Aug 6, 2024 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
Nominated 2023
Maria was born in England in 1945 and immigrated with her parents to the United States two years later on a decommissioned troop ship later arriving in Milwaukee Wisconsin by train. Her mother was a nurse, and her father was in the Royal Air Force during World War II. She graduated from Greenfield High School in 1963. While in school she was crowned Miss Greenfield in the junior Miss Wisconsin pageant of 1962. She won first place with her senior science project in the Wisconsin Science Fair and was awarded a full 4-year scholarship at Mount Mary University. She graduated in 1967 with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. She was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. Summers she worked at a quality control chemistry laboratory at Miller High Life in Milwaukee.
Her first job after graduation was teaching science at the High School in Green Lake, Wisconsin. That same year she married Ron Kolpin and moved to Berlin Wisconsin. While living in Berlin for 37 years, Maria was a member of the Althena Literary Club, the Jaycettes, the Junior Woman’s Club and involved with the Scouting program.
After raising their three children, Maria went back to school and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1985 with a BSN degree in nursing. While at school she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women. She then worked for a time as an RN at the Berlin Memorial Hospital.
By the late 1980s she joined her husband in working at the family business, Kolpin Manufacturing when they consolidated their two locations and moved to the newer facility in Fox Lake, Wisconsin. Here she created a Wellness program for their employees. She taught classes such as ‘Stop Smoking,’ weight loss, stress management among others. Kolpin Manufacturing was the first factory/offices to go smoke-free. She offered free immunizations to all employees. She created a ‘Quiet Room’ in the middle of the factory where an employee could go for 30 minutes to destress. This Wellness program became o successful that other factories and businesses asked for her help to create their own Wellness programs.
In 2001 the Kolpins sold their business and moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She immediately noted that although there were medical clinics in town, the closest hospital was 65 miles away and Maria knew what a problem this could be. In 2005/06 she began serving on a committee to raise funds for building a hospital. By 2008 their new facility was opened thanks to the generosity and hard work of the citizens. Today Pagosa Springs Medical Center Foundation has the responsibility to raise funds to continue this most needed service.
A favorite thought: “Taking good care of yourself, both physically and mentally is your most important job, only you can do it.”
Aug 6, 2024 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
Nominated 2023
Jake was born In Berlin in 1922 and graduated from Berlin High School in 1938. He entered the Army in 1942 and was in the Signal Corps in Europe for 37 months during World War II where he gained his lifelong communicator skills. He was part of six companies for which he received the Silver Star. Jodarski attained the rank of First Sargent. He was part of the battles of Normandy, the Ardennes Offensive (also known as the Battle of the Bulge) and others throughout Europe. In later years he was a featured speaker at Berlin High School sharing his war experiences with the students.
Upon returning from service in 1945, Jake started with the Wisconsin Telephone Company which became a 37 ½ year commitment.
His career also included service to his community both politically and as a volunteer for a number of organizations. He began his political career in 1966 when he ran for alderman of his ward. Then in 1969 Jodarski ran for Mayor and served until 1977. Eight years later he ran again and won another two terms for a total of six terms.
One of his longest involvements was with the Berlin Community Development Corporation (BCDC) and the Berlin Industrial Development Corporation *BIDC). These organizations provide help to existing Berlin industries and/or assist new industries to locate to Berlin. In 2005 Jake received a commendation from the City of Berlin on his 25th anniversary with the BCDC. He continued to work with the organizations for 14 more years.
Jodarski served a President of the Berlin Rotary, past commander of the VFW, member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, life member and past President of the Berlin Alumni Association, and past president of Telephone Pioneers of America.
Jake passed away in November of 2019 at the age of 98.
Advise Jodarski shared with his three sons: Study hard, get a good education, work hard, be a responsible citizen.
Aug 6, 2024 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
NOMINATED 2023
Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Erdmann made Berlin history when in 2005, she was the first woman elected Mayor in Berlin’s 148-year history of self-government. To date, she is still the only woman to hold this office. She began her service to the City as a member of a number of Boards and Commissions and was elected to represent the City’s 2nd ward as Councilperson, for five terms. She retired from that role in 2023.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bobbie moved to Berlin in 1962, when the Erdmann family purchased a local business. Within two years, Bobbie became involved in the community, volunteering for a number of clubs and causes, an activity she continues today. Bobbie has served as President of the Berlin Junior Woman’s Club, the Charter President of the Berlin Woman’s Club, the 7th District Junior Director for the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs and on several Women’s Clubs local, regional and state boards and committees. She served as the Green Lake County Chapter Chairperson for the American Red Cross for almost 25 years, teaching First Aid/CPR classes, taking care of Service to Military Families, running the multiple bloodmobile visits each year, and a myriad of other duties. She served as the last member of the regional Selective Service Board representing Green Lake County until it was disbanded in 2010. In 2008 she was elected to the Green Lake County Board of Supervisors and served until 2010. She served as president or an officer in several other Berlin organizations. She was a reader for visually handicapped students for 6 years recording schoolbooks to tape for them.
Bobbie and her husband, Lee, became involved in the Berlin Historical Society in 2002, beginning her special interest in Berlin’s history. She was one of four authors of ‘Hometown Ties,’ a book written for the City’s 1998 Sesquicentennial anniversary. She later wrote and self-published ‘Rusty Memories and Ruby Red Wealth.’ She also authored books for the Berlin Public Library’s 100th anniversary, the local hospital’s 100th anniversary, and for the Catholic parishes. She has authored a number of articles published by the local newspaper, as well as by other newspapers and several magazines.
In 2013, Bobbie created this Inspiration Wall with the encouragement of Rear Admiral James Carey and former Berlin Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Eidahl, and with the support and help of the Berlin Historical Society members and the Berlin School District Board.
A favorite quote: “Obstacles Are the Things You See When You Take Your Eyes Off Your Goals.” Alan Kulwicki, NASCAR Champion
Aug 6, 2024 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
NOMINATED 2023
Bill was born in Berlin and graduated from Berlin High School I 1951. Two years later he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as a Combat Engineer. Upon his return to Berlin in October of 1955, he began working in the family business, Drectrah’s True Value Hardware Store. This popular store was located on N. Huron St. and had been started by his father in 1932.
Within a few years Bill married, started a family and began a life-long involvement in volunteering with a number of Berlin organizations. He served as President of the Berlin Jaycees, as State Vice-President of the Wisconsin Jaycees, and one of the five National Directors of the Wisconsin Jaycees. Bill also took on the presidency of a number of other Berlin organizations over the years.
In June of 1969, he purchased the family business from his father and continued its traditions including hiring a high school student to work in the store and gain experience. In 1980 he moved the store to the then new Green Tree Mall. In 1984 he sold the business and retired to continue his volunteer activities.
Bill served as the summer Band Director for four years holding concerts in East Side Park. He also volunteered his time with the Boy Scout movement, serving as Cub Master and with the Twin Lakes Boy Scout Council.
Another organization close to his heart was the Shriners, serving as President/Captain of the ZOR Mavericks out of Madison, a Shrine Scooter Parade Unit doing 20 to 25 parades a season with the proceeds going to the Shrine Hospital for Children. Bill was part of the squad for 26 years. He was one of several members who transported children to the Shrine Hospitals for Children for life-changing care.
As a veteran, he is a lifetime member of the American Legion and received the Service Award from the Post in 2023. Always interested in education, he assisted in organizing and was secretary of the Class of 1951 High School Scholarship Fund which had awarded scholarships to Berlin students.
“I would tell the high school students graduating today to always be the best they can be, no matter what the situation is.”
Dec 2, 2022 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
Dick, as he was known, grew up on a dairy farm near Berlin. After graduation from Berlin High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy becoming a radar technician, based on his high aptitude in math and science, thanks to his well-rounded education at Berlin High School. He was stationed on the USS Coasters Harbor (AG 77) a support ship, in the Pacific Theater at the end of WWII. After discharge from the Navy, he enrolled in Ripon College and then transferred to U.W. Madison where he finished his BS in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated Cum Laude with membership in Tau Beta Pi, an honorary society for Mechanical Engineering students.
Post college, Dick was hired by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, his life-long employer, He was assigned as a facility design engineer at Goodyear Atomic in Portsmouth, Ohio, a producer of U235, a refined uranium product used in atomic bombs and the nuclear power industry. After Portsmouth, he later worked as a plant engineer in Topeka, Kansas, Akron, Ohio, Beaumont Texas, Luxembourg in Europe and a special assignment to Istanbul, Turkey, helping to build and maintain a lot of factories for Goodyear. He was promoted Chief Engineer working in Parmatta, NSW, Australia, Cumberland, Maryland, and Wolverhampton, England. His final Goodyear assignment was back in Akron as the Chief of Corporate Engineering for Goodyear.
Dick was noted for his volunteer activities while assigned in Cumberland, Maryland. He served as president of the Cumberland Lions Club and headed a project to build and operate Lions Manor, a Cumberland nursing home.
He was also involved with the Boy Scouts and placed in charge of refurbishing the Potomac Council’s summer camp, enlisting the help of the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees for this project. For his efforts with the Boy Scouts he was awarded the ‘Silver Beaver Award’, the highest honor bestowed on adult members. Goodyear also recognized him with their ‘Spirit Award’ for his volunteer work.
Dick married Rita Weirtz in 1953 and together they raised five children. He retired from Goodyear in 1991, after an over 40-year career. He enjoyed fifteen years of retirement before passing away in February, 2006.
Dick’s tombstone reads: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
Dec 2, 2022 | Inspiration Wall Honorees
Jim Gurkowski, a life-long resident of Berlin and a 1968 graduate of Berlin High School, has devoted many hours to the Berlin sportsmen’s community.
Trapshooting – and giving back to the sport through volunteer work – has been a true passion for Jim. It began at the Berlin Conservation Club, where he has served a number of years on the Board of Directors. He was a Hunter Education instructor for the youth of Berlin and surrounding communities, helping them learn the proper and safe way to handle guns while out in the woods or fields hunting. He served as tournament director of the annual Ironman Shoot held each year during Labor Day weekend. During his time he was able to bring in participants from across Wisconsin and Illinois, ultimately tripling the two-day event’s attendance to over 300 fellow sportsmen. This event is the second largest fundraiser for the Conservation Club and has resulted in additional funding for the Youth BB gun, Hunter Education, and Youth Trapshooting programs. His commitment and involvement with B.C.C. was honored with a Lifetime Membership Award.
Jim has traveled the United States making a name for himself in the trapshooting world, taking many titles – at state and national levels. In 2002 he was one of the Wisconsin State Gun Club Champions and in 2019 became a member of the All-State Trapshooting Team. His most memorable
shoot was in Tucson Az. where he was named the top shooter out of 512 competitors. He was again a member of the All-Star Team in 2020.
He is involved with the Wisconsin State Shooting complex, working with youth shooting and on the Board of Directors. He oversaw all the building projects at the complex and continues to work to improve and expand it.
Jim’s most recent accomplishment was the highest honor in the trapshooting world. In 2019 he was the first Berlin alumni to be inducted into the Wisconsin Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. He was chosen because of his hard work and dedication to the sport and its participants. Jim carries, pride, passion, and dedication for the sport every day. He overcame personal
challenges and continues to set goals for himself.
“Don’t worry about the target you miss. Focus on the next one out.”
