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Northwood Wall of Fame
Each year Northwood School inducts into the Northwood Wall of Fame alumni and community members who have made notable contributions in education, business, human services, government, athletics, military service, fine arts, or financial support. The inductees are chosen from nominations made to the school.

Here, exmplifying the Northwood spirit, are the inductees since the Wall of Fame's inception in 1997, in the words of their plaques honoring them:

Inducted in 2006
Jim Block
There are few people who have devoted themselves to the Northwood School District as has Mr. Jim Block. He was born, raised, and educated in the Northwood District, graduating from high school in 1962. He entered college in the fall of 1962 and graduated from Superior State College in the spring of 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Jim was hired to teach math and physical education at Northwood in the fall of 1966, where he continued to work for 34 years, retiring in 2000.

Jim's duties were many during his career at Northwood. He was a teacher and a supervising principal. He coached baseball, football and basketball. He was either a class advisor or student counsel advisor nearly every year of his tenure. His dedication to children did not stop at the school doors. For many years Jim coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball teams during the summer. In the 22 years that Jim coached baseball, he developed a program that has been a benchmark for all coaches.

In the 1997 yearbook, one of many yearbooks dedicated to him, the students wrote, "He is willing to help anyone at anytime with anything." A "teachable moment" for Jim was wherever he happened to be when a student needed help, in the classroom, on a windowsill in the hall, or on the back of a car in the parking lot. The student got his time and an explanation that made sense.

Jim was once asked his philosophy on teaching. His response was, "When people ask what you teach you don't tell them math or English or history, you tell them, 'I teach young people.'" To that we say, "Mr. Jim Block, a time well served and a job well done."

Bill Fuller
Bill Fuller grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, where he attended both grade and high school. He went on to attend Superior State College. His college training was interrupted for two years as he served in the United States Army during World War II After his tour of duty he returned to Superior State to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in the spring of 1951. Bill's first teaching assignment was in Bennett, Wisconsin, where he taught four grades in a two-room school. After one year, Bill attended University of Minnesota-Duluth and earned a degree in business education.

Bill Fuller's tenure at Northwood ran from 1954-1960. During that time he served as a business education instructor, class advisor, newspaper advisor, and year book advisor. Bill has many fond memories of the dedicated students and staff at Northwood and regards his tenure there as some of the most memorable years of his teaching career.

In 1960 Bill earned a Master's Degree in Administration and Guidance. He served as supervising principal for three years in the St. Croix District before moving to Madison, where he was a middle school guidance counselor for 28 years. After retiring, Bill and his wife, Laura, returned "up north" where they now reside in their log home on the Middle River.

Inducted in 2005
Lee Block
Lee Block was raised in Minong and attended elementary and high school in the Northwood District. After college he returned to the area to raise his family and served in many roles in the Northwood community. He has served on the Northwood School Board and taught industrial arts and physical education. He was a coach, dean of students and retired from the district after five years as principal.

Despite his ever-changing role in the school, Lee's belief in the importance of quality education never wavered. His students and athletes benefited from both his knowledge and his enthusiasm for learning. His commitment to lifelong learning was reflected not only in his words but his willingness to continue his own education, attaining a master's degree at age 53.

One of Lee's proudest moments was the completion of the new school. He worked tirelessly during the building of the school and athletic fields, and it gave him great satisfaction to help plan such a wonderful facility for Northwood students. He considered it a great privilege to work for so many years in the Northwood School community and is honored to be included in the Wall of Fame.

Fred Hennessy
Fred Hennessy, Master Teacher, a walking encyclopedia of scientific and outdoor information with the interest and ability to impart that knowledge to his students. Mr. Hennessy's classrooms were not just about memorizing scientific information or identifying and classifying plants and insects. His classrooms were hands-on learning encounters where his students not only learned the scientific necessities, but were also exposed to many related fields. Mr. Hennessy was a fine, fair and demanding teacher who expected, and usually received, only the best from his students.

In addition to his classroom work, Mr. Hennessy served for many years as the assistant girls softball coach, helping to turn that program into one of the elite programs in Northern Wisconsin. At other times, he helped coach girls high school basketball and 5th and 6th grade basketball. While he taught at the elementary school in Gordon, Mr. Hennessy wore many hats. At one time or another, he was a Scout leader, bus driver, principal, custodian and fishing tutor, as well as being very active in church and the community.

Poll Mr. Hennessy's former students and you will hear loudly and clearly that their most memorable educational experiences occurred in his classroom.

Inducted in 2004
Michael H. Waggoner II
Michael H. Waggoner was born and raised in the Town of Frog Creek where he began his education at the Whittier School in 1949. When that school was closed, he went to Northwood, graduating with the class of 1961.

In the early '70s, he was a founding member and first president of the Minong Area Youth Association, spending many hours coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also helped to build and maintain the youth softball and baseball fields.

Mike was a member of the Northwood Board of Education from 1982 through 1992 and again in 1995-96. In between those terms he was chairman of the YES Committee, effectively promoting the construction of a new school at the present location.

He has served on the Frog Creek Town Board for 20 years, is beginning his second term on the Washburn County Board of Supervisors, and is currently serving on the Minong Area fire and ambulance board.

Mike worked in public service for Centurytel, retiring in 2000 after nearly 35 years of service.

Mike's father, Mike, his four children and now his grandchildren represent four generations of the Waggoner family to attend school in the Northwood District.

Inducted in 2003
Don Richards
Don Richards was born and raised in Minong, graduating from Northwood School in 1951. After working two years for college money, Don attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He spent his business career in the insurance field, developing one of the largest agencies in Wisconsin with offices in six communities and over 50 employees. Don left his insurance career in 1997 after selling his firm to the employees.

In 1971, as an additional interest, Don started a wild rice farm in Minnesota which has grown to include a sales and packaging company in Spooner. This company now markets wild rice products all over the United States. Don serves as president and CEO of Chieftain Wild Rice Company.

Since 1990, Don and Shirley Richards have provided a major scholarship in his father's name to a deserving Northwood student. Through the years, Don and Shirley have contributed resources to improve student life and school facilities. The Richards Auditorium is a reality, in part, because of their generosity to this district.

Don takes an honored place on the Wall of Fame as one from the second generation of a family devoted to strengthening Northwood School. As an alumnus of Northwood, Don embodies the finest qualities of character that we want our students to exhibit. He comes alongside to support our school and reaches out with quiet encouragement as together we work to create a better Northwood.

Adolph Sannwald
Adolph Sannwald spent most of his life on a dairy farm homestead west of Minong. He became responsible for the safe transportation of children to school in this district for over 50 years. In the early years, about 1920-1930, Adolph used a horse and buggy or a covered bobsled to take children to the Cranberry Marsh School, Five Mile School, and the Hoover School. During the next decades he used his car for transporting students and finally purchased his first school bus about 1940. Often the roads he traveled were not graded and not always plowed. One severe winter he made his own snow plow for the horses to pull so that the children could get to school. At times, he would even take children on horseback to school when the snow was too deep.

Adolph gave up many of his Saturday mornings to transport children to special activities. On very cold mornings, he would often stop for town children who were not regular passengers. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and heated bus. Adolph served Northwood School quietly and responsibly. His kindness was a special morning greeting to each student in his care. For traveling that extra mile, for displaying great devotion to Northwood School, we are honored to have Adolph Sannwald a part of the Wall of Fame.

Inducted in 2002
Ed Kofal
Ed Kofal exemplifies all that is best about Northwood Education. Mrs. Brown, his third-grade teacher at the Gordon School, turned him on to education. Ed, in turn, spent most of his career at Northwood School igniting the fire of learning in others. After graduating from Northwood in 1961, Ed received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and eventually his master's degree in school counseling. He returned to Northwood School in 1968 to teach, coach, counsel, lead and inspire.

During his years at Northwood, Ed was a tireless advocate for kids. He wanted all students to realize the value of an education and to know the presence of caring adults in their lives. He worked to provide that extra measure of attention and support for students. He established the local scholarship program so that students would have the gift of community financial support as they left Northwood for future education.

All those who have had the priviledge of having Ed as a teacher, coach, counselor or friend know him as a gentlemen of integrity, kindness and laughter. He is someone who quietly changed the lives of many.

The Wall of Fame is one of many programs at Northwood developed by Ed Kofal. His idea was to highlight and honor those who gave themselves to build a better Northwood School. It is fitting that he now takes a special place among the honorees.

C. John Waggoner
C. John Waggoner graduated from the Minong School in 1920 and years later served as a member and president of the School Board, working always to create a better school system and community. He and his wife, Alice, raised 15 children who all graduated from Northwood. The Waggoners also opened their home to many other area youth for a meal, a night, or an extended stay.

John was a great supporter of area youth activities and athletics. The first children's park with slides and swings was developed by John. John and Alice spent their lives responding to the needs of others with care and generosity.

John trained and found employment for many young men, first through the CCC program, and later throughout his career with the Minong Ranger Station, which was started in his home. John received the Governor's Service Award and other commendations from the Wisconsin Conservation Department for his tireless work in forest protection. John taught conservation by example, encouraging residents to make wise use of all natural resources and to appreciate the land and wildlife around them. John's life was one of service, reflecting a philosophy he had heard early in his career: "Remember, you are working for the people. They are not working for you." His talents, caring spirit, work and energy were gifts given freely to his community.

Inducted in 2001
Darryl Shorty Coons
Darryl Shorty Coons is a 1953 graduate of Northwood School, remembered as an honored athlete and active student. He attended college at Superior State and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1957. With this preparation, Shorty entered the business world as a financial analyst, real estate and natural resource developer with Lloyd Johnson, a Duluth attorney. Together they formed Johnson and Coons. He then became executive vice president of Superwood Corporation, which later merged with Georgia Pacific Corporation.

His community involvement has included serving on the board of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Miller Dwan Foundation Board, Alumni Board of University of Wisconsin-Superior, and the Mayors Committee for Economic Development. He has served as a deacon and elder of the Glen Avon Presbyterian Church. In 1994, the University of Wisconsin-Superior named Shorty its Outstanding Alumnus.

For years, Darryl Shorty Coons has been a strong supporter of Northwood School, lending financial assistance to students and activities and promoting excellence in our school. He is honored on the Wall of Fame because he represents the best of Northwood. His success in life is more than business success. He lives a life of integrity and kindness, generously giving of his resources and energies in service to others. He serves as a distinguished role model for the future generations of students who begin the Northwood journey.

Ellery Coons
Ellery Coons attended Minong Grade School and High School, graduating in 1936. He worked in law enforcement for 36 years and served as deputy sheriff for area counties and also as the Minong village marshall. He retired at the age of 70. The Spooner Jaycees honored him as Officer of the Year in 1973 and the Wisconsin State Trooper Magazine highlighted Ellery's life and accomplishments in an article published in 1988.

While serving in law enforcement, Ellery was available to speak in schools, churches and community organizations about safety for youth. He helped to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation with students, the entire community, and law enforcement. Throughout his career in law enforcement, he worked with a sense of caring, responsibility and pride.

Ellery Coons has dedicated his life to humbly helping others, asking nothing in return. He founded and contributes to the Northwood athletic scholarship in memory of his brother, Duner Coons. Ellery loves his school and community and has generously contributed his talents and time to strengthen community organizations. He has great interest in the history of the region. He collects and shares the stories of the past and passes on his knowledge so that the rich heritage of this area will not be forgotten. We honor him on this Wall of Fame for his years of sacrifice and dedicated service on behalf of Northwood School and this community.

Donald G. Kremer Sr.
Donald G. Kremer Sr. was honored as the valedictorian of the first graduating class of Minong High School in 1917. After graduation, he served the Minong/Wascott area as a rural mail carrier for over 42 years, using a team of horses in the early years to cover his 30-mile rural route.

His life was one of service to others, and he spent it working to strengthen and enrich community organizations like the American Legion and Lions Club, county and village government boards, and the school district. Donald held the office of clerk of the Minong Board of Education for years. He worked diligently to consolidate the Minong District with the Wascott, Gordon and Frog Creek Districts to create the Northwood School District. He served on that newly formed Northwood District Board and worked tirelessly to provide the buildings, staff, and materials essential for a strong educational program.

Even his love of music was a way for him to enhance community life and bring joy to others as he played in his bands and taught his musical skill to others.

The life of this good man, his vision and love for Northwood School and his work on our behalf, is an invisible presence in this new building and woven into the fabric of our work together. We are grateful for the standard of excellence in life and service that he set for us.

Inducted in 2000
Shirley Carroll Ernst
Shirley Carroll Ernst wore many hats during her 13 years at Northwood. Beginning in 1967 she was the vocal music and business education instructor, yearbook and newspaper advisor, and instructional aide. She served as class advisor for many years and gave direction to a variety of student clubs, using her talents and creativity to encourage learning in and outside of the classroom. Shirley was also an accomplished organist and played for nearly every Northwood graduation until she left the Minong area.

She showed Northwood students the way to success by role-modeling diligence, caring and commitment to excellence in work and in living.

Shirley was held in the highest regard by her students and her co-workers. In the yearbook dedications to her, the students wrote of their gratitude for her wonderful work and care for them. Students remember her best as helping with everything. She reached out her hands and her heart to students and staff, and we honor her for sharing the gift of her gracious life with Northwood School.

Janet (Nelson) Hennessy
Janet (Nelson) Hennessy inspired students at Northwood for over 20 years. Officially she was the physical education/health teacher, but her curriculum went far beyond the textbook as she taught her students about compassion, determination, courage and love through her daily example.

She was born in Lutsen, Minnesota, into the Nelson family, famous for skiing, and became the first female ski instructor in the Central United States Ski Association. She brought those skiing skills to Northwood and helped many students learn to downhill ski. She also coached girls basketball, softball and volleyball. Janet and Fred Hennessy successfully coached the softball team to several conference championships.

Janet is the proud mother of Jill, Jay and Jane and the "second" mom of hundreds of Northwood students. Her famous cookies are filled with unconditional love and acceptance. Her love for others and enthusiasm for life have kindled the fires of learning at Northwood. Her mom's favorite proverb, "A person who wishes to sing can always find a song," is true of her life. Janet Hennessy's life is the sweetest song.

John Marlett
John Johnny Marlett bought his first school bus in 1930. He continued to own and operate a bus for about 35 years. Johnny ran many extra-curricular trips and his was the bus of choice. His treatment of the kids was with kindness, concern and respect.

One of the most memorable advantages of being on Johnny's bus was the occasional stops he made to provide ice cream treats for all. It was his way of saying, "I like you guys and appreciate your cooperation and behavior." He wasn't trying to buy anyone's affection; he gained it because of his treatment of the kids.

Outside the school, Johnny was also the local banker before Minong had a bank. You could always get a little gas for your car from his Shell station until payday. It seemed that his business philosophy was that everyone's credit was good until you proved to him otherwise.

Johnny lived to be 78 years old. He passed away in 1980.

Inducted in 1999
Jim McConnen
Jim McConnen was the head custodian at Northwood for 25 years between 1954-1977. He began his history here with the CCC Crew and helped build the main 1926 building at the old school in Minong. He knew the systems inside and out. Throughout his tenure he served Northwood with pride, dependability and consistency. He was a quiet, unassuming man who did his job with diligence and dignity.

Jim is remembered walking down the halls with either a dust mop or a dust rag in his hand, whistling a tune. He had greetings for students and staff alike and was always willing to lend a hand.

Jim worked long and hard. The first week after school was out was always boiler cleaning week. Jim, Wally Jaquish and Larry Nelson were down in the boiler room, cleaning the boiler and ducts. At the end of the day they would emerge; the only thing left white were eyes and teeth. He truly cared about the school and how it looked.

In the winter at ten oclock every night, Jim would walk over to the school to check the furnaces and stoke coal fires, especially when it was 30 degrees below zero. It was his school.

Jim McConnen, an integral player in our school for many years, is remembered as one of Northwood's hidden treasures.

Lucile Mercier
Lucile Mercier was born in Omro, Wisconsin, in 1898 and died in 1996. She taught high school English at Northwood for 14 years from 1957-1970. She went back to college after her husband died in 1953 and obtained her four-year teaching degree. She first taught in the Nemadji School before teaching at Northwood.

Although many years have passed since Lucy has been part of the Northwood family, her name brings warm smiles, fond remembrances and ready "Mercier stories" from those who knew her when. She was genuine, sharp-witted, popular with students and always demanded excellence.

As she busily diagramed sentences and disciplined boys twice her size, it was her concern, compassion and involvement with others that truly impacted her students. Lucy nurtured her students educationally and emotionally. There was always a place to go after a game, a prom, a graduation -- to Mrs. Mercier's house, of course, where kids were welcomed and comfortable.

Her tenure at Northwood raised the bar for excellence. Her dedication, hard work and concern are remembered and appreciated by the many lives she touched. Lucile Mercier was a complete teacher.

Denise Smith
Denise Smith graduated from Northwood High School in 1969 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She graduated from UWS in 1973. While in college, Denise participated in volleyball and basketball and was captain of the basketball team her senior year.

In the fall of 1973, Denise began her teaching and coaching career at Northwood. She taught elementary physical education, health and girls physical education. Denise coached Junior Varsity Boys Basketball and was the only female coach of a boys team in the State of Wisconsin at the time. She coached both girls basketball and softball and was instrumental in establishing the girls athletic program at Northwood.

The summer before her death (1976) Denise played shortstop for the Rustic Bar Womens Class A Slow Pitch Softball Team of Duluth, Minnesota, that won the national championship. She was chosen Honorable Mention All Tournament Team as a shortstop.

Prom Queen, athlete extraordinaire, charm, wit, sense of humor, enthusiasm, friend – Denise was the entire package!

Denise was killed in a tragic automobile accident on December 11, 1976.

Inducted in 1998
Mabel Toddy Gagnon
Toddy Gagnon served as the head cook at the school in Minong for 32 years (1948-1980). Besides being a good cook, she was an extremely hard worker. Toddy made herself readily available to all classes and organizations who sponsored fund-raising dinners.

Maybe Toddy's greatest accomplishments are best remembered by those who were fed while she was operating out of the old kitchen in the original school building. Toddy was serving meals to hundreds of kids, including the huge Christmas and Thanksgiving feasts, out of a kitchen that would have been adequate for a family of four.

Toddy's work was more than just a job to her. She never let a kid go hungry. She had a keen sense of who might have come to school hungry and took special care of those kids. Toddy will always be remembered for her keen sense of humor, her love of her job and her concern for the welfare of her kids.

Toddy Gagnon certainly is a kind, unique human being and one of the most recognizable employees to ever work at Northwood.

Caryll Harper
Caryll Harper was a teacher and administrator at Northwood from 1961 until his death, February 6, 1976. He started and finished his tenure in the high school as a teacher of chemistry, physics, biology, German and conservation. Caryll also served as assistant principal and district administrator before returning to the classroom full time.

Caryll was born and raised in Hayward where he graduated from high school in 1947. He then took a job with a construction company in South Dakota until the Korean Conflict broke out. Caryll joined the military and was stationed in Korea and Japan for 3 1/2 years serving as a medic in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division.

In addition to teaching science, Caryll impressed on his students the value of knowledge and new ideas as well as the moral responsibility to oneself and to others in all walks of life. He was up front and straight forward with a unique blend of home-spun wit and humor.

Caryll Harper was certainly one of the most popular teachers to ever work at Northwood. At each graduation a $200 scholarship is given in his memory to the outstanding senior science student.

June Warner
June Warner taught for 30 years between 1953-1989 at the Gordon Campus of the Northwood School District. In addition to being an outstanding educator, June is very active in the community. She has been a Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, church choir member and an active participant in the American Legion Auxiliary.

Along with reading, writing and arithmetic, June taught LIFE in her classrooms. She is described by her former pupils and colleagues as an extremely dedicated teacher who expected her students to work hard and play fairly. June disciplined her students with fairness and consistency. Kids always knew what to expect. She truly nurtured with love, patience and understanding.

June Warner, Master Teacher ,pleasant, friendly, unparalleled. In education, it doesn't get any better than this.

Inducted in 1997
Roger Finstad II
Roger Finstad graduated from Northwood High School in 1962. He was an honor student, three-sport athlete and co-founder of the N Club. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1966 and a Master of Business Degree from UW-Madison in 1968. Roger was drafted into the U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War and was awarded two Bronze Stars.

Roger was a former business analyst, and he served on the board of directors for Impact Seven. Roger owned Finstad Realty in Gordon. He was a member of the Superior Board of Realtors and was named Realtor of the Year in 1982. Roger helped obtain grant money for low-income housing for the elderly. The Roger Finstad Manor in Gordon was dedicated in his honor.

He was president of the Gordon Sanitary District and helped obtain grant money to create the district. Roger received the Active Fireman of the Year Award in 1983 from the Gordon Fire Department. He was a member of the Lockman-Jensen American Legion Post in Gordon and the VFW Post in Barnes.

He was tireless in attempting to gain state aids for the district. He lobbied for construction of the new school and highway to promote growth. Roger was a supporter of Northwood academics and athletics and was committed to the advancement of education in the school community.

Roger died on October 7, 1993, from Agent Orange-produced lung cancer resulting from his exposure to the chemical.

Margaret I. Hackbarth
Being elected to Northwoods Wall of Fame is a real honor, and I shall treasure it for the rest of my life.

I started teaching grades three and four in the fall of 1949, at Minong. For the most part I taught grades one and two. After 26 years and several different assignments, I retired from the Northwood School system in the spring of 1975.

During those years I worked with many fine children and am very proud of all of their accomplishments. I dealt with many parents who cared greatly about their childrens education, and their concern and involvement was very important to the success of their children.

Finally, we always had communities, boards, administrations and staff people who wanted the best possible education for our youngsters. These associations made my years of work in the Northwood School system very enjoyable and rewarding for me.

This honor and distinction continues giving to this very day as I seldom go into town without someone, from at least one of several generations, saying, "There's my teacher," and wanting to fill me in on the progress of their life.

Joanne Carol Berg Huelsman
Joanne Carol Berg Huelsman was valedictorian of the 1955 graduating class at Northwood High School. Joanne received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959 and a law degree from Marquette University in 1980.

Joanne taught at the high school and vocational school levels for 10 years. She also holds a real estate brokers license and owns a real estate management business and a law practice. She and her husband, A. William, have founded several manufacturing and service businesses and have developed a number of commercial and residential real estate projects.

She has been elected to the Waukesha County Board, the Waukesha School Board, the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate.

Joanne has also been a member of the United Way in Waukesha County, Waukesha Symphony Board, Mental Health Association in Waukesha County, and Waukesha Training Center Board, and she was a 4-H leader and a Sunday School teacher.

They own property in and frequently vacation in Minong.

Julius Richard
Julius Richard served on the Northwood School Board for 22 years (1965-1987). His tenure as a board member is the longest of anyone since district consolidation in 1951.

Jule was one of the most progressive, student-oriented members to ever serve on the school board. He was instrumental in several building improvements, including the 1973 kitchen/cafeteria/ elementary classroom addition on the old school and the 1987 new library addition to the old school. Jule was also one of the key players in the referendum and building of the new school.

Jule was a self-appointed school/community historian, and as such, very active in promoting the Northwood School Centennial Celebration. As part of that celebration, he produced the Northwood School District Scrapbook.

As a school board and community member, Jule Richard was always the voice of reason during some of the school district's most difficult times. His philosophy as a board member was always, "Promoting the best for our kids."

George Whitney
George O. Whitney was valedictorian of the 1942 graduating class of Minong High School. He attended Superior Teachers College for 1 1/2 semesters before enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserve. George was assigned to the Navy V-12 Program and went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison until March 1946 when he was commissioned Ensign, USNR. He was ordered to report to Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration for six weeks of training, then to Coco Solo Naval Air Station, Panama, until May 1947 when he was released to inactive duty with a permanent rank of Lt.(JR) USNR.

George then returned to UW-Madison and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in March 1948. He worked for several engineering architectural and construction companies while residing in Milwaukee and was granted a license to practice engineering in Wisconsin in 1952.

George founded and operated his own masonry and concrete company from 1960-1971. He relocated to Florida and owned and operated a mobile home park until it was sold and he retired in 1986. The Whitneys built a new home and continue to reside in Tierre Verde, Florida. In 1992 he and his wife, Mary, established the Mary & George Whitney Engineering and Science Scholarship that for several years provided $7,500 a year for four years to a selected student pursuing an engineering or science degree.