University of Wisconsin Board of Regents

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Lynn and Larry Benedict People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Larry Benedict, born in Oshkosh in 1932, has been involved in sturgeon spearing for over 55 years, having learned the sport from his father. He has consistently participated in sturgeon spearing, only missing one year due to heart surgery. Larry's wife, Lynn Benedict, born in Chicago in 1936, became interested in sturgeon spearing through her husband and has been an active participant, having speared around 20 sturgeons. Over the years, the couple has shared experiences of sturgeon spearing, including memorable catches and challenges faced while out on the ice.

Dick Koerner Neenah, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Darlene Czeskleba People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Darlene Czeskleba talks about her and her husband, Don Czeskleba, in an interview with Kathleen Schmitt Kline. Her husband was a state fish hatchery manager, and she discusses his job responsibilities, awards, achievements, and involvement in sturgeon management.

Kathleen Schmitt Kline Unknown University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Bob and Darlene Homan People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Bob and Darlene Homan are interviewed by Dick Koerner about Darlene's record sturgeon and other spearing stories.

Dick Koerner Neenah, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Don Reiter People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Kathleen Schmitt Kline interviews Don Reiter, the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Manager for the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. Don discusses his history with sturgeon and the Menominee Tribe, particularly in relation to restricted Menominee access to sturgeon spearing in the past. 

Kathleen Schmitt Kline Unknown University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Daniel Wollersheim People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Daniel Wollersheim is interviewed about building ice saws and spears. Daniel tells stories about his days sturgeon spearing and explains the cleaning and cooking process for sturgeon. Interviewer identity unknown.

Unknown Unknown University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Eugene Biettler People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Eugene Biettler was born in Winchester, Wisconsin, on October 13th, 1940. He grew up in a family of four children, with two brothers and two sisters. His father worked for Winnebago County, while his mother was a housekeeper. His introduction sturgeon fishing began in 1962, following his completion of a course at Reinhart School, which sparked his initial interest in the activity. Biettler was known for his involvement in the community and tradition of sturgeon spearing, often sharing stories and experiences related to this activity.

Richard Braasch Unknown University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Haze Diemel, Jr. People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Haze Diemel Jr. is interviewed by Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline about his experiences sturgeon fishing and shares the history of the area. He tells stories about fooling the babysitters and past deputies and wardens, and explains Shadows on the Wolf. 

Ronald M. Bruch, Kathleen Schmitt Kline Shiocton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Clarence Hopp People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Richard Braasch interviews Clarence Hopp about near misses while sturgeon spearing, tactics for attracting sturgeon with decoys, and cooking sturgeon when he is lucky enough to spear one.

Richard Braasch Berlin, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Leroy Remme People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Leroy Remme, while only sturgeon spearing for around six years, caught one of the largest fish ever recorded on Lake Winnebago in 1990. In his interview with Dominic Carmona, he talks about seeing the fish, spearing it, and the trouble it took to get the fish out of the water, out of the shanty, and into his truck. He talks about feeling bad for killing a fish that was suspected of being 100 years old. Leroy also relates some changes in the sport.

Dominic Carmona Appleton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Howard Wruck People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Dominic C. Carmona interviews Howard Wruck about his own and his family's history with sturgeon spearing. Howard discusses cooking methods for sturgeon and spearing stories.

Dominic Carmona Oshkosh, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum