Kenneth & Donald Beghin, Alumni
Kenneth and Donal Beghin were born and raised on the family farm just north of Wisconsin Dells. Their parents, Louis and Clara Beghin had four children – Kenneth, Donald, Robert and Betty. Kenneth graduated from WDHS in 1943 and Donald in 1945. Kenneth Beghin died on Thursday, December 22, 2011.
Career and Professional Accomplishments
Kenneth
- Served in the U. S. Navy from 1943 – 1945, U.S. Army 1946.
- 37 year career, 1946–1983, Department of Natural Resources.
- Field warden, promoted to Assistant District Warden in Madison.
- Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the DNR and became the DNR’s Safety Officer.
- Among first conservation warden to use airplanes for the DNR.
- Chief of the DNR Aeronautics Section, providing air transportation to Wisconsin Governors and other state officials.
Donald
- Staff sergeant in the U.S. Army.
- 34 year career, 1949-1983, Department of Natural Resources.
- Appointed Madison District Pilot in 1960.
- Among first conservation warden to use airplanes for the DNR.
- Appointed Boating Law Administrator in 1968.
- Developed Wisconsin’s Boating Safety Program in 1968.
- Developed Wisconsin’s Snowmobile Safety Program in 1971.
Honors & Awards
- Don appointed to the National Boating Safety Advisory Council.
- Don recived the International Shikar Safari Award/”Conservation Officer of the Year”.
- Don appointed Chief Warden in 1974, highest position in the state.
- Ken provided air transportation for Wisconsin’s Governors and other state officials.
Joseph E. Cappy, Alumnus
Born May 13, 1934 to George V. and Antonetta Cappy. Graduated from WDHS in 1952. Joe was a standout football, basketball and track athlete. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a BBA Degree in Accounting and Marketing.
Career and Professional Accomplishments
- Current Chairman and CEO, Capco, Inc.
- Retired Chairman, CEO and Director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group NYSE: DTG, 1997-2003
- Vice President, Chrysler Corporation, 1987-1997
- President, CEO and Director, American Motors, 1982-1987
- General Marketing Manager, Lincoln-Mercury Division, Ford Motor Company, 1956-198
Boards Served On
Current:
- Catholic Charities of Tulsa
- Philbrook Museum: Boy Scouts of America, Indian Nations Council
- Center for Legislative Excellence
- Oklahoma Heritage Association
Former:
- Chairman, Tulsa Community Foundation
- American Motors
- Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group
- Bank of Oklahoma Financial Corporation
- Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition Chairman
- Tulsa Area United Way and more.
Community Service
Current:
- Executive Board Member
- Chairman of the Investment Committee and Chairman of the 2010-2011 Capital Campaign
- Boy Scouts of America
- Indian Nations Council and more.
Former:
- Oklahoma Centennial Committee for Tulsa
- Philbrook Fall Gala Fund-raiser
- President, Boy Scouts of America
- Indian Nations Council
- Chairman, American Diabetes Association Fund-raiser
- Tulsa Press Club Scholarship Fund-raiser and many more.
Honors & Awards
- Tulsa Historical Society Hall of Fame
- Philanthropy Award
- The Foundation for Tulsa Schools Honoree
- The University of Tulsa Business Hall of Fame
- Boy Scout Silver Beaver Medal
- Excellence in Education Award, Foundation for Tulsa Schools.
Greg Fedderly, Alumnus
Graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1980, Greg is the epitome of singers and the most prolific performer in the 30 year history of the Los Angeles Opera. Throughout the course of LA Opera’s history, Greg has been in 63 productions – that’s over 390 performances in 30 years (and counting). Huffington Post cultural writer Sean Martinfield called Greg “a comprimario tenor extraordinaire” as Greg performed in opera venues across the U.S. and Europe.
Todd & Shari Nelson, Alumni/Community
Todd and Shari Nelson have lived their entire lives in the Dells Community. Todd is the son of Todd Sr. and Farlene Nelson. Shari is the daughter of Lyle and Julia Epsen. Todd and Shari’s work ethic, entrepreneurism and philanthropic deeds are unparalleled
Career Accomplishments
Todd and Shari began with the purchase of Brother In Laws, Pizza Pub, a ski hill, mini-mall and in 1997 they built the Raintree Resort in Lake Delton. Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center was born.
- Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton: Authentically African themed resort, an award winning model that defines to this day, the water-park resort experience. Acquired Trappers Turn Golf Club, and created a premier golf course and golf club experience.
- Sandusky, Ohio: This Kalahari Resort became the largest indoor water-park in the nation.
- Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania: In 2015, the third and largest Kalahari Resort. America’s largest indoor water park, larger than Ohio Kalahari.
- Round Rock, Texas: Design work and ground opening for what will become the largest Kalahari Resort to date.
Community Service
- Philanthropy: Activities benefiting the youth of the Dells, surrounding communities and Kalahari Resort families.
- 2010 -Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation: “Golf for the Future” raising 1.6 million dollars for scholarship assistance to graduates of Wisconsin Dells High School.
- 2014 – The Todd and Shari Nelson Family Foundation: strengthen education, advance cancer research, increase awareness to women’s programs, and reduce the mistreatment of animals
Awards
- Numerous industry awards as well as being profiled in media outlets including, USA Today, Business Week, “The Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, and “Mike on the Money”.