George was heavily involved in both Badger Boys State and Boy Scouts. He contributed in many ways starting as a city counselor in city of Harvey in 1958 where he served for four years. He was then a county counselor for 12 years in Dodge and Cameron Counties. He served on the board of directors for 43 years as a member, assistant treasurer, president and chairman of the board. He was honored the status of Chairman Emeritus following his five years in that role.

George believed strongly in the program and what it afforded the young leaders of Wisconsin. He enjoyed the rich heritage of the program and demonstrated this through the materials he preserved from his earlier years and the variety of first-hand stories and accounts. He was very open with sharing stories not only of BBS but also his scouting experiences and his family—for all of which he showed great pride.

George was widely liked by citizens, counselors, staff and the many parents with whom he spoke through carrying out his many responsibilities through his time at BBS.

Read George’s obituary

“Doc” Szudy was a 45-year member of The American Legion, as a member of American Legion Post #427, Mazomanie and Past Commander of Tanner-Paull Post #120 American Legion. Doc volunteered at The Wisconsin American Legion Badger Boys State for 55 years, most recently as chairman of the board. He started his service to Badger Boys State as a counselor. He had received his 55-year service award in June 2002 in Ripon in front of an audience of nearly 900 young men and staff members. Included in that audience was his grandson, Zachary, a citizen representing Madison Memorial High School.

Badger Boys State Director Russell Hanseter said Szudy was a great asset to the program. “Dr. Szudy had served in many capacities, including as a mentor to many of us, and most recently as chairman of the board. His legacy will continue through a scholarship fund which will provide funding for delegates to Badger Boys State.” Hanseter said Szudy’s passing will create a void in the program.

He was a charter member of Mazomanie Lions Club and West Allis-West Lions Club. Treasurer of Milwaukee Area Retired Teachers Association. Member of State Historical Society, West Allis Historical Society and West Allis Historical Commission.

He was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion in the 1930’s. In Chicago, he was the national high school lightweight champion in 1937 and the national welterweight champion a year later. In 1938, he was a quarterfinalist in the Golden Gloves competition, but he was disqualified after he injured his hand.

Doc was the principal of West Allis Central High School and assistant superintendent of West Allis/West Milwaukee School District.

Read Leonard’s obituary

Burial Location:
Dunlap Cemetery // Mazomanie, Wisconsin

Clyde and Eileen were both synonymous with the Boys and Girls State programs respectively and were very active in the American Legion and Auxiliary. During their 57 year marriage, the week of June was always reserved for these two programs and the many Wisconsin youth that they would help educate in local government and its workings.

Clyde was a city counselor, band director and program director through his 54 year volunteer career at Badger Boys State. He held the position of program director for many years and the demands of that position went far beyond one week in June. He tirelessly travelled the state conducting orientations and garnering support for the program.

Clyde continued supporting and volunteering at Badger Boys State until his death in 2001.

Published obituary:
Clyd Knox : Eileen Knox

Burial Location:
Wisconsin Memorial Park // Brookfield, WI 53005

Jack Mercier was a 48-year volunteer at Badger Boys State and a 45-year volunteer at Boys Nation. His contributions to both programs are monumental. At Badger Boys State, he held the positions of city counselor, county counselor, director, director emeritus and dean and co-founder of the School of Leadership.

Jack was one to quickly grasp on to something, develop it and teach someone else how to do it or accomplish a goal. His adult life was spent working to improve the lives of others and sharing something useful to each new person he met. “Friend” was what many people called Jack Mercier. He was a true gentleman and showed genuine concern for the people around him.

He spent time as a lobbyist after a career as an educator. After retirement, he volunteered at the Madison Police Department and at a school in Madison. His love for his family was an example for anyone to follow. He called his wife, Elmay, “Love”. He spoke often of his children and grandchildren with affection and pride. Many of his friendships were developed here at Badger Boys State and at Boys Nation. He will be missed as a fixture of both programs.

Thanks for all your service and friendship, Jack. We will treasure our time spent with you.

Read Jack’s obituary

Burial Location:
Section 41, Lot Row BB
Forest Hill Cemetery
1 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705

Val W. Ove was the founder and first Director of Badger Boys State in 1939. He strongly believed that our nation’s strength is measured by its citizens. He thought that a person becomes a good citizen by understanding government and recognizing an individual’s duties, responsibilities, and obligations.

Val was a member and past commander of the Alonzo Cudworth Post Number 23 in Milwaukee. This post sponsored and brought to life the BBS program in its first years. Val was very active in the American Legion and its programs. He was the Director of BBS from 1939 until 1971 when he was named Director Emeritus. He was also the BBS Executive Secretary from 1940 until his death in 1979.

Val served in many positions and on many committees throughout his career in the American Legion. Most notable positions were Wisconsin Department State Commander in 1942-43 and the National Sgt-at-Arms for the National American Legion Convention in Milwaukee in 1949.

The Ove Health Care Center at the King Veteran’s Home (King, WI) was named after Val W. Ove who was its first commandant.

Additional Photo
(Member of the American 32nd “Red Arrow” Division during World War I; attached to the HQ Company of the 57th Field Artillery Brigade.)

Badger Legionnaire Obituary

List of Legion Record (Positions / Roles)

Bill was a strong supporter and leader of the Badger Boys State program for 35 years. He began his BBS career as the Lewis city counselor in 1969. He became the county counselor for Sawyer County in 1973 – a position that he held for the remainder of his BBS career. He was a board of directors member from 1979 until his death in 2008 – the last 3 years as a member emeritus.

Bill was an educator and school administrator by profession at West Allis High School near Milwaukee. He held positions of teacher, guidance counselor, athletic director and administrator throughout his career. Much of this experience would show through during his time at BBS because Bill was one of the most honest, hard working and helpful counselors and mentors but if you strayed from the procedures or path he felt was correct, you would hear about it. He was demanding of his staff and of himself but fair and caring deep down. Counselors in his county looked to him as a mentor and friend and over time truly felt like part of his family.

Bill and his wife Marian had raised a wonderful family of which Bill was immensely proud and spoke of often. He was a wonderful person that gave much of himself for others. BBS became a better program through his participation and contributions.

Read Bill’s obituary // Visitation card

Burial Location:
St. Matthias Catholic Church // Milwaukee, WI