Our Story
Our Story
In 1996, as state budgets tightened and more families in the area faced financial need, business and community members saw the need to provide additional support teachers and students, thus came together to create the Wausau School Foundation.
Now, nearly 30 years later, WSF has been able to build strong relationships with Wausau School District teachers, administrators and staff, students, families and the Wausau area community, all with the same purpose in mind – to ensure that all students in the district are provided opportunities to learn, grow and be successful in the education and futures.
We invite you to be part of our WSF family. Learn more about us and what we do as you browse through our website. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Become part of the success stories of the teachers, students and families that are the Wausau community.
Our Founding Board:
Ginger Alden
Christine Bremer
Gene Davis
John Dudley
Kathy Foley
Jim Force
Christine Freiberg
Gary Freels
Tom Mack
Sarah Miller
Linda Prehn
Gerry Riskey
Chuck Skurka
Jean Tehan
Doris Ulrich
Randy Westgate
Bob Wolff
Executive Directors:
- Sherri Ward 1997-2007
- Kristine Vanden Heuvel 2007-2018
- Paula Clark 2018-2021
- Debi Traeder 2022-Present
Founding Society Members
- A-1 Construction
- Dr. Albert
- Judd Alexander Foundation
- Associated Bank
- Christine Bremer
- Manson Insurance
- Miron Construction
- Riiser Co.
- Riverview Construction
- US Bank
Heritage Family Fund
Established in 2016, this endowment fund is held for Reach for the Stars grants that enable Wausau School District teachers to go above and beyond the curriculum to reach and engage students. Those who helped start this endowment include:
4-Generation Legacy of Wausau Students:
- Dr. Delos Prehn (1914) – Dr. Donald Prehn (1944) – Dr. Frederick Prehn (1975) – and children Augusta (2005), Frederick, Jr (2007), Aurora (2009) and Harrison (2010)
- Harry Heinemann, Sr. – Harry Heinemann, Jr – Joseph, Rebecca and Virginia Heinemann-Schmitt – and children Blakney and Arabella Schmitt
- Karl Mantei (1930) – Grace Manthei (1956) – Lisa Atwood (1980) – Emily Streich (2006)