Obituaries Mooin’ with Maddy

Hello Holstein Enthusiasts! This year I have had an incredible experience serving as the 2022 Wisconsin Holstein Princess! I made many memories and met new people while learning and advocating for Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Being able to promote the industry that I am passionate about has been an unforgettable opportunity. I am excited and honored to welcome the 2023 Wisconsin Holstein Royalty to the position!

I would like to thank the Wisconsin Holstein Association and the Royalty Committee members and WHA staff for their support. Laura Wackershauser, Mara Budde, Charitee Seebecker, Joseta Halbur, Jill Makovec, and Allie Breunig have given great advice and provided mentorship for me through this last year. Recently, the Royalty Committee and I welcomed EmmaRae Brown when she joined the Wisconsin Holstein Association staff and as one of the advisors. I would also like to thank Emily Stumpf and Zoe Ertel, 2021 Wisconsin Holstein Royalty, and the current JACs for their encouragement and for answering my questions. Another special thank you to my family and friends for helping me prepare for this role and for their consistent support!

I am very excited to see all of the members at the Junior Convention on January 6-8 in Manitowoc! Like many members, I am preparing to compete in dairy quiz bowl, jeopardy, the speaking contest, and other competitive events. Be sure to attend the Princess Luncheon to welcome 2023 Royalty candidates! I wish everyone good luck and can’t wait to watch the events and activities at the convention.

Sincerely, Maddy Hensel, 2022 Wisconsin Holstein Princess

Doris “Dori” N. Walker, age 88, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at Riverwood Eagles Nest in Wisconsin Dells. Dori was born on July 31, 1934, in Belle Fountaine, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. Samuel and Doris (Fry) Elmer. She was married to Dean Walker on December 22, 1957. Dori was a 1956 graduate of UW-La Crosse. She taught fourth grade at Sherman School in Madison and then taught first grade in the Portage School System. She was a member of Briggsville United Methodist Church.

Together with her husband, Dean, they built a successful dairy farm. City girl turned farmers wife, Dori was the numbers gal, keeping all the books, running much of the behind-the-scenes parts of the business, taxi driver for all the kids’ activities and was always their biggest cheerleader.

She is survived by her husband, Dean; four children, Susan (Peter) Leahy, John (Marci) Walker, Tim (Tracy) Walker and Thomas (Jacquelyn) Walker; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Jessica) Leahy, Alli and Brett Walker, Gracie, Libby and Emmy Walker, Nora, and Nash Walker; her great-grandson, Winston Leahy; her brother, Bob (Jane) Elmer; her sister, Heidi (Russ) Wilbert; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Briggsville United Methodist Church.

Elections will be held for four board of director positions at the 2023 Wisconsin Holstein Convention. Steve Endres and Joseta Halbur have completed two six-year terms. Kurt Loehr is eligible for re-election to a second term. Ralph Petersheim is eligible for a three-year term.

If you are interested in running but have questions, please reach out to the WHA office or talk to one of our curent board members. If you plan on running and would like to print a bio in the January/February issue of the Wisconsin Holstein News, please contact Mara Budde at marab@wisholsteins.com.