Ronald M. Bruch

1 - 6 of 6

Page 1 of 1

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

Ben Burg, an individual deeply connected to the traditions of sturgeon spearing in the Winnebago system, was born into a family that has resided in the area since at least the early 20th century. His great uncle, a significant figure in the family history, was known for his spearing activities alongside the Stockbridge Indians, who were indigenous to the area. This tradition was carried on by Burg's father and eventually by Burg himself, who began spearing in 1944 and continued annually without interruption. His involvement spans several decades.

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

In an interview conducted by Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline, Dan Groeschel explains his family history and how he got started spearing. He describes the first time he speared a sturgeon, and how he accidentally pushed his brother into a hole. He also talks about how Sturgeon for Tomorrow got started, and where he sees the club going in the future. 

Ronald M. Bruch, Kathleen Schmitt Kline Fond du Lac, WI 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.'s family is from the Wolf River region of Wisconsin. His grandfather, Herman Diemel, established the family’s presence in the area, initially utilizing the land for gardening and farming. Haze Sr. established a tavern there in 1932. Haze Jr. grew up on the family farm, which included cultivated land and woodland and participated in traditional fishing practices from an early age. Haze Jr. continued the family tradition of sturgeon fishing, a practice that spanned multiple generations.

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

Mike Will was born in 1951 and started sturgeon fishing at the age of 14. He used primarily set lines to catch sturgeon although he has participated in approximately 9 spearing seasons. He enjoys caviar, but does not make it himself. Mike believes that the sturgeon are getting bigger, and he likes the system they have in place now. Most people from his area sell the sturgeon, rather than eat it themselves.

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

Russell Collar, a lifelong resident of Shiocton, Wisconsin, has a deep-rooted connection to the sturgeon fishing tradition of the region. His family settled in the area several generations ago, moving from Hortonville to Stephensville before establishing their home in Shiocton. Collar grew up immersed in the fishing culture, acquiring skills and knowledge from his father, who was an avid fisherman. Collar served in the military during World War II, stationed in Japan, and returned to settle back in Shiocton, where he continued the fishing traditions.

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

Vern Gebhart and his wife, Karla, talk about their history with sturgeon spearing. He tells stories about close calls on thin ice, the amount of sturgeon fishermen increasing, and the changes in the equipment used. Vern also discusses decoy carving with the interviewers, Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline.

Ronald M. Bruch, Kathleen Schmitt Kline Hilbert, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum