Distinguished Alumni of 2006

Susan Reetz – Class of 1981

Susan Reetz graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1981. She went on to earn a BA and an MA in Communication from UW-Stevens Point where she also taught scriptwriting. She was named the 2005 UWSP Division of Communication Alumna of the Year for her commitment to the field of communications and for her efforts in helping others. 

In 1996 she and Pamela Rucinski founded Rucinski & Reetz Communication, a Kronenwetter based company dedicated to providing quality writing, video directing, and producing services to local, state, and national clients. Susan is committed to serving her community and has lent her skills to social issue video projects in addition to her regular projects for corporations, government, and nonprofit clients. She has worked with local resources and scores of D.C. Everest students to produce programs on teen alcohol and drug abuse prevention, gangs in small towns, Methamphetamine demand reduction, Ecstasy awareness, and a music video depicting drug endangered children scenarios. Her work has received numerous local and international awards. 

Susan married fellow DCE Alumnus Clark Reetz ('79) in 1986 and they live with their three children in Rothschild.

Dan graduated from University of Wisconsin –LaCrosse with a BS in Finance and received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from University of Notre Dame.  While at Notre Dame, he developed a national Consulting Company (Complete Source) serving the business needs of Alternative Health Care professionals.  Dan was an integral part along with area Chiropractors in the development and creation of Allied Health of Wisconsin. 

In 1994, Dan partnered with Randy Lewis purchasing Lemke Cheese and Packaging and saw significant growth during their years of ownership.  The company played an impressive role in developing manufacturing skills and bilingual programs for the Southeast Asian workforce.  Lemke received the State of Wisconsin Development Award for their commitment to the Southeast Asian Community.  Dan and Randy sold Lemke Cheese and Packaging in 2003 to Great Lakes Cheese of Hiram Ohio.  Dan continues to pursue, his entrepreneurial passion... mentoring and participating in new business ventures. 

Since High School, Dan has volunteered his time and service to local youth leadership programs, youth sports, and his church.  Dan along with Chris Osswald founded the Wayne Steffenhagen Everest Sports Foundation.  In addition, Dan was an active participant of the Steihm Stadium Community Project. 

Dan resides in Weston with his wife Dana who has been a strong influence in his career and the raising of their three children, Koleman, Konrad and Ingrid.