Jeske, Damp will be latest inductees into Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame

Guy Jeske and Virgie (Blaser) Damp will be the newest inductees to the Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame.

Jeske, a member of the Class of 1972, had a 43-year professional career in the mining and explosives industries while Damp, a member of the Class of 1968, had a career in banking, as well as an auction clerk, and is involved in many local endeavors.

They will be inducted into the Wall of Fame on Sept. 28, and be formally recognized during the Panthers' homecoming football game on Sept. 27.

Established in 1996, the Wall of Fame honors Oconto Falls alumni who have demonstrated exceptional civic achievements and professional success following their high school years.

The school touts that this year’s inductees "exemplify the highest standards of service, leadership, and community contributions — qualities that the District strives to instill in all its graduates. Their remarkable accomplishments not only reflect their personal dedication but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for current and future students."

Here's a closer look at the inductees:

Guy Jeske

Jeske, son of Ervin and Julia Jeske, was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and competed on the 5-High Quiz Bowl Team while he was in high school.

After graduating, he attended Michigan Technological University, receiving his degree in geological engineering.

Jeske, who was involved in mines that produced iron ore, molybdenum gold, silver, industrial talc, limestone and cobalt, held various positions, including pit foreman, drill and blast general foreman, mine manager, contract blaster, general manager, and vice-president of operations.

Jeske contributed to the restart of two mines that had closed due to bankruptcy; both are still in operation today. He also led the actions at two other struggling mines to develop more ore reserves and improve operations, maintenance and safety. Again, both of these mines are still operating today.

Jeske cites as one of his most unusual experience in his career an event that occurred in the mountains of Montana when 30-below-zero temperatures caused a large ice jam in the river on the ranch next to the mine. With 115 head of cattle threatened to drown, he used his explosives skills to break the ice jam and enable the ranchers to safely rescue the cattle.

Jeske and his wife, Robin, are retired and live in Upper Michigan. They say they enjoy camping, hunting, home improvement projects, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Virgie (Blaser) Damp

Damp, who was class secretary, was involved in many high school activities and served on the Class of 1968 Reunion Committee for several years. She was the 1967 homecoming queen, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the 1968 annual staff, treasurer for FBLA, and a member of the Girls’ Recreation Association (GRA).

After retiring from banking, Damp dedicated her life to building up organizations in Oconto Falls and Oconto County. She is a familiar face at the high school and Washington Middle School as she is an avid member of the FFA Alumni.

She has assisted the FFA in roles that include treasurer, mentor, judge, chaperone, meal preparer, food booth worker, money counter, ticket taker, fundraiser and committee member. She serves on the Oconto County Breakfast on the Farm Committee, putting in countless hours to ensure the success of the event. She received an honorary Wisconsin FFA Degree and National FFA Outstanding Achievement Award for her dedicated service to FFA.

Damp is a member of St. Anthony’s Church’s finance council, a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, and helps with the script program for the Catholic school. She also assists with elections for the town of Oconto Falls as a poll worker, and is a member of the Oconto Falls Lioness Lions, a Friend of the Oconto Falls Community Library, a superintendent at the Oconto County Youth Fair, and serves on the Oconto Electric Cooperative Community Change Board and the N.E.W. Credit Union Audit Committee.

Damp co-leads a local exercise class and is a regular volunteer with the local Red Cross blood drives.

Damp was awarded a Friends of Oconto Falls Education recognition by the school district after she was involved on a school facilities assessment committee as part of a successful referendum project.

Damp married her high school sweetheart, Jim Damp, in 1968. They live in the town of Oconto Falls, where they raised their two children, Brenda and Al. They are also grandparents of five grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Jeske, Damp to be inducted into Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame