A Tribute to Rayfield Kielcheski
On November 6, 2002 this association lost a great friend when Rayfield Kielcheski died at the Langlade Memorial Hospital. Rayfield was an extraordinary outdoorsman who spent much of his lifetime hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering ginseng, snowmobiling, and catching fishing bait. He was a loving, caring, sharing person, and will be deeply missed by his many friends. Rayfield was a family man and his family members display many of his wonderful character qualities. His legacy lives on in their actions, hearts and minds.
Rayfield and Tharon (Petie) his wife were a great team at operating the Nine Mile Tavern. Their children Eddie, Carol, and Kay were a good part of the team. They successfully operated their business for 30 years and were very well liked. The Nine Mile Baseball Park, and dance were popular area attractions. Petie and Rayfield were always cheerful, friendly and helpful to their customers. They could be counted on for accurate fishing and hunting reports or any other information requested of them. Rayfield assisted many people by guiding them in their outdoor activities and seeing their enjoyment as his only reward.
Tom Tallier his son in law, Mike Tallier his grandson, and Don Solin his best friend, were the men most often with Rayfield. I also have been fortunate to be along on many outdoor adventures with Rayfield. Following and being with him in the outdoors was a guided educational tour of natures wonderland. His keen awareness allowed him to be able to recognize many things that most people would miss. He was always sharing his observations of those sights, sounds, and signs that nature presented. Wherever he went he would talk about the history of the area, the land, its animals, people, and their stories. Every path traveled with him became a journey to remember.
Donald Jager, my father, who hunted and fished with Rayfield for more than forty years, told me, Rayfield is the best hunter and human being I know. Recently while fishing with Rayfield I told him what my father had said and that I had the same opinion of him. He modestly thanked me and then told me how much he enjoyed my parents. He said, “Frankie, your mother, Helen, was the best. I remember when we were duck hunting at the Bluebill Lakes in late October and Donnie and I each shot some ducks. We could not figure out how to retrieve those ducks so your mother swam out in that cold water and brought them all back to us. Yes Frankie, she was quite a woman.
If you see me out fishing on Sawyer Lake or in the Nicolet Forest hunting and notice tears in my eyes, you probably found me thanking God for the memories of Rayfield and activities that remind me of him. Those tears are well deserved; Rayfield earned them. I may not be able to put another wiggler on a fishing hook without remembering Rayfield saying, Frankie I was the first person to sell wigglers. Sold them wholesale to Hilgers Bait Company in Antigo. At that time no one knew what they were, Frankie. I wont be able to drive onto Diamond Roof Road without thinking of Rayfield saying, Frankie I named this road because there was an old loggers shack here and when they put a new roof on it the nails sparkled in the sunlight like diamonds.
I like many other people loved to listen to his stories and I will cherish those memories.
In 1993 Rayfield was selected by the Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper and became the Sentinel Sports Show
78-year old defines new award the Sentinel stated. Kielcheski won because he never forgot to nurture the treasured resources that fed his body and soul for a lifetime. Kielcheski has done more for longer than any other applicant and he hasnt Rayfield Kielcheski epitome of 1993 state outdoorsman award
was the headline of the Antigo Daily Journals story that paid tribute to him.
The sacredness of the earth is an awesome thing. No less is the quiet dedication of a man who, understanding that, lives each day guided by such a principle. The 78 year-old Kielcheski who remained actively involved in both harvesting and restoring natural resources for his entire life, acknowledged his award.
I am honored and humbled by the award, there were so many worthy nominees that it seems a shame to single just one out. But I know that, just as myself, the other outdoorsmen earned their reward in the challenge and enjoyment of their activities.
Rayfield stressed the need for true outdoorsmen to observe the delicate balance of nature. I learned and hopefully followed, the principle of replacing what has been taken from nature, he noted. Without that, there could someday be nothing left for future generations. About his efforts- Looking back, I wouldnt change a thing Kielcheski said, but if I could give any aspiring outdoorsmen any advice it would be that you have to do such things out of love for the outdoors, the enjoyment of being part of nature and the deep respect that understands man
His funeral was a fitting tribute to a unique and wonderful man. At the Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo the many people who attended shared their memories. They were able to identify with the tremendous display of pictures and articles written about Rayfield. These items were assembled and presented by Kay and other family members.
At St. Stanislaus Church in Langlade, Father Omer Kelleys sermon started with a story, from a Thorton Wilder book Our Town. The story described an angel who wanted to go back to her former life with family on earth, to share what would help them live more fulfilled lives. She was then shown that this was not possible because peoples lives are too busy, to look at her and hear what she wanted to tell them. Father Kelly used this example to describe how special Rayfield was. When people talked to him, seldom did his activities, plans or thoughts, keep him from looking people in the eye or listening for the intended meaning of their words.
The many pictures displayed all showed Rayfield with a smiling face and how rarely if ever has he seen (in his many years as a priest) anyone enjoy their life activities more. He then proclaimed, Well done! Good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight of faith. We know of your love for the wonders of nature and it is fitting that you are now with the source of its creation.
Kim Clay, Rayfield was a man of great knowledge and wisdom. He had such a kind and giving heart to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Kim spoke of the enjoyment they got from the stories he told that were spoken with such excitement and enthusiasm. Grandpa married a remarkable woman who took care of his every need and spoiled him rotten and he loved every minute of it. Our grandfather, Rayfield Kielcheski, will always be remembered as one of the greatest men that ever lived.
Don Solin gave a touching eulogy, which contained these excerpts, My friend Rayfield was a legend. He was a true champion and I am honored to speak on his behalf. As mentioned in the Antigo Daily Journal tribute to Rayfield: He brought a positive light to the area. He was about good things. He knew Langlade County more intimately than any deer, bear or coyote. He was the good will ambassador to the North Woods. Being chosen for the first Wisconsin Outdoorsman of the Year Award was an award most deserving of him. He had a passion for living and loved to do a wide variety of outdoor activities. Snowmobiling in the winter brought a great deal of enjoyment to his life. He organized the states first snowmobile trail ride. Modifying his Eliason Motor Toboggan with his friends and winning the first open division title at the world championship races at Eagle River was an awesome feat. This race occurred in 1964 with him driving his Eliason Motor Toboggan; it featured an Indian 45 motorcycle engine. Im sure many of you remember the story he told where he started out slow in this race, then shifted into high gear, and left the competitors in a cloud of snow. Making the tasty maple syrup that was shared with his family and friends exemplified the true sweetness that he was. Our friend Rayfield, loved Petie, she was his backbone. The final words he whispered to Petie were I love you too.
Rayfield Kielcheski thanks for the memories. We all loved you and we will miss you. Have fun in the happy hunting grounds in the sky.
The Anderson Sather American Legion Members stood honor guard and conducted full military rights at the cemetery. The family invited everyone attending to the Lily Snowbirds Clubhouse where a lunch was provided, a buffet of entrees and desserts that was second to none. The many people present enjoyed the excellent food and discussed with friends and family their final goodbye to Rayfield.
Other accomplishments that deserve recognition:
In 1930 Rayfield and many other men fought a large forest fire which was spreading and threatening to engulf the east side of Sawyer Lake. Rayfield told me he heard the fire horns and swam across Jessie Lake to join the fire line. He then spent the next two days on the fire line fighting the fire. Their efforts protected the area residents from injury and prevented damage to the area.
During World War II he served our country for three years with the U.S. Navy. He achieved the rank of Ships Cook First Class. I remember Rayfield saying I wanted to be a machine gunner on an airplane and they made me a cook. When I entered the Navy food service they had the worst food of all the armed forces at an average cost of 87 cents per meal. The big problem was waste. When I left we had the best food of all the military branches at a cost of 57 cents per meal. Upon discharge my commanding officer wanted me to come to New York and manage the Ritz Hotel Restaurant. I refused the offer and returned to my family and the Nine Mile Tavern business
Rayfield was one of the areas best baseball players and coaches. He also managed several Langlade County baseball teams, including Hollister, Nine Mile, the White Lake Wildcats, and the White Lake Warriors. His caring leadership inspired many of his players to travel great distances to be a part of his teams.
For seventeen years Rayfield owned and maintained a game farm just north of Langlade that included the first Wisconsin licensed trout farm.
Out of the Nine Mile Tavern he led one of the states most successful deer hunting camps. The hunting party often had fifty or more people participating. With this group he shared his wisdom and favorite hunting land which he knew better than any man alive.
Rayfield organized one of the first group raft trips down the Wolf River. This trip consisted of two navy rafts and over thirty people.
Former area game warden, Carl Miersch, praised Rayfield efforts as a volunteer in stocking trout in the Wolf and Oconto rivers. As quoted from the Antigo Daily Journal - For 10 to 15 years he helped us plant trout during the spring and fall seasons, he put in at least a hundred hours each season and often in conditions that would keep most people inside.
He was active in fighting to stop a dam from being built on the wolf river. The dam if built would have severely altered the natural flow of the water. In 1966 he and other conservationists went to Madison to protest and discuss the building of the proposed dam project. This action led to Rayfield guiding Governor Knowles on a raft tour of the wolf river, shortly thereafter the dam project stopped and the river became protected by the Wild Rivers Preservation Act. This effort also helped to establishing the artificial lures only area, on part of the river.
He trapped beaver knowing his efforts would benefit trout and trout fisherman. With the beaver gone their dams would not last long and the waters currents could again move freely- keeping the waters cool a requirement for good trout habitat and fishing.
To the Town of Wolf River Rayfield donated the land he and Tharon owned, that was used to create the public boat launch (main), and its access road.
Considering all that Rayfield has accomplished, contributed, and represents I feel it would be fitting to create a memorial at the Sawyer Lake public boat launch site to honor him. A motion will be made at our next meeting of the W.R.L.S. Association to proceed with a plan to create the memorial. Your consideration and support of the memorial would be greatly appreciated. Anyone wishing to share their favorite Rayfield stories, memories or ideas may contact me.
Sincerely,
Frank Jager
Frank Jager N 1088 Whitney St
Hortonville WI 54944
Tel (920) 779-9847
E-Mail- tuffyofdale@aol.com
*Without written permission -The Writer of this report and the Kielcheski family reserve the right to limit the copying of this report, for non-commercial use only.
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Blastomycosis Warning!!!
In a recent discussion with Ruth Pence, A WRLS Association member, I asked, "Why is your dog blind in one eye?" "Blastomycosis", she said " was a disease that made my dog (a young, female, Black Labrador) very sick and then lost sight in the eye." Then she told me of three other dogs on the lake that also had the disease. Next, I told Ruth, my dog had the disease and my son-in-law's dog had it and died. Blasto, the shortened name as it is often called within the veterinary profession, is often difficult to diagnose, and very expensive to treat. In February of the year 2000, my dog Tuffy, a Golden Retriever was diagnosed with Blasto. Dr. Jim Ziegler, of the Wolf River Veterinary Clinic in New London, WI, provided exceptional care, treatment, and advice for Tuffy and myself. Starting with the accurate assessment and prognosis made the decision of committing to attempt to save Tuffy's life, much easier. After Tuffy had many office visits with outstanding care by Dr. Ziegler, we became very good friends. The total cost of treating the disease was about $1,000.
Blastomycosis is an infection found in dogs, people, and occasionally cats. A systemic fungal infection caused by the inhalation of spores of the fungal organism Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is found as a mold in the soil. The mold occurs in sandy,acid soils near river valleys or other waterways. The shorelines of rivers and lakes between the high water mark location and the waters edge is usually where it is most often found. Note: On Sawyer Lake the size of these areas has increased with the water levels being low for approx. 9 years. Young male, hunting breeds of two to four years of age, are the group most often affected. The disease usually attacks the lungs first, causing a coughing or labored breathing, fever, anorexia, and then sores appear on the skin. The disease often attacks the eyes if unstopped causing blindness. Treatment of choice for Blasto is to administer (very expensive) anti-fungal medications, for a period of 60 to 90 days.
At this time with the number of dogs known to have Blastomycosis at Sawyer Lake, this disease does appear to be a serious threat t other dogs of the lake. If anyone knows of any other cases of dogs on Sawyer Lake with Blasto or with the previously described clinical signs, they should be reported to me or to an officer of this association to document, monitor, and evaluate the total impact to our dog population. Since having experienced the effects of Blastomycosis with two dogs, I am more concerned about what I inhale. As a result, this coming summer I won't be lying on the sane at the waters edge with Tuffy and Jenna, my wife. (Inviting as this may be on a hot summer's day). If you have any questions about Blastomycosis there is a lot of current information to be found on the internet and some handouts will be provided at our next association meeting.
IF DOGS RULED THE WORLD
We'd always find somewhere to bury our troubles
Our spirit would be unleased
We'd stop barking up the wrong tree
We'd always paws for reflection
Beggars could be choosers
We'd have faithful friends and loyal love
We'd give a lick about each other
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