MAYORS OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS
"Grand Rapids" on the east, and "Centralia" on the west bank of the Wisconsin River, consolidated in 1900. In 1920, its name became "Wisconsin Rapids."
To learn more about Wisconsin Rapids and Wood County history, visit the McMillan Memorial Library's collection.
**To learn more about a mayor listed, click on their name.
"Grand Rapids" on the east, and "Centralia" on the west bank of the Wisconsin River, consolidated in 1900. In 1920, its name became "Wisconsin Rapids."
To learn more about Wisconsin Rapids and Wood County history, visit the McMillan Memorial Library's collection.
**To learn more about a mayor listed, click on their name.
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Bernard Goggins was born in New Holstein, Wisconsin in 1858. He started his career as a teacher, then became a high school principal. In 1890, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in law. Goggins went on to start his general law practice, opening a solo law firm in 1890, creating a partnership in 1900 and adding another partner to the practice in 1923. He also held positions as District Attorney of Wood County, assistant to United States Attorney General in Wisconsin, and President of the Wisconsin Bar Association. Goggins was instrumental in the consolidation of Grand Rapids and Centralia, the two cities that joined to form Grand Rapids in 1900. (The city was later renamed Wisconsin Rapids.) He was nominated for mayor and faced no opposition in being elected as the first mayor of Grand Rapids after the consolidation. Goggins and his wife had three children: Hugh, Robert and William. August 8, 1996, Daily Tribune: More than a part of city's past September 3, 1937: Obituary April 21, 1900, Daily Tribune: Business expansion |
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William Wheelan was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1872 and was a life-long resident of Wisconsin Rapids. He became Deputy Clerk for the circuit court in 1892. In 1897, he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin, and he started practicing law in Wisconsin Rapids immediately after. In 1990, Wheelan was appointed City Attorney for Wisconsin Rapids for one term, then he was elected Mayor in 1901. In 1910, he was elected to the State Assembly, serving one term. Wheelan was also a charter member of the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge. August 18, 1921: Obituary October 26, 1904, Daily Tribune: W.E. Wheelan |
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Lawrence Nash was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1854 and graduated from high school in Wisconsin Rapids. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, before starting work at General Paper Company of Chicago in 1900. In 1906, Nash returned to Wisconsin Rapids to work for Nekoosa Paper, John Edwards Manufacturing and Centralia Pulp and Water Power, even as these mills organized and consolidated. He advanced through positions, until he was elected Vice President in 1924. He retired in 1927. He served as Vice President of the Wrapping Paper Manufacturers’ Service Bureau of New York, as a member of the committee on Distribution of the American Paper and Pulp Association, and as a director of the Wisconsin Paper and Pulp Manufacturers’ Traffic Association of Chicago. Nash was also a member of Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Lodge and the Union League Club of Chicago. Nash and his wife, Amelia, had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The remaining children where Lawrence, William, Robert, Charles, Neil, George and Isabelle. April 30, 1927: Obituary 1923 Wood County History: Excerpt |
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Francis Pomainville was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1871 and graduated from high school in Wisconsin Rapids. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, before attending Rush Medical College, earning a medical degree in 1899. He then opened a medical practice in Wisconsin Rapids. Pomainville suspended his medical practice while he served in the military. He returned after his service was complete. After the cities of Grand Rapids and Centralia consolidated, Mayor Goggins appointed Pomainville as health officer. He also served on the school board, resigning that position to become Mayor of Wisconsin Rapids. He volunteered for the Salvation Army, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles Club. Pomainville and his wife, May, had four children: Francis, Margaret, Janet and Caroline. Daily Tribune: Who's Who in Wisconsin Rapids: Fancis Xavier Pomainville 1923 Wood County History: Excerpt |
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Joseph Cohen was born in Aleckintz, province of Berlin, Germany in 1869. He attended school in Brody, Austria until he left school to clerk in stores. In 1889, he moved to the United States and clerked for a store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until moving to Neenah to open a general store with his brothers. Cohen and his brothers arrived in Wisconsin Rapids in 1891, when they relocated their business. They opened six branch stores in the North Central Wisconsin area. He was president of the Boston Store Company. In 1912, Cohen helped to organize the Citizens National Bank, and he was president of the bank until his death. April 4, 1924, Daily Tribune: Drinking fountains given by Joseph Cohen are here April 1, 1924: Obituary April 1, 1924, Daily Tribune: Citizens express regret at death |
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E. W. Ellis was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1876. He arrived in Wisconsin Rapids in 1903 and organized the Stange-Ellis Lumber Co., which later became the Ellis Lumber Co. In 1920, he moved to Eagle River where he worked for Wisconsin-Michigan Lumber Co. and the First National Bank of Eagle River, where he was president. Ellis was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Lodge and of the Consistory and Tripoli Shrine in Milwaukee. Ellis and his wife, Adalie, had three children. June 7, 1952: Obituary April 19, 1917, Daily Tribune: Proclamation by the Mayor |
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Charles Briere was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1884 and graduated from high school in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1906, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in law. Briere went on to start his general law practice, opening a solo law firm in 1906 and joining a partnership in 1907. He also served as a court commissioner for nearly 20 years. He was elected as Alderman for District 3 on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Common Council, serving one term, before being elected to the office of District Attorney. Briere was appointed City Attorney in 1916, until he was elected Mayor in 1918. During his administration, the city’s name was changed from Grand Rapids to Wisconsin Rapids. Briere and his first wife, Georgia, had two children: Charles and Dorothy. May 21, 1936: Obituary August 13, 1921, Daily Tribune: Who's Who in Wisconsin Rapids: Charles Edward Briere January 25, 1921, Daily Tribune: Mayor assails county board for high tax |
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Otto Roenius was born in Richwood, Wisconsin in 1878. After graduating from school and working in his father’s mill and yard, he moved to Wisconsin Rapids to finish his education. After graduating, Roenius partnered with his father to run the Grand Rapids Foundry Co. They later started the American Carbonic Ice Machinery Co. Roenius was the secretary and general manager for both companies. He was a charter member of the local Elks Lodge, as well as a member of the Masonic Consistory and Shrine. He was a member of the Rotary Club, president of the Riverview Hospital Association, and a director of the Wood County National Bank. Roenius and his wife, Emmeline, had two children: Carl and Jane. May 6, 1948: Obituary August 12, 1922, Daily Tribune: Who's Who in Wisconsin Rapids: Otto Richard Roenius January 4, 1917, Wood County Reporter: Interesting session of Common Council June 11, 1914, Wood County Reporter: Otto Roenius elected State Pres. |
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George Mead was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1871. He attended schools in Chicago, Rockford and Galena, Illinois, spent one year at Beloit College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1894. Mead moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1902 to manage his father-in-law’s business affairs. His father-in-law, J.D. Witter, was a co-founder of Consolidated Water Power and Paper Co., of which Mead served as president from 1916-1950. He served as a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and was a trustee of Beloit College and the Chicago Theological Seminary. Mead and his wife had three children: Stanton, Walter and Emily. October 2, 1961: Obituary December 22, 1928, Daily Tribune: Resolution to buy necessary land carries September 30, 1925, Daily Tribune: George W. Mead is civic leader |
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Fred Whitrock was born in Seneca, Wisconsin in 1891. After serving as mayor, Whitrock was alderman for the 6th and 7th wards for several years. And since 1940, he was employed as an operator at the city’s sewage treatment plant. Whitrock and his wife, Eleanora, had four children. December 7, 1957: Obituary July 17, 1933, Daily Tribune: Mayor asks early store closing April 20, 1932, Daily Tribune: Whitrock takes Mayor's chair, states policies |
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William Nobles was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1887 and was a life-long resident of Wisconsin Rapids. Nobles graduated with a law degree from Valparaiso University and was a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association and the Wood County Bar Association. He served as Wood County Clerk for one term and served as alderperson for 11 years before being elected mayor. Nobles also served as president of the Water and Light Commission, member of the Wood County Telephone Co. board of directors, member of the Wisconsin Rapids Building and Loan Association board of directors, attorney of the Wisconsin Rapids Building and Loan Association, member of the Knights of Columbus and member of the Elks Lodge. Nobles and his wife, Cicely, had one child: William. December 24, 1957: Obituary December 26, 1940, The Daily Tribune: Mayor points out changes here as third class city July 5, 1934, The Daily Tribune: Athletic field entrance is officially dedicated |
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Carl Knudsen was a native of Denmark, arriving in the United States in 1904. He moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1912. Knudsen worked as a foreman of a road construction firm, then went into business for himself as a drainage contractor. He later owned and operated a filling station. January 23, 1954, The Daily Tribune: Knudsen files papers for a fourth term May 27, 1948, The Daily Tribune: Poppy days proclaimed by Knudsen |
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Nels Justeson was born in Carson, Wisconsin in 1905 and moved to Wisconsin Rapids as a child. He attended college at Lawrence College. Justeson started his career as a car salesman. He served as the city clerk for 22 years before being elected mayor. He was board member of the Moravian Church. Justeson and his wife had two children. March 1, 1979: Obituary |
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Donald Penza was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1932. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1954 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Penza moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1957 to serve as Assumption High School’s football coach. He was later named Athletic Director. After serving as mayor, Penza was general manager of Rapids Mall, and he and his wife owned a dairy farm and Rapids Paint, Glass and Wallpaper. He moved to Woodstock to teach and coach at Marian High School. Penza and his wife had nine children, two of whom died in infancy. April 10, 1989: Obituary October 15, 1975, The Daily Tribune: Council OKs mall proposal January 3, 1974, The Daily Tribune: Penza will run unopposed; six city wards will have contests |
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James Kubisiak was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1937 and graduated from Lincoln High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in the Marine Reserves. Kubisiak was a home builder and attorney in Wisconsin Rapids; and served as an alderperson before being elected mayor. He also served as a Wood County Board member. Kubisiak and his wife, Kristin, had two children: Thaddeus and Justin. March 26, 2007: Obituary January 8, 1986, The Daily Tribune: Kubisiak files for re-election |
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Carl Greeneway was born in 1930 and graduated from Lincoln High School. He served in the United States Air Force before becoming a letter carrier. Greeneway served as alderperson for 11 years before being elected mayor. He was a member of the Incourage Community Foundations’ board and was appointed its first president. Greeneway and his wife, Barbara, had four children: Mark, Mike, Mary and Todd. June 7, 2022: Obituary June 28, 1988, The Daily Tribune: Breaking ground November 3, 1987, The Daily Tribune: Future home of Wal-Mart |
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Vernon Verjinsky was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1930 and lived in Wisconsin Rapids all his life, except for military service. He attended grade school and high school in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating in 1947. He was employed by the City of Wisconsin Rapids Street Department 1949-1950. In July 1950, he transferred to the Wisconsin Rapids Water and Light Department and worked as an apprentice lineman. In January 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served over eight years, being discharged in June 1959. Upon discharge, he returned to City employment as a laborer and heavy equipment operator, and in 1964 was promoted to Street Superintendent. In 1972, he was promoted to Operation Director, responsible for management of the Street Department, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Park and Recreation Department, Sign Department, and all City buildings. He retired in December 1990, after 31 years as an employee of the City, and in April 1991, was elected Alderman of the 5th Ward. As an Alderman, he was Chairman of the Public Works Committee, member of the Legislative Committee, member of the Wastewater Treatment Commission, member of the Municipal Parking Board and member of the park and Recreation Commission. In April 1992, he was elected to Supervisor for District 24 of the Wood County Board and served in that capacity until April 1994. As a Supervisor, he was a member of the Public Property Committee, Transportation and Economic Committee, Fairgrounds Commission, and Chairman of the Loss Control Committee. Verjinsky was administrator for Alexander Field Airport from 1972 until May 1994. He was elected Mayor of the City of Wisconsin Rapids in April 1994 and served four terms, ending in 2002. In September 2019, Verjinsky was selected to complete a term as Alderman for District 2 on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Common Council, after the elected Alderperson resigned. In April 2020, he ran for the position, resulting in a tie vote with the other person running. Verjinsky lost the coin toss. Verjinsky and his wife, Joyce, had two children: Keith and Alan. |
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Gerald Bach was born in Wisconsin Rapids in 1943 and attended grade school and high school in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating in 1961. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1965. Bach worked in the forest industry for six years. He worked as an instructor at Duluth Area Technical College for 10 years and earned the Minnesota Technical Teach of the Year award in 1976. Bach was self-employed in the timber industry for five years and served in cranberry industry management positions for 14 years. He has served as a member of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, YMCA Board of Directors, Cranberry Research and Education Foundation Board, City Centre Committee to organize and promote downtown events, City of Wisconsin Rapids Police and Fire Commission, and St. Mary’s Parish Finance Council. He has served as Chairman of the Development Committee for the Mid-State Technical College Foundation Board. Bach has also served as Vice President of River Cities Development Corporation. He earned several athletic achievements and supported athletic organizations in different roles. Bach was elected Mayor of the City of Wisconsin Rapids in April 2002 and served two terms, ending in 2006. Bach and his wife had three children. |
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Mary Jo Carson was born in 1940 in Mason, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Carson was Manager of Northway Mall Center from 1979-1982, then Executive Director for the Wisconsin Rapids Chamber of Commerce from 1982-1984. She was the Area Development Manager for the Department of Commerce. Carson and her husband had four children. |
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Zach Vruwink attended school, and started and grew a business in Wisconsin Rapids. He earned degrees in Political Science, Public Administration and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Vruwink is the owner and founder of ZAXX Technology Specialists. Founded by Vruwink at the age of 15, the business grew and expanded to multiple locations. After serving as mayor, Vruwink was City Administrator for the City of Rhinelander in Wisconsin, then Deputy Executive Director for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Vruwink has actively served his community on the board of the local Boys & Girls Club, Arts Council, as a founding member of the Governing Council at Mead Elementary Charter School and the South Wood County Teen Leadership program. |
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Shane Blaser was born in 1969 in Janesville, Wisconsin and moved to Wisconsin Rapids with his family around the age of one, because he had extended family in the area. He graduated from Lincoln High school and earned his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, with an emphasis in law enforcement and a minor in psychology, from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
He served as a City of Wisconsin Rapids police officer for seven years and as City Clerk for eight years. Blaser started and grew several small businesses in Wisconsin Rapids.
He served as a member of the North Central Community Action Program board.
In April 2018, he was elected as District 8 Alderperson on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Common Council and served one term.
Blaser and his wife, Kellie, had two children: McKayla and Ethan.
He served as a City of Wisconsin Rapids police officer for seven years and as City Clerk for eight years. Blaser started and grew several small businesses in Wisconsin Rapids.
He served as a member of the North Central Community Action Program board.
In April 2018, he was elected as District 8 Alderperson on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Common Council and served one term.
Blaser and his wife, Kellie, had two children: McKayla and Ethan.
