About two years ago Rick Pearson started a new family tradition.On Thanksgiving Pearson and his wife, Susan – as well as their

two adult daughters and their husbands – began voting on non-profitorganizations to support. “I wanted to teach my children about philan-thropy,” says Pearson, who established the Pearson Family Foundationfor that purpose shortly after retiring from Towers Watson, a human

resources and risk management consulting company. Rebecca Verhagen,of Hartland, who is one of Pearson’s daughters and a mother of two,explains: “We vote with a weighted scale. You can give your highestweighted vote to your favorite non-profit. The Zoological Society is always a big vote getter.” That’s hardly surprising because the Pearsonshave been taking their daughters to the Milwaukee County Zoo for aslong as the girls can remember. “Rebecca and I grew up as big animallovers,” says daughter Michelle, who lives in Cedarburg with her husband and two children. “My dad has always said that our Zoo is one of Milwaukee’s greatest assets.”

Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Pearson – who resides inMequon – moved to Milwaukee in 1982 to open a new office for hiscompany. He decided to stay because Milwaukee seemed like a greatplace to raise a family. As his daughter Michelle attests, it wasn’t loston him that Milwaukee has a great Zoo. “I’ve been to a number of zoos in the country and I put ours right up there among the best,” hesays. Pearson’s favorite animals are big cats. “I like their combinationof grace and power.” He was very excited when the Zoo’s African lionsThemba and Sanura had cubs in July 2011, and he’s been “watchingwith interest as the jaguar cubs grow.”

Pearson is a new member of the Platypus Circle, and he used one of the Platypus benefits to go on a VIP behind-the-scenes tour with Rebecca, who is partial to the Small Mammals Building. “She got a realkick out of watching a fruit bat eat grapes,” he says. “I was impressedwith how much goes on behind the scenes that the public doesn’tknow about.”

Pearson’s passion for the Zoo has rubbed off on his daughters. Rebeccahas taken her 5-year-old and 3-year-old children to Zoological Societyeducation classes. Michelle, who has a baby and a child nearing 2, plansto do the same. ZSM classes start at age 2. Both women have alreadyembraced their father’s belief in the importance of philanthropy. “Mygrandfather was a big believer in philanthropy and he passed it on tomy father,” says Michelle. “Rebecca and I hope to teach our childrenthe same values.” That’s exactly what Pearson wants. “I hope mylegacy is that our Thanksgiving tradition will continue and that as (my daughters’) kids get older, it will perpetuate.”

By Zak Mazur

The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching

the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published three times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org

April 2013

Zoological Society of Milwaukee CountyDevelopment Department10005 W. Blue Mound RoadMilwaukee, WI 53226(414) 258-2333

Please remember the Zoological Societyin your will or estate plan.

May 23VIP premiere of the MilwaukeeCounty Zoo’s special summer exhibit, Sting Ray & Shark Bay, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets; invitations will be mailed.

June 2230th anniversary Zoo Ball evening fundraiser*

July 9Platypus Circle Family Picnic at the Zoo; invitations will be mailed.

July 29Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament, sponsored by Fiduciary Management, Inc.*

August 8Annual President’s Level event, David Barnett Gallery; invitations will be mailed.

September 17Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner

October 17Simba Circle Recognition Dinner

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Dave Strelitz (Committee Chair)Thom Brown Dr. Robert DavisMary Ellen EneaKaren Peck KatzMaria Gonzalez KnavelJack McKeithanDeborah MusanteJill PelisekThelma Sias Ryan SchultzTricia ShinnersJudy Holz StathasJane Bush Wierzba

DEVELOPMENT STAFFKaren Von Rueden,

Vice President of DevelopmentKim Peterson,

Senior Development OfficerGeorgia Young,

Development CoordinatorAveria Steinman,

Grant Administrator

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORSPaula Brookmire, editorZak Mazur, writerRichard Brodzeller, Photographer

(unless otherwise noted)

On the WebFor back issues of PlatyPress

dating to September 2006, go towww.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.

EVENT CALENDAR

*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.

Carl GosewehrCarl L. Gosewehr, who diedNov. 24, 2012, was an earlymember of the Zoological Society’s 31-year-old PlatypusCircle. And he was very clearabout why he was a long-timedonor. “The Zoo is not onlyentertaining, but it’s also edu-cational,” he said for a 2009Platy Press story. “Then thereare all of these programs thatthe Zoological Society contin-ues to add to teach peopleabout animals and the environment. The [Milwaukee County] Zoo and the Zoological Society have so many virtues, I don’tknow why anyone wouldn’t put them up high on their list to support.” When Gosewehr was president and chief executive officerof Oilgear Company and also president of Oilgear Ferris Foundation, he made sure that the foundation supported the Zoo as aPlatypus member. And when he retired in 1996, he switched his Platypus corporate membership to a family membership. Healso increased his personal support and, in 2002, made a very generous donation to the New Zoo II capital campaign. He and hislate wife, Ruth, gave the major gift to remodel the Zoo’s old Monkey Island and build a new facility for the Japanese macaques.“We both enjoyed kids, and we knew that kids would enjoy the monkeys,” said Carl. When he remarried, he and his wife,Karen, continued as Platypus members and attended many Platypus events. The family asked that any memorial donations be made either to food pantries (Carl volunteered at one) or to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Photo: Carl and Karen Gosewehr at Macaque Island.

MEMORIALSRemembering Their Passion

printed on recycled paper 5616D13

From left: Rick and Susan Pearson pose with daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Stephen Verhagenat last year’s annual Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner. Not shown are daughter Michelle and herhusband, Eddie Sauer. Photo by Richard Brodzeller

New Member Profile: Getting the Family Involved

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 5

Verne ReadWhen Verne R. Read, who died Nov. 25, 2012, was told he hadup to 4,000 little brown bats living in a wall of his Oconomowoc Lakehome, he didn’t call the exterminator. Instead, Read – who wasborn in 1922 in Hudson, Ohio – built bat houses for them onhis property. The incident sparked an interest in bats both inRead and his wife, Marion. In 1982 Read and Merlin Tuttle, who was the Milwaukee Public Museum’s curator of mammals,established Bat Conservation International. The two traveledto remote regions to study bats. The Reads’ passion for batsand nature was reflected in their long-time support of theZoological Society of Milwaukee. Marion has been a memberfor more than 70 years, and her parents were also members.

Verne and Marion both were also 15-year members of thePlatypus Circle. Trekking through the rainforests and jungles of Thailand, Samoa and South America in search of bats camenaturally for Read, an avid mountain climber thanks to Marion’sclimbing passion. “He married this adventurous woman, and hejoined in fully,” said daughter Alice Read in a newspaper article.“It became a passion for both of them.” Read, who was a man-aging member of Wisconsin Securities Partners LLC and aretired chairman and president of T.A. Chapman Co., went onto play an instrumental role in establishing the National Park of Samoa to protect bats. In 1989 he received the ChevronConservation Award for his efforts.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:56 AM Page 1

The Jerome and Dorothy Holz Family Foundation was a significant contributor to the New Zoo II campaign that remodeled more than 25% of the Zoo between 2001 and 2008. The foundation provided majorsupport for the remodeled impala and bongo yards, the first project ofthe campaign. A baby impala was born three days before the Holz FamilyImpala Country exhibit opened in spring 2001 and was named Chevy in honor of Chevrolet cars (such as the Impala) sold by Holz Motors.Two years later, in 2003, the foundation provided support for the AnimalHealth Center, and created the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone.In 2005, Judy and Bill Stathas supported three key areas in the new felinebuilding, called the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. Those areaswere the feline theater, nutritional center and children’s educational area.

“Most people think of the Zoo as this place that takes care of animals –and takes care of them very well,” says Judy Holz Stathas. Yet the Zooand ZSM are so much more, she says. The Holz Family Foundation hasbeen a significant supporter of ZSM education programs, especially theAnimal Ambassador program, which brings students to the Zoo fromschools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. ZSM instructors also bringprograms to those schools, and the students learn how to be ambassadorsfor endangered animals. Also, the foundation supports internships for

college students to assist with ZSM summer camps, which draw up to12,000 participants annually.

Judy Holz Stathas sees one of her roles as proudly promoting the Zooand bringing in more visitors. Yet she wears many hats since she repre-sents four separate Holz Family entities that support various projects of the ZSM. She has been on the ZSM Board since 2004, and before thatwas on the Associate Board for a decade. She also serves on the devel-opment committee, education committee, and research and conservationcommittee. She and her husband, Bill, are 21-year Platypus Circle mem-bers and have chaired numerous events, including a Platypus road rallyback in 1997 (see photo). “We were involved in the road rally for nine of the ten years that it ran,” says Judy, who adds that she has made many friends through the Platypus Circle. “It’s a group of like-minded individuals who have a love for the Zoo, and often we find there areother interests we share.”

In November 2000, Jerome and Dorothy Holz received the ZSM’s mostprestigious award, the Emu Egg, for their outstanding commitment tothe ZSM and the Zoo. Ten years later, Judy Holz Stathas was presentedwith the same award for her exceptional commitment. And this

The Whole Holz Family Supports Philanthropy

NEW PLATYPUS CIRCLE MEMBERS

CG Schmidt, Inc.Fruit Ranch Gifts

Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHolz Motors, Inc.

Kalmbach Publishing Co. Karen P. & Alan J. Katz

Koss FoundationJodi Peck & Les Weil

NEW 25-YEAR PLATYPUSMILESTONE MEMBERS

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 2 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 3 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 4

Deanna Braeger

Sabrina Mia Bryant

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

Hatco

Erin Hochschild

Home Depot - Mukwonago

Patricia Hutter

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Thomas & Ann Kamasky

Patrick & Christine Keyes

Mark Lowry

Randall & Denyse Malone

Menasha Corporation Foundation

Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin

Harold & Tamara Redman

Strattec Security Corporation

The Zoo's new Animal Health Center was christened Sept. 4, 2003, at a gala Platypus/VIP premiere. Posing with lab

coats and stethoscopes are the people who helped give birth to the center: (from left) Bonnie Joseph, Jerry Holz, Atty.

Steven Fisher, Dr. Gil Boese and Chuck Wikenhauser. Joseph was the chair of the Zoological Society Board. Holz, of Holz

Motors, Inc., gave a major gift through his family foundation to help finance a hospital visitor-education area that’s called

the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone. Fisher is a trustee of the Gretchen & Andrew Dawes Charitable Trust, which

sponsored the academic / administrative wing of the hospital. Dr. Boese, then-president of the Zoological Society, and

Zoo Director Wikenhauser worked together in a public-private partnership to conduct a capital campaign that raised

more than $30 million.

In June 2004, the Holz family stands in front of the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone, a visitor-education area of the Milwaukee CountyZoo's Animal Health Center. From left are Dorothy and Jerry Holz; their two daughters, Barbara Holz Weis and Dr. David Weis (center), and JudyHolz Stathas and Dr. William Stathas. Jerry Holz's Holz Motors, Inc., is a longtime Platypus Circle member.

The Zoological Society’s prestigious Emu Egg Award was presented to Jerry andDorothy Holz of the Holz Family Foundation at the 19th Annual Platypus AwardsDinner in October 2000, at the Zoo. The Emu Egg award, a real emu egg, honorsoutstanding support to the Society and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Bill and Judy Stathas chaired the 1997 Platypus road rally fundraiser.

“Ithink the most valuable part of the Milwaukee County Zoo is that it’s for everybody of all ages,” says Jerry Holz. “And the Zoological Society takes care of this great place.” That respect and admiration

is behind the Holz family’s longtime involvement and support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee(ZSM). The “motor” behind the Holz Family generosity is Jerome Holz, who runs the family business,Holz Motors, in Hales Corners. A respected car dealer, Holz got a significant recognition this year fromthe Wisconsin Automotive and Truck Dealers Association. According to the group’s magazine, Holz isthe only person to be named Quality Dealer of the Year by TIMEmagazine and Wisconsin Dealer of theYear for three separate years: 1979, 2005 and 2013.

Jerome Holz and his late wife, Dorothy, created a family ethos of giving to the community. His children – Judy and Barb – and their husbands, Dr. William Stathas and Dr. David Weis (both dentists), have extended the tradition to other family members, such as the Weis children, J.J. and Traci.

Whether it’s generous financial support, attendance at ZSM fundraisers or donations of their time andtalent, many Holz, Stathas and Weis family members as well as Holz Motors (which celebrates its 100thanniversary in 2014) have stepped up to support the Zoo and ZSM. “Our family is usually the first tosign up each year for Zoo Ball,” says Judy Holz Stathas. She and her husband not only contribute auctionitems every year for Zoo Ball, which is the ZSM’s largest annual fundraiser, but in 2004 they also, alongwith friends, co-chaired the event (see photo). Most of the family attends, and they’re planning a big familytable at the 30th anniversary Zoo Ball 2013.

September, we will be recognizing Holz Motors for the company’s 25-year commitment as a Platypus Circle member. “We do it becausewe love kids, we have made a commitment to animals, and we cancome visit the projects and animals that we donate to,” says Judy HolzStathas. “The Zoological Society is one of the few organizationswhere you can see your dollars at work, no matter what giving level you’re at. Plus, I always have fun here.”

Dr. Robert Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society, says,“We are truly thankful for all the contributions that this family, itsfoundation and its business have made to the Zoo and the ZoologicalSociety over the decades.”

The co-chairs of the 2004 HulaZoola Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines, were (from left)David and Paula Strelitz of NewBerlin, David and Susan Batten of Pewaukee, and Dr. William and Judy Holz Stathas of Muskego. David Strelitz, David Batten and Judy Holz Stathas all have been active on the Zoological Society Associate Board.

Judy Holz Stathas, of New Berlin, received the Emu Egg award in 2010, 10 years after her parents received the award.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:57 AM Page 2

The Jerome and Dorothy Holz Family Foundation was a significant contributor to the New Zoo II campaign that remodeled more than 25% of the Zoo between 2001 and 2008. The foundation provided majorsupport for the remodeled impala and bongo yards, the first project ofthe campaign. A baby impala was born three days before the Holz FamilyImpala Country exhibit opened in spring 2001 and was named Chevy in honor of Chevrolet cars (such as the Impala) sold by Holz Motors.Two years later, in 2003, the foundation provided support for the AnimalHealth Center, and created the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone.In 2005, Judy and Bill Stathas supported three key areas in the new felinebuilding, called the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. Those areaswere the feline theater, nutritional center and children’s educational area.

“Most people think of the Zoo as this place that takes care of animals –and takes care of them very well,” says Judy Holz Stathas. Yet the Zooand ZSM are so much more, she says. The Holz Family Foundation hasbeen a significant supporter of ZSM education programs, especially theAnimal Ambassador program, which brings students to the Zoo fromschools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. ZSM instructors also bringprograms to those schools, and the students learn how to be ambassadorsfor endangered animals. Also, the foundation supports internships for

college students to assist with ZSM summer camps, which draw up to12,000 participants annually.

Judy Holz Stathas sees one of her roles as proudly promoting the Zooand bringing in more visitors. Yet she wears many hats since she repre-sents four separate Holz Family entities that support various projects of the ZSM. She has been on the ZSM Board since 2004, and before thatwas on the Associate Board for a decade. She also serves on the devel-opment committee, education committee, and research and conservationcommittee. She and her husband, Bill, are 21-year Platypus Circle mem-bers and have chaired numerous events, including a Platypus road rallyback in 1997 (see photo). “We were involved in the road rally for nine of the ten years that it ran,” says Judy, who adds that she has made many friends through the Platypus Circle. “It’s a group of like-minded individuals who have a love for the Zoo, and often we find there areother interests we share.”

In November 2000, Jerome and Dorothy Holz received the ZSM’s mostprestigious award, the Emu Egg, for their outstanding commitment tothe ZSM and the Zoo. Ten years later, Judy Holz Stathas was presentedwith the same award for her exceptional commitment. And this

The Whole Holz Family Supports Philanthropy

NEW PLATYPUS CIRCLE MEMBERS

CG Schmidt, Inc.Fruit Ranch Gifts

Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHolz Motors, Inc.

Kalmbach Publishing Co. Karen P. & Alan J. Katz

Koss FoundationJodi Peck & Les Weil

NEW 25-YEAR PLATYPUSMILESTONE MEMBERS

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 2 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 3 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 4

Deanna Braeger

Sabrina Mia Bryant

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

Hatco

Erin Hochschild

Home Depot - Mukwonago

Patricia Hutter

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Thomas & Ann Kamasky

Patrick & Christine Keyes

Mark Lowry

Randall & Denyse Malone

Menasha Corporation Foundation

Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin

Harold & Tamara Redman

Strattec Security Corporation

The Zoo's new Animal Health Center was christened Sept. 4, 2003, at a gala Platypus/VIP premiere. Posing with lab

coats and stethoscopes are the people who helped give birth to the center: (from left) Bonnie Joseph, Jerry Holz, Atty.

Steven Fisher, Dr. Gil Boese and Chuck Wikenhauser. Joseph was the chair of the Zoological Society Board. Holz, of Holz

Motors, Inc., gave a major gift through his family foundation to help finance a hospital visitor-education area that’s called

the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone. Fisher is a trustee of the Gretchen & Andrew Dawes Charitable Trust, which

sponsored the academic / administrative wing of the hospital. Dr. Boese, then-president of the Zoological Society, and

Zoo Director Wikenhauser worked together in a public-private partnership to conduct a capital campaign that raised

more than $30 million.

In June 2004, the Holz family stands in front of the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone, a visitor-education area of the Milwaukee CountyZoo's Animal Health Center. From left are Dorothy and Jerry Holz; their two daughters, Barbara Holz Weis and Dr. David Weis (center), and JudyHolz Stathas and Dr. William Stathas. Jerry Holz's Holz Motors, Inc., is a longtime Platypus Circle member.

The Zoological Society’s prestigious Emu Egg Award was presented to Jerry andDorothy Holz of the Holz Family Foundation at the 19th Annual Platypus AwardsDinner in October 2000, at the Zoo. The Emu Egg award, a real emu egg, honorsoutstanding support to the Society and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Bill and Judy Stathas chaired the 1997 Platypus road rally fundraiser.

“Ithink the most valuable part of the Milwaukee County Zoo is that it’s for everybody of all ages,” says Jerry Holz. “And the Zoological Society takes care of this great place.” That respect and admiration

is behind the Holz family’s longtime involvement and support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee(ZSM). The “motor” behind the Holz Family generosity is Jerome Holz, who runs the family business,Holz Motors, in Hales Corners. A respected car dealer, Holz got a significant recognition this year fromthe Wisconsin Automotive and Truck Dealers Association. According to the group’s magazine, Holz isthe only person to be named Quality Dealer of the Year by TIMEmagazine and Wisconsin Dealer of theYear for three separate years: 1979, 2005 and 2013.

Jerome Holz and his late wife, Dorothy, created a family ethos of giving to the community. His children – Judy and Barb – and their husbands, Dr. William Stathas and Dr. David Weis (both dentists), have extended the tradition to other family members, such as the Weis children, J.J. and Traci.

Whether it’s generous financial support, attendance at ZSM fundraisers or donations of their time andtalent, many Holz, Stathas and Weis family members as well as Holz Motors (which celebrates its 100thanniversary in 2014) have stepped up to support the Zoo and ZSM. “Our family is usually the first tosign up each year for Zoo Ball,” says Judy Holz Stathas. She and her husband not only contribute auctionitems every year for Zoo Ball, which is the ZSM’s largest annual fundraiser, but in 2004 they also, alongwith friends, co-chaired the event (see photo). Most of the family attends, and they’re planning a big familytable at the 30th anniversary Zoo Ball 2013.

September, we will be recognizing Holz Motors for the company’s 25-year commitment as a Platypus Circle member. “We do it becausewe love kids, we have made a commitment to animals, and we cancome visit the projects and animals that we donate to,” says Judy HolzStathas. “The Zoological Society is one of the few organizationswhere you can see your dollars at work, no matter what giving level you’re at. Plus, I always have fun here.”

Dr. Robert Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society, says,“We are truly thankful for all the contributions that this family, itsfoundation and its business have made to the Zoo and the ZoologicalSociety over the decades.”

The co-chairs of the 2004 HulaZoola Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines, were (from left)David and Paula Strelitz of NewBerlin, David and Susan Batten of Pewaukee, and Dr. William and Judy Holz Stathas of Muskego. David Strelitz, David Batten and Judy Holz Stathas all have been active on the Zoological Society Associate Board.

Judy Holz Stathas, of New Berlin, received the Emu Egg award in 2010, 10 years after her parents received the award.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:57 AM Page 2

The Jerome and Dorothy Holz Family Foundation was a significant contributor to the New Zoo II campaign that remodeled more than 25% of the Zoo between 2001 and 2008. The foundation provided majorsupport for the remodeled impala and bongo yards, the first project ofthe campaign. A baby impala was born three days before the Holz FamilyImpala Country exhibit opened in spring 2001 and was named Chevy in honor of Chevrolet cars (such as the Impala) sold by Holz Motors.Two years later, in 2003, the foundation provided support for the AnimalHealth Center, and created the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone.In 2005, Judy and Bill Stathas supported three key areas in the new felinebuilding, called the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. Those areaswere the feline theater, nutritional center and children’s educational area.

“Most people think of the Zoo as this place that takes care of animals –and takes care of them very well,” says Judy Holz Stathas. Yet the Zooand ZSM are so much more, she says. The Holz Family Foundation hasbeen a significant supporter of ZSM education programs, especially theAnimal Ambassador program, which brings students to the Zoo fromschools in disadvantaged neighborhoods. ZSM instructors also bringprograms to those schools, and the students learn how to be ambassadorsfor endangered animals. Also, the foundation supports internships for

college students to assist with ZSM summer camps, which draw up to12,000 participants annually.

Judy Holz Stathas sees one of her roles as proudly promoting the Zooand bringing in more visitors. Yet she wears many hats since she repre-sents four separate Holz Family entities that support various projects of the ZSM. She has been on the ZSM Board since 2004, and before thatwas on the Associate Board for a decade. She also serves on the devel-opment committee, education committee, and research and conservationcommittee. She and her husband, Bill, are 21-year Platypus Circle mem-bers and have chaired numerous events, including a Platypus road rallyback in 1997 (see photo). “We were involved in the road rally for nine of the ten years that it ran,” says Judy, who adds that she has made many friends through the Platypus Circle. “It’s a group of like-minded individuals who have a love for the Zoo, and often we find there areother interests we share.”

In November 2000, Jerome and Dorothy Holz received the ZSM’s mostprestigious award, the Emu Egg, for their outstanding commitment tothe ZSM and the Zoo. Ten years later, Judy Holz Stathas was presentedwith the same award for her exceptional commitment. And this

The Whole Holz Family Supports Philanthropy

NEW PLATYPUS CIRCLE MEMBERS

CG Schmidt, Inc.Fruit Ranch Gifts

Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHolz Motors, Inc.

Kalmbach Publishing Co. Karen P. & Alan J. Katz

Koss FoundationJodi Peck & Les Weil

NEW 25-YEAR PLATYPUSMILESTONE MEMBERS

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 2 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 3 PlatyPress April 2013 Page 4

Deanna Braeger

Sabrina Mia Bryant

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

Hatco

Erin Hochschild

Home Depot - Mukwonago

Patricia Hutter

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Thomas & Ann Kamasky

Patrick & Christine Keyes

Mark Lowry

Randall & Denyse Malone

Menasha Corporation Foundation

Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin

Harold & Tamara Redman

Strattec Security Corporation

The Zoo's new Animal Health Center was christened Sept. 4, 2003, at a gala Platypus/VIP premiere. Posing with lab

coats and stethoscopes are the people who helped give birth to the center: (from left) Bonnie Joseph, Jerry Holz, Atty.

Steven Fisher, Dr. Gil Boese and Chuck Wikenhauser. Joseph was the chair of the Zoological Society Board. Holz, of Holz

Motors, Inc., gave a major gift through his family foundation to help finance a hospital visitor-education area that’s called

the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone. Fisher is a trustee of the Gretchen & Andrew Dawes Charitable Trust, which

sponsored the academic / administrative wing of the hospital. Dr. Boese, then-president of the Zoological Society, and

Zoo Director Wikenhauser worked together in a public-private partnership to conduct a capital campaign that raised

more than $30 million.

In June 2004, the Holz family stands in front of the Holz Family Foundation Learning Zone, a visitor-education area of the Milwaukee CountyZoo's Animal Health Center. From left are Dorothy and Jerry Holz; their two daughters, Barbara Holz Weis and Dr. David Weis (center), and JudyHolz Stathas and Dr. William Stathas. Jerry Holz's Holz Motors, Inc., is a longtime Platypus Circle member.

The Zoological Society’s prestigious Emu Egg Award was presented to Jerry andDorothy Holz of the Holz Family Foundation at the 19th Annual Platypus AwardsDinner in October 2000, at the Zoo. The Emu Egg award, a real emu egg, honorsoutstanding support to the Society and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Bill and Judy Stathas chaired the 1997 Platypus road rally fundraiser.

“Ithink the most valuable part of the Milwaukee County Zoo is that it’s for everybody of all ages,” says Jerry Holz. “And the Zoological Society takes care of this great place.” That respect and admiration

is behind the Holz family’s longtime involvement and support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee(ZSM). The “motor” behind the Holz Family generosity is Jerome Holz, who runs the family business,Holz Motors, in Hales Corners. A respected car dealer, Holz got a significant recognition this year fromthe Wisconsin Automotive and Truck Dealers Association. According to the group’s magazine, Holz isthe only person to be named Quality Dealer of the Year by TIMEmagazine and Wisconsin Dealer of theYear for three separate years: 1979, 2005 and 2013.

Jerome Holz and his late wife, Dorothy, created a family ethos of giving to the community. His children – Judy and Barb – and their husbands, Dr. William Stathas and Dr. David Weis (both dentists), have extended the tradition to other family members, such as the Weis children, J.J. and Traci.

Whether it’s generous financial support, attendance at ZSM fundraisers or donations of their time andtalent, many Holz, Stathas and Weis family members as well as Holz Motors (which celebrates its 100thanniversary in 2014) have stepped up to support the Zoo and ZSM. “Our family is usually the first tosign up each year for Zoo Ball,” says Judy Holz Stathas. She and her husband not only contribute auctionitems every year for Zoo Ball, which is the ZSM’s largest annual fundraiser, but in 2004 they also, alongwith friends, co-chaired the event (see photo). Most of the family attends, and they’re planning a big familytable at the 30th anniversary Zoo Ball 2013.

September, we will be recognizing Holz Motors for the company’s 25-year commitment as a Platypus Circle member. “We do it becausewe love kids, we have made a commitment to animals, and we cancome visit the projects and animals that we donate to,” says Judy HolzStathas. “The Zoological Society is one of the few organizationswhere you can see your dollars at work, no matter what giving level you’re at. Plus, I always have fun here.”

Dr. Robert Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society, says,“We are truly thankful for all the contributions that this family, itsfoundation and its business have made to the Zoo and the ZoologicalSociety over the decades.”

The co-chairs of the 2004 HulaZoola Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines, were (from left)David and Paula Strelitz of NewBerlin, David and Susan Batten of Pewaukee, and Dr. William and Judy Holz Stathas of Muskego. David Strelitz, David Batten and Judy Holz Stathas all have been active on the Zoological Society Associate Board.

Judy Holz Stathas, of New Berlin, received the Emu Egg award in 2010, 10 years after her parents received the award.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:57 AM Page 2

About two years ago Rick Pearson started a new family tradition.On Thanksgiving Pearson and his wife, Susan – as well as their

two adult daughters and their husbands – began voting on non-profitorganizations to support. “I wanted to teach my children about philan-thropy,” says Pearson, who established the Pearson Family Foundationfor that purpose shortly after retiring from Towers Watson, a human

resources and risk management consulting company. Rebecca Verhagen,of Hartland, who is one of Pearson’s daughters and a mother of two,explains: “We vote with a weighted scale. You can give your highestweighted vote to your favorite non-profit. The Zoological Society is always a big vote getter.” That’s hardly surprising because the Pearsonshave been taking their daughters to the Milwaukee County Zoo for aslong as the girls can remember. “Rebecca and I grew up as big animallovers,” says daughter Michelle, who lives in Cedarburg with her husband and two children. “My dad has always said that our Zoo is one of Milwaukee’s greatest assets.”

Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Pearson – who resides inMequon – moved to Milwaukee in 1982 to open a new office for hiscompany. He decided to stay because Milwaukee seemed like a greatplace to raise a family. As his daughter Michelle attests, it wasn’t loston him that Milwaukee has a great Zoo. “I’ve been to a number of zoos in the country and I put ours right up there among the best,” hesays. Pearson’s favorite animals are big cats. “I like their combinationof grace and power.” He was very excited when the Zoo’s African lionsThemba and Sanura had cubs in July 2011, and he’s been “watchingwith interest as the jaguar cubs grow.”

Pearson is a new member of the Platypus Circle, and he used one of the Platypus benefits to go on a VIP behind-the-scenes tour with Rebecca, who is partial to the Small Mammals Building. “She got a realkick out of watching a fruit bat eat grapes,” he says. “I was impressedwith how much goes on behind the scenes that the public doesn’tknow about.”

Pearson’s passion for the Zoo has rubbed off on his daughters. Rebeccahas taken her 5-year-old and 3-year-old children to Zoological Societyeducation classes. Michelle, who has a baby and a child nearing 2, plansto do the same. ZSM classes start at age 2. Both women have alreadyembraced their father’s belief in the importance of philanthropy. “Mygrandfather was a big believer in philanthropy and he passed it on tomy father,” says Michelle. “Rebecca and I hope to teach our childrenthe same values.” That’s exactly what Pearson wants. “I hope mylegacy is that our Thanksgiving tradition will continue and that as (my daughters’) kids get older, it will perpetuate.”

By Zak Mazur

The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching

the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published three times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org

April 2013

Zoological Society of Milwaukee CountyDevelopment Department10005 W. Blue Mound RoadMilwaukee, WI 53226(414) 258-2333

Please remember the Zoological Societyin your will or estate plan.

May 23VIP premiere of the MilwaukeeCounty Zoo’s special summer exhibit, Sting Ray & Shark Bay, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets; invitations will be mailed.

June 2230th anniversary Zoo Ball evening fundraiser*

July 9Platypus Circle Family Picnic at the Zoo; invitations will be mailed.

July 29Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament, sponsored by Fiduciary Management, Inc.*

August 8Annual President’s Level event, David Barnett Gallery; invitations will be mailed.

September 17Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner

October 17Simba Circle Recognition Dinner

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Dave Strelitz (Committee Chair)Thom Brown Dr. Robert DavisMary Ellen EneaKaren Peck KatzMaria Gonzalez KnavelJack McKeithanDeborah MusanteJill PelisekThelma Sias Ryan SchultzTricia ShinnersJudy Holz StathasJane Bush Wierzba

DEVELOPMENT STAFFKaren Von Rueden,

Vice President of DevelopmentKim Peterson,

Senior Development OfficerGeorgia Young,

Development CoordinatorAveria Steinman,

Grant Administrator

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORSPaula Brookmire, editorZak Mazur, writerRichard Brodzeller, Photographer

(unless otherwise noted)

On the WebFor back issues of PlatyPress

dating to September 2006, go towww.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.

EVENT CALENDAR

*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.

Carl GosewehrCarl L. Gosewehr, who diedNov. 24, 2012, was an earlymember of the Zoological Society’s 31-year-old PlatypusCircle. And he was very clearabout why he was a long-timedonor. “The Zoo is not onlyentertaining, but it’s also edu-cational,” he said for a 2009Platy Press story. “Then thereare all of these programs thatthe Zoological Society contin-ues to add to teach peopleabout animals and the environment. The [Milwaukee County] Zoo and the Zoological Society have so many virtues, I don’tknow why anyone wouldn’t put them up high on their list to support.” When Gosewehr was president and chief executive officerof Oilgear Company and also president of Oilgear Ferris Foundation, he made sure that the foundation supported the Zoo as aPlatypus member. And when he retired in 1996, he switched his Platypus corporate membership to a family membership. Healso increased his personal support and, in 2002, made a very generous donation to the New Zoo II capital campaign. He and hislate wife, Ruth, gave the major gift to remodel the Zoo’s old Monkey Island and build a new facility for the Japanese macaques.“We both enjoyed kids, and we knew that kids would enjoy the monkeys,” said Carl. When he remarried, he and his wife,Karen, continued as Platypus members and attended many Platypus events. The family asked that any memorial donations be made either to food pantries (Carl volunteered at one) or to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Photo: Carl and Karen Gosewehr at Macaque Island.

MEMORIALSRemembering Their Passion

printed on recycled paper 5616D13

From left: Rick and Susan Pearson pose with daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Stephen Verhagenat last year’s annual Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner. Not shown are daughter Michelle and herhusband, Eddie Sauer. Photo by Richard Brodzeller

New Member Profile: Getting the Family Involved

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 5

Verne ReadWhen Verne R. Read, who died Nov. 25, 2012, was told he hadup to 4,000 little brown bats living in a wall of his Oconomowoc Lakehome, he didn’t call the exterminator. Instead, Read – who wasborn in 1922 in Hudson, Ohio – built bat houses for them onhis property. The incident sparked an interest in bats both inRead and his wife, Marion. In 1982 Read and Merlin Tuttle, who was the Milwaukee Public Museum’s curator of mammals,established Bat Conservation International. The two traveledto remote regions to study bats. The Reads’ passion for batsand nature was reflected in their long-time support of theZoological Society of Milwaukee. Marion has been a memberfor more than 70 years, and her parents were also members.

Verne and Marion both were also 15-year members of thePlatypus Circle. Trekking through the rainforests and jungles of Thailand, Samoa and South America in search of bats camenaturally for Read, an avid mountain climber thanks to Marion’sclimbing passion. “He married this adventurous woman, and hejoined in fully,” said daughter Alice Read in a newspaper article.“It became a passion for both of them.” Read, who was a man-aging member of Wisconsin Securities Partners LLC and aretired chairman and president of T.A. Chapman Co., went onto play an instrumental role in establishing the National Park of Samoa to protect bats. In 1989 he received the ChevronConservation Award for his efforts.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:56 AM Page 1

About two years ago Rick Pearson started a new family tradition.On Thanksgiving Pearson and his wife, Susan – as well as their

two adult daughters and their husbands – began voting on non-profitorganizations to support. “I wanted to teach my children about philan-thropy,” says Pearson, who established the Pearson Family Foundationfor that purpose shortly after retiring from Towers Watson, a human

resources and risk management consulting company. Rebecca Verhagen,of Hartland, who is one of Pearson’s daughters and a mother of two,explains: “We vote with a weighted scale. You can give your highestweighted vote to your favorite non-profit. The Zoological Society is always a big vote getter.” That’s hardly surprising because the Pearsonshave been taking their daughters to the Milwaukee County Zoo for aslong as the girls can remember. “Rebecca and I grew up as big animallovers,” says daughter Michelle, who lives in Cedarburg with her husband and two children. “My dad has always said that our Zoo is one of Milwaukee’s greatest assets.”

Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Pearson – who resides inMequon – moved to Milwaukee in 1982 to open a new office for hiscompany. He decided to stay because Milwaukee seemed like a greatplace to raise a family. As his daughter Michelle attests, it wasn’t loston him that Milwaukee has a great Zoo. “I’ve been to a number of zoos in the country and I put ours right up there among the best,” hesays. Pearson’s favorite animals are big cats. “I like their combinationof grace and power.” He was very excited when the Zoo’s African lionsThemba and Sanura had cubs in July 2011, and he’s been “watchingwith interest as the jaguar cubs grow.”

Pearson is a new member of the Platypus Circle, and he used one of the Platypus benefits to go on a VIP behind-the-scenes tour with Rebecca, who is partial to the Small Mammals Building. “She got a realkick out of watching a fruit bat eat grapes,” he says. “I was impressedwith how much goes on behind the scenes that the public doesn’tknow about.”

Pearson’s passion for the Zoo has rubbed off on his daughters. Rebeccahas taken her 5-year-old and 3-year-old children to Zoological Societyeducation classes. Michelle, who has a baby and a child nearing 2, plansto do the same. ZSM classes start at age 2. Both women have alreadyembraced their father’s belief in the importance of philanthropy. “Mygrandfather was a big believer in philanthropy and he passed it on tomy father,” says Michelle. “Rebecca and I hope to teach our childrenthe same values.” That’s exactly what Pearson wants. “I hope mylegacy is that our Thanksgiving tradition will continue and that as (my daughters’) kids get older, it will perpetuate.”

By Zak Mazur

The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching

the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published three times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org

April 2013

Zoological Society of Milwaukee CountyDevelopment Department10005 W. Blue Mound RoadMilwaukee, WI 53226(414) 258-2333

Please remember the Zoological Societyin your will or estate plan.

May 23VIP premiere of the MilwaukeeCounty Zoo’s special summer exhibit, Sting Ray & Shark Bay, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets; invitations will be mailed.

June 2230th anniversary Zoo Ball evening fundraiser*

July 9Platypus Circle Family Picnic at the Zoo; invitations will be mailed.

July 29Birdies & Eagles Golf Tournament, sponsored by Fiduciary Management, Inc.*

August 8Annual President’s Level event, David Barnett Gallery; invitations will be mailed.

September 17Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner

October 17Simba Circle Recognition Dinner

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Dave Strelitz (Committee Chair)Thom Brown Dr. Robert DavisMary Ellen EneaKaren Peck KatzMaria Gonzalez KnavelJack McKeithanDeborah MusanteJill PelisekThelma Sias Ryan SchultzTricia ShinnersJudy Holz StathasJane Bush Wierzba

DEVELOPMENT STAFFKaren Von Rueden,

Vice President of DevelopmentKim Peterson,

Senior Development OfficerGeorgia Young,

Development CoordinatorAveria Steinman,

Grant Administrator

NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORSPaula Brookmire, editorZak Mazur, writerRichard Brodzeller, Photographer

(unless otherwise noted)

On the WebFor back issues of PlatyPress

dating to September 2006, go towww.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.

EVENT CALENDAR

*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.

Carl GosewehrCarl L. Gosewehr, who diedNov. 24, 2012, was an earlymember of the Zoological Society’s 31-year-old PlatypusCircle. And he was very clearabout why he was a long-timedonor. “The Zoo is not onlyentertaining, but it’s also edu-cational,” he said for a 2009Platy Press story. “Then thereare all of these programs thatthe Zoological Society contin-ues to add to teach peopleabout animals and the environment. The [Milwaukee County] Zoo and the Zoological Society have so many virtues, I don’tknow why anyone wouldn’t put them up high on their list to support.” When Gosewehr was president and chief executive officerof Oilgear Company and also president of Oilgear Ferris Foundation, he made sure that the foundation supported the Zoo as aPlatypus member. And when he retired in 1996, he switched his Platypus corporate membership to a family membership. Healso increased his personal support and, in 2002, made a very generous donation to the New Zoo II capital campaign. He and hislate wife, Ruth, gave the major gift to remodel the Zoo’s old Monkey Island and build a new facility for the Japanese macaques.“We both enjoyed kids, and we knew that kids would enjoy the monkeys,” said Carl. When he remarried, he and his wife,Karen, continued as Platypus members and attended many Platypus events. The family asked that any memorial donations be made either to food pantries (Carl volunteered at one) or to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Photo: Carl and Karen Gosewehr at Macaque Island.

MEMORIALSRemembering Their Passion

printed on recycled paper 5616D13

From left: Rick and Susan Pearson pose with daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Stephen Verhagenat last year’s annual Platypus Circle Recognition Dinner. Not shown are daughter Michelle and herhusband, Eddie Sauer. Photo by Richard Brodzeller

New Member Profile: Getting the Family Involved

PlatyPress April 2013 Page 5

Verne ReadWhen Verne R. Read, who died Nov. 25, 2012, was told he hadup to 4,000 little brown bats living in a wall of his Oconomowoc Lakehome, he didn’t call the exterminator. Instead, Read – who wasborn in 1922 in Hudson, Ohio – built bat houses for them onhis property. The incident sparked an interest in bats both inRead and his wife, Marion. In 1982 Read and Merlin Tuttle, who was the Milwaukee Public Museum’s curator of mammals,established Bat Conservation International. The two traveledto remote regions to study bats. The Reads’ passion for batsand nature was reflected in their long-time support of theZoological Society of Milwaukee. Marion has been a memberfor more than 70 years, and her parents were also members.

Verne and Marion both were also 15-year members of thePlatypus Circle. Trekking through the rainforests and jungles of Thailand, Samoa and South America in search of bats camenaturally for Read, an avid mountain climber thanks to Marion’sclimbing passion. “He married this adventurous woman, and hejoined in fully,” said daughter Alice Read in a newspaper article.“It became a passion for both of them.” Read, who was a man-aging member of Wisconsin Securities Partners LLC and aretired chairman and president of T.A. Chapman Co., went onto play an instrumental role in establishing the National Park of Samoa to protect bats. In 1989 he received the ChevronConservation Award for his efforts.

Platy Press_April2013 1/22/14 10:56 AM Page 1