OPEN, President 

From Laurel Tschurwald, Vice President

I'm an "accidental" resident of Manitowish Waters.  For over one year my husband, Darrell, and I searched the north half of Wisconsin for our future "retirement" lake home.  One Sunday afternoon in August of 2005, we were driving back home after looking at properties in the Land O'Lakes area.  As we headed west on Hwy W, we noticed a real estate office with the OPEN light on.  We weren't even sure where we were, but we pulled over.  The agent on duty was just closing but happily listened to what we were looking for, gave us a handful of property brochures, and offered to take us to see the ones that looked interesting to us.  That realty office was Schmidt Haus Realty and we purchased our current home in September. 

I retired from Harley-Davidson Motor Company in April, 2010 after 32 wonderful years.  I especially enjoyed running a subsidiary located in Cleveland, OH that developed, sold, and supported computerized H-D dealer management systems integrated with corporate systems.  Following that, I became the Director of IT corporate software systems (US).  My first of many Harley's was a new 1978 Sportster (I could barely reach the ground).  For my 65th birthday, I got a 2020 H-D Triglide (with three wheels, I don't have to worry about sand or wet leaves on the roads!)  I love "gas and oil" machines!  

I joined the Alliance in July, 2018 and am thrilled to be helping bring more "computerized" features to our members.  

From Tom Ahonen, Treasurer

You need a geek to look after the books - and I guess I qualify.   I grew up in the UP (Ironwood) and was always a numbers guy.  I received a finance degree from Northern Michigan University and a bonus:  placement in the dictionary under “Husband of the Better Half!”  Pat and I met in a singing group at Northern and recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.  I am a lucky man.  And yes, there is a picture of her under “Better Half” in the Britannica.  Convince me I am wrong.

My career has been a mixed bag of leadership roles in operations, finance, and IT.  We have lived all over in my corporate America days.  14 houses?  We have two children and a one-year old grandbaby (cutest baby ever, of course), and lest I forget – Maisie the Wonder Dog (AKA cutest puppy ever).  My family has had a place in MW since 1984 and Pat and I have officially called MW home since 2016.  These days for work I am part of a team supporting investments in several small companies across the upper Midwest; trying to provide great jobs in great communities.

Serving as a board member and officer of the Manitowish Waters Alliance Foundation was an easy call.  Working to try to make a difference in our fantastic community is a joy.  Manitowish Waters not only has a great history and legacy as a town, but also amazing possibilities for the future; a future which is best realized through the power of collaboration.  Let’s roll.

OPEN, Secretary

Board of Directors

From Debbie Johns

I was raised in Okauchee, Wisconsin and have been living in Manitowish Waters since 1978.  Together with my husband, Dan, we operate Little Bohemia Lodge.  My husband's family has had property on Little Star Lake since the early 1930's and he has been a lifelong community member.  We bought Little Bohemia in 2006, partially out of concern for its future, but largely out of our love for the Lodge and the community, and we moved up as full time residents in 2007.  The history of this town is wonderful, and so is its citizenry.  We take pride in the Lodge and likewise the community.  Together with our son, Dan Jr., we truly believe that Manitowish Waters is a unique and special place and always try to do what is best for the town and our fellow community members.  

We support the Alliance Foundation wholeheartedly and believe that functions such as the Summer Solstice and Mani-Wish Christmas are very beneficial to the community.  We have been members of the Alliance almost since its inception.  We ask that anyone with an interest in Manitowish Waters join us as a member.  Together we can do great things!

From Patti Luckow

I grew up in the unincorporated Town of Pickett, Wisconsin.  Throughout my youth I lived the "best of two worlds" - enjoying a beautiful, small community lifestyle with big city Oshkosh nearby.  I was always so proud of my dad as I watched him volunteer time and again to help shape our town.  Dad was instrumental in getting the Community Center built and he was the biggest fund raiser for the Pickett Lions Club where he was a member for many years.  I learned so much from him and I knew my future would include a community service role when the right opportunity presented itself.  I was blessed to be able to keep his legacy going when I became the President of the Pickett Community Board for several years. 

I retired from Kimberly Clark in April of 2019 where I held a number of leadership type roles in Forecasting, Planning, and Procurement.

My husband, Gary, and I have owned a home on the MW Chain for over 13 years.  We enjoy sharing our wonderful "4 seasons" of activities and outdoor fun with family and friends.

I love our new "home base" in Manitowish Waters and am excited and honored to be an integral part of the Alliance Foundation as a recently elected Board Member.

From Bill Vogel

I was raised on a dairy farm in the small town of Jackson, WI.  I remember dreaming of having a log home on a northern lake for as long as I can remember.  The dream came true when we moved to Manitowish Waters in 2007. My wife, Joyce, and I are now full time residents and could not be happier!

I am still active in our family business, but do most of my work from our home in Manitowish Waters.  My two sons, Larry and Danny, are in business with me.  I have a daughter, Julie, that lives with her family in Mars, PA.  Joyce and I also have 4 grandchildren that are the joys of our lives.

I have been involved in many service organizations, one of my favorites being “Green Care for Troops”, where we provide free lawn care for the homes of deployed troops.

Besides playing cards with our friends, I enjoy traveling in our motor home, driving the UTV, snowboarding, biking and flying.