Oconto Falls School District to honor distinguished alumni at Wall of Fame induction ceremony

OCONTO FALLS – The Oconto Falls School District is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 30th anniversary of the Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame.

Established in 1996, the OFHS Wall of Fame was created to honor exceptional Oconto Falls High School alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional success, civic achievement, leadership and service to their communities.

For three decades, this distinguished tradition has celebrated the accomplishments of Panther graduates whose dedication and contributions have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The Wall of Fame has grown into a lasting legacy of Panther pride and excellence, showcasing alumni who have carried the values and traditions of Oconto Falls High School into their careers, communities and beyond. Their stories serve as an inspiration to our current students and future generations of Panthers, demonstrating the many ways an OFHS graduate can make a difference in the world.

To celebrate 30 years of honoring exceptional alumni, the district is proud to welcome this year’s newest inductee — Darlene (Pagel Treptow) Stutleen, class of 1948.

Stutleen’s remarkable lifetime of dedication to education, community service and helping others exemplifies the very qualities the Wall of Fame was established to recognize. Her accomplishments and commitment to her community are a wonderful reflection of the Panther spirit.

A graduate of Oconto Falls High School’s Class of 1948, Stutleen began her educational journey at Kelly Brook School before continuing to OFHS, where she distinguished herself as both a student and leader.

Inspired by her mother, Stutleen pursued a career in education by attending Marinette Teachers Normal and later continuing her studies at UW–Oshkosh.

She began what would become a remarkable 37-year teaching career where she taught at Spruce School and Kadlecs School before serving the Oconto Falls School District as a substitute teacher for many years, providing both short- and long-term instruction at schools including Kelly Lake, Busy Nook, Messenger Creek, Little Suamico, Jefferson, Washington Elementary, Abrams and Spruce. She concluded her career with eleven years as a sixth-grade teacher at St. Anthony’s School, retiring in 1987.

Throughout her career, she also provided in-home instruction for students recovering from illness or injury,

Her passion for community was matched by her love of recreation and lifelong learning. An accomplished golfer, she helped clear and develop the land that became River Island Golf Course and captured the 1971 Ladies’ Championship Flight title.

Stutleen also enjoyed competitive bowling, card playing, travel and outdoor recreation. Her travels have taken her to all fifty states, Europe, Latin America, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Israel, where walking the path of Jesus in Jerusalem became one of her most cherished experiences.

A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Stutleen attended countless games, including the Packers’ historic 1966 NFL Championship victory in Dallas. Known affectionately as “Sparkly Grandma” for her signature sequined outfits and joyful personality, she has inspired generations of family, friends, students and community members through her optimism, confidence and servant’s heart.

For her extraordinary commitment to education, unwavering service to her community and enduring example of excellence, Stutleen is a most deserving inductee into the Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame.

The district will be honoring Stutleen at the Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 2. The Wall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m. in the Oconto Falls High School Commons. This event will celebrate an important milestone and honor Stutleen’s outstanding contributions.

For 30 years, the OFHS Wall of Fame has provided a lasting tribute to the extraordinary graduates who have helped make a difference in their communities and beyond. As the district looks back with pride on three decades of achievement, they also look forward to continuing this proud tradition for generations of Panthers to come.