Rod’s vision for agriculture in Wisconsin was to preserve that which we take for granted nowadays: the importance of us working the land to help it work for us. How often do we think about the farmers that grow the ingredients and produce that we buy at the supermarket, the milk that comes in a bottle, or the meat that we find in the butcher shop? But it’s not just the importance of agriculture, but making it matter to Wisconsin. Today, Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland because we produce the most artisan cheeses in the country (perhaps even the world). We had the first mandatory livestock premises registration law to protect animal health. It recently passed working lands initiatives to help preserve agricultural acreage. And we have some of the strongest consumer protection laws. All of these occurred under Rod’s leadership as the Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. I was happy to be a part of it.

So here is my personal story about Rod and me. I drove him to Kenosha once for an event with the Governor and cabinet secretaries. This event included visiting various businesses related to each agency’s functions. We visited bottling plant, a horse farm, a tree nursery, a grocery store headquarters, and a meat packing facility. Rod had me take notes, although those notes are now with the agency that I left last year. On the return to Madison, we encountered heavy rain starting in Milwaukee. I was driving as slow as 30 miles per hour at times. Rod turned on the radio to hear what the weather was going to be like on the way back. We hit a detour about 35 miles from Madison, which diverted us from the Interstate to the City of Lake Mills. As we drove along, the reporter on the radio mentioned that a tornado was spotted north of Madison, near DeForest. Rod lived in DeForest, so he was pretty concerned. He called home to let his wife know that he was heading home and that he would be there soon. We managed to make it back to the office without any serious incident (no getting swept off the roadway or getting spun by a funnel cloud). Ironically, although I spent the entire day with him, it was five minutes to the office when he said, “Okay, Brian, you have five minutes to tell me how to improve DATCP.” I don’t think I offered anything, but I told him that I appreciated his leadership of the department.

His untimely passing is a reminder to us all that our work is never done, but we should continue to work for what is most important to us. Kristen (who still works at DATCP) and I attended his memorial service yesterday. During the ceremony, I heard about how he was a visionary and a true leader, and that he was always thinking of how to improve agriculture in the state. He was truly an intelligent person, putting many plans onto paper, and he was also pragmatic in making those plans come to fruition. And he loved to poke fun at himself, just to lighten up the crowd with humor. But the one thing that I also believe was that Rod had integrity: he held to his beliefs and always put the farmer and the citizens of the state first. In fact, on the evening he drowned, he was in Superior working on a Habitat for Humanity project.

After the memorial service, I rode my bike with a group I normally ride with on Tuesdays. I chose to dedicate my ride to him, and I donned my Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board “Wisconsin Cheese” cycling jersey to commemorate Wisconsin’s agriculture in his name. Problem was my legs weren’t feeling it on such a hot and muggy day, and I was still feeling emotionally drained from the memorial. I told myself, “I’m riding for Rod. He died doing something he enjoyed: swimming. I’m riding because that’s what he would’ve wanted me to do.” I felt a bit stronger after telling myself that. When I encountered a tough climb or difficult wind, instead of backing off I told myself, “this is for Rod.” Admittedly, I’m not a very spiritual person, but I can’t help but wonder if he somehow managed to help me complete the ride at a really good pace. After the ride, I had a couple of people comment on how they thought I had a cool jersey; I told them I was wearing it on today’s ride for Rod.

I dedicate this entry to Rod, his family, and all of the lives that he touched, either directly or indirectly.

Bloomberg Businessweek, “Wis. ag secretary’s death leaves ‘glaring void’” http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9H4AVB00.htm

Statement from the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/press_release/result.jsp?prid=2535

Governor Doyle statement regarding Rod Nilsestuen http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/July10/July22/0722doylenilsustuen.pdf

Genevieve, his wife, described him as an artist, an athlete, a Marine, a police officer, detective, and lieutenant. She also described him as a friend, husband, father, grandfather, dog lover, and car afficionado (especially Mercedes Benz). Although Gordon had many facets of his life, he was also an incredible human being and a really good guy, and I am fortunate to have been a part of his life.

Gordon was also a fighter. He was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, and he was given a couple of months to live. I remember how he said he was going to beat the odds and outlive those two months. He was successful for nearly three years, until his health took a turn late last year. Even then, his spirit was not broken; he continued to have a positive outlook.

I had the opportunity to see him during my nephew Charlie’s birthday party. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, other than that he seemed tired. But his spirits were good. I didn’t know that his health had taken a turn, but I think he wanted to keep that to himself.

Only two weeks later, I was called and told that he had fallen and was going into a hospice. He took a turn for the worse not long after that, and he passed away fairly quickly. Although we knew he wasn’t going to get better, news of his death was pretty hard on many of us, including me. Even a couple of weeks later, I am still sad that he is no longer in our lives.

This post is dedicated to all the family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones that were fortunate to have their lives touched by Gordon’s friendship and care.

CNN coverage of Mumbai Terror

I dedicate this post to Tim Russert’s family, friends, coworkers, and fans. May his legacy live on.

Trek is a Wisconsin-based company, so I have a special place in my heart for the company and its bike offerings. Dick Burke started his company while living in Milwaukee (my hometown). Waterloo is only miles from where I live now. Since I started riding again, I bought a Trek hybrid bike after trying out a number of different brands. Even after I realized that I prefer road bike riding, I tried out a handful of different bikes and fell in love with a Trek. So, yeah, the company that Mr. Burke started has a special place in my heart, all because of his vision.

But I think Dick Burke’s legacy goes beyond finding a great company. Trek has made the American bicycle market fun, showing the world that a midwestern company can do good. Trek teamed up with Greg LeMond, Gary Fisher, and Bontrager to expand its offerings and improve its own products. As mentioned, Trek provided production bicycles to the legendary Lance Armstrong, taking a chance on someone that no one else would touch because of his recovery from cancer. A Trek bicycle would go on to win an eighth Le Tour de France victory by providing bicycles to Alberto Contador. Trek made riding fun again for all levels of rider with the introduction the Lime. And today, Trek promotes its “1 World 2 Wheels” program, which encourages people to park their cars so they can go outside and ride.

This blog is dedicated to Mr. Burke’s family, friends, and fans. Thanks for the great ride.

Trek Life: Trek mourns the loss of its founder, Dick Burke

Trek Life: Trek celebrates the life of Dick Burke

Pearl Harbor Memorial: History

Working for Lands’ End as a part-time service associate, I am sad to see Comer’s passing. He was a true pioneer in both developing a better product and developing better service. His achievements should not be overlooked, and his spirit should continue to live on within the Lands’ End product. Anything short of excellent quality and customer service is an insult to his name and to the brand.

As Lands’ End looks toward its future, I hope it will realize that Comer’s vision of providing a quality product at a fair price and a fair value will continue to be the center of the Lands’ End culture. As current Lands’ End CEO David McCreight stated, “American business has lost an icon”; let’s see that icon’s dream continue.

Yahoo.com/AP article: Lands’ End founder Comer dies at 78

Chicago Tribune article: Gary Comer - 1927-2006

(Updated 10/18/06) Lands’ End Tribute: In loving memory of Gary C. Comer

I had the honor of meeting Frank Zeidler when I was still in school. He came and spoke to one of my classes. Even at the age of 87, he was sharp and insightful, and he offered so many important lessons, such as taking care of those that need it, speaking out against war (this was before 9/11, mind you), and smart urban growth. It was truly remarkable to learn from one of Milwaukee’s greatest leaders.

The following articles are from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They really provide wonderful sentiments and descriptions of Mayor Zeidler’s work and life. The final link is for a book that he published just last year (I haven’t read it yet). As he stated, he wanted to “discharge the contents of my mind.”

Zeidler lived by his principles

A simple man, a giant life

Zeidler, big money era wouldn’t mix

Editorial: A legacy of integrity

Cohesive party, family legacy helped win election

Mayor served ‘the public welfare’

A Liberal in City Government – My Experience as Mayor of Milwaukee, Frank P. Zeidler