior in pre-professional secondary education, and his fiancée, Trish Gott, senior in modern languages; brother, Robert Trenary of Farmington, Mich.; and his mother of Michigan.

Trenary came to K-State in 1977 after earning bachelor's and master's degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the KSU Foundation Trenary Chair in Economics, the ALS Society, or the Roger Trenary Tennis and Education Fund, Manhattan Community Foundation.

Eugene E. Ziolkowski


Eugene E. "Gene" Ziolkowski, 63, of 3205 N. 28th Street, died Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2007 of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at St. Nicholas Hospital surrounded by his loving family.


Gene was born May 30, 1943 in Green Bay, WI. His family lived in Armstrong Creek where he attended local schools. He was a graduate of Goodman High School, Class of 1961.


On October 14, 1961 Gene and Rita Hupf were united in marriage.


Gene attended technical school in Chicago, IL where he worked at Standard Oil Co as an IBM processor for a few years. He relocated to Sheboygan where he was employed at Kohler Co. as an engine technician for thirty-nine years, retiring in December, 2005.


He was a faithful member of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Parish. He was a member of the Kohler Quarter Century Club.


Gene was an avid outdoorsman whose passion was Musky fishing with his family. He participated in many fishing tournaments and loved his trailer on Pelican Lake. He also enjoyed hunting and reloading ammunition for his family and friends. Gene took pride in gardening and also liked leathercrafting.


In addition to his loving wife of forty-five years, Rita, Gene is survived by his son, Robert (Theresa) Ziolkowski of Menomonee Falls, WI; two daughters, Tina (David) Castellan and Gina (Haris) Mackic, both of Sheboygan; seven grandchildren, David and Robert Ziolkowski, David and Aaron Castellan, Brittani and Austin Garcia, and Emin Mackic; one great-grandddaughter, Analicia Cilia; one sister, Patricia (Dave) Rhode of Arkansas; other relatives and friends; and his dog, Scruffy.


He was preceded in death by his mother, Adeline Kleszewski.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic by Rev. Glenn Powers, Pastor. A time of visitation and support will be held Friday evening at Ballhorn Chapels from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and at the church Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for ALS Research and Make-A-Wish Foundation.


Gene's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Detrana, the nursing staff at St. Nicholas Hospital, the St. Nicholas Hospital Home Health & Hospice, and VNA for the wonderful care and support they gave to Gene and his entire family.


Gene will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His legacy of love will live on in his family and friends.


Email condolences to support@ballhornchapels.com


The Sheboygan Press


February 15, 2007

La. 'lost a giant in the field of public education'
February 15, 2007



Picard SERVICES
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice. Entombment will be in the church mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, Picard's family has asked that memorial contributions be made in his name to The Cecil Picard Endowment Fund, benefiting the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.


LAFAYETTE - Louisiana Education Superintedent Cecil J. Picard died this afternoon “after a mighty fight against a heartbreaking disease," says a statement from his family. He was 69.

Picard, superintendent since April 1996, had planned to resign May 1 because of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was diagnosed in May 2005.

"Today Louisiana lost a giant in the field of public education," Gov. Kathleen Blanco said. "Cecil Picard was passionate about and dedicated to Louisiana's children. He leaves behind a rich legacy of service that includes expanding quality education to all Louisianans, from pre-K through high school."

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted earlier this week to name an interim superintendent next month.

The state Education Department released the statement from Picard's son Tyron Picard.

"In his final days he was surrounded by our family and his closest friends who all knew of his love for the state of Louisiana and especially its children," he wrote. "As a family, we ask that the public respect our privacy as we mourn his loss. We ... hope that all who loved him will join us in remembering this great educator and statesman.”

Cecil Picard, from French Settlement, had been a state senator for 18 1/2 years when BESE chose him unanimously over two other finalists to replace Ray Arveson, who was retiring. Picard applied after losing a race for state Senate president.

"Cecil helped guide this state through some tremendous education reform that positions Louisiana as one of the national leaders," BESE member Leslie Jacobs said.

She said some of her favorite memories of Picard are of their joint press conferences. "I guess the analogy would be that I was the play-by-play commentary and Cecil was the color commentary. I would be pretty factual and dry, and Cecil would add color to the presentation."

Once, she said, he brought a prescription bottle and said they had the cure for problems in education.

"Cecil was an elected official for a very long time, and he was a Cajun. And he brought that skill set to the job," Jacobs said.

He also had been a teacher, coach, principal and a legislative floor leader on education issues for several governors.

Jacobs said Picard changed the state Education Department from one of the nation's worst to one of the nation's best. Its response after hurricanes Katrina and Rita shows its quality, she said.

"We had to get transcripts for all 50 states. We had to help displaced teachers. We had to get help to the districts. And there was very little complaining that the department wasn't responsive."

Jacobs said the department's testing, school accountability and its work to improve teacher quality all have been praised. "The state board of education may pass policy. But what makes quality is how it's implemented."

Picard was not a "detail person" but was extremely good at choosing staffers, Jacobs said. "These reforms don't happen unless you have a lot of good people in key positions."

In addition to his son, Picard's survivors include his wife, Gaylen David Picard, another son, Mark Picard, and four grandchildren.

Eugene E. "Gene" Ziolkowski


Eugene E. "Gene" Ziolkowski, 63, of 3205 N. 28th Street, died Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2007 of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at St. Nicholas Hospital surrounded by his loving family.


Gene was born May 30, 1943 in Green Bay, WI. His family lived in Armstrong Creek where he attended local schools. He was a graduate of Goodman High School, Class of 1961. On October 14, 1961 Gene and Rita Hupf were united in marriage.


Gene attended technical school in Chicago, IL where he worked at Standard Oil Co as an IBM processor for a few years. He relocat-ed to Sheboygan where he was employed at Kohler Co. as an engine technician for thirty-nine years, retiring in December, 2005.


He was a faithful member of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Parish. He was a member of the Kohler Quarter Century Club.


Gene was an avid outdoorsman whose passion was Musky fishing with his family. He participated in many fishing tournaments and loved his trailer on Pelican Lake. He also enjoyed hunting and reloading ammunition for his family and friends. Gene took pride in gardening and also liked leathercrafting.


In addition to his loving wife of forty-five years, Rita, Gene is sur-vived by his son, Robert (Theresa) Ziolkowski of Menomonee Falls, WI; two daughters, Tina (David) Castellan and Gina (Haris) Mackic, both of Sheboygan; seven grandchildren, David and Robert Ziolkowski, David and Aaron Castellan, Brittani and Austin Gar-cia, and Emin Mackic; one great-grandddaughter, Analicia Cilia; one sister, Patricia (Dave) Rhode of Arkansas; other relatives and friends; and his dog, Scruffy.


He was preceded in death by his mother, Adeline Kleszewski.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic by Rev. Glenn Powers, Pastor. A time of visitation and support will be held today at Ballhorn Chapels from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and at the church Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for ALS Research and Make-A-Wish Foundation.


Gene's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Detrana, the nursing staff at St. Nicholas Hospital, the St. Nicholas Hospital Home Health & Hospice, and VNA for the wonderful care and support they gave to Gene and his entire family.


Gene will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, fa-ther, grandfather, and great-grand-father. His legacy of love will live on in his family and friends.


Email condolences to support@ballhornchapels.com.