This page is dedicated to the memories of those notable Camp Waupaca alumni (campers and staff) who have passed away. When possible, we try to post a link to the obituary found on the internet. We also point out a link to the guestbook, where you can leave your own remembrances of the departed. May their memories be for a blessing.

#	Name	Year Passed	Year(s) at Camp	Comments
1	Irving "Skipper" Kuklin	1973	1951-1966	Irving "Skipper" Kuklin was the founding director and brainchild behind Camp Waupaca For Boys. He, along with Joe Rosen, built the camp from nothing in 1951 into a thriving, popular boys camp serving boys from the Chicago and Omaha areas. A lot of what he built is still standing today. We all owe a debt of gratitude for his sacrifice, and the sacrifice of his wife Loretta, daughter Judy, and son Steve. THANK YOU, Skip!! CLICK HERE to read Skipper Kuklin's obituary.
2	Erv Kasian	1987	1970-1979	If you were at camp any time between 1970 and 1979, the name Erv Kasian evokes vivid images of a toothless character who lived in the craft shop with his dog Squeaky Erv ran the crafts program and the mini-bikes program. He was popular for his "mini-bike riddkles" during meal announcements! CLICK HERE to read an amusing story about this one-of-a-kind Camp Waupaca counselor! Make sure you scroll to the bottom of that page and click on the "next" link.
3	Manny Desnet	1997	1966-1988	Dear Friends, We are very sad to report that Camp Director, friend, mentor to so many, father to 4 daughters and 150 sons each summer, husband, grandfather and all around mench, Manny Desnet passed away Sunday February 16, 1997. Manny purchased camp from Irving "Skipper" Kuklin in 1966 and continued to operate Camp Waupaca For Boys through the summer of 1988. After that summer, Manny sold the camp to Hadassah, who ran it as Camp Young Judaea, and is still CYJ to this day. Manny and his entire "mishpachah" (family) attended our very first reunion at camp in 1996. There are some great videos on our website of Manny - CLICK HERE to go to the 1996 "Reunion Wrap-up" page. We extend our depest condolences to Lillian, Ellen, Marla, Nancy, and Beth. CLICK HERE to view Manny's obituary.
4	Terry Rifkin	2001	1959-1967	(06/09/2001) The reunion group would like to extend its' condolences to the family of Terry Rifkin who passed away recently. Terry was at camp in the 1950s and 1960s. CLICK HERE to view his obituary, and then scroll down to leave a message and see what others have written.
5	Joe Rosen	2003	1951-1961	(05/22/2003) It is with deep and profound sadness that we inform our members of the death of Joe Rosen, original founder of Camp Waupaca along with Skipper Kuklin. Joe was SKipper's partner from 1951 to 1961. Joe was in attandenace at the bowling alley reunion in February 2000, and 50th Reunion, at camp, in 2001. From everyone at Camp Waupaca, we extend our sincere condolences to the entire Rosen family. CLICK HERE to view his obituary, and then scroll down to leave a message and see what others have written.
6	Loretta Kuklin	2008	1951-1966	Loretta was the wife to original camp director and owner, Irving "Skipper" Kuklin. CLICK HERE to go to the obituary site.
7	Ray Krysh	2008	1972-1982	Ray Krysh was a larger than life, playful presence at Camp Waupaca. Kids loved Ray for his playful nature. Counselors liked Ray, well, because of his beverage choices! In his first summer, before the kids arrived, Ray noticed several counselors struggling to remove the old wooden basketball standards. Ray quietly walked over, lifted the old, rotted wood structure, and threw it off to the side while everyone watched in amazement at his strength!! We miss Ray and his dog Sundance. CLICK HERE to go to the obituary site and to leave a message on the guestbook.
8	Sandy Takiff	2009	1951-1952	07/03/2009 - CHICAGO, IL - Sad news to report: Sandy Takiff, one of the original campers of Camp Waupaca For Boys in 1951, has passed away. Sandy was the owner of "Ron of Japan" We had a chance to meet Sandy in 2003 and we asked him about the name. He said "Benihana can have Tokyo, we'll take the rest of Japan!". CLICK HERE to visit the 2003 reunion wrap-up page to see a picture of Sandy. CLICK HERE to view his obituary, and then scroll down to leave a message and see what others have written.
9	Rosemary Clotiaux	2012	1969-1977	We remember the life of camp nurse Rosemary Clotiaux. Rosemary was joined every summer by her sons and Camp Waupaca campers Craig Clotiaux and Chris Clotiaux. Rosemary's husband Leroy would also visit every summer. Leroy was most memorable for his role as "gate keeper" on Parent's Day, keeping the over anxious parents at bay before they were allowed into camp. Rosemary attended two of our on-site reunions at camp in 2001 and 2011. There are pictures of Rosemary at the 2001 reunion. CLICK HERE to visit the 2001 reunion page. CLICK HERE to visit Rosemary's obituary page. You can scroll down below the obituary to sign the guest book and see what other Camp Waupaca alumni are saying about Rosemary. Sadly, the entire Clotiaux family has passed away and we can no longer keep in touch with them. They are truly missed. RIP to you all.
10	Allen Schaeffer	2012	1960-1968	November 13, 2012 Dear Friends, We are saddened to share with you the passing of Allen Schaeffer. Allen was at the first on-site reunion at Camp Waupaca in 1996, where he reunited with long time camp friend Wally Tomchek. The obituary with funderal details for Allen can be found HERE. Please sign the guest book for Allen by scrolling down to below the obituary. We extend our condolences to Allen's wife Barbara, and all of Allen's relatives and friends.
11	Steve Kuklin	2012	1951-1966	December 18, 2012 Dear Friends, It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the untimely death of our beloved member, Steve Kuklin. Steve was the son of Camp Waupaca For Boys founder Irving "Skipper" Kuklin. Steve was a frequent visitor to camp after Skip sold the camp to Manny Desnet in 1966. He leaves behind his wife Marjut, son David, and sister Judy. Both Steve and David attended our first ever on-site reunion in 1996, where he reunited with many campers and staff from his time at camp in the 1950s and 1960s. The obituary for Steve Kuklin can be found HERE. And we encourage you to leave a message on the guest book by scrolling down on the obituary page. To Steve's wife Marjut, son David, sister Judy, and all of Steve's family and friends, we are deeply saddened by his loss. May his memory be a blessing.
12	Bob Krohn	2013	1958-1966	Dear Friends, We are saddened to share with you the passing of Bob Krohn. The following obituary was provided to us by his camp website: January 7, 2013 Dear Friend of Red Arrow Camp, It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the death of Robert P. Krohn on January 6, 2013. Bob died at his home in Steamboat, Colorado in the presence of his beloved wife of 51 years, Sue Krohn. Bob was 81 years old. Bob and Sue were the owners of Red Arrow Camp from 1968 to 2012, at which time they transitioned the camp to the Red Arrow Camp Foundation in an effort to perpetuate the camp for generations to come. Bob and Sue first came to Red Arrow Camp in the summer of 1967 as Program Directors under the direction of the then camp owner, Charlie Boesel. Charlie died suddenly after the 1967 summer and Bob and Sue purchased Red Arrow Camp from Charlie's widow, Clara. They owned and operated Red Arrow Camp for 45 years. During that period of time, they maintained and enhanced the marvelous traditions of Red Arrow Camp, and literally influenced and affected the lives of thousands of young men who were campers and members of the Red Arrow staff over the years. Bob and Sue steadfastly refused to succumb to pressures to "modernize" Red Arrow Camp to meet the competition - i.e., turn Red Arrow into a limited term "sports-oriented" camp. Rather, they concentrated and embraced the historic cultural values of Red Arrow: friendship, camaraderie, spirituality, teamwork, self respect and respect for others - traits which are unfortunately all too rare in this modern world. In an ultimate act of selflessness, Bob and Sue created the idea of perpetuating the Camp by establishing a Foundation and transferring the Camp at a substantial discount to its fair-market value. Red Arrow Camp is and will be Bob's legacy. His leadership, dynamic presence, and profound and basic decency are enduring qualities which have left a lasting impression on generations of young men who have enjoyed the Red Arrow experience. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memorable Chapel talks, his infectious and positive demeanor, his wonderful warm laugh and the glint in his eyes are unforgettable for all those who had the true privilege of knowing him and spending time with him at Red Arrow. All of us at Red Arrow are better for having known him and having the wonderful opportunity to have him in our lives. Please include Sue in your thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to send emails and condolences to Sue at the following address: Sue Krohn P.O. Box 881755 Steamboat Springs, CO 80488 redarrow@svtel.net
13	Lillian Desnet	2014	1966-1988	Lillian Desnet, wife of director Manny Desnet, mother to Ellen, Marla, Nancy, and Beth. She was sometimes affectionately referred to as "Mama Lill" while she was at camp. Lill made great blintzes for breakfast! CLICK HERE to view Lill's obituary, and then scroll down to leave a message and see what others have written.
14	Neil "Whitey" Nelson	2014	1971-1979	Neil "Whitey" Nelson was a general maintenance man around camp. He started working with his father painting cabins. The running joke asbout the pair was how they would take a couple of strokes of the paint brush and then pause to take a drag on a cigarette! We ran into Neil in 2013 at our informal annual gathering in Waupaca. CLICK HERE to go to the 2013 reunion wrap-up page to see some pictures of Whitey! CLICK HERE to view Neil's obituary.
15	Jessie Clingingsmith	2020	1971-1979	Jessie Clingingsmith was friends with the family of Mike & Georgia Euer, and came to camp on their suggestion. Jessie taught art, photography, and nature. CLICK HERE to visit Jessie's obituary page and to sign the tribute wall.
16	Mike Euer	2023	1969-1988	It is with great sadness that we inform everyone of the death of Mike Euer. Mike started his career at Camp Waupaca on the waterfront, and ended up as the Assistant Camp Director to Manny Desnet. Mike was a fantastic administrator and a great spirit in running the camp day-to-day. Mike was also the master t-shirt silk-screener! Mike's entire family was involved in camp life. His wife Georgia Euer was a presence in the office, and a frequent yearbook resource. His children David and Elizabeth were always partaking in events at camp. Georgia passed away in 1997. We extend our condolences to David and Elizabeth on their loss. Please visit Mike's obituary and leave a message of condolence for the family. CLICK HERE to go to the obituary site.
17	David Weiner	2024	1951-1953	We remember the life and Camp Waupaca legacy of David Weiner who passed away on August 1st, 2024. David was the original CIT and writer of our beloved Camp song! CLICK HERE to read a small tribute to David, along with links to his obituary and condolences page. There is also a Camp Waupaca eulogy for Dave available on this page.
18	Maxine Greenstein	2024	1979-1984	Sadly, we must report to you the passing of camp nurse Maxine Greenstein on August 8th, 2024. Maxine, along with her husband Dr. Bob and sons Danny and Josh were staples of camp life for 6 summers. There is no internet obituary, but a tribute to Maxine's life was provided to us by son Danny Greenstein: Baruch Dayan Ha'emes. I am sorry to convey the terrible news that our dear mother has passed from our World into the Next. Maxine "Malky" Trushinsky Greenstein passed away on August 8, 2024, 5th of Av, 5784. She was a devoted daughter to her late parents, Sam and Freida Trushinsky, and to her late father-in-law and mother-in-law, Abraham and Bertha Greenstein. She was also cherished by her late brother and sister-in-law, Milton and Pat Trushinsky, and late brother- in law and sister-in-law, Dr. Sydney and Elyse Greenstein. Maxine was the beloved and devoted wife of Dr. Robert Greenstein, her husband of 65 years. Their enduring love served as an inspiration to everyone who knew them. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Dr. David and Jennifer Greenstein, Dr. Amy and David Baynash, Dr. Daniel and Bonnie Greenstein, and Dr. Joshua and Carol Greenstein. She was the adored "Bubbe" of Hilary, Sam, Avishai, Ezra, Hillel, Leora, Ruben, Simon, Jacob, Alice, and Hannah. Additionally, she was loved by her numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses, her many cousins, and relatives who she cared for deeply. A lifelong member of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois, Maxine raised her children in a loving home, instilling in them a profound love of Judaism, Mitzvot, and Acts of Chesed. More recently Maxine was an active member of Congregation Beth Shalom in the Coachella Valley. Maxine faced years of illness with optimism and dignity. Her greatest gift was her ability to connect with others, and she was a true friend to all who knew her. Professionally, Maxine was a compassionate nurse and an active member of the Beth El Sisterhood, where she served as the editor of the cookbook "Tradition In the Kitchen." She generously volunteered her time with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, co-chairing their annual gala. She also worked as a camp nurse at Camp Waupaca for several summers. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Maxine was a woman of valor who loved life and gave all her love to her family and friends. Her memory will be a blessing to all who had the honor to know her.
19	Wayne Towne	2025	1956-1981	It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Wayne Towne (1956-1982). Wayne passed away early Friday morning, January 10th. We believe that Wayne Towne holds the record as the longest serving staff member at camp, a full 27 seasons. Wayne was the tripping director, a repair man, a story teller, car & bus mechanic, rifle instructor - you name it, Wayne did it! We extend our condolences to Wayne's widow Rae (she was a cook at camp for many years) and daughters Cyndi and Tammi (both served as kitchen girls at one time). A celebration of life was held on May 31st, with Mike Lurie attending and representing the Camp Waupaca Memorial Group. A Camp Waupaca celebratio of life is scheduled for Wayne on Saturday August 9, AT CAMP! RIP Wayne, you have left a wonderful legacy for Camp Waupaca For Boys! CLICK HERE to visit Wayne's obituary page and to sign the guestbook.
20	Bob Mowen	2026	1965-1988	We are etremely saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Mowen on Tuesday January 27, 2026. Bob was the camp naturalist, amongst other duties and roles. He was a gentle soul and always made every camper, athlete or not, feel like they were seen and heard. Bob was very loyal to camp, and camp became his family. He would often say that Camp Waupaca was his Camelot. Bob had been suffering with Parkinson's Disease for 15 or more years, and it became difficult in the last 3 or 4 years for Bob to communicate clearly on the phone, or reply to emails. No obituary has been posted yet, and we're not sure if there will be a public obituary for him. His cremated remains will be sent to Mike Lurie with the intent of spreading the ashes at Camp Waupaca in August 2026.