Thirty-three stories. Thirty-six people. Countless contributions to communities in Rock and Walworth counties. That's what you'll find in this year's People Who Matter, the Gazette's annual tribute to men, women and young people who give their time and energy to help others and make the world better.
ARTICLES
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Local dairy farmer is the cream of this community's volunteer crop
By SHELLY BIRKELO | 3/31 -
A pal for the ag community
By ANN MARIE AMES | 3/31 -
Petranek helps others rebuild their lives
By CATHERINE IDZERDA | 3/31 -
Wangerin adds soul to annual YWCA event
By JIM LEUTE | 3/31 -
Paluch stays on course for charities in Walworth County
By KEN VELOSKEY | 3/31 -
Bair shows leadership in the armed forces
By CATHERINE IDZERDA | 3/31 -
Retired high school counselor still influencing youth today
By SHELLY BIRKELO | 3/31 -
Delavan historian tells stories of years past
By PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. | 3/31 -
Danks leads charitable ministry
By SHELLY BIRKELO | 3/30 -
Nelson's fundraising talents benefit Evansville
By GINA DUWE | 3/30 -
Schwartz advocates for people half a world away
By ANNA MARIE LUX | 3/30 -
Sedor's service is historical
By TED SULLIVAN | 3/30 -
Janesville couple ensures kids can skate
By TED SULLIVAN | 3/30 -
Jacques sends gratitude to the troops
By PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. | 3/30 -
Torpys are cool for the school
By FRANK SCHULTZ | 3/30 -
Sable continues to help recovering addicts in Whitewater
By KAYLA BUNGE | 3/30 -
Evansville's Kostroun constructs more than houses
By TOM MILLER | 3/29 -
Dairy farmer 'brings out the best in young people'
By STACY VOGEL | 3/29
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A father figure for grown men
By ANNA MARIE LUX | 3/29 -
Delavan's Overturf gives kids the tools to succeed
By ANN MARIE AMES | 3/29 -
Auxiliary thrives under Paull's leadership
By MARCIA NELESEN | 3/29 -
Lake Geneva's Schuster works to preserve nature's splendor
By KAYLA BUNGE | 3/29 -
Bar owner tends to heart of the city
By MARCIA NELESEN | 3/29 -
Pastor lights up community
By STACY VOGEL | 3/29
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Couple makes sure others have a ball in Edgerton
By JOHN BARRY | 3/28 -
Doing it for the children
By FRANK SCHULTZ | 3/28 -
Ochs found inspiration miles from home
By JIM LEUTE | 3/28 -
Leaving Fontana a better place
By PEDRO OLIVEIRA JR. | 3/28 -
Hegge stays where the work gets done
By GINA DUWE | 3/28 -
Opening doors to learning
By CATHERINE IDZERDA | 3/28 -
Hunter paints her passion all over Whitewater
By KAYLA BUNGE | 3/28 -
Fontana's Kunes helps those who help others
By ANN MARIE AMES | 3/28 -
Janesville businesswoman, artist, believes in beauty, passion
By MARCIA NELESEN | 3/28
NAMES
- Margaret Bair
- Gordy Barlass
- Shelly Danks
- Julie Funk
- Kitty Grant
- Merlin Hegge
- Gail Hibbard
- Dawn Hunter
- Cathy Jacques
- Jeff Keena
- Sally Keena
- Rob Kostroun
- Gregg Kunes
- Joanne Kutter
- Kathy Morton
- Nancy Nelson
- Ron Ochs
- Joe Overturf
- Kevin Paluch
- Lindi Paull
- Cheryl Peterson
- Scott Petranek
- LaMar Pulliam
- Greg Reierson
- Mona Reierson
- Dan Sable
- Rev. Herb Saunders
- Matt Schreier
- Sarah Schuster
- Angelica Schwartz
- Gil Sedor
- David Sodberberg
- Jack Torpy
- Sharon Torpy
- Jon Wangerin
- Gordon Yadon
PHOTOS
PODCASTS
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People Who Matter: Julie Funk | 3/31
A well-known name in the Rock County agriculture community is one of the Janesville Gazette's "People Who Matter". Julie Funk is known for her involvement in the Rock County Dairy Breakfast, La Prairie 4-H, the Rock County Dairy Promotion Council, and St. John Vianney School in Janesville. Kyle Geissler reports.
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People Who Matter: David Soderberg | 3/31
Many Parker High School graduates have memories of guidance counselor David Soderberg, one of the Janesville Gazette's "People Who Matter". Soderberg is credited with working one-on-one with students, especially at-risk students, to turn their lives towards being successful. Kyle Geissler reports.
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People Who Matter: Shelly Danks | 3/30
The founder of a Janesville area charitable ministry is praised for being caring and compassionate. Shelly Danks operates "Acts of Kindness" and is one of the Janesville Gazette's "People Who Matter". Kyle Geissler reports.
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People Who Matter: Gordy Barlass | 3/29
A Rock County dairy farmer is known for bringing out the best in young people. Gordy Barlass coaches Rock County's dairy judging team and youth football. He's one of the Janesville Gazette's "People Who Matter". Kyle Geissler reports.
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People Who Matter: Herb Saunders | 3/29
The pastor of a Milton church works from the pulpit and as an active member of the community. The Rev. Herb Saunders leads the congregation at First Congregational Church of Christ in Milton and assists numerous organizations including the Milton Community Action Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. Kyle Geissler reports.
