Pacesetter 2019 08-01

The 

PACESETTER 

Four Generations of Caring for Generations to Come 

August, 2019

Stay Connected with Tribute 

Pacesetter 

A person or organization viewed as 

taking the lead or setting standards of 

achievement for others. 

Get Involved! Be Included! 

Don’t be left out! Tribute’s next PACESETTER 

deadline is November 15. 

Submit your photos, family updates, articles 

of interest, bragging rights, etc. as soon as 

possible to heidib@tributeinc.com. 

Three Issues per Year... 

•April Issue................. Deadline March 15 

•August Issue............ Deadline July 15 

•December Issue..... Deadline November 15 

Why Like us on Facebook and Instagram? 

Because you love us, you personally know 

one or more of us and you are interested in 

what we are doing. When you follow us on 

Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what we 

are up to and enjoy our journey with us! After 

all, we love to keep our family and friends 

updated! 

If you’re not already following us on 

Instagram or Facebook, maybe it’s time to 

start. Each week, we post photos and stories 

about our team, project updates, industry 

news and articles of interest. 

Check one or all of us out... 

• The Tribute Companies 

• Fort Howard Memorial Park 

• Pinelawn Memorial Park 

• Restlawn Memorial Park 

Cover Photo by Janelle Korinek 

We are very excited that Christie has 

received the distinguished Women-Owned 

Business Certification through the state of 

Wisconsin. Wisconsin supports the growth 

and success of woman-owned businesses 

by providing certification that validates 

a minimum of 51% female ownership, 

management and control of the company. 

The program was established to facilitate 

contracting capabilities for women with both 

the public and private sector. 

– 2 – Tribute Pacesetter August 2019

A Letter from the President 

Ginni Rometty 

“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” 

This past quarter at Tribute has been one of tremendous change 

with the internal transition of Tim leaving the company. Each one 

of you within Tribute have been so supportive through this transition 

and have handled the change with grace and the utmost respect. I 

appreciate you all for this as the chapters of Tribute turn. 

It is important to know that this decision was made over many conversations and over a 

long period of time. Family businesses come with complicated matters and unless these 

are handled head on, the business, and the family unit may be at risk. My heart and soul 

is dedicated to continuing to grow The Tribute Companies in a healthy, successful way to 

bring exceptional products and services to the consumer while providing rewarding and 

meaningful employment for all of you. 

With this change comes great things for all of us; congratulations to Zach Rasmussen for his 

promotion to Manager of Design, Precast and Construction which brings great opportunities 

for growth and learning for him with our company. I’m confident he will have great success 

in this capacity. Each person in the various departments of the company have really 

stepped up to fill any gaps and continue to work in the best interest of their fellow employees 

and customers while this has happened. It’s been really rewarding to watch these positive 

behaviors and actions occur. THANK YOU! 

Hopefully the summer has been enjoyable for all of you and you are able to take time for 

yourself and your families. Thank you for contributing to the Pacesetter! Please remember to 

continue to send tidbits of information to Heidi at heidib@tributeinc.com continuously so that 

she can put together another great Pacesetter later this year. 

Sincerely, 

Christie Toson Hentges 

President 

Tribute Pacesetter August 2019 

– 3 –

Tribute Teambuilding Event 

Paddle Tavern Cruise 

On July 11 the Tribute team in Hartland 

enjoyed a unique excursion aboard a 

Paddle Tavern on the Milwaukee River. It 

was a scenic and fun way to see our lovely 

city. 

The Milwaukee River is a big part of the city that often gets 

little notice. The river, once in a serious health decline from 

pollution, is now experiencing a renaissance of sorts with 

various efforts to clean up the waterway. It is now a truly 

beautiful river that we are all fortunate enough to enjoy. 

It was a perfect day, and we all had a great time! 


Welcome to Tribute 

Heidi Bischmann, Marketing and Administrative Coordinator – 

Heidi joined The Tribute Companies on April 23. She has extensive experience in diverse 

environments including catalog design and revision management, project development, 

proposals, invoicing and accounts payables, trade shows, and promotional campaigns. 

Heidi lives in Hartland with her husband, David, and Fox Red Labrador Retriever, Copper. 

She has two grown sons, Michael (25) – an aerospace engineer on the Wright Patterson AFB 

in Dayton, OH and Zach (24) – a marketing coordinator for Tim O’Brien Homes in Pewaukee, 

WI. Zach is newly engaged to Marina Caliendo and planning a May 2021 wedding. Marina 

will be starting graduate school at Marquette University this fall to become a Physician 

Assistant (PA). They have a 9-month-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Mila. 

Heidi enjoys many activities in her “free time” including swimming, gardening, quilting and 

music – especially ringing/directing handbells and playing the flute. 

Jordan Daul, Territory Sales Rep 

Jordan joined The Tribute Companies on February 20 as a Territory 

Sales Rep. His duties include calling on existing clients to identify and 

fill their needs and assist in promoting Tribute products and services, 

identify and develop new clients, develop sales and marketing 

materials used to promote new and existing products, attend 

national and regional trade shows, recommend new product ideas 

and identify new markets for potential expansion. Welcome, Jordan!! 


– 5 –

Janelle Korinek, Accounts Receivable and 

Payroll – What do I do when my children 

grow up? Plan More Beach Vacations! 

A perfect opportunity for you to learn more 

about me and see some amazing pictures! 

My son, Kane (24) lives the coastal life in 

Victoria, TX. He has been there for the past 

two years. He works at a hospital as a Medical Equipment 

Technician and Biomedical Engineer. In his spare time he 

enjoys running, listening to books, and the blistering Texas 

heat. 

My daughter, Jada (20) is a full time student at UW 

Whitewater. She will be entering her fourth year of 

Elementary Education and works at the UW Daycare. She 

recently made the Dean’s list and received a promotion 

to be a lead teacher at work. In her spare time she enjoys 

shopping, shopping, and shopping! 

My daughter, Mya (11) will be entering the 6 th grade at 

Swallow Elementary in Hartland, WI. She enjoys swimming, 

fishing, drawing and being the baby of the family. 

My husband, Mike and I own a metal roofing business, 

Copper Top Concepts, I am in charge of bookkeeping and 

he runs the daily operation. He works extremely hard all 

year long, in return I make a point to plan vacations so he is 

forced to take a break! He always thanks me after. 

With the house half empty, I am always looking for good 

reasons to gather us all together again, and nothing is more 

enticing than the beach for all of us! Yes, I have raised an 

entire family of Thalassophiles (lovers of the ocean). This 

year we choose to visit Reddington Beach, FL which is just 

south of Clearwater. The sand was soft and the ocean was 

clear. We stayed at a small beachfront property for seven 

days called The Hotel Sol squeezing into a two bedroom, 

one bathroom hotel room for a week. This proved to be very 

close quarters and exactly what the half empty nest mom 

ordered. The children were questioning my sanity at first but 

it worked out great! It was very hot and humid, so we spent 

most of the time in the pool and on the beach. We took a 

day trip to the middle of Florida and went on an airboat 

ride and saw alligators! Our nights were spent on the beach, 

too, listening to music, gazing at the stars, and laughing the 

nights away. 

If I could only vacation everyday… 


In Our Free Time... 

Adriane Feltz, Accounting – 

I have a new nephew! 

My sister, Katie, and 

her husband, Adam, 

welcomed Callum Paul 

to their family! He was 

born on May 28 in Fort 

Lauderdale, FL. 

Christie Hentges, President/CEO – 

Adriane Feltz, Accounting – 

My daughter Lyla took 3rd 

place in her age bracket in 

the 5k Boys and Girls Club 

run on June 2 in West Bend, 

WI. 

On July 7, Christie participated in her first triathlon of the year 

in Pewaukee, WI. It was a sprint triathlon, which equates to .5 

mile swim, 16.5 mile bike ride and 5K run (3.1 miles). 

The first running of the Pewaukee Triathlon was in 1994 and 

had around 175 athletes participate. As one of the oldest 

standing triathlons in the state, the Pewaukee Triathlon holds 

a special place in the hearts of multisport athletes in and 

around Wisconsin. The waters and roads of Pewaukee have 

seen thousands of athletes push their limits over the past 25 

years. 

Joan Bohl, Accounts Payable – 

In June, my sisters and I had 

very special friends visit us from 

Holland. We took them to my 

sisters’ lake home in Hayward, WI 

and did lots of hiking, boating, 

kayaking and games. We had 

an amazing time! They only visit 

once every three years, so it was 

wonderful to be able to visit with 

them. 


– 7 –

Fort Howard News 

Amanda Heidtman, Office Manager – 

Amanda and her husband, Mike, welcomed 

Barrett Alan to their family on May 8 at 

7:32 am. Barrett weighed in at 7 lbs, 13 oz. 

Congratulations!! 

What’s this? On a visit in May, Christie and Rufus got to meet Barrett – up close and personal! 

“Rufus, you’re in my space!” 

Memorial Day Flag Placement 

Despite the chilly weather, we had three different Scout 

troops and quite a few volunteers from the Green Bay 

community stop by to help VFW Post 2037 place flags at 

our cemetery Memorial Day weekend. 


Each monthly activity is themed: 

Kris LaFave, Administrative Assistant – 

This summer I am working with the Village 

of Bellevue, WI on a summer “art camp” 

program called “Art In The Park.” The 

program takes place one Saturday a 

month for three hours. The ages are 4-7 

year olds and it is a parent/child activity 

that I plan, organize and lead. 

• June – Music in the Park: we made our own instruments 

and played music 

• July – Art, Naturally: we made Mandala Sun catchers 

(see photo) 

• August – Mixed Media Madness: we’ll be making slime 

and salt-dough bead keychains! 

Way To Go, Kris! 

I am going to school part-time for my Bachelors Degree in 

Social Work, and last semester I managed a 4.0 GPA. 

Will Pamperin, Family Service Counselor – 

My son, Bennett, is 9-months old and a great 

joy! He recently visited the office to say hello to 

everyone! 

This fall I will be starting graduate studies for my 

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership 

& Administration (OLA) degree at Concordia 

University in Mequon, WI. This program focuses 

on today’s challenging and changing global 

economy which demands ethical and effective 

leaders. The OLA at Concordia University 

empowers students to develop the qualities and 

traits of a leader best reflected in their personal 

and professional experiences. The program 

exposes you to leadership theory and practice, vital ethical principles, 

and organization-building exercises. 

Finally, I am a die-hard Wisconsin sports fan. With the summer in full 

swing, I am already looking ahead to football training camp beginning 

next week. 


– 9 –

Credit: Minimalist Baker 

https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-traditional-white-sangria/ 

EASY TRADITIONAL 

WHITE SANGRIA 

Setting the Bar High 

Fort Howard had the Highest Location Pre- 

Need Volume $263,418.77 (January-June). 

An easy, 8-ingredient (1-pitcher!) recipe 

for traditional white wine sangria. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 lime, thinly sliced into rounds 

1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds 

1/4 cup organic cane sugar (or sub 

agave, powdered coconut sugar, 

maple syrup, or stevia to taste // for 

drier sangria, omit) 

1/4 cup apple brandy (Laird’s Apple 

Jack brand) (or sub brandy, but 

apple brandy has a subtler apple 

flavor + smoother, gentler finish) 

1/2 organic green apple, cored, skin 

on, chopped into small pieces 

1 ripe peach or nectarine, thinly 

sliced 

1 cup sliced strawberries 

1 750 ml bottle dry, crisp white wine, 

chilled (such as a white table wine, 

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Add lime, lemon, and sugar (or other 

sweeteners) to a large pitcher and 

muddle with a muddler or wooden 

spoon for 45 seconds. 

Add apple brandy and muddle 

again to combine for 30 seconds. 

Add apple, nectarine, and 

strawberries and stir to incorporate. 

Then add wine and stir once more. 

Taste and adjust flavor as needed, 

adding more sweetener of choice 

for sweetness, lemon or lime juice for 

acidity, or fruit. Stir to combine. 

Add ice or frozen berries and stir 

once more to chill. Serve as is or with 

a bit more ice and mint (optional). 

To dilute the mixture, top off 

glasses with a bit of sparkling water 

(optional). 

Store leftovers covered in the 

refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though 

best when enjoyed within the first 1-2 

days. 

Yuki Stuhr, Family Service Counselor (Fort 

Howard) had the Best Month Overall 

$56,357.00 (January-June). 

Yuki also had the Highest Average Sale 

$3,735.53 (January-June). 

Will Pamperin, Family Service Counselor 

(Fort Howard) had the Second Highest 

Average Sale $3,209.96 (January-June). 

Welcome! 

Nicholas Reed 

Grounds Technician 

Fort Howard was 

pleased to welcome 

Nick on March 25 as 

a full time Grounds 

Technician. He has 

two children and is 

very friendly to everyone. 

Nick enjoys 

playing video games. 


Billy Gibson, Grounds Manager – 

My wife, Sharon, and I have been on top of the world being grandparents! 

Aria is almost 10-months old now and is a breath of fresh air. She for sure knows who her 

gramps is when she comes over to visit! Here are a few pictures of us. 


– 11 –

Memorial Day Memories 

Lynnae Henderson, Office Manager – 

We were honored to have the Rolling 

Thunder, Inc., join us for our Memorial Day 

program. Since then, I was invited to one of 

their monthly meetings to give them a little 

information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and 

what we do to benefit veterans. We are 

hoping for many more to join in the ride for 

Memorial Day 2020. 


Here’s the Toson family 

at Pinelawn on Memorial 

Day. It’s been a tradition 

since 1952 for us to be 

at Pinelawn for their 

program! 

Sarah Soetenga, Family Service Counselor (Pinelawn) 

had the Highest Volume Sales $240,225.31 (January- 

June). 


Welcome to Pinelawn 

Shelvie Hall, Administrative Assistant – 

Welcome Shelvie!! She joined the Pinelawn family on January 22. 

Her responsibilities include office assistance in the areas of customer 

service and sales, reception, data entry, filing, record keeping and 

day-to-day activities. Shelvie is a Certified Celebrant who can work 

with the funeral director to provide a funeral service, memorial 

service or tribute that is personalized and individualized to reflect 

the personality and life-style of the deceased. She enjoys music and 

sang at this year’s Memorial Day celebration with her mom. 

Noi O’Brien, Family Service Counselor – 

Pinelawn welcomed Noi on May 28. Her day-to-day activities include 

assisting families at the time of need, prospecting and maintaining 

relationships, selling cemetery property, and educating people on 

options for pre-planning their final arrangements. She loves working 

out, taking walks with nature, reading, 

spending time with her daughter, Peytin, 

and playing with her dog, Lily. 

Darren Meyer, Grounds Technician – 

Welcome Darren!! As a Grounds Technician, Darren performs all 

functions related to interment services, facility and equipment 

maintenance and improvements. He likes motocross, Xbox, sprint car 

races, horror movies, Olive Garden, baseball and football. He plays 

for the Diablos on the South Side (baseball). He likes beer and all 

different kinds of music. 

Pinelawn Breakroom Updates 

The lower level breakroom at Pinelawn received a makeover by our very own team 

members. All work was done by in-house personnel for the good of all. It looks great now 

and is a welcome place to eat lunch or take a break. 


– 13 –

Happenings at Restlawn 

Restlawn had a wonderful butterfly release 

at the park for a recent service. The 

Monarch Butterfly is nature’s ultimate symbol 

of change, transformation and beauty. 

Releasing live butterflies for a loved-one is a 

matchless way to tribute their life. 

Memorial Day Memories 

A Poem By Jill Haley 

As you release this butterfly in honor of me, 

know that I’m with you and will always be. 

Hold a hand, say a prayer, 

close your eyes and see me there. 

Although you may feel a bit torn apart, 

please know that I’ll be forever in your heart. 

Now fly away butterfly as high as you can go, 

I’m right there with you more than you know. 


Congratulations! 

Brian Scheffler, Grounds Technician – 

Congratulations to our Grounds 

Technician, Brian on celebrating 20 

years of service with Restlawn Memorial 

Park on June 4! 

Brian, THANK YOU for everything that 

you do! 

Amber Pender, Office Manager – 

Amber celebrated one year of service with 

Restlawn on May 14. We are lucky to have 

her on our team and thank her for all that 

she does each day! Way to go, Amber!! 

Congratulations on your anniversary! 

These are Amber’s twins, Lilly and Jamie. 

Gary Boyle, Family Service Counselor – 

Gary has had plenty to celebrate this year. On March 19 we said, 

“Cheers to 40 years” for his birthday milestone, and on June 25, we 

congratulated him on one year of service with Restlawn Memorial 

Park. Thank you, Gary! It’s great to work with you! 


– 15 –

Welcome Back! 

Cynthia Segura 

Family Service Counselor – 

Restlawn welcomes back Cynthia 

Segura. Cynthia was employed 

as an Administrative Assistant last 

year, but left to pursue a full-time 

position. When the position for a 

Family Service Counselor became 

available, Cynthia showed interest 

and was rehired May 28. 

In Cynthia’s spare time, she has her own Online Antique 

Boutique where she finds and sells old jewelry, paintings, 

furniture and much more. Cynthia has great compassion 

for our families, and we are so excited to have her back! 

Meet Heather and 

Amber’s frequent visitor. 

Cinema in the Cemetery – Mrs. Doubtfire 

Please join us at Restlawn on August 9 


Restlawn Easter Egg Hunt 

Back Row: Gary Boyle, Cynthia Segura, Rylee 

Dunn from Brainard Funeral Home 

Front Row: Amber Pender, Mr. Bunny, Jude 

Carlson (Heather’s Son), Heather Carlson 

Gary and Angie Boyle with daughter, 

Adeline, and son, Grayson. 

Guest appearance by Mr. Bunny (Gavin, 

Gary’s oldest son). 

July 2018 

April 2019 

July 2019 

Heather Carlson, Administrative Assistant – 

This is what has been happening in my life! Liam turned 1 (ALREADY!!) on June 26!! He has 

seven teeth and is almost walking! 

Prompted by a Tribute Biggest Loser Challenge (which I won!), I have taken control of my 

life and changed my eating habits, my health and started moving more (and not just to 

the fridge!). By doing these things, I have managed to lose 70 lbs and counting!! 


– 17 –

Congratulations, Zach! 

Congratulations to Zach Rasmussen, who has been promoted 

to Manager of Design, Precast and Construction for The Tribute 

Companies. Zach’s dedication to exceptional Cemetery and 

Funeral Home Development, Design and Expansion is apparent for 

everyone who has worked with him. He looks forward to serving the 

needs of our clients and contributing towards the future growth of 

The Tribute Companies. We are proud to have Zach in this position! 

Zach and Christie boogie 

down at the Michigan 

Cemetery Association 

Summer Conference in 

July. Zach won first place 

in the costume contest with 

a little help in the costume 

department from Clyde 

Rupnow! 

Zach Rasmussen, Manager of 

Design, Precast and Construction – 

My family and I spent eight days 

camping in the Ozark Mountains 

over the Fourth of July. We 

had a great time hiking, biking, 

canoeing, fishing, cliff jumping 

and swimming in waterfalls – as 

just a few of our highlights. The 

trip did come with a few downfalls 

such as a 14-hour, one-way 

straight drive, sleeping in a popup 

camper with no A/C and 

attempting to avoid poisonous 

snakes! More great memories 

made with family in the great 

outdoors! 


Welcome to Tribute Design 

Brett Daniels joined Tribute as a Project Architect. In this role, Brett 

will be responsible for project management, production of 

documents and the administration of projects within Tribute Design 

Systems. He has diverse experience in most building and construction 

types and in all phases of project delivery. He brings extensive 

knowledge and proficiency to the architectural design team 

including comprehensive code analysis, historic building renovation 

work, extensive knowledge of building materials, and the design and 

detailing of masonry and stone monumental buildings which are built 

for permanence. 

Brett earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois (Champaign/ 

Urbana) and is a registered Architect in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. He has over three 

decades of experience in both the architectural and structural design of buildings. 

Brett Daniels, Project Architect – 

One of the things I like to do in my spare time is guitar playing, guitar design and 

construction, and music writing. One of my current projects is customizing two electric 

guitars. Earlier this year I also bought a concert classical guitar that was made by a luthier 

in Japan. It is based on a modified Jose Ramirez bracing pattern and produces very nice 

tones. To get the best sound from an acoustic guitar the maker fine tunes things like the 

interior braces and the top thickness to react to the full range of string vibrations. I work 

with electric guitars but acoustic guitar making is a mix of science and art. 

And, the Winner is... 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this newsletter. 

You received one (1) drawing ticket for each submission. 

The winner, Heather Carlson, Administrative Assistant at 

Restlawn was chosen from all eligible entries at random and 

will receive a YETI 14 ounce RAMBLER Mug. 

Enjoy, Heather, and thanks for your submissions! 


– 19 –

On the Road with Jordan 

Jordan Daul, Territory Sales Rep – 

I visited The Gardens at Olive Branch on 

a recent trip to Greenwood, IN. Tribute 

Design Systems designed and constructed 

the 911 Memorial in Freedom Plaza at this 

cemetery. The memorial boasts a steel 

beam from World Trade Center 1, leftover 

limestone from rebuilding of the Pentagon 

and construction of the 911 Memorial in New 

York City, and soil from the crash site of Flight 

93. The beam is supported by brick columns 

that contain cremation niches and a 

pentagon-shaped planter filled with eight (8) 

yards of dirt hauled in from Shanksville, PA. 

There is also an eternal flame. Foundations 

were prepared for future columbaria 

to be phased-in in the future within the 

development. 

And, on another day, Jordan learned 

that music legend Les Paul is laid to rest in 

Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha, WI. 

Nicknamed the “Wizard of 

Waukesha,” Paul created the 

first solid-body electric guitar 

and developed technology 

and recording techniques that 

set the standard in the industry 

like tape echo, multitrack 

recordings and overdubs. 

Les Paul died in 2009 at age 

94. 


Website Updates 

Coming soon! Watch www.tributeinc.com in the next 

few months for a fresh, redesigned website including 

new team photos and headshots by former team 

member, Kendall from Birth and Beyond by Kendall. 

Greg Hartwick and Danny Merkt, architects from 

Tribute Design Systems, are spotted heading out 

for a quick ride at lunch on a beautiful Wisconsin 

day. 

Live Oak Bank Roundtable Session 


Scenes from Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, NC where I participated in a Roundtable session 

with 30 other industry suppliers who discussed the future of the profession and where we, as 

suppliers, can help shape incoming and up and coming participants in the industry. 


– 21 –

Ashley Plant News 

My wife Bonnie’s favorite 

BROWN BOY! 

And, her NOT SO FAVORITE 

BROWN BOY. 

Doug Engel, Plant Manager/ 

Construction Superintendent- 

Ashley – 

The CHIP UPDATE: He is old 

enough to go out fishing with 

Dad – his Buddy. 

Alec Wells, Ashley Plant – 

Alec welcomed a son, Sawyer James Wells on 

Friday, July 12! Congratulations on your new 

baby boy! 

Welcome to Tribute Precast – Ashley Plant 

Roberto De Jesus joined Tribute Precast on March 4. Roberto works the paint booth. He 

enjoys spending time with his daughter in his free time. 

Thomas Reneau was welcomed to Ashley on March 4. He is doing general set up as well as 

helping out with the road crew. He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and watching 

sports. 

Alec Wells joined Ashley on March 4. Alec works general assembly as well as performs road 

crew work. He recently had a baby. He also coaches several softball teams and plays in a 

baseball league. 

Devon Ballines started with Tribute Precast on June 15. He works general assembly and road 

crew. He recently got a new puppy and enjoys watching and plays sports. 


Congratulations, Matt! 

Matthew Weible, Assistant Plant Manager-Ashley – 

Matt joined the Tribute family on February 11 working in the plant. 

On June 17 he was promoted to Assistant Plant Manager for Tribute 

Precast Systems in Ashley, IN. Matt assists the plant manager with 

daily production, coordination of delivery schedules, and supervision 

of production employees and safety standards. He resides locally 

with his wife and three children. His strong family values and morals 

are traits that he incorporates daily in his work life and relationships 

with his coworkers. We are proud to have Matt in this position! 

Congratulations! 

Upcoming Celebrations (Company-wide August-November) 

Birthdays 

August 

7 Keith Huenefeld 

18 Jordan Daul 

19 Amber Pender 

24 Shawn Henrichs 

Anniversaries 

August 

11 Danny Merkt - 3 Years 

22 Justin Stiver - 2 Years 

27 Kris LaFave - 1 Year 

28 Travis McDowell - 13 Years 

September 

5 Joshua Schemel 

6 Joan Rose-Bohl 

14 Matthew Weible 

17 Krissandra LaFave 

22 Travis McDowell 

26 Heather Carlson 

September 17 John Allen - 1 Year 

21 Janelle Korinek - 3 Years 

October 

3 Sarah Soetenga 

10 Nicholas Reed 

14 Gregory Hartwick 

19 Scott Stuart 

20 Jeffrey Kovnesky 

26 River Arnold 

28 William Pamperin 

October 

29 David Line - 1 Year 

30 Thomas Jamar - 2 Years 

November 

1 Richard Heckman 

3 Clyde Rupnow 

November 

5 William Pamperin - 1 Year 

20 Joan Bohl - 1 Year 

23 Kim Krieg - 21 Years 

26 Christine Hentges - 25 Years 

28 Adriane Feltz - 7 Years 

Heather Carlson - 3 Years 

30 Richard Heckman - 4 Years 


– 23 –

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OK 

A 2002 Freeport High School graduate and 

Freeport, IL native in the U.S. Navy supports 

the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Chapman 

(Melodie Smith’s son) is a Navy aviation 

electronics technician serving with Center 

for Naval Aviation Technical Training 

Detachment Tinker, a versatile command 

capable of providing maintenance training, centralized 

student management and support to E-6B Mercury aviation 

squadrons consisting of VQ-3 and VQ-4 in the execution of 

their training responsibilities. 

Chapman is responsible for serving as a naval instructor 

teaching sailors avionics and navigation systems on the 

aircraft. 

Chapman credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons 

learned growing up in Freeport. “I’ve learned how to apply 

the ethics of hard work that I learned when I was growing up.,” 

said Chapman. 

The mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known 

as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and 

now the command’s nickname, today, the men and women 

of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication 

link between national decision makers and the nation’s 

nuclear weapons. 

The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the 

military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, 

aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO 

E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and mostsurvivable 

communication needed for this critical mission. 

“I enjoy interacting with junior sailors, sharing my experiences 

with them and helping them learn their jobs,” said Chapman. 

The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle 

of America may seem like an odd location given its distance 

from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the 

deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico 

on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success 

of the nuclear deterrence mission. 

“It reminds me, during long days of work, how important our 

job is to keeping America safe,” said Chapman. 

Sailors serving from America’s heartland take pride in the vital 

mission they support as well as the nuclear deterrence they 

help provide. 

“I love the team effort of the Navy and being a part of 

something bigger than myself,” said Chapman. 


Freeport News 

Welcome! 

Adam Watson, Truck Driver 

Adam started 

at Tribute on 

April 22 as our 

truck driver. He 

has 26 years 

truck driving 

experience. In 

his spare time 

he golfs and 

likes gardening! 

Freeport Plant Training Meeting 

Dean Wardlow, Plant Manager showing Freeport 

associates the proper reinforcement and tying for the 

mausoleum forms, and Josh Schemel sporting his properly 

fitted respirator. 

Chris Watson, Production 

Chris started at 

Tribute-Freeport 

in production 

on June 3. His 

hobbies include 

golfing and 

bow hunting. 

AND...yes, Chris 

and Adam are 

brothers! 

Melodie Smith, Administrative Assistant – 

Melodie Smith joined Tribute Precast Systems 

on January 21. She keeps the office running 

smoothly and is a pleasure to work with. 

My son, Ryan and his wife, Angela 

Chapman were both honored at a 

Chicago Blackhawks Hockey game. They 

were recognized on the red carpet for their 

service in the United States Navy during the National Anthem 

and during the game. They reside in Oklahoma City, OK. 

This is my grandson, Aidan (age 7) and his mother, Angela 

(my daughter-in-law). She has been Irish Dancing since she 

was a little girl and was born in Ireland. This was Aidan’s first 

competition In Irish Dance and his first medal. He received a 3 rd 

place for his light jig preformed July 13 in Oklahoma City, OK. 


Seth Roggie, Production 

Seth was ready to go out 

and mow the grass. And, he 

was HAPPY about it!!! 

– 25 –

Building & Planning Futures — Together! 

The Tribute Companies | Tribute Design Systems | Tribute Precast Systems 

Pinelawn Memorial Park | Gardens of StoneBank | Fort Howard Memorial Park | Restlawn Memorial Park

Pacesetter 2019 08-01

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