Ronald M. Bruch

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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 Chilton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
Dan Groeschel People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Ronald Bruch interviewed Dan Groeschel for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Dan Groeschel, born in 1941, has been deeply involved in sturgeon spearing for nearly his entire life. He is a founding member and director of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, an organization dedicated to the conservation and propagation of sturgeon. The interview begins with Groeschel discussing his family's tradition of sturgeon spearing, which began with his father and involved his grandmother on his mother's side.

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

On May 28, 2008, Ronald Bruch interviewed Vern and Karla Gebhart for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Vern Gebhart is a longtime sturgeon spearer and decoy carver from Calumet County, Wisconsin, where his family has been involved in sturgeon fishing for generations. The interview begins with Vern recounting his family's history in sturgeon fishing, starting with his grandfather, who fished before regulations were established, and continuing with his father, who began fishing in the late 1930s and 1940s.

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