‘He loved Fredonia’

A longtime Village of Fredonia resident has left nearly $200,000 to the Village of Fredonia and Northern Ozaukee School District.

Original estimates from the will of Bob Oehme totaled around $120,000, but that number grew in the past several months.

One of Oehme’s closest friends, Cookie Gruell, the personal representative for his will and estate, discussed the donations at the Jan. 8 Fredonia Village Board meeting and Monday’s Northern Ozaukee School Board meeting.

Oehme died on Feb. 26 at 91. His wife Verna died hours later. They didn’t have any children.

Oehme was a lifelong resident of Fredonia and member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in the village. He graduated from Random Lake High School and served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He loved golf, bowling, playing cards and traveling.

He worked for the Ozaukee County Highway Department for 38 years and during retirement drove for Hartmann Sand and Gravel in Fredonia.

“He was a wonderful, wonderful man. We knew him for close to 50 years. It was a friendship you just don’t find these days,” Gruell said.

“He was truly a gentleman. I never saw him angry, and he is an honest man. I am very proud to say that he was my friend.”

Gruell initially told Village Clerk Michelle Johnson that the donation was $60,000, but it turns out it was more than $93,000 by the time she presented the check.

“Her reaction, that was my gift from Bob,” Gruell said. “That also tells you the kind of man Bob was. He wanted to give back. He loved Fredonia.”

“Sounds like an amazing person,” Trustee Richard Abegglen said.

The money is designated for parks and recreation.

The Northern Ozaukee School District also received more than $93,000 to be used for the purchase of computers. The district said the money will go toward replacing student Chromebooks and other technology needs.

“Our district is very grateful to Mr. Oehme and his family. This generous donation is a testament to the life and legacy of a great man who genuinely cared about others,” Supt. Dave Karrels said.